Nowadays medical aspirants are willing to practice their medical science abroad, especially in the USA. Because most of the Indian students are likely moving to the USA for their medical science practice. If anyone is eagerly waiting to know how to apply for USMLE Step 1 in India and how to fly to their dream destination to the USA for their further medical science practice then giving USMLE Step 1 exam is the best gateway to enter the USA province for their medical practices.
How to Apply for USMLE Step 1 in India?
Before giving the USMLE Step 1 exam in India, one should apply for the USMLE Step 1 application process. Do not get confused here is a complete guide to applying for the USMLE Step 1 examination.
All steps should be followed step by step. After knowing how to apply for USMLE Step 1 in India, very important ones shouldn’t be skipped.
Step 1: The Aspirants Applying for the USMLE Step 1 in India
Must create an account on the ECFMG website.
ECFMG Website applicant portal is there you have to go to this website then, just click on I want to apply for ECFMG Certification options. There you need to request a USMLE/ ECFMG identification number. When all these above criteria are done, you will be moved to another window where you have to fill out all the details in a form. Fill out the form and then proceed again to submit it.
After completing the process of how to apply for USMLE Step 1 in India, aspirants have to wait for a couple of weeks. ECFMG will notify you of your email with your USMLE/ECFMG id and Password (which you can change).
Step 2: Applying for USMLE Step 1 in India Next Process
Move to the ECFMG website and fill out the USMLE Step 1 application form.
Once you know how to apply for USMLE Step 1 in India, you receive an email from ECFMG, aspirants can sign in with their user ID and password given on the email ID as before. Then again you the aspirants move to another window. Then the aspirants can click on Begin new applications. After that, there will be an elaborate form that aspirants need to fill out for the USMLE Step 1 in India. Always remember that filling out the form step by step gives the details correctly.
Note: In that elaborative form aspirants asked for an option to select an eligibility period. This is a 3-month period in which aspirants can select the schedule of their test. Choose an eligibility period wisely. Finally, all done, the aspirants have to make the payment for the examination.
Step 3: Form 183
Once the aspirants made the payment, a link must be flashing on the same window, this is for form 183. Need to fill in the required details of the aspirants. The aspirants should also be aware of the form after understanding how to apply for USMLE Step 1 in India. This form should be signed and stamped by the dean where the aspirants were studying.
Note Very Important: The aspirants should check that the dean of your medical school signs the same as on the ECFMG records. Give more priority to cross-checking whether the dean’s signature is correct or not otherwise if the signature does not match your form will not be accepted to take the USMLE Step 1 in India.
Step 4: Send Form 183 to Philly
Once the aspirants fill out the form then they have to send the address mentioned on form 183. For example, the address should be written like this
IWA
ECFMG
3624 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2685 USA
The envelope must be forwarded from your dean’s office and should have the dean’s stamp.
Step 5: Wait for Your Scheduling Permit
Any aspirant who knows how to apply for USMLE Step 1 in India should also be cautious to wait for 2 to 3 weeks after sending form 183, then after these 2 weeks, you will be notified with an email from ECFMG. That email must have a scheduling permit. This is a very vital document; aspirants need to carry it during the exam day. Ensure all information is correct.
Step 6: Book a Date at Prometric
This is the last and final step for Applying USMLE Step 1 in India.
Prometric is the testing service that is hosted by all USMLE exams. The aspirants have to move to the Prometric Website.
Select the USMLE testing location and your preferred date for the exam as per your eligibility period.
The aspirants need to know how to apply for USMLE Step 1 in India and also enter the details from the scheduling permit to complete the booking process.
Now warp your whole USMLE application process! It is a long process but makes sure all the details you submit must be correct. So, fill out your USMLE Step 1 in the India application process for at least a month to avoid end-moment mistakes.
Who is Eligible to Take the USMLE Examinations?
Eligibility for the USMLE exams varies depending on the specific step and the requirements of the state medical board where the candidate intends to practice. Here are some general guidelines for each step starting from how to apply for USMLE Step 1 in India:
Step 1: The USMLE Step 1 exam is typically taken by medical students in their second or third year of medical school. To be eligible to take Step 1, a student must be enrolled in or have completed a medical degree program at a school that is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or the Education Department of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
Step 2: After the candidates know how to apply for USMLE Step 1 in India, they must have prepared and cleared it to take the Step 2 exam. To be eligible to take Step 2 CK, a candidate must have completed or be in the final year of a medical degree program at an LCME- or AOA-accredited school. Candidates must also have passed Step 1 of the USMLE.
To be eligible to take Step 2 CS, a candidate must have completed or be in the final year of a medical degree program at an LCME- or AOA-accredited school. Candidates must also have passed Step 1 of the USMLE.
Step 3: The USMLE Step 3 exam is typically taken by medical professionals who have completed at least one year of residency training. To be eligible to take Step 3, a candidate must have completed all three steps of the USMLE starting from how to apply for USMLE Step 1 in India. Then must hold a valid and unrestricted medical license, and have completed at least one year of graduate medical education.
It is important to note that eligibility requirements may vary depending on the state medical board where a candidate intends to practice. Candidates should consult with their state medical board to ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements for licensure.
Moreover, candidates should check with their state medical board on how to apply for USMLE Step 1 in India and also ensure they meet all the requirements for licensure in their state.
Apply for USMLE from India
If you’re in India and aspiring to become a licensed physician in the United States, here’s how to apply for USMLE Step 1:
How To Apply For USMLE Step 1 in India:
- Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, which typically include being enrolled in or a graduate of a medical school recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).
- E-Registration: Visit the official USMLE website and create an ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) account. This account is required to apply.
- Online Application: Log in to your ECFMG account, complete the online application, and pay the necessary fees. Make sure to choose a 3-month eligibility period during which you plan to take the exam.
- Verification: ECFMG will verify your eligibility with your medical school and other institutions. This process may take some time, so apply well in advance.
- Scheduling: Once your eligibility is confirmed, you can schedule your exam through Prometric, the testing agency.
- Prepare: While waiting for your eligibility to be confirmed, use this time to study and prepare thoroughly for USMLE Step 1.
- Exam Day: On the scheduled day, go to your chosen Prometric testing center to take the exam.
Remember, the process may involve specific requirements and fees, so refer to the ECFMG and USMLE websites for the most up-to-date information on how to apply for USMLE Step 1 in India. Good luck with your journey toward becoming a licensed physician in the United States!
Documents required for the USMLE Registration for Step 1 in 2025
- Identification Documents:
- Valid passport with clear, recognizable photo.
- Eligibility Period and Scheduling:
- Choose a three-month eligibility period and schedule exam dates within that period.
- ECFMG Certification:
- If applicable, provide proof of ECFMG Certification.
- Exam Fee Payment:
- Payment of the required exam fee using accepted methods.
- Scheduling Permit:
- Receive and print the scheduling permit, which contains essential exam details.
- Test Center Selection:
- Choose a suitable Prometric test center for the exam.
- Medical School Verification:
- Ensure medical school eligibility and document verification by the ECFMG.
- Submission of Application:
- Complete and submit the online application form with accurate information.
- Confirmation:
- Receive confirmation of registration and exam details via email.
- Preparation Resources:
- Utilize official USMLE resources and materials for effective preparation.
- Review of Exam Policies:
- Familiarize yourself with USMLE policies and procedures for a smooth exam experience.
Creating a USMLE Study Schedule
Crafting an effective USMLE study schedule is crucial for success. Aspirants should know how to apply for USMLE Step 1 in India by going through the USMLE Steps’ requirements and application process in India.
- Research the ECFMG website for detailed instructions. Register for the exams and obtain a scheduling permit.
- Allocate dedicated study time for each Step, focusing on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Utilize quality study resources such as review books, question banks, and practice exams.
- Break down topics, set realistic goals, and follow a disciplined routine.
- Include time for revisions and practice. Collaborate with study groups for discussions.
- Make necessary adjustments and regularly assess your progress as per your schedule.
OET Exam Centers in India
The Occupational English Test (OET) is a specialized English language examination tailored for healthcare professionals. This test assesses the English proficiency of individuals to ensure they possess the necessary competence to deliver high-quality healthcare services.
Achieving a satisfactory score on the OET is a prerequisite for ECFMG certification. In India, the OET exam is conducted several times each year and is available in 40 countries worldwide. The examination is held in key cities throughout India, providing healthcare professionals with convenient access to the assessment.
Conclusion
Hope this 6-step guide on applying for USMLE step 1 in India would help USMLE for Indian students to complete the application process with ease. If you want to make your application process easy then overview this blog you will get a clear-cut idea of how to fill out the USMLE Step 1 application form.
Read also: USMLE Coaching in Ahmedabad
