The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a series of standardized tests that assess a physician’s ability to practice medicine in the United States. The process of preparing for and taking the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) can pose significant challenges and financial burdens for students from India.
In this article, we will explore the total cost of USMLE journey for Indian students, including the various expenses involved and ways to minimize costs.
Total Cost of USMLE Journey for Indian Students: Step-by-Step
Embarking on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) journey is a significant commitment, both academically and financially. Understanding the various costs involved is essential for effective planning and budgeting. Below is a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can anticipate:
1. ✅ Updated Examination Fees Table (2025)
| Exam / Service | Fee (USD) | Fee (INR) | International Surcharge | Total Cost (USD) | Total Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECFMG Certification Application | $160 | ₹13,300 | N/A | $160 | ₹13,300 |
| USMLE Step 1 | $1,020 | ₹85,000 | $205 (if taken outside US/Canada) | $1,225 | ₹1,02,300 |
| USMLE Step 2 CK | $1,020 | ₹85,000 | $230 (if taken outside US/Canada) | $1,250 | ₹1,04,400 |
| ECFMG Pathways Application (clinical skills certification) | $925 | ₹77,000 | N/A | $925 | ₹77,000 |
| Occupational English Test (OET) | $400 – $500 | ₹33,000 – ₹41,500 | N/A | $400 – $500 | ₹33,000 – ₹41,500 |
| USMLE Step 3 | $935 | ₹78,000 | N/A | $935 | ₹78,000 |
Total Examination Fees: $4,900 (₹4.0–4.1 lakh)
Note: The “international surcharge” applies to Step 1 and 2 CK if you choose a testing center outside the U.S. or Canada (which most Indian candidates do). For example, the USMLE Step 1 fee in India is about $1,225 (the $1,020 base fee + $205 surcharge), which is roughly ₹1.02 lakh. All fees are subject to change, so always check the official USMLE/ECFMG website for the latest figures.
- ECFMG Certification Application: A one-time fee to open your ECFMG record (required for all IMGs) – $160.
- USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK: Each costs $1,020 (base fee) + surcharge if taken in India. In 2025, that totals $1,225 (≈₹1.02 lakh) for Step 1 and $1,250 (≈₹1.04 lakh) for Step 2 CK.
- ECFMG Pathways & OET: To obtain ECFMG certification (now that Step 2 CS is discontinued), IMGs must apply through an ECFMG Pathways program ($925) and pass an English test. The Occupational English Test (Medicine) costs about $455 (AUD $587) – roughly ₹35,000 – in India.
- USMLE Step 3: The final exam costs $935 (≈₹78,000). You usually take Step 3 after obtaining ECFMG certification (often during or before residency).
2. Study Materials and Preparation
| Resource | Estimated Cost (USD) | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| USMLE Strike Premium Course (full prep program) | $450 | ₹37,000 – ₹38,000 |
| UWorld Question Bank (6-month subscription) | $419 | ₹34,000 – ₹35,000 |
| First Aid for USMLE Step 1 (book) | $55 | ₹4,500 |
| NBME Practice Exams (per exam) | $60 | ₹5,000 |
| Other Courses/Resources (Kaplan, Boards&Beyond, etc.) | $500 – $3,000 | ₹41,000 – ₹2,50,000 |
Total Study Materials Cost: $1,484 (₹1,22,150) – $3,984 (₹3,29,650)
Totals: Depending on your choices, study materials might cost anywhere from about $1,500 (₹1.2 lakh) for essential books and question banks, up to $3,000–$4,000 (₹2.5–3.3 lakh) if you enroll in premium courses or multiple resources.
3. United States Clinical Experience (USCE)
Gaining clinical experience in the U.S. is often essential for residency applications and significantly adds to the total cost of USMLE journey.
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fees | $100 – $300 | ₹8,300 – ₹24,900 |
| Program Fees | $1,000 – $6,000 | ₹83,000 – ₹4,98,000 |
| Health Insurance | $100 – $150 per month | ₹8,300 – ₹12,450 |
| Professional Liability Insurance | $300 – $350 per month | ₹24,900 – ₹29,050 |
| Accommodation | $600 – $800 per month | ₹49,800 – ₹66,400 |
| Living Expenses (Food, Travel) | $300 – $500 per month | ₹24,900 – ₹41,500 |
Total USCE Cost: $2,400 – $7,800 (₹1,99,200 – ₹6,47,300)
Total estimated cost for a 3-month rotation: approximately $9,425 (₹7,81,275).
4. Residency Application and Match Process
| Item | Estimated Cost (USD) | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| ERAS Token | $165 | ₹13,695 |
| Application Fees | Varies based on programs | Varies |
| NRMP Registration | $70 | ₹5,810 |
| Additional Fees | Varies | Varies |
Total Residency Application Cost: Approximately $235 (₹19,505) + additional application fees.
Applying to a higher number of programs increases costs but may improve match chances.
5. Interview Expenses
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) | Estimated Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual Interviews | Minimal | Minimal |
| In-Person Interviews | ||
| – Travel to the U.S. | $1,000 – $1,300 | ₹83,000 – ₹1,07,900 |
| – Domestic Travel, Accommodation, and Meals | $700 per interview | ₹58,100 per interview |
Total Interview Cost: $4,600 (₹3,81,800) for five in-person interviews.
6. Additional Considerations
- Visa Fees: Costs vary depending on the visa type and processing times.
- Miscellaneous Expenses: Include costs for document translations, mailing, and unforeseen expenses.
Total Estimated Cost of the USMLE Journey:
- Minimum Estimate: $12,644 (₹10,48,855)
- Maximum Estimate: $23,944 (₹19,86,530)
Cost-Saving Tips:
- Early Planning: Schedule exams and applications early to avoid late fees.
- Resource Sharing: Join study groups to share materials and reduce costs.
- Budget Accommodation: Consider cost-effective housing options during rotations and interviews.
- Scholarships and Grants: Research available financial aid opportunities for international medical graduates.
By understanding and anticipating the total cost of USMLE journey, you can create a realistic budget and focus on your preparation without financial surprises. Remember, investing in your medical career is a significant commitment, but with careful planning, it is manageable and worthwhile.
Things to Note
It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, and it is advisable to check with the official USMLE website for the most up-to-date fee information.
In addition to the exam fees, there may be additional costs associated with taking the USMLE exams in India, such as travel expenses to the testing centre and the cost of study materials. These extra expenses can significantly increase the total USMLE cost, especially for international medical graduates.
To register for the USMLE exams in India, you must create an account on the official USMLE website and follow the registration instructions. Once you have registered, you will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to schedule your exam.
The USMLE Step 1 fees in India can vary depending on several factors. It is important to check the official USMLE website for the most up-to-date fee information and to factor in additional costs such as travel and preparation materials to accurately estimate the total USMLE cost.
USMLE Fees – Mode of Payment
The medical aspirants should have a clear understanding of the mode of payment while considering the total cost of USMLE journey. The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) fees can be paid through the following modes of payment:
- Credit Card: The most common and preferred mode of payment for USMLE Step 1 cost in India is through credit card payment. The USMLE accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Discover credit cards.
- Debit Card: USMLE also accepts debit cards with Visa or Mastercard logos.
- Electronic Check (eCheck): USMLE allows payments through eCheck, an electronic transfer of funds from a bank account in the United States. This option is only available to candidates with a bank account in the United States.
- Money Order: Candidates can also pay USMLE fees through money order or cashier’s check. The money order or cashier’s check should be made payable to the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and mailed to the address mentioned on the payment voucher.
- Western Union Quick Collect: USMLE also accepts payment through the Western Union Quick Collect service. This service is only available for candidates residing in the United States.
- Study Materials: The cost of study materials in INR can range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands, depending on the resources chosen.
- Training Courses: The cost of training courses can vary widely, with prices ranging from a few thousand to several lakhs of INR.
- Travel and Accommodation: The expenses for travel, accommodation, and other related costs will depend on various factors such as location, duration of stay, and personal preferences.
It is important to keep in mind that exchange rates can fluctuate, so it is advisable to check the current rates at the time of planning and budgeting for USMLE Step 1 fees India.
USMLE Journey Cost Breakdown: Year by Year
Planning your USMLE journey involves understanding the costs at each stage. Let’s break it down year by year for better clarity:
Year 1: Exploring and Preparing
- Study Materials: $300 – $500 (books, Qbanks like UWorld, First Aid, etc.)
- Online Courses (Optional): $500 – $1000 (Kaplan, Boards and Beyond, etc.)
- USMLE Step 1 Exam Fee: $1,000 – $1,050
- Total Estimated Cost: $1,800 – $2,500
Year 2: Gearing Up for Step 2 CK
- Study Materials: $300 – $600 (Qbanks, online subscriptions)
- USMLE Step 2 CK Exam Fee: $1,000 – $1,050
- Clinical Experience (Optional): $2,000 – $4,000 (for externships/observerships in the U.S.)
- Total Estimated Cost: $3,300 – $5,600
Year 3: USMLE Step 3 and Residency Applications
- USMLE Step 3 Exam Fee: $895 – $950
- ERAS Token Fee: $150
- ERAS Application Fees: $2,000 – $3,000 (depending on the number of programs applied to)
- Interview Travel and Accommodation: $3,000 – $5,000
- Total Estimated Cost: $6,000 – $9,000
Additional Costs Throughout the Journey
- ECFMG Certification Fee: $160
- OET Exam Fee: $455
- Visa and Travel Expenses: $1,500 – $3,000
- Miscellaneous (internet, stationery, etc.): $300 – $500
If you need more tips on preparing for the USMLE, explore more resources on USMLE Strike!
Tips to Minimize Costs
Pursuing the USMLE journey can be expensive for Indian students, but there are several ways to minimize the total cost of the USMLE journey. Here are some tips:
- Research and Compare: Before enrolling in any preparatory course or purchasing any study material, it is important to research and compare prices. Look for discounts or promotions from different companies or websites, and choose the most cost-effective option.
- Use Free Resources: There are several free resources available for USMLE preparation, such as online videos, practice exams, and study guides. Utilize these resources to supplement your preparation and reduce the total cost of USMLE journey.
- Study Efficiently: Effective time management and efficient studying can help reduce the need for expensive preparatory courses. Create a study schedule and stick to it, focus on high-yield topics, and avoid wasting time on low-yield material.
- Consider Self-Studying: While preparatory courses can be helpful, self-studying can be a more affordable option. Utilize free and low-cost resources, such as textbooks, online lectures, and practice exams, while considering the total cost of USMLE journey.
- Plan Ahead: After getting to know the USMLE Step 1 fees in India, planning can help reduce travel and lodging expenses. Book your travel and lodging in advance, and take advantage of discounts and deals offered by airlines and hotels.
- Apply for Scholarships: There are several scholarships and grants available to international students pursuing the USMLE. Research and apply for these scholarships to reduce the financial burden of the USMLE journey.
Estimated Total Cost: Minimum vs. Maximum
Taking all the above into account, here is an approximate total cost of the USMLE journey for an Indian student:
- Minimum Estimate (₹) – If you keep expenses low: ~ $12,000 (₹10–11 lakh). This assumes using mostly essential study resources, minimal USCE (or a short observership), applying to a reasonable number of programs, and doing interviews virtually.
- Maximum Estimate (₹) – If you pursue all opportunities: ~ $23,000–$25,000 (₹18–20 lakh). This could include multiple paid rotations, applying very broadly to programs, and traveling for several in-person interviews, in addition to all exam fees and courses.
Most candidates will fall somewhere in between these extremes. For many IMGs, a realistic budget for the entire USMLE journey is around $15,000–$20,000, which is roughly ₹12–16 lakh. It’s a substantial investment, but remember that successful completion opens the door to a U.S. residency and medical career.
Conclusion
To conclude, the total cost of USMLE journey can be expensive for Indian students, but with careful planning and enrolling in the best USMLE coaching centre like the USMLE Strike, it is possible to minimize the expenses incurred. Moreover, a successful USMLE journey can lead to numerous opportunities, making it a valuable investment in your future. Dedication, hard work, and a willingness to invest in your education are crucial for achieving success.
Read Also: USMLE course details
