USMLEMedMastersUSMLE
MedWorldMedBossStep 1Step 2 CKStep 3IMG guidePricingMember loginAll MedMasters exams
India · Bangladesh · Nepal · Sri Lanka

USMLE for South Asian doctors: regions, costs and practice

India and Pakistan alone supply about 29% of the international graduates licensed in the US (23% and 6%), according to FSMB census figures. Here is which testing region applies to you, what it costs, and how to practise.

Subscribe to Step 1See plans in US$
Testing regions

Pick the right region

India

India testing region

India has its own testing region. An additional 18% tax is collected on Step 1 and Step 2 CK taken in India, so the total is higher than in other regions.

Asia region

Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and more

The Asia region has centres in Bangladesh, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore and Hong Kong. Sri Lanka is not on the current list of countries with centres.

Fees

What the exam costs

USMLE fees for candidates testing outside the US and Canada, 2026
ExamExam feeTest-delivery surchargeTotal
Step 1US$ 695US$ 210US$ 905
Step 2 CKUS$ 695US$ 235US$ 930
Step 3US$ 955None (US test centres only)US$ 955

Sources: fsmb.org and the ECFMG fees page, checked October 2026. India adds its own tax on top. Fees can change, so confirm when you register.

Plans in US dollars

Practise with MedMasters USMLE Qbank

3 months

US$ 59
about US$ 20 a month

6 months

US$ 89
about US$ 15 a month
Popular

12 months

US$ 129
about US$ 11 a month

24 months

US$ 199
about US$ 8 a month

Step 2 CK and Step 3 plans are on the pricing page.

A simple route

Plan the timeline

  1. Confirm eligibilityYour school must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
  2. Build the foundationUse Step 1 to rebuild the sciences in an exam context.
  3. Add Step 2 CKThis is the scored exam, so leave time to practise management questions.
  4. Prepare for the PathwayBook OET Medicine in good time, because every ECFMG Pathway needs a satisfactory score.
For South Asian candidates

Past papers and syllabus

If you are used to past-paper preparation for local postgraduate entry, note that USMLE does not release past papers. The official content outline is your syllabus, and MedWorld questions map to it. Recalled questions are unlawful to share.

FAQ

South Asia questions answered

Which testing region should I choose?
Choose the region that contains the test centre you will use. Candidates testing in India select the India region, and candidates testing in Bangladesh, Nepal or Pakistan select the Asia region.
Is there a USMLE test centre in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is not on the current official list of countries with centres. Check Prometric for availability and choose a region with a centre you can reach.
Does the Indian tax apply to every candidate?
It applies to Step 1 and Step 2 CK taken in India, where an additional 18% tax is collected. Confirm the exact amount at registration.
Can I pay MedWorld in my local currency?
Prices are listed in US dollars. Message us on WhatsApp and we will arrange payment in a way that works from your country.

Start practising

Tell us your country and Step on WhatsApp and we will confirm your plan.

Message us on WhatsAppPakistan guide
WhatsAppPlans