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Preparation guide

How to prepare for the AKU residency entrance exam

A clinical, scenario-based MCQ test where reasoning matters more than memorised lists.

Exam facts and free MCQs

How we made this

We built this guide from Aga Khan University's own postgraduate medical education documents: its General Information document and its frequently asked questions for PGME induction. AKU states that it does not prescribe any books, so the reading list below is our suggestion, not AKU's. Written in October 2026. Check aku.edu for the current year's dates and rules.

The exam in one minute

Route 1

If you prefer books on paper

Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine
Clinical medicine background for scenario questions.
Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery
Surgical principles and common presentations.
Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine
Fast revision of diagnosis and management.
A good English grammar and comprehension practice book
Preparation for the English language component.
Route 2

If you can study from a screen

MedSurgOnline's scenario-style questions suit the way AKU asks.

  • Explained clinical MCQs in Medicine and Surgery, linked to topics so you can study by subject.
  • Exam Companion notes for Medicine and Surgery and the minor subjects, with search.
  • A weak areas view to show which topics need more work.
  • Unlimited timed mocks in the real exam style — Mock 1 to 5, plus a new mock every time to practise 100 questions in 2 hours.

Look inside free for 90 seconds at medsurgonline.com, then request access to your exam.

Step by step

  1. Read AKU's documents Read the General Information and FAQ documents for your intake so you know eligibility, the timetable and what to bring.
  2. Think in scenarios Practise reading a clinical vignette and deciding the next best step, not only the diagnosis.
  3. Cover the common clinical subjects Revise medicine, surgery and their main branches by presentation, with emphasis on management.
  4. Prepare for the English section Spend short regular sessions on grammar, vocabulary and reading comprehension.
  5. Answer every question There is no negative marking, so make your best guess rather than leaving blanks.
  6. Practise the full paper Do timed 100-question sets in 2 hours to get used to the pace of about 72 seconds per question.

Short on time?

  1. Do as many scenario-based MCQs as you can, with explanations.
  2. Spend a little time on English comprehension.
  3. Do at least one full 2-hour timed set.

Common mistakes

  • Memorising facts without practising how to apply them to a clinical case.
  • Ignoring the English component.
  • Running out of time because long vignettes were never practised under timed conditions.

Screen or paper?

Try one week on screen. If you remember what you read and can keep going for 2–3 hours, stay on screen. If not, use Route 1 and use the website only for MCQ practice.

Prepare for the AKU residency entrance exam on MedSurgOnline

Look inside any exam free for 90 seconds, then request access to your exam.

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Sources

Always check the latest official notice before you rely on any date or rule.