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So, you have just ticked off FRCR Part 1 from your list. First of all, congratulations. Clearing the first part really deserves a moment of celebration. However, most of the candidates probably feel a mix of emotions at this time. A kind of relief from clearing Part 1 and the anxiety as they look ahead to the next big hurdle, FRCR Part 2A.

The second hurdle demands a different kind of focus, discipline, and strategy. It tests candidates on all aspects of clinical radiology along with the foundational sciences such as physics, anatomy, and imaging techniques. It’s a step up from Part 1 in both scope and structure. If you’re planning to sit for the upcoming FRCR Part 2A exams in 2026, this blog will guide you through the best time-saving strategies that can help you stay on track and balance your professional duties with exam preparation efficiently.

About FRCR Part 2A

The FRCR Part 2A exam comprises two papers with single best answer (SBA) questions. Each paper includes 120 questions to be completed within three hours. The exam covers a broad spectrum of the radiology curriculum, including

• Cardiothoracic and Vascular
• Musculoskeletal and Trauma
• Gastrointestinal
• Genitourinary, Adrenal, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Breast
• Paediatric
• Central Nervous and Head & Neck

The examination is conducted twice a year, usually in April and November. Candidates are allowed up to six attempts to clear the exam. You must have acquired a minimum of 24 months of formal radiology training.

Time Management Strategies for Busy Doctors

Define achievable goals: Set clear, short-term goals rather than overwhelming yourself with huge targets. Breaking your study plan into smaller, manageable segments helps you stay consistent and motivated, even on busy days.

Make use of small time windows: Utilise commute or break times to review flashcards, quick notes, or short topic summaries. Over time, these mini-revisions can make a big difference.

Focus on high-impact areas: Not every topic deserves equal attention. Identify frequently tested, high-yield subjects by going through the syllabus and focus on them first. This ensures smarter, not harder, preparation.

Value depth over duration: It’s not about how long you study, it’s about how effectively you study. For example, a focused two-hour study session is far more productive than a distracted five-hour stretch.

Maximise weekends and off days: Use your free days for deeper study sessions or full-length mock tests. This helps simulate exam conditions and strengthens your time management under pressure.

As we all know, preparing for any exam while working full-time can be highly challenging. Especially for busy medical professionals like you. But with smart planning, structured study habits, and the right guidance, it’s absolutely achievable.

At StudyMEDIC, our FRCR Part 2A courses are thoughtfully designed to suit the busy schedules of medical professionals. Our courses provide guidance from experienced mentors, structured live sessions, interactive question discussions, high-quality study materials, and regular mock exams.

You can even explore our premium study materials via the StudyMEDIC LMS 3.0 before enrolling in the course.

Connect with our team today to know more.

Authored By: Sarath