PLAB Step-by-Step Guide for Pakistani Students (2025 Edition)

Are you a Pakistani medical graduate planning to practice in the UK?
The PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) exam is your gateway to getting licensed with the GMC (General Medical Council). This 2025 edition guide breaks down each step clearly — from eligibility and requirements to registration, preparation, and visa processing.

What is the PLAB Exam?

The PLAB test assesses the medical knowledge and English skills of international medical graduates (IMGs) who want to work as doctors in the UK
. It ensures that your competence is equivalent to that of a UK
medical graduate.

Who Can Take PLAB ? – Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Students

To be eligible for PLAB in 2025, Pakistani students must:

          •        Hold an MBBS degree from a PMDC-recognized medical university.

          •        Pass the IELTS Academic or OET Medicine (for English proficiency).

          •        Have completed House Job (internship) or be in the final year (for advance planning).

Minimum IELTS requirements:

          •        Overall score: 7.5

          •        Minimum 7.0 in each section

OET requirements:

          •        Grade B in all four domains

PLAB Exam Structure

PLAB 1

          •        MCQ-based written test

          •        180 SBAs (Single Best Answers)

          •        Duration: 3 hours

          •        Conducted in Pakistan (Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi)

PLAB 2

          •        Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE)

          •        16 scenarios (8 minutes each)

          •        Conducted only in Manchester, UK

Step-by-Step Process for PLAB – 2025 Guide

1. Pass IELTS/OET

          •        Register for IELTS Academic UKVI or OET (Medicine).

          •        Book at British Council or AEO Pakistan.

          •        Upload results to GMC Online.

2. Create a GMC Online Account

          •        Visit www.gmc-uk.org

          •        Create an account and upload your IELTS/OET certificate.

          •        Wait for approval (up to 10 working days).

3. Book PLAB 1

          •        PLAB 1 is held in Pakistan in March, June, September, and November.

          •        Fee (2025): £255 (subject to change)

          •        Booking opens 3–4 months before the test date. Seats fill fast!

4. Prepare for PLAB 1

Recommended resources:

          •        PLABable

          •        PLABverse

          •        PLAB 1 Keys Notes

          •        1000+ SBA practice questions

Preparation time: 2–4 months (daily study)

5. Pass PLAB 1 and Get Results

          •        Results are usually declared 6 weeks after the exam.

          •        You need to score around 120+ to pass (cutoff varies).

6. Book PLAB 2 in Manchester

          •        After passing PLAB 1, book PLAB 2 through GMC Online.

          •        PLAB 2 Fee: £934 (as of 2025)

          •        Book early — long waiting times!

          •        You’ll need a UK Visitor Visa (Standard Visitor Visa).

7. Apply for UK Visa

          •        Type: Standard Visitor Visa

          •        Documents required:

          •        PLAB 2 booking confirmation

          •        Bank statement (6 months)

          •        Visa fee payment (~£120)

          •        Accommodation & travel bookings

8. Attend PLAB 2 in the UK

          •        Reach Manchester at least 1 week before your test.

          •        Practice with mock OSCE centers if possible.

9. Apply for GMC Registration

Once you pass PLAB 2:

          •        Apply for Full GMC Registration.

          •        Submit your:

          •        Passport

          •        MBBS degree + House Job certificate

          •        Certificate of Good Standing from PMDC

          •        GMC Registration Fee: £161 (for first-time applicants)

Total estimated cost for PLAB :

Item	Cost
ILETS/OET	65,000 – 80,000 PKR
PLAB 1 fee	255 £
PLAB 2 fee	934 £
Visa + Travel	400,000 – 600,000 PKR
GMC Registration	161 £
Total	800,000 – 1,20,000 PKR

Best Resources to Prepare for PLAB

          •        PLABable (Most recommended)

          •        Samson Notes

          •        Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine

          •        PLAB Facebook Groups (peer support)

What Happens After PLAB?

After you receive GMC registration, you can:

          •        Apply for UK Foundation Year 2 (FY2) or other non-training jobs.

          •        Later, progress to specialty training (like Internal Medicine Training or GP training).

          •        Apply for Tier 2 (Health and Care Worker Visa) and get sponsored by the NHS.

FAQs – PLAB 2025 for Pakistani Students

–Is PLAB easier than USMLE or AMC?

Yes. PLAB focuses more on clinical knowledge and communication, not basic sciences.

-Can I take PLAB without House Job?

No. GMC requires at least 12 months of internship/house job.

-Can I do PLAB after 5th year MBBS?

You can prepare for IELTS and PLAB 1, but you need your degree + internship to take PLAB 2 and register with GMC.

How long is PLAB valid?

          •        PLAB 1: Valid for 2 years (to take PLAB 2)

          •        PLAB 2: After passing, apply for GMC within 2 years

Final Thoughts

The PLAB route is one of the most cost-effective and straightforward ways for Pakistani doctors to start their career in the UK. If you plan carefully, stay consistent with your prep, and follow each step, your dream to become an NHS doctor is absolutely achievable in 2025.