PLAB Exam Eligibility: Important Details for Indian Doctors

The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board or PLAB exam eligibility is a crucial aspect to understand for international medical graduates keen to pursue their medical careers in the United Kingdom. The PLAB exam, administered by the General Medical Council (GMC), serves as a gateway for medical professionals to secure registration with the GMC and practice medicine in the UK. However, to be eligible to take the PLAB exam, candidates need to fulfill specific requirements set forth by the GMC.

Know More About : PLAB Exam Dates | PLAB Exam Fees | PLAB Exam Syllabus | 

Navigating the PLAB exam eligibility criteria can be a daunting task, especially for international medical graduates. In this blog, we will delve into the intricacies of the PLAB exam eligibility requirements and provide a comprehensive guide to determine your eligibility for the exam.

PLAB Exam Highlights

The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) exam is conducted by the General Medical Council (GMC), UK, to evaluate the medical knowledge and communication skills of medical graduates who want to practice medicine in the UK.

The PLAB exam is divided into two parts, with Part 1 testing the theoretical knowledge and Part 2 assessing candidates' practical and clinical skills.

Passing the PLAB exam is a mandatory requirement for international medical graduates to obtain registration with the GMC and practice medicine in the UK. The PLAB exam is a challenging yet crucial step in the journey of medical graduates to establish their careers in the UK.

PLAB Eligibility Criteria for International and Indian Aspirants:

Meeting the PLAB exam eligibility criteria is crucial for medical graduates who wish to practice medicine in the UK. To be eligible to take the PLAB exam, International and Indian aspirants must meet specific requirements set by the GMC.

1. A primary medical qualification that is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and recognized by the GMC.

2. Demonstrating proficiency in the English language by achieving a minimum score of minimum score of 7.0 in each of the four language skills and at least 7.5 in total in the IELTS or a Grade B in the Occupational English Test (OET).

3. Completing at least one year of internship or its equivalent in their home country or a country where the medical qualification was obtained.

PLAB Registration Process and Important Dates:

To register for the PLAB exam, there are five steps that you need to follow. 

• Firstly, create an account on the GMC Online portal. 
• Upload your International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Occupational English Test (OET) scores under the My Tests section of the GMC online portal. 
• Thirdly, select a date and location for your PLAB exam and book it online. 
• Next, make the payment for your PLAB exam through the online portal. PLAB 1 costs £255 and PLAB 2 costs £934. In India, PLAB 1 costs INR 26,010 and PLAB 2 costs INR 95,268. 
• Finally, check your email for a booking confirmation from the GMC. You can successfully register for the PLAB exam and take the next step towards your medical career in the UK by completing these five steps.

The PLAB exam is held throughout the year on various dates. Candidates can check the available dates and book their test online through the GMC website.

List of PLAB 1 Exam Centers in India:

The General Medical Council (GMC) has designated six PLAB exam centers in India for candidates to take the exam. These include:

• Mumbai
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Kolkata
• Delhi
• Bangalore

The availability of multiple PLAB exam centers in India provides candidates with flexibility in choosing a location that is convenient and accessible for them.

To sit for PLAB 2, you should have passed PLAB 1 within three years. PLAB 2 is held only at two assessment center sites in Manchester, UK and throughout the year.

PLAB exam Syllabus:

The PLAB exam syllabus is a list of things that doctors from overseas need to know to practice medicine in the UK. The syllabus is updated regularly to keep up with changes in healthcare. The exam has two parts: Part 1 tests basic medical knowledge with multiple-choice questions, and Part 2 assesses clinical and communication skills with simulated patient scenarios.