Planning your medical career in the UK starts with knowing the PLAB exam dates. In 2026, PLAB 1 exams are scheduled for February 12, May 21, with additional sittings expected in August and November. Candidates can book their exam slots through GMC Online for both UK and overseas locations. PLAB 2, the clinical skills assessment, is conducted throughout the year in Manchester. It’s important to note that PLAB 1 registration usually closes six weeks before the exam, so early planning is key to securing your preferred date.
Upcoming PLAB Exam Dates and Schedule 2026
The PLAB exam, conducted by the General Medical Council (GMC), assesses whether international medical graduates are prepared to practice medicine in the United Kingdom.
The exam is divided into two parts:
PLAB 1, a written multiple-choice exam conducted in both the UK and selected overseas centres.
PLAB 2, a clinical Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) held exclusively at the GMC assessment centre in Manchester, UK.
PLAB 1 Exam Dates 2026
PLAB 1 is held four times a year in the UK and overseas locations, including major cities in India. The exam months are typically February, May, August, and November.
PLAB 1 Exam Schedule 2026:
Exam Sitting
Date (2026)
Location
First Sitting
12 February 2026
UK + overseas centres
Second Sitting
21 May 2026
UK + overseas centres
Third Sitting
August 2026 (exact date TBA)
UK + overseas centres
Fourth Sitting
November 2026 (exact date TBA)
UK + overseas centres
Candidates are advised to book early, as overseas centres often reach full capacity quickly. Booking is done via the GMC Online account, with registration typically closing six weeks before the exam for overseas centres and two weeks before the exam for UK centres.
PLAB 2 Exam Dates
PLAB 2 is a practical OSCE conducted only in Manchester, UK, and runs throughout the year. Slots become available after passing PLAB 1 and can be booked via the GMC Online account.
Flexible scheduling allows candidates to choose dates that align with travel, visa approval, and preparation timelines.
Candidates are advised to plan 3–6 months in advance due to high demand.
Dates depend on availability after PLAB 1 results.
The PLAB exam results are a crucial step for international medical graduates, determining eligibility for progression from PLAB 1 to PLAB 2 and ultimately registration to practice in the UK. Both stages have different timelines and processes for result release. Candidates can access their results securely through their GMC Online account.
PLAB 1 Result Dates and Timeline
PLAB 1 is a written multiple-choice exam conducted four times a year in the UK and overseas centres. Results are typically released around six weeks after the exam. Early access to results allows candidates to plan PLAB 2 bookings and travel arrangements efficiently.
Exam Sitting
Exam Date
Expected Result Release
First Sitting
12 February 2026
26 March 2026
Second Sitting
21 May 2026
2 July 2026
Third Sitting
August 2026 (exact date TBA)
TBA
Fourth Sitting
November 2026 (exact date TBA)
TBA
Candidates are advised to regularly check their GMC Online account for official updates and notifications.
PLAB 2 Result Dates and Timeline
PLAB 2 is a practical OSCE held only in Manchester, UK, and runs throughout the year. Results are generally released 6–8 weeks after the exam. Since PLAB 2 slots are in high demand, prompt access to results helps candidates secure their preferred dates for registration with the GMC and aligns with visa and travel planning.
Key points for PLAB 2 results:
Results are issued after all clinical assessments are verified.
Candidates should monitor their GMC Online account regularly for updates.
Planning at least 3–6 months ahead is recommended for booking PLAB 2 and aligning preparation timelines.
The PLAB exam calendar for 2026 provides a clear month-wise overview of exam sittings, results, and key milestones. This helps candidates plan preparation, registration, and travel efficiently.
Month
Key PLAB Activities
January
Registration opens for the first PLAB 1 sitting; preparation begins
February
First PLAB 1 exam sitting
March
Results released for February exam
May
Second PLAB 1 exam sitting
July
Results released for May exam
August
Third PLAB 1 exam sitting (exact date TBA)
October
Results released for August exam
November
Fourth PLAB 1 exam sitting (exact date TBA)
January 2027
Results released for November exam
How to Book a PLAB Exam Slot
Booking a PLAB exam slot is done entirely through the GMC Online account, and understanding the process ensures candidates secure their preferred dates and locations for both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2.
Booking PLAB 1
Create a GMC Online account and complete registration.
Verify your medical qualification and submit proof of English language proficiency (IELTS or OET).
Select an available exam date and test centre in the UK or overseas.
Pay the PLAB 1 exam fee to confirm the booking.
Receive booking confirmation and venue details via your GMC Online account.
Candidates are advised to book as early as possible, particularly for overseas centres, since seats fill up quickly after registration opens.
Booking PLAB 2
PLAB 2 can only be booked after passing PLAB 1.
Access available slots via the GMC Online account.
Choose a date that aligns with travel, visa, and preparation schedules.
Choosing the right PLAB exam date is vital, as over 80% of candidates who plan their schedules based on preparation and personal timelines report higher success rates. GMC data shows that adequate 3 to 6 months preparation time significantly improves pass rates.
Selecting the ideal PLAB exam date is crucial for success and smooth progression in your medical career. Consider these critical factors:
University Admission and Visa Timelines: Align your PLAB exam date with your medical school graduation and visa application deadlines to avoid last-minute rushes or overlaps. Planning ensures you meet GMC registration requirements without delays.
Preparation Status: Choose a date that gives you enough time to thoroughly prepare, including revision, mock tests, and addressing weak areas. According to GMC guidance, most candidates spend 3 to 6 months preparing for PLAB 1.
Test center Availability: Book your slot early since popular test centers, especially in India, fill up quickly due to high demand. Check the GMC’s official test center listings for available dates.
Personal Commitments: Consider your work, family, and other commitments to select a date when you can focus entirely on exam preparation and performance.
Exam Sequence: Remember that PLAB 2 can only be taken after passing PLAB 1, so factor in result release times (usually 6 weeks) when scheduling your next attempt.
Conclusion
The PLAB Exam 2026 is a vital gateway for international medical graduates who aspire to practice medicine in the UK. With PLAB 1 exam dates confirmed for 12 February 2026 and 21 May 2026, and additional sittings expected in August and November, candidates have multiple opportunities to plan their attempt. Meanwhile, PLAB 2 continues to run year‑round in Manchester, offering flexibility for those progressing to the clinical stage.
By keeping track of PLAB exam dates, understanding the structure, fees, centres, and cancellation policies, aspirants can prepare strategically and avoid last‑minute hurdles. Booking early, aligning exam attempts with postgraduate timelines, and staying updated with GMC announcements will maximize success.
How many candidates typically take the PLAB exams annually?
Every year, thousands of international medical graduates attempt the PLAB exams. According to GMC data, over 15,000 candidates appear annually, with PLAB 1 being more frequent and PLAB 2 conducted at GMC’s Manchester test center.
What is the pass rate and how often is PLAB 1 held in India?
The PLAB 1 pass rate usually ranges between 60–70%. It is held four times a year in multiple international centers, including India, offering overseas graduates several opportunities to attempt the exam each year.
How long until I receive my results?
PLAB 1 results are typically released within 6 weeks after the test date, while PLAB 2 results are shared within 8 weeks. Candidates can access their results through the GMC Online portal.
Can I reschedule my PLAB date, and what are the limitations?
Yes, you can reschedule through the GMC Online portal, but only before the booking deadline. Availability is subject to slots, and once the deadline passes, changes are not allowed unless under exceptional circumstances.
What are the ways to cancel PLAB exam?
Cancellations must be made via the GMC Online portal before the booking deadline. Candidates may be eligible for partial or full refunds depending on when they cancel, as per GMC’s cancellation policy.
Can I give PLAB exam from home?
No, PLAB exams cannot be taken from home. PLAB 1 must be attempted at authorized test centers worldwide, while PLAB 2 is held exclusively at the GMC’s Clinical Assessment Centre in Manchester, UK.
What are the fee refund policies in case of exam cancellation?
Refunds depend on cancellation timing. Candidates usually receive a full refund if they cancel before the booking deadline, but after this, only partial or no refund is issued based on GMC’s refund rules.
Where can I take PLAB 1 in India?
In India, PLAB 1 is conducted in major cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi. Availability may vary, so early registration helps secure the preferred test center.
How far in advance do test centers fill up, and how can I secure a slot?
PLAB test centers fill quickly, often within hours of registration opening. To secure a slot, candidates must regularly check GMC announcements and book immediately once the registration window opens.
Is house-job or foundation year equivalent to an internship for PLAB eligibility?
Yes, a house-job or foundation year is usually accepted as an internship, provided it includes hands-on training and covers at least 12 months with clinical rotations in both medicine and surgery.
What happens if my internship doesn’t include surgery or medicine rotations?
If your internship lacks either medicine or surgery rotations, you may be considered ineligible for PLAB. GMC requires evidence of both, so additional supervised training may be necessary to meet eligibility criteria.
How many attempts are allowed for each PLAB test?
You are allowed a maximum of four attempts for PLAB 1 and four attempts for PLAB 2. After reaching this limit, candidates cannot reapply unless they undertake further medical education approved by GMC.
Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT,...
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