Want to practice medicine in the UK but not sure where to start? The PLAB exam is your perfect gateway to a secure future in the country. The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) examination is specifically designed for international graduates in Medicine to evaluate their knowledge and skills to practice as a doctor in the UK.
The globally recognized test is divided into two parts—PLAB 1 and PLAB 2. PLAB 1 is a written assessment that provides candidates with 180 multiple-choice questions derived from real-world medical situations. The test is conducted worldwide, so it can be taken from anywhere.
PLAB 2, on the other hand, is a hands-on practical exam held in the UK. Following an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) format, it allows examinees to demonstrate their clinical and communication potencies in real-world simulations of patient interactions.
Clearing both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 is mandatory to be eligible for registering with the General Medical Council (GMC) and unlocking a lucrative medical career in the UK.
The PLAB Exam is conducted several times a year, hence, it helps to stay updated with the latest PLAB exam dates to start preparing well in advance for the global competitive test. Read on to know more about the dates for the exam in 2025.
PLAB Exam Dates 2025: When and Where to Take the Exam?
The PLAB exam is conducted multiple times a year. This allows candidates to choose a date that is most convenient for them.
PLAB 1 Exam Dates
The PLAB 1 exam is held four times a year - February, May, August, and November. Listed below are the anticipated dates of the PLAB 1 exam in 2025:
February 20, 2025
May 22, 2025
August 7, 2025
November 6, 2025
Note: These dates are subject to change and confirmation from the GMC.
PLAB Exam Locations
The PLAB 1 exam is conducted both in the UK and overseas. Candidates can choose to take the test from any location closer to home as it is held globally. The PLAB 2 exam, on the other hand, is held only in the UK.
PLAB Exam Centers: Locations Across India
Six cities in India host the PLAB exam, which is administered by the British Council. The table below lists the names of the Indian cities. You can choose to take the exam at a center closer to your home.
The contact details of the British Council office in India are mentioned against each city. You can get in touch with the Council office in case of any queries before the exam:
There are several countries that conduct the PLAB 1 exam. While PLAB 1 can be taken from anywhere in the world, PLAB 2 can only be taken in the UK. For your reference, the table below lists some of the locations where these exams are commonly held:
PLAB Exam Centers in the UK
PLAB Exam Centers Overseas
Birmingham
Dhaka - Bangladesh
Edinburgh
Alexandria, Cairo - Egypt
Manchester
India - multiple locations (defined in the next section)
Sheffield
Nairobi - Kenya
Belfast
Dublin - Republic of Ireland
Cardiff
Johannesburg - South Africa
London
Colombo - Sri Lanka
Oxford
Dubai - UAE
Sydney - Australia
Toronto - Canada
Accra - Ghana
Abuja, Lagos - Nigeria
Islamabad, Karachi - Pakistan
Riyadh - Saudi Arabia
Madrid - Spain
Istanbul - Turkey
How to Check the PLAB Exam Dates for 2025
Here is a simple step-by-step process for checking the PLAB exam dates for 2025:
Step 1: Log into your online account on the official GMC portal - https://www.gmc-uk.org/
Step 2: Go to the ‘PLAB booking service’ section, where you can view the available dates and location centers of both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 exams.
Note:PLAB 2 dates are available all year round, so you can book the one that best suits you through your GMC account. PLAB 1 dates, however, are only available 4 times a year.
Step-by-Step Guide to Booking PLAB Exam Dates in India
Once you have checked the available date slots on your GMC online account, follow the procedure below to book the one that you are comfortable with:
Step 1: Create an Online GMC Account
Go to the official portal of GMC.
Click on ‘Create an Account’.
Fill out the online application form with the required details.
Submit the application form.
A verification link will be sent to your email address after your application has been processed.
Click on the verification link to confirm your email ID.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
A primary medical qualification from a university or institution recognized by the GMC is a prerequisite for PLAB.
Completion of at least 1 year of internship or equivalent is also required.
Overseas candidates must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language by sharing the desirable score on IELTS or the Occupational English Test (OET).
Step 3: Log on to Your Account
Log in to your created GMC online account using your login credentials.
Go to the section titled ‘My Tests’.
Step 4: Book the PLAB 1 Exam Date
In the ‘My Tests’ section, you can view the available date slots and locations for PLAB exam 1.
Choose the date and location most convenient for you from the options available.
While booking the PLAB exam dates, make sure that your name, GMC reference number, test location, and dates are all correct.
Upon payment of the application fee, you will receive a confirmation email with complete details of your booking.
Best Time to Take the PLAB Test
The ideal time to take the PLAB exam is after you have completed your professional internship. That is the time when you are highly likely to have the required clinical experience to appear for and clear the PLAB exam.
Additionally, at the end of your internship, you are likely to have sufficient time to prepare for the exam by enhancing your clinical knowledge and skill sets. Here are some key points to remember when taking the PLAB test:
Make sure that you have completed your final exams of MBBS or an equivalent test before taking the PLAB exam.
Keep sufficient time to prepare and revise for the PLAB exam ahead of the planned exam date.
Always book the exam date early, as the PLAB exam slots are likely to fill up fast.
Conclusion
The PLAB exam format allows examinees the flexibility to choose when to take the test. With multiple date options available for both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, candidates get ample time to plan and prepare for the globally competitive test.
For an exam held worldwide like PLAB, a structured learning platform such as upGrad can help. Complete with comprehensive study materials, mock tests, practice questions, and guidance from expert faculty, upGrad’s free online courses can help prepare you to succeed in the PLAB examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the upcoming dates for the PLAB exam?
The PLAB 1 exam is generally run 4 times a year. In 2025, it is scheduled to be held on:
February 20, 2025
May 22, 2025
August 7, 2025
November 6, 2025
Note: These dates are subject to change and confirmation from the GMC.
The PLAB 2 exam, however, can be taken throughout the year. Dates for the exam are available all year round and can be booked as per your convenience anytime on the GMC website.
How many times is PLAB 1 conducted in a year?
The PLAB 1 test is conducted 4 times a year by the General Medical Council (GMC):
February
May
August
November
You may choose to take the test during any one of the above periods at your convenience. The exam is held both in the UK and at various overseas locations.
When should I start studying for the PLAB?
It is a good idea to start preparing for the PLAB exam at least 3-6 months before the date you wish to take the test. This would give you sufficient time to plan and prepare for the globally competitive exam effectively.
What is the success rate of PLAB for Indian students?
According to the latest available data from GMC, nearly 70.5% of the candidates cleared PLAB 1, while around 65.8% passed the PLAB 2 exam in 2024. This implies that a considerable percentage of Indian medical graduates clear the PLAB exam and are eligible to practice medicine in the UK.
How do you cancel your PLAB exam booking?
You can easily cancel your PLAB exam booking online by following this process:
Log on to your GMC account.
Navigate to the ‘My Tests’ section.
Proceed with canceling your booking.
You may be charged a cancellation fee for the same.
Do I need to make adjustments to my exam booking due to a health emergency?
If you experience a health situation that impacts your ability to sit for the exam on the booked date, make sure to contact the GMC at once and request adjustments or postponement of your exam. Alternatively, if you think you may need to readjust your date later, at the time of booking itself, make sure to get in touch with GMC. This would help ensure that GMC has sufficient time to review your request.
How can I appeal my PLAB 1 result?
If you need to appeal your PLAB 1 result, contact the GMC within 10 working days of receiving your results. You may need to provide a detailed explanation and supporting evidence to prove your appeal, though. Note that appeals based only on disagreement with the issued result are not likely to be entertained by the GMC.
What are some misconduct procedures in a PLAB exam?
Some of the common procedures considered as misconduct during a PLAB exam are:
Sharing the content of the exam with others
Failure to follow the instructions given by invigilators
Disruptive behavior in the examination hall
Sharing false or fake information at the time of exam registration
Attempt to cheat or see another examinee’s test paper
What is the fee for the PLAB exam in India?
The PLAB exam is divided into two parts; hence, both parts of the test have a separate fee charge:
PLAB 1 exam fee - INR 26,000 or GBP 255
PLAB 2 exam fee - INR 95,268 or GBP 934
Note: The fee rates are indicative only and subject to change year after year. Make sure to check the official GMC portal regularly for the latest fee updates.
What is the difficulty level of the PLAB exam?
The PLAB exam is generally held at a medium level of difficulty. Candidates are thus expected to keep sufficient time for preparation for the exam. With the right planning and approach, examinees have a high chance of success at both PLAB 1 and PLAB 2.
Is PLAB only for MBBS students?
While the PLAB exam is primarily conducted only for MBBS students, any medical graduate with a Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) from a GMC-recognized university or institution is eligible to appear for the PLAB exam. Additionally, medical students who graduated outside of the UK but wish to practice medicine in the UK can take the PLAB test.
