The current PLAB exam fees are £283 (₹35.8K) for PLAB Part 1 and £1,036 (₹1.31L) for PLAB Part 2, as set by the General Medical Council (GMC) from 1 April 2026. You have to pay each fee through your GMC Online account when you book.
In short:
PLAB 1 exam fee is £283 (₹35.8K) and is a computer-based test which you can attempt at a test centre in India.
PLAB 2 costs £1,036 (₹1.31L) and is a clinical assessment held only in Manchester.
Cancelling more than 42 days before the exam returns most of your fee. Cancelling later costs much more.
Extra costs for PLAB 2 include a UK visa (£135, about ₹17.1K), flights, and accommodation.
Refugee doctors get reduced attempt fees under GMC rules.
This page covers each fee in detail, along with cancellation rules, payment options, and the extra costs to plan for.
PLAB Exam Fees by Exam Type
PLAB exam has two parts, and each one has its own fee. The General Medical Council (GMC) sets these fees and usually revises them each April, so the amount you pay depends on when you book. You pay each fee through your GMC Online account.
Computer-based test at Pearson VUE centres, including in India
£283 (₹36K)
PLAB 2
Practical clinical assessment at the GMC centres in Manchester
£1,036 (₹1.31L)
PLAB 1 comes first. You can’t book PLAB 2 until you have your PLAB 1 result, so the two fees are paid at different times.
The PLAB 2 fee covers the exam only. Flights, your visa, and accommodation in Manchester are separate costs, and the additional costs section covers those.
INR amounts are rounded, and the conversion rate used is ₹126.40 to £1. Your bank may apply a slightly different rate.
Additional Costs to Consider Apart from PLAB Exam Fees
The exam fee is only part of the total cost of PLAB. Most candidates also spend money on preparation, and PLAB 2 adds travel costs because it’s held only in Manchester.
The two sections below cover each of these, so you can plan a realistic budget before you book:
Preparation Costs
Preparation is usually the highest cost after the exam fees. What you spend depends on how you study.
Preparation, flights, accommodation, and living costs are estimates and vary by season, provider, and how early you book.
PLAB Exam Fee Payment Methods
Paying for the PLAB exam is a simple process, but many candidates still have doubts about the steps, methods, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Here’s a clear explanation to help you navigate it confidently:
Can I pay the PLAB fees from India or my home country?
Yes, you can pay the PLAB exam fees in India or your home country. You don’t need to be present in UK to make the payment. Once you’ve registered an account on the GMC website, you can:
Book and pay your booking fees, and pay for PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 in your GMC account
Check out exam dates and centers/locations
Your reservations, receipts, and confirmations should be tracked
What payment methods are accepted by GMC?
Payments made through the GMC’s secure online portal can be made by the following methods:
Accepted Method
Notes
Debit Cards
International cards allowed
Credit Cards
Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted
Online Bank Transfers
May be supported via your card's payment gateway
Currencies Accepted
Payments are taken in GBP (£) only
What if the payment fails or is delayed?
There are many possible payment problems, particularly with international cards.
What to do if your transaction is not done:
Repeat the payment: Wait a couple of minutes and then do it again with any card or with another one.
Try another browser/device: The technical problems are sometimes browser-related.
Check card settings: Make sure we have international payments turned on.
Call your bank: Your bank may put any high-value, or foreign to the bank transactions, transactions on hold until pre-authorized.
In case the problem remains:
Get in touch with GMC Support through email or phone on your GMC account.
Failed payments and refunds characteristically bounce back within 510 business days, depending on your bank.
The actual cost and expenses of the entire PLAB may be too high to take down the impact on candidates who make applications in low-income and middle-income nations.
But to date, GMC does not provide fee exemptions or financial support to take PLAB 1 or PLAB 2 directly.
Here is what you need to know:
The complete examination fees need to be personally financed through your account on the GMC site.
No concession rates or discounted slots are listed on the GMC website.
Previously, GMC has run some limited assistance schemes supporting doctors in conflict zones or with refugee status; however, such schemes are unusual and not regular PLAB provisions.
Can I get a scholarship or reimbursement for PLAB?
Although GMC does not offer any financial assistance, these are some of the options other international candidates have used to their advantage:
Scholarships via local government or non-governmental organisation: In some countries, such as India, Nigeria, and Pakistan, some health-related non-governmental organizations, some state medical boards, or some state-owned enterprises sometimes provide a scholarship or interest-free loan scheme to cover study abroad qualifications like PLAB.
Prospective employers in UK: A few NHS Trusts or recruitment agencies recoup your money on fees to take the PLAB 2 once you join them as a junior doctor. This is commonly in relocation assistance, or it depends on your employment agreement.
For Example, some IMG physicians recruited with the help of the international recruitment program have shared their experiences in which they were partially refunded the pass fee of the PLAB 2 exam or IELTS/OET test, or visa payment upon joining the Trust.
Tips to Minimise the Overall Cost of the PLAB Exam
Most of the money people lose on PLAB comes from paying for a test they weren’t ready for, or from changing a booking at the last minute.
Here are the tips that can help you keep your costs under control without cutting corners on preparation:
Use the free GMC material first. The PLAB 1 blueprint and sample questions show what the exam covers.
Stick to one question bank. Buying several usually means paying twice for the same content.
Decide on your exam date early. Cancellation fees go up a lot as the date gets close.
Wait for your PLAB 1 result before paying for PLAB 2 coaching. Your score will show what you actually need to work on.
Check the time limit for passing PLAB 2 after PLAB 1 on the GMC website, and try not to leave a long gap between the two.
Compare flights and be flexible with your dates if you can.
Don’t book more nights in Manchester than you need. Accommodation is often one of the highest costs.
Keep your booking confirmation and any paperwork, such as a visa refusal letter, in case you need to request a refund.
Conclusion
PLAB is a long process, and the exam fees are only one part of what it costs. Knowing the fees early, planning your PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 dates carefully, and setting aside money for travel and preparation will help you avoid surprises along the way.
Check the GMC website before you book or cancel, since fees and rules can change each April. Keep your receipts and booking confirmations too, in case you need them later.
PLAB 1 costs £283 for bookings made from 1 April 2026. At ₹126.40 per pound, that comes to about ₹35.8K. Your bank may use a slightly different rate when it converts the payment, so the amount on your statement could be a little higher or lower. If you’re budgeting, leave a small buffer.
What is the PLAB 2 exam fee in rupees?
PLAB 2 costs £1,036, approximately ₹1.31L at the same rate. The GMC sets the fee in pounds, so the rupee amount will move with the exchange rate on the day you pay. PLAB 2 is the bigger expense of the two, so it helps to start saving for it early.
Do PLAB exam fees go up every year?
They can. The GMC usually revises its fees in April, which is why the figures on this page apply to bookings made from 1 April 2026. The fee shown on the GMC fees page when you book is the one you’ll pay, so check it again before you confirm.
Can I pay the PLAB exam fees from India?
Yes. You pay through your GMC Online account, so you don’t need to be in UK. Once your account is set up, you can book your test and pay from home.
Can I take the PLAB 1 in India?
Yes. PLAB 1 is held at test centres in India and several other countries. The GMC has also announced that it will cut some overseas locations from February 2027, and Chennai is on that list. If you plan to test in India, check the GMC website for the centres that are still running when you book.
What happens to my fee if I cancel my PLAB exam?
If you cancel more than 42 days before your exam, you get most of your fee back after the cancellation charge is taken off. For PLAB 1, that charge is £28.30. If you cancel within 42 days, you usually lose the full fee. In exceptional circumstances, such as a visa refusal or serious illness, the GMC may refund some or all of it, but you’ll need to send supporting evidence.
Can I change my PLAB exam date without paying again?
Not directly. The GMC doesn’t allow date swaps. If you want a different date or centre, you’ll need to cancel your current booking, pay the cancellation charge, and then book a new slot. The new booking is charged at the full fee, so think it through before you cancel.
Are there reduced PLAB fees for refugee doctors?
Yes. If you’ve been granted refugee status in UK, you get two free attempts at PLAB 1. For PLAB 2, your first two attempts cost half the fee, and you can take the test up to four times. The GMC’s guidance on help with fees for refugees explains how to apply and book.
Can I pay my PLAB test fee in instalments?
No. The PLAB test fee must be paid in full when you book. The GMC does offer instalment plans for annual registration fees, but those don’t cover PLAB exams. You’ll need to have the full amount ready before you book.
Do I have to pay the full fee again if I fail PLAB?
For most candidates, yes. Each attempt is a new booking, so the test fee is charged again. Refugee doctors have the reduced attempt rules described above. If you’re not sure how the rules apply to you, check the GMC website or contact the GMC before you book your next attempt.
Is UK visa fee included in the PLAB exam fee?
No. The visa is a separate cost paid to UK Home Office. For a Standard Visitor visa covering up to 6 months, the fee is £135 from 8 April 2026, which is about ₹17.1K. You’ll pay this on top of your PLAB 2 exam fee, along with flights and accommodation in Manchester.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |5047 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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