Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated On - May 15, 2026
The UK is one of the most structured and well-paying destinations for Indian MBBS graduates pursuing postgraduate medical training. There are 3 main pathways — PLAB for GMC registration and NHS practice, MRCP for medicine specialties, and MRCS for surgical training. PLAB is the most common starting point, with total exam and registration costs of approximately £1,964 (Rs. 2.52 lakh). Once registered, Foundation Year 1 doctors earn £40,190/year (Rs. 51.51 lakh/year) — before supplements for on-call and out-of-hours work.
Conversion used throughout: 1 GBP = Rs. 128.13.
Also Read: MBBS Abroad for Indian Students 2026
- Quick Overview
- 3 Pathways to PG/Practice in UK After MBBS India
- Pathway 1 — PLAB (Most Common Route)
- Pathway 2 — MRCP (Medicine Specialties)
- Pathway 3 — MRCS (Surgical Specialties)
- UK Medical Training Prioritisation Act 2026: What Indian Doctors Must Know
- NHS Salaries for Indian Doctors 2026/27
- UK Visa for Indian Doctors
- FAQs
Quick Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary pathway | PLAB → GMC Registration → NHS jobs |
| PLAB 1 fee (2025–26) | £273 (Rs. 34,980) |
| PLAB 2 fee (2025–26) | £998 (Rs. 1,27,874) |
| GMC full registration fee | £463 (Rs. 59,344) |
| Total PLAB journey cost | ~£1,964 (Rs. 2.52 lakh) |
| PLAB 1 pass rate (2025) | 62.2% |
| PLAB 2 pass rate (2025) | 59.8% |
| English requirement | IELTS 7.5 overall (7.0 each band) or OET Grade B |
| MRCP Part 1 fee (international) | £672 (Rs. 86,103) |
| MRCS Part A fee (India, incl. 18% tax) | £767 (Rs. 98,276) |
| NHS Foundation Year 1 salary | £40,190/year (Rs. 51.51 lakh/year) |
| NHS Consultant starting salary | £109,725/year (Rs. 1.41 crore/year) |
| Health and Care Worker Visa | £324 (Rs. 41,514) for up to 3 years |
3 Pathways to PG/Practice in UK After MBBS India
Indian MBBS graduates have 3 distinct routes to work and train in the UK. The right pathway depends on the specialty goal and timeline.
| Pathway | Best For | Key Exam | Approx. Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLAB | GMC registration + NHS practice across all specialties | PLAB 1 + PLAB 2 | 6–18 months |
| MRCP | Medicine specialty training — Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Gastroenterology | MRCP Part 1 + Part 2 + PACES | 2–4 years |
| MRCS | Surgical specialty training — General Surgery, Orthopaedics, ENT | MRCS Part A + Part B OSCE | 2–4 years |
PLAB is the entry point for most Indian doctors. MRCP and MRCS are taken after GMC registration to enter specialty training — not instead of PLAB.
Pathway 1 — PLAB (Most Common Route)
PLAB is the standard licensing exam for international medical graduates who want to practise medicine in the UK. Passing both parts leads to GMC full registration — the licence to practise.
Eligibility:
Before booking PLAB 1, three things must be in place:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Medical qualification | MBBS from an NMC/MCI-recognised institution |
| English proficiency | IELTS Academic: 7.5 overall, 7.0 in each band (single sitting) OR OET Medicine: Grade B (350+) in all 4 components |
| GMC Online account | Must be set up and degree verified before booking |
| Maximum attempts | 4 attempts each for PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 |
PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 — Format and Fees:
| Parameter | PLAB 1 | PLAB 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 180 Single Best Answer (SBA) MCQs | 16 OSCE scenarios (8 minutes each) |
| Duration | 3 hours | ~2 hours |
| Venue | Multiple countries including India + UK | UK only (Manchester) |
| Fee (2025–26) | £273 (Rs. 34,980) | £998 (Rs. 1,27,874) |
| Validity | Must pass PLAB 2 within 3 years of PLAB 1 | GMC registration application within 2 years of PLAB 2 |
PLAB 1 tests clinical knowledge — it can be taken from India. PLAB 2 is an OSCE at the GMC's Clinical Assessment Centre in Manchester and requires travel to the UK.
PLAB Pass Rates:
| Year | PLAB 1 Pass Rate | PLAB 2 Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 74.1% | 69.9% |
| 2022 | 70.9% | 64.8% |
| 2023 | 72.0% | 62.9% |
| 2024 | 70.5% | 65.8% |
| 2025 | 62.2% | 59.8% |
Pass rates declined notably in 2025 — PLAB 1 dropped to 62.2% and PLAB 2 to 59.8%. A preparation time of 3–6 months for PLAB 1 and 2–3 months for PLAB 2 is the standard recommendation.
Step-by-Step PLAB Process:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Clear IELTS (7.5 overall) or OET (Grade B) |
| 2 | Create and verify GMC Online account; submit degree documents |
| 3 | Book and appear for PLAB 1 (available in India) |
| 4 | Pass PLAB 1; book PLAB 2 (UK only) |
| 5 | Travel to UK; appear for PLAB 2 OSCE in Manchester |
| 6 | Pass PLAB 2; apply for GMC full registration |
| 7 | Receive GMC registration with licence to practise |
| 8 | Apply for NHS Foundation or specialty jobs |
Total Cost of PLAB Journey:
| Expense | Fee (GBP) | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | ~£200 | Rs. 25,626 |
| Degree verification | ~£230 | Rs. 29,470 |
| PLAB 1 | £273 | Rs. 34,980 |
| PLAB 2 | £998 | Rs. 1,27,874 |
| GMC full registration | £463 | Rs. 59,344 |
| Travel + accommodation (UK for PLAB 2) | ~£600–900 | Rs. 76,878–Rs. 1,15,317 |
| Total | ~£2,764–3,064 | ~Rs. 3.54–Rs. 3.93 lakh |
Pathway 2 — MRCP (Medicine Specialties)
MRCP (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians) is the postgraduate qualification for medicine specialties — Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, and others. It is taken after GMC registration, not instead of PLAB.
Eligibility and Format:
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | MBBS from a GMC-acceptable institution + minimum 12 months postgraduate training |
| Structure | 3 parts — Part 1 (written), Part 2 Written, PACES (clinical) |
| Part 1 | 200 MCQs over 2 sessions (3 hours each) — can be taken from India |
| Part 2 Written | 270 MCQs over 3 sessions — can be taken from India |
| PACES | 5 clinical stations (10 minutes each) — UK and international centres |
MRCP Fees (International Candidates):
| Exam | Fee (GBP) | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| MRCP Part 1 | £672 (from July 2026: £696) | Rs. 86,103 (Rs. 89,178) |
| MRCP Part 2 Written | £672 (from July 2026: £696) | Rs. 86,103 (Rs. 89,178) |
| MRCP PACES | Varies by centre | ~Rs. 1.28–Rs. 1.54 lakh |
Completing all 3 parts of MRCP qualifies a doctor for Internal Medicine Training (IMT) and subsequently Higher Specialty Training in medicine specialties.
Pathway 3 — MRCS (Surgical Specialties)
MRCS (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons) is the postgraduate qualification for surgical training — General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Neurosurgery, ENT, and others. Like MRCP, it is taken after GMC registration.
Eligibility and Format:
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Medical degree acceptable to GMC for full or provisional registration |
| Structure | 2 parts — Part A (written) + Part B OSCE |
| Part A | 2 written papers: Applied Basic Sciences + Principles of Surgery |
| Part B | OSCE — clinical and procedural stations |
| India centres | Part A and Part B OSCE both available in India (Pune) |
MRCS Fees (India Candidates — Including 18% Tax):
| Exam | Fee (GBP) | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| MRCS Part A | £767 | Rs. 98,276 |
| MRCS Part B OSCE | £1,177 | Rs. 1,50,809 |
| Total MRCS | £1,944 | Rs. 2,49,085 |
Both MRCS parts can be completed from India before arriving in the UK — making it one of the most practical qualifications to pursue while still in India.
UK Medical Training Prioritisation Act 2026: What Indian Doctors Must Know
The Medical Training (Prioritisation) Act 2026 is now law. It gives UK-trained graduates first access to foundation and specialty training posts. Indian doctors (IMGs) can still apply but compete in a separate pool after UK graduates are allocated.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| What changed | UK graduates get priority for foundation and specialty training posts |
| GMC registration | Unchanged — PLAB is still the standard route for IMGs |
| NHS non-training jobs | Unaffected — SHO, Clinical Fellow, Trust Grade posts remain fully open to IMGs |
| Specialty training | IMGs compete in a separate pool after UK graduates are placed |
| MRCP/MRCS relevance | Both qualifications significantly strengthen specialty training applications for IMGs |
| Practical advice | Gain NHS experience in non-training posts first; build a strong portfolio before applying for specialty training |
The Act does not affect GMC registration or the ability to work in the NHS — it only affects the allocation of formal training posts.
NHS Salaries for Indian Doctors 2026/27
NHS salaries are among the highest for doctors globally. Basic salaries do not include supplements for out-of-hours, on-call, and weekend work — which can add 20–40% to take-home pay for junior doctors.
| Grade | Basic Salary (GBP/year) | Basic Salary (INR/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Year 1 (FY1) | £40,190 | Rs. 51.51 lakh |
| Foundation Year 2 (FY2) | £45,994 | Rs. 58.95 lakh |
| Specialty Registrar (ST1–ST8) | £49,909–£61,825 | Rs. 63.96–Rs. 79.24 lakh |
| Consultant (starting) | £109,725 | Rs. 1.41 crore |
| Consultant (range) | £105,504–£139,882 | Rs. 1.35–Rs. 1.79 crore |
UK Visa for Indian Doctors
Indian doctors working in the NHS apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa — a significantly discounted Skilled Worker Visa for NHS-employed healthcare professionals. NHS doctors are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), saving £1,035/year (Rs. 1,32,615/year) compared to standard visa holders.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Health and Care Worker Visa |
| Fee (up to 3 years) | £324 (Rs. 41,514) |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | Exempt for NHS workers |
| Sponsorship | NHS Trust provides Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) |
| Minimum salary threshold | Must meet NHS pay band minimum — FY1 at £40,190 qualifies |
| Path to settlement (ILR) | After 5 years on Skilled Worker Visa |
| Other MBBS Destinations | |
|---|---|
| MBBS in Netherlands | MBBS in Italy |
| MBBS in Georgia | MBBS in Kyrgyzstan |
| MBBS in Kazakhstan | Mbbs in Romania |
| MBBS in Japan | MBBS in Philippines |
The PLAB route remains the most practical and direct path for Indian MBBS graduates to practise medicine in the UK. Total exam and registration costs come to approximately Rs. 3.54–Rs. 3.93 lakh — a modest investment against an FY1 salary of £40,190/year (Rs. 51.51 lakh/year). The UK Medical Training Prioritisation Act 2026 has made specialty training more competitive for IMGs, but non-training NHS posts remain fully accessible. MRCP and MRCS can both be started from India before arriving in the UK — completing them early strengthens specialty training applications significantly. The key steps: clear IELTS first, pass PLAB 1 from India, travel to Manchester for PLAB 2, obtain GMC registration, and apply for NHS jobs with a Health and Care Worker Visa at £324 (Rs. 41,514) for 3 years.
FAQs
Ques: What is the process for PG in the UK after MBBS in India?
Ans: The most common route is PLAB — clear IELTS (7.5 overall), pass PLAB 1 from India, travel to the UK for PLAB 2 OSCE in Manchester, and obtain GMC full registration (£463 = Rs. 59,344). Total journey cost is approximately Rs. 3.54–Rs. 3.93 lakh. After GMC registration, Indian doctors can apply for NHS Foundation or specialty training posts.
Ques: What are the PLAB exam fees in rupees for 2025–26?
Ans: PLAB 1 costs £273 (Rs. 34,980) and PLAB 2 costs £998 (Rs. 1,27,874) as per official GMC fee schedule for April 2025–March 2026. GMC full registration after passing both parts costs £463 (Rs. 59,344). Including IELTS, degree verification, and travel to the UK for PLAB 2, the total journey costs approximately Rs. 3.54–Rs. 3.93 lakh.
Ques: What is the PLAB pass rate in 2025?
Ans: According to official GMC data, PLAB 1 pass rate in 2025 was 62.2% (8,513 of 13,691 candidates) and PLAB 2 pass rate was 59.8% (8,787 of 14,689 candidates). Both rates declined from 2024 levels of 70.5% and 65.8% respectively. A preparation time of 3–6 months for PLAB 1 is the standard recommendation.
Ques: What IELTS score is required for PLAB?
Ans: The GMC requires a minimum IELTS Academic score of 7.5 overall with no band below 7.0 in a single sitting. OET Medicine is also accepted — minimum Grade B (350+) in all 4 components. The English test must be valid at the time of GMC registration application.
Ques: What is the difference between PLAB and MRCP for Indian doctors?
Ans: PLAB is a GMC licensing exam that allows Indian doctors to practise medicine in the UK across all specialties — it is the first step. MRCP is a postgraduate specialty qualification for medicine specialties (Internal Medicine, Cardiology, etc.) taken after GMC registration to enter specialty training. Most Indian doctors do PLAB first, then MRCP.
Ques: What is the NHS salary for Indian doctors in 2026?
Ans: Foundation Year 1 doctors earn £40,190/year (Rs. 51.51 lakh/year) as basic salary. Specialty Registrars earn £49,909–£61,825/year (Rs. 63.96–Rs. 79.24 lakh/year). Consultants start at £109,725/year (Rs. 1.41 crore/year). Basic salaries exclude supplements for out-of-hours and on-call work, which can add 20–40% to take-home pay.
Ques: What is the impact of the UK Medical Training Prioritisation Act 2026 on Indian doctors?
Ans: The Act prioritises UK-trained graduates for foundation and specialty training posts. Indian doctors now compete in a separate pool after UK graduates are allocated. GMC registration via PLAB is unchanged. Non-training NHS posts — SHO, Clinical Fellow, Trust Grade — are fully unaffected. MRCP and MRCS qualifications significantly strengthen specialty training applications for IMGs.
Ques: What visa do Indian doctors need to work in the UK?
Ans: Indian doctors working in the NHS apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa costing £324 (Rs. 41,514) for up to 3 years. NHS doctors are exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), saving £1,035/year (Rs. 1,32,615/year). The NHS Trust provides the Certificate of Sponsorship, and the path to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) opens after 5 years.
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