How to Register for PLAB 1: 2026-27 Dates, Booking & Fees
How to Register for PLAB Quick Summary
You book PLAB 1 only through your GMC Online account, after the GMC has checked your medical qualification and English evidence. PLAB 1 runs in February, May, August and November, including in Islamabad and Karachi, but the 11 February 2027 exam is held only in the UK and EU. For candidates in Pakistan, the next exams are on 5 November 2026 and then in May 2027. Bookings may close two to six weeks before the test, and the fee is £283.
PLAB 1 exam dates and result dates
These are the GMC's published PLAB 1 sittings; the May 2027 date has not yet been published. Venues include the UK, Islamabad and Karachi (run by the British Council in Pakistan) and other overseas centres. The February 2027 sitting is held only in the UK and EU, and from 2027 the GMC no longer runs PLAB 1 in Dhaka, Alexandria, Accra, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. If you planned to sit internationally in February 2027 and your English language evidence expires between 1 February and 31 May 2027, the GMC may extend it so you can sit in May 2027; email plab@gmc-uk.org by 19 March 2027. Results come about six weeks after the exam, and the GMC emails you when they are ready in GMC Online. Seat availability varies by venue, so check GMC Online for current places.
What you need before you can book
How to book PLAB 1, step by step
- Set up a GMC Online account once you have your qualification details and English evidence ready.
- Submit your English evidence and qualification details; the GMC checks these before giving you access to the PLAB booking service.
- In the booking service, choose your venue (for example Islamabad or Karachi) and an exam date with available places.
- Pay the PLAB 1 fee of £283 (from 1 April 2026) online to confirm your place.
- Look out for your venue confirmation, which arrives no later than seven days before the exam, and keep your booking confirmation with your GMC reference number.
What to bring on PLAB 1 exam day
Arrive at the time on your confirmation: if you are more than half an hour late, you will not be allowed into the exam room. Bring your booking confirmation with your GMC reference number and acceptable photo ID, such as your passport. If the name on your ID differs from your booking, bring original evidence of the name change. You may take HB pencils, an eraser, a sharpener, a clear water bottle with the labels removed, one or two pieces of fruit and a jumper. Mobile phones, calculators, watches, smart or AI wearables, coats and bags are not allowed in the exam room.
Once you pass, you can book PLAB 2 in Manchester; see PLAB 1 and 2 test details for fees, pass rates and the UK visa.
Frequently asked questions
> When is the next PLAB 1 exam?
The GMC's published dates are 5 November 2026 (results 17 December 2026) and 11 February 2027 (results 25 March 2027; UK and EU venues only). In Pakistan, the sitting after November 2026 is in May 2027.
> Can I take PLAB 1 in Pakistan?
Yes. PLAB 1 is held in Islamabad and Karachi through the British Council. Check GMC Online for available places at each venue.
> What is the deadline to book PLAB 1?
There is no single deadline: registrations may close between two and six weeks before the test date, depending on the venue. Book early, as places in popular cities can fill quickly.
> Do I need IELTS or OET before booking PLAB 1?
You need acceptable English language evidence, which the GMC checks before you can access the booking service. Most candidates use IELTS Academic or OET Medicine.
> What ID do I need for PLAB 1?
Acceptable photo ID such as your passport, plus your booking confirmation with your GMC reference number. If your names differ, bring original evidence of the name change.
Planning your preparation? See our PLAB preparation guide, or contact us.
Get ready for your PLAB 1 date
Practise with exam-style questions and detailed explanations in our PLAB Part 1 Qbank.
Explore PLAB Preparation