Indian Doctors Coming to the UK: PLAB, GMC Registration & Visa 2026

Complete guide for doctors from India. PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 exams, GMC registration, Skilled Worker visa requirements and NHS salary bands explained.

Updated June 2026 PLAB Route GMC Registration NHS Career
Quick summary: Indian doctors with an MBBS or equivalent from an MCI-recognised institution can work in the UK NHS. The pathway involves passing PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, registering with the GMC, and obtaining a Skilled Worker visa with employer sponsorship. The full process takes approximately 12 to 24 months.

Step-by-step pathway for Indian doctors

1

Confirm your medical qualification is accepted

Indian medical degrees from institutions recognised by the NMC (now NMC India) and listed by the GMC are accepted. MBBS from most Indian universities qualifies. Check the GMC's accepted qualifications list before applying.

2

Pass PLAB 1

PLAB 1 is a 180-question single best answer exam. It tests medical knowledge relevant to working as a doctor in the UK. You can sit PLAB 1 at British Council centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad. The pass mark changes each sitting.

3

Pass PLAB 2 in the UK

PLAB 2 is an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) held only at the GMC's test centre in Manchester. It assesses clinical skills, communication and patient safety. You must travel to the UK for this. Book early as slots fill quickly.

4

Register with the GMC

After passing both PLAB parts, you apply for GMC registration with a Licence to Practise. You need proof of identity, your medical degree, internship completion certificate and an English language test result if required.

5

Find a UK employer and get sponsored

NHS Trusts and private hospitals sponsor international doctors. You need a job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship before applying for your Skilled Worker visa. Many NHS Trusts recruit directly from India through international recruitment drives.

6

Apply for your Skilled Worker visa

With a CoS, GMC registration and job offer, you apply for a Skilled Worker visa. Doctors qualify under SOC codes 2211 (Hospital Doctor), 2212 (GP) and related codes. Processing from India is typically 3 to 8 weeks.

PLAB exam costs and key facts (2026)

ExamFeeFormatLocation
PLAB 1£239180 SBA questions, 3 hoursUK + India (multiple cities)
PLAB 2£87918-station OSCE, 3.5 hoursManchester (UK only)

NHS doctor salary bands (2026)

GradeAnnual SalaryNotes
Foundation Year 1 (F1)£32,398First year after qualification
Foundation Year 2 (F2)£39,467Second year training
Core / Specialty Trainee (CT/ST)£45,124 to £77,510Depends on specialty and year
Specialty Doctor£52,530 to £82,400Non-training grade
Consultant£105,504 to £139,882Varies by specialty and trust

Frequently asked questions

Is the MBBS degree from India accepted for GMC registration?
Most MBBS degrees from institutions recognised by the NMC India and listed in the GMC's accepted qualifications are accepted. The GMC maintains a list of accepted international qualifications. Check the GMC website for your specific institution before applying.
Do Indian doctors need IELTS for the UK?
Indian doctors may be exempt from the English language requirement if their medical degree was taught and examined in English, which is the case for most Indian medical schools. The GMC assesses this individually. If required, OET or IELTS UKVI are accepted.
How many times can I sit PLAB 1?
You can sit PLAB 1 up to 4 times. If you do not pass within 4 attempts, you cannot resit unless you can demonstrate further study and clinical experience. PLAB 2 also has a 4-attempt limit from the date you pass PLAB 1.
Can I bring my family to the UK as a doctor?
Yes. Your spouse, civil partner and children under 18 can join you on your Skilled Worker visa as dependants. They can live and work in the UK while your visa is valid. Dependant visa fees apply separately.

Prepare for PLAB and your UK move on VisaPath Pro

Practice questions for professional exams, visa eligibility checks with VisaScore, Life in the UK test prep and more. Start free today.

Start Free Trial