Over 7,000 Candidates Sit National Medical, Dental Licensing Exam

ISLAMABAD: More than 7,000 foreign-trained medical and dental graduates appeared on Sunday in the National Registration Examination (NRE), a mandatory licensing test required to practice medicine and dentistry in Pakistan.

According to officials, the NRE Step-I was conducted by the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, under the policy framework of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). The examination was held simultaneously at major regional centres across the country.

PMDC data shows that a total of 7,076 candidates registered for the exam, including 6,989 medical graduates and 87 dental graduates. These candidates obtained their degrees from medical and dental institutions abroad and are seeking registration to practice independently in Pakistan.

The examination was conducted at four venues nationwide. In the Islamabad and Rawalpindi region, 2,358 medical and 43 dental graduates appeared. Lahore recorded the highest number of candidates, with 3,562 medical and 30 dental graduates taking the test. In Karachi, 499 medical and four dental candidates sat for the exam, while in Peshawar, 570 medical and 10 dental graduates appeared.

Under PMDC regulations, foreign medical and dental graduates are not eligible for provisional or permanent registration unless they successfully clear the NRE. The examination is conducted in two steps to assess the clinical knowledge and professional competence of candidates trained outside Pakistan.

“PMDC has consistently ensured a transparent, standardised and internationally aligned examination system to assess the professional competence of returning graduates,” a PMDC spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that candidates who pass both steps of the NRE will be issued registration certificates in accordance with the relevant legal provisions.

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Authorities said all logistical and security arrangements were finalised ahead of the examination. Candidates were instructed to report to their respective centres by 10am, with the exam commencing at 12 noon. The PMDC warned that any candidate found violating standard operating procedures would be barred from appearing in the test.

In a separate advisory, the PMDC urged parents and students planning medical or dental education abroad to ensure enrollment only in recognised, accredited and PMDC-approved institutions. The council cautioned that failure to comply with its policies could lead to difficulties in future registration.

The PMDC further advised prospective students to exercise caution and avoid substandard or poor-quality medical and dental colleges, reiterating its commitment to maintaining professional standards in the country’s healthcare system.