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If you are an International Medical Graduate (IMG) and looking to take the PLAB Part 1 in 2025/2026, being eligible is no longer simply a matter. With the UK aligning PLAB to the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA), the rules themselves haven’t radically changed.

The guide provides a all the details on the eligibility criteria for the PLAB 1 exam for the years 2025-26, explaining the current changes related to the MLA alignment.

Can IMGs Still Take PLAB 1 in 2025–2026?

Yes. IMGs can still sit PLAB 1 in 2025 and 2026. However:

• All PLAB 1 exams are now MLA-aligned
• The GMC is enforcing more rigorous checks on degrees, internships, and English test results
• Previous PLAB attempts will likely count toward future UKMLA attempt limits

PLAB 1 is still around as a name, but all its content is modified to meet the UKMLA standards.

Core PLAB 1 Eligibility Criteria (2025–2026)

To book PLAB 1, you must meet all of the following:

1. Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ)

• Your MBBS or equivalent must be:
  • Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools
  • Accepted by the GMC for registration
• The exact wording and status of the listing of your degree can have important consequences, so always check this yourself on the GMC website.

2. Internship / Clinical Experience Requirement

• You must complete 12 months of supervised clinical practice, usually:
  • A rotating internship, or
  • An equivalent post-graduation clinical internship
• If your internship includes:
  • Breaks
  • Part-time rotations
  • Multiple hospitals
    the GMC may request detailed documentation before approving eligibility.

Many IMGs are delayed here due to non-standard internship structures.

3. English Language Requirements (Mandatory Before Booking)

You cannot book PLAB 1 without accepted English scores:

• IELTS Academic
  • Overall: 7.5
  • Minimum 7.0 in each section
• OET Medicine
  • Grade B in all four subtests

Your test should still be valid (ordinarily within 2 years) when the GMC validates your documents.

4. GMC Online Account

Prior to booking the PLAB 1 test, it is necessary that the GMC online account be verified, which includes:

• Degree certificate
• Internship proof
• English language test results

Please note:Without the approval of documents, the booking for PLAB 1 is not possible.

PLAB 1 Attempts Limit & MLA Transition

• You can usually attempt PLAB 1 up to 4 times
• A 5th and final attempt is only possible with:
  • Evidence of 12 months of additional learning
  • Explicit GMC approval
• The GMC has confirmed that PLAB attempts will count toward future UKMLA AKT limits, although the final cap has not yet been publicly fixed.

Once you pass PLAB 1, you must pass PLAB 2 within 2 years, or you may be required to re-enter via MLA-based assessments.

What Has Changed After MLA Alignment?

Since August 2024:

• PLAB 1 follows the MLA Content Map
• Questions are more:
  • Clinically applied
  • Ethics-driven
  • Safety-focused at FY2 level
• Expect topics such as:
  • Capacity & consent
  • Health promotion
  • Palliative care
  • Transgender health

Old PLAB resources from 2019–2020 are no longer sufficient.

Key Mistakes IMGs Must Avoid in 2025–2026

• Booking coaching or travel before confirming GMC eligibility
• Assuming internship formats are automatically accepted
• Using outdated, non-MLA-aligned question banks
• Poor timing that clashes with UKFPO, GMC, or visa deadlines

Final Advice for IMGs

PLAB 1 in 2025–2026 is possible to attain—provided there is early verification and planning and alignment to MLA. If you’re looking for the best course available, StudyPLAB offers you some of the best PLAB 1 online course in the industry. With expert-led coaching and comprehensive study materials, we’ll help you become fully exam-ready. You can even check out our high-quality study materials, curated by a team of expert mentors, for free on the StudyMEDIC LMS 3.0 before enrolling in the course.