PLAB 1 Exam Dates 2026: Official Schedule & Seat Release Tracker
The General Medical Council (GMC) has confirmed the official exam dates for the 2026 PLAB 1 / UKMLA AKT cycle. Competition for seats is at an all-time high, with international centers (India, Pakistan, Nigeria) often filling up within minutes of release.
This guide tracks the live status of seat releases, confirmed dates, and essential booking strategies to ensure you secure your spot.
📅 Confirmed PLAB 1 Exam Dates (2026)
The following dates have been officially confirmed by the GMC.
| Exam Sitting | Exam Date | Results Released By | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2026 | 12 February 2026 | 26 March 2026 | Confirmed |
| May 2026 | 21 May 2026 | 02 July 2026 | Confirmed |
| August 2026 | Expected mid-August | TBA | Pending |
| November 2026 | Expected mid-November | TBA | Pending |
⚠️ Critical Note: International seats (especially in India, Pakistan, and Nigeria) are released in "batches" throughout the year. Even if a date shows "Full," new seats are often added 3-4 months prior.
🔔 When Will More August-November Seats Be Released?
The GMC does not publish a fixed "Release Calendar," but based on historical trends, here is when you should be checking your GMC Online account:
March 2026: Expected release for late 2026 seats (August/November sittings).
UK Seats: Often available 10-12 months in advance.
International Seats: Released quarterly. Watch for announcements on the GMC Facebook Page at 10:00 AM GMT.
💰 PLAB 1 Fees & Cancellation Policy (2026)
Before you book, ensure you have the funds ready. The GMC fees often increase slightly each April.
PLAB 1 Exam Fee: ~£268 (Subject to April 2026 update).
Cancellation Policy:
> 42 Days Before Exam: You can cancel for a refund (minus a small admin fee).
< 42 Days Before Exam: No refund is given unless there are exceptional circumstances.
📝 Eligibility Checklist: Before You Book
You cannot view seats until you meet these three criteria:
GMC Online Account: Created and verified.
English Language Evidence: Valid IELTS (7.5 overall) or OET (Grade B) uploaded and approved by the GMC.
Primary Medical Qualification: Verified (or in the process of verification via EPIC).
Pro Tip: Don't wait for a seat release to verify your English scores. Verification can take 2-5 days, and by then, the seats will be gone.
🚀 How to Prepare for the 2026 Syllabus (MLA Content Map)
The 2026 exams are fully aligned with the MLA Content Map, which replaced the old PLAB Blueprint.
Don't rely on old "Recalls": The question style has shifted to test clinical reasoning over rote memorization.
Use an Updated Question Bank: Ensure your revision material covers the new "Areas of Clinical Practice" (AoCP).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Category 1: Eligibility & Requirements
Am I eligible for the PLAB 1 exam in 2026?
You must have a primary medical qualification accepted by the GMC, a valid GMC Online account, and meet the English language requirements (IELTS/OET).
Is my IELTS certificate still valid for PLAB 1?
Your IELTS or OET certificate is valid for two years from the test date. It must be valid on the day you book the exam and the day your application is approved.
Can I use OET instead of IELTS for PLAB?
Yes. The GMC accepts OET (Medicine) with a minimum Grade B in all four specific skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
Do I need 12 months of internship to sit PLAB 1?
No. You can sit PLAB 1 immediately after graduating. However, you will need 12 months of clinical experience (internship) before you can get full GMC registration later.
Does my medical school need to be in the World Directory?
Yes. Your qualification must be from a university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and meet GMC criteria.
Category 2: Booking & Exam Dates
What time are PLAB 1 seats released?
The GMC usually releases seats around 09:30 – 10:00 AM (UK Time). It is recommended to log in by 09:00 AM and refresh the page periodically.
Why can't I see any available seats in my GMC account?
If you see "No seats available," it means the current batch is fully booked. International centres (India, Pakistan, Nigeria) often fill up within minutes. You must wait for the next batch release.
Can I book a PLAB seat in a different country?
Yes. You can take the exam in any available GMC centre (e.g., Dubai, UK, Cairo), regardless of your nationality, provided you can secure a visa to travel there.
How much does the PLAB 1 exam cost in 2026?
The fee is approximately £268 (subject to annual adjustment in April 2026). Check the GMC fees page for the exact amount before booking.
What is the cancellation policy for PLAB 1?
If you cancel more than 42 days before the exam, you get a refund minus a cancellation fee (~£27). If you cancel less than 42 days before, you get no refund unless there are exceptional circumstances (e.g., visa refusal, illness).
Can I swap my PLAB 1 date with another candidate?
No. The GMC does not allow seat swapping. If you cancel, your seat goes back into the public pool.
Category 3: PLAB vs. UKMLA (2026 Changes)
Is PLAB 1 changing to UKMLA in 2026?
For International Medical Graduates (IMGs), the exam is still called PLAB. However, the content is now fully based on the MLA Content Map which focuses more on clinical management than basic sciences. You can read our detailed breakdown of the differences between PLAB and UKMLA here.
What is the MLA Content Map?
It is the new syllabus that replaces the old PLAB Blueprint. It outlines the specific "Areas of Clinical Practice" you will be tested on. You can download the 2026 MLA Content Map PDF here for free.
Is the 2026 exam harder due to the MLA update?
The difficulty standard remains the same (Level of an F2 doctor). However, questions are now more clinically focused on "Apply Knowledge" rather than just recalling facts.
Do UK graduates take the same exam?
Yes. UK medical students now take the UKMLA AKT, which has the same content map and standard as the PLAB 1 exam.
Category 4: PLAB Exam Format & Scoring
How many questions are in the PLAB 1 exam 2026?
The exam consists of 180 Single Best Answer (SBA) multiple-choice questions.
How long is the PLAB 1 exam?
The exam lasts for 3 hours. This gives you exactly 1 minute per question.
What is the passing score for PLAB 1?
The pass mark varies using the Angoff method (typically 116-126). To understand exactly how the scoring works and what the pass rates are, read our Complete PLAB Exam Guide.
Is there negative marking in PLAB 1?
No. You do not lose marks for wrong answers. You should attempt every question.
Is PLAB 1 a computer-based exam in 2026?
In the UK, it is often computer-based. In many international centers, it is still a paper-based exam using an OMR sheet. Check your booking confirmation for details.
Category 5: Results & After The Exam
When will PLAB 1 results be released?
Results are typically released 6 weeks after the exam date. You will receive an email when they are available in your GMC account.
How many times can I attempt PLAB 1?
You have a maximum of 4 attempts. If you fail the 4th time, you need to demonstrate 12 months of additional clinical learning to get one final attempt.
How long is my PLAB 1 pass valid for?
You must pass PLAB 2 within 3 years of passing PLAB 1.
Can I request a remark of my exam?
Yes, but marks rarely change because they are electronically scanned. There is a fee for this service.
Category 6: Preparation
Is 3 months enough to prepare for PLAB 1?
Yes. Most candidates find 3-4 months sufficient if they study consistently. If you are starting from scratch, we recommend following our structured 3-Month PLAB Study Plan or our 6-Month Roadmap if you have more time.
Which question bank is best for the 2026 MLA pattern?
You should use a provider that has specifically updated their questions to the MLA Content Map, rather than relying on old recalls. Our UKMLA & PLAB 1 Question Bank is fully aligned with the 2026 specifications and includes an AI Personal Tutor.
Do I need to memorise NICE Guidelines?
You do not need to memorise them word-for-word, but you must apply the current first-line investigations and management steps as per NICE CKS (Clinical Knowledge Summaries).
Are repeats common in PLAB 1?
The GMC constantly writes new questions. While themes repeat (e.g., Asthma management), exact questions appear less frequently now. Relying only on "Recalls" is a high-risk strategy.
What items can I bring to the exam hall?
You should bring your passport, booking confirmation, and stationery (pencils/erasers). Calculators are usually not allowed; basic values are provided if needed.
Do I need a visa to sit the PLAB 1 in the UK?
Yes. If you are a non-UK national, you will typically need a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the UK for the exam.
Can I work in the UK after passing PLAB 1?
No. Passing PLAB 1 does not grant registration. You must pass PLAB 2 and then apply for GMC registration before you can work as a doctor.
