The Ultimate PLAB 1 & UKMLA Smart Notes (2026)

Why rely on static notes? Access the only Live Updated note library strictly mapped to the MLA Content Map. Integrated with 5,400+ questions and MedRevisions Tutor support.

Why We Don't "Over-Filter" Topics

Many platforms filter questions into tiny, isolated subjects like "Palliative Care" or "Geriatrics." We intentionally avoid this.

Why? Because medicine is interconnected. In the real exam (and real life), a geriatric patient might have a respiratory issue and a cardiac condition. Studying these topics in isolation leads to a fragmented understanding and errors during the exam.

Instead, we categorize our material to ensure you study related topics together. This "Integrated Learning" approach builds a stronger clinical framework, preventing you from missing the bigger picture.

The 4 Pillars of Our Notes

1. Highlighted High-Yield Points

Time is your most valuable asset. Our notes emphasise key High-Yield Points and crucial concepts in bold/colour. Whether you are revising 2 days before the exam or studying in-depth, you can instantly see what matters most.

2. Common Confusions & Pitfalls

Examiners love to trick you with similar conditions. This section highlights common sources of confusion (e.g., Ulcerative Colitis vs. Crohn's). We continuously update this based on recent exam difficulty to help you avoid the traps that others fall into.

3. MCQ Tips & Examples

Knowledge is one thing; exam technique is another. Our notes now include dedicated MCQ Tips. We show you exactly what keywords to look for in a vignette and how to rule out distractors to find the correct answer fast.

4. Differential Diagnosis (The "Key Differentiators")

How do you tell the difference between two conditions that look identical? Our new Differential Diagnosis section breaks it down. We emphasise the specific "Key Differentiators" that allow you to distinguish between similar presentations in a high-pressure exam environment.

The New Standard: PLAB & UKMLA Alignment

The PLAB exam and the UKMLA (for UK graduates) are now fully aligned under the GMC MLA Content Map. Both exams are now conducted directly by the GMC UK, meaning the standard is higher and more clinical than ever before.

We Didn't Just Adapt. We Anticipated It.

This transition didn't catch us by surprise. We are veterans in this industry, helping candidates pass since 2019.

But our expertise goes deeper—our team has over a decade of experience analysing exams conducted by the GMC. We closely monitored the GMC's pilot testing phases to understand these changes long before they went live.

Don't Just Take Our Word For It

You can check our verified reviews with results or visit our FREE preparation group to get real-time guidance from fellow doctors and medical students who have walked this path.

MedRevisions Reviews

Constantly Updated for the 2026 MLA Content Map

Since August 2024, the PLAB 1 exam has transitioned to the MLA Content Map. Unlike static books or older question banks, our content is mapped strictly to this new standard.

We continually review guidelines from NICE, SIGN, and the NHS. The moment a guideline changes, your notes are updated. You will never study outdated medicine with MedRevisions.


Try Before You Buy

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🏆 Why MedRevisions is the #1 Choice for 2026

Don't risk your attempt with outdated materials. Join the complete revision ecosystem trusted by over 30,000 doctors since 2019.

🎯 5,400+ MLA-Aligned Questions

Fully updated for the 2026 Content Map, MSCAA, and GMC standards. We don't just add questions; we align them. Check out Free study materials here

"Live" Medical Updates

Static books expire. Our content is continuously synced with the latest UK guidelines (NICE, CKS, Good Medical Practice). You will never study old medicine.

🤖 Powered by AI Professor

Stuck on a tough topic? Ask our AI Personal Tutor to explain concepts, generate mnemonics, or quiz you instantly. [Link: Read more about the AI Professor]

📚 Integrated "Smart" Notes Library

Stop flipping through textbooks. Our comprehensive notes cover every key PLAB 1 & UKMLA topic and are built directly into the answers.

📉 Smart Analytics & Weakness Tracking

Our Study Assistant identifies your weak spots automatically, so you stop wasting time on what you already know.

Study Essential Mode

Short on time? Use our focused mode to prioritise the ~1,800 most essential questions first and secure your passing foundation. Read more about Study Essential Mode

✅ Realistic Exam Simulation

We don't just test your knowledge; we test your stamina. Our mock exams mirror the real PLAB/UKMLA in style, difficulty, and timing.

⭐ Proven Results

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Medrevision enough to pass the exam?

Dr Waqar Mehmood

How did he pass the PLAB exam that was based on the MLA content map

How helpful was MedRevisions for the PLAB 1 exam and how did he use MedRevisions to prepare for the PLAB 1 exam?

“Very helpful. Not only did it boost my knowledge for plab but revolutionised my concepts and knowledge as a medical practitioner. It changed the whole plab game for me. Amazing study resource. Used their notes first and then solved the mcq bank. Highlighted the wrong ones and did them again in the end. Bookmark option is also very helpful and saves a lot of time.”

See more verified reviews with results

See what verified PLAB/UKMLA candidates are saying

Frequently Asked Questions about Our Smart Notes

Access & Format

Q: Can I download these notes as PDFs?

We deliberately do not offer static PDF downloads. Why? Because a PDF is obsolete the moment you download it. NICE and CKS guidelines change weekly. By keeping our notes live on the platform, we ensure you are always studying the 2026 Updated Guidelines, not an old version that could cost you marks.

Q: Can I use the notes on my phone or tablet?

Yes. Our platform is built as a Progressive Web App (PWA). The notes are optimised for mobile reading, meaning you can study high-yield topics during your commute or on ward rounds without needing to pinch-and-zoom on a tiny PDF.

Q: Do I have to buy the Question Bank separately?

No. We believe in an all-in-one price. When you subscribe to MedRevisions, you get full access to the entire Note Library, the Question Bank, and the AI Tutor. We don't hide essential study materials behind paywalls.

Content & Depth

Q: Are these notes enough, or do I still need a textbook?

These notes are designed to be a complete replacement for standard textbooks like the Oxford Handbook. They cover the entire MLA Content Map in depth. Unlike a general textbook, our notes strip away the "fluff" and focus entirely on what is examinable for the UKMLA and PLAB.

Q: Do you cover Basic Sciences (Anatomy/Physiology)?

Yes, but with a clinical focus. We don't just dump anatomy facts; we teach "Clinical Anatomy." For example, we won't just list the nerves of the arm; we will explain the specific nerve injuries associated with a mid-shaft humerus fracture, as this is how the exam tests you.

Q: How do the "Differential Diagnosis" sections work?

These specific sections are unique to MedRevisions. We take two conditions that look almost identical (e.g., Viral vs. Bacterial Meningitis) and place them side-by-side. We then highlight the specific "Clincher" (e.g., the glucose level in CSF) that allows you to pick the right answer instantly.

Q: Are images included?

Yes. Our library includes high-resolution images for Dermatology, Radiology (X-rays, CTs, MRIs), and ECGs. You can zoom in to see the details, which is critical for the "Image-Based Questions" in the real exam.

Study Strategy & Methodology

Q: Why don't you separate topics like "Geriatrics" or "Palliative Care"?

This is a core part of our teaching philosophy. In the UKMLA, a "Geriatric" patient usually presents with a "Cardiology" or "Neurology" problem. By over-filtering, you lose the ability to connect these systems. We organise notes by Clinical Systems (e.g., Cardiology, Respiratory) to help you build a holistic, integrated understanding of medicine—just like a real doctor.

Q: Should I read the notes first or do the questions first?

Our platform supports both styles.

  • The "Read-First" Method: Browse the library by topic (e.g., Cardiology) to build a foundation, then test yourself.

  • The "Active Recall" Method (Recommended): Jump straight into questions. If you get a question wrong, the exact relevant note will appear below the answer. This creates a powerful "Learning Loop."

Q: How does the AI Tutor help with the notes?

The AI is embedded in the library. If a note on Acid-Base Balance feels too complex, you can simply ask the AI: "Summarise this note into 3 bullet points" or "Give me a mnemonic to remember these causes." It turns passive reading into an interactive lesson.

Q: Are these notes useful for PLAB 2 / UKMLA CPSA?

Yes. While they are primarily designed for the written exam (AKT), the management plans are based on current NHS protocols. Mastering these notes gives you the "Script" you need for the management portion of your OSCE stations in PLAB 2.

Revisions & Updates

Q: How do I find the "High-Yield" information quickly?

You don't need to hunt for it. We use specific formatting—Bold Text, Warning Boxes, and highlighted backgrounds—to draw your eye to the facts that have appeared frequently in past exams.

Q: What happens if a guideline changes halfway through my subscription? T

he note updates automatically. You don't need to do anything. We also maintain a "What's New" log so you can see exactly which topics have changed recently (e.g., "Updated Asthma Management Guidelines – Jan 2026").