The National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) has released the results of the National Registration Examination (NRE), with just over 20% of foreign medical and dental graduates passing the test.
The exam, conducted on December 14 across Pakistan, was in line with the policy set by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
A total of 7,076 candidates registered for the exam, including 6,993 medical and 83 dental graduates. Of these, 7,012 candidates appeared for the exam, while 64 were absent.
Out of the 7,012 candidates who appeared, 1,473 passed the exam. This includes 1,467 medical graduates and six dental graduates. The medical pass rate was 21.17%, while the dental pass rate stood at 7.23%.
According to PMDC regulations, two NRE examinations are held each year for foreign medical graduates (FMGs).
The previous NRE, held on June 25, saw 5,035 candidates register, including 4,994 medical and 41 dental graduates.
All 4,994 medical graduates appeared for the exam, while 41 were absent. In this examination, 1,252 candidates passed, all from the medical category, yielding a medical pass rate of 25.26%.
The results for both examinations have been uploaded to the PMDC website, where candidates can check their pass or fail status using their designated numbers.
The dates for the NRE Step-II clinical examination will be announced soon. Candidates who pass both steps of the examination will receive provisional registration certificates from the PMDC. This will allow them to undertake house jobs, either in Pakistan or abroad.
The PMDC emphasized that the results were compiled strictly following its standard policies and merit, consistent with international practices. The council also urged parents and students to only seek admission to recognized, high-quality medical and dental institutions abroad.
The PMDC warned that enrolling in unrecognized or low-standard institutions could jeopardize a student’s professional future and waste valuable financial resources and time. A spokesperson for the PMDC stressed that making informed educational choices was crucial to preserving the integrity of the medical profession and ensuring the success of aspiring healthcare professionals.