Latest update: PLAB 2 is held year-round at two GMC Clinical Assessment Centres in Manchester, UK. You must book separately after passing PLAB 1.
An exam fee for the General Medical Council (GMC), the PLAB tests of 2025 are:
PLAB 1: £273 (INR 30,800)
PLAB 2: £998 (INR 1,12,900)
These fees will become non-refundable past the booking deadline, and they have to be paid in GBP via the GMC online portal. As the total price of the examination is over INR 1.43 lakhs, and on top is the money that needs to be spent on traveling, staying there, and the visa to the UK, where the PLAB-2 exam has to be taken, the majority of the Indian candidates will spend more than INR 2.5 lakhs overall.
In this guide, you should expect to learn what official fee breakdowns look like, payment tips, refund regulations, and the overall cost of taking the PLAB in 2025 as a first-time test taker or test taker getting ready to book their test.
What are the PLAB Exam Fees in 2025?
One of the first questions you are likely to ask when you intend to sit the PLAB exam in 2025 is how expensive it can be. The PLAB exam is further divided into two, PLAB 1 and PLAB 2, which have different fee structures with the General Medical Council (GMC), UK, updating it annually.
The most recent fees are given below, by component, according to authoritative sources, with approximate equivalents in Indian Rupees (INR).
How much is the PLAB 1 exam fee?
PLAB 1 is the written, multiple-choice component conducted across various countries. Here's what you’ll need to budget for in 2025:
Official Fee: £273 (effective from 1 April 2025)
INR Equivalent: INR 30,800 approx. (based on £1 ≈ INR 113; subject to change)
What changed: Increased from £268 in 2024
How much does PLAB 2 cost?
PLAB 2 is a practical, in-person assessment held only in Manchester, UK. Here's what to expect:
Official Fee: £998 (from 1 April 2025)
INR Equivalent: INR 1,12,900 approx.
What changed: Increased from £981 in 2024
Location: Only at GMC’s Clinical Assessment Centre in Manchester
What other costs are involved apart from PLAB fees?
When it comes to exam fees, it is not the only thing one should prepare for to take the PLAB exam. Most applicants fail to appreciate the actual financial implications of reaching the UK and successfully passing both tests, particularly PLAB 2, since it requires movement and presence at the physical facility in Manchester.
Okay, so first we can break down the added expenses that you should take into account: preparation, travel, accommodation, and living costs.
How much does PLAB preparation cost?
When you are looking to have a serious preparation towards PLAB, resource budgeting is vital. The majority of the candidates choose both coaching and books, along with question banks and mock test sites.
Below is the outline of popular prep costs:
Estimated PLAB Preparation Costs (2025):
Expense Type
Cost (Approx.)
Online Coaching
INR 15,000 – INR 30,000
Offline Coaching
INR 35,000 – INR 60,000 (Delhi, Hyderabad, etc.)
Books & Study Materials
INR 2,000 – INR 5,000
Online Question Banks
£20–£40/month (~ INR 2,200 – INR 4,500)
Mock Tests
INR 1,000 – INR 5,000 per test
OSCE Simulations (PLAB 2 Prep)
INR 20,000 – INR 40,000 (India or UK-based training)
What are the travel and accommodation costs for PLAB 2?
The PLAB 2 is administered only in Manchester, UK, making it take an essential travel and stay cost. Here is all the breakdown of visas and health insurance:
Estimated Travel & Living Costs for PLAB 2 (2025):
Paying for the PLAB exam is a simple process, but many candidates still have doubts about the steps, methods, and what to do if something goes wrong. Here’s a clear explanation to help you navigate it confidently.
Can I pay the PLAB fees from India or my home country?
Yes, absolutely. You need not be present in the UK to pay PLAB exam fees. When you have registered an account on the GMC website, you can:
Book and pay your booking fees, and pay your PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 in your GMC account
What is the refund or cancellation policy for PLAB?
Provided your plans might change or you cannot come to take the exam, it is necessary to realise that GMC cancellation and refund policies should be considered. This segment crystallises it out in a way you understand how to expect.
Can I cancel or reschedule my PLAB exam?
It is possible to cancel your PLAB exam or reschedule it easily on your GMC online account.
Here is what you need to know:
To refund yourself, you have to cancel or reschedule 42 calendar days before the date of the exam.
It is possible to reschedule, should it be available at other centres or dates, using the GMC portal.
Closer bookings to cancellation (42 days or less) indicate that you are not likely to get back your deposited amount in case there is no special reason (such as a medical emergency) that may need to be substantiated with documents.
How much refund do I get if I cancel PLAB?
Below is how the refund structure typically works, according to GMC:
Cancellation Timeframe
Refund Eligibility
42+ days before the exam
Full refund
Less than 42 days before the exam
No refund (unless exceptional circumstances apply)
No-show or missed exam
No refund
Medical/personal emergencies
May be eligible for a refund with supporting documentation
Are there any fee waivers or financial support options for PLAB?
The actual cost and expenses of the entire PLAB may be too high to take down the impact on the candidates who make applications in low-income and middle-income nations. Although as of today, there is no official GMC fee waiver, there are some things that can still be said.
Does GMC offer financial help to candidates?
To date, GMC does not provide fee exemptions or financial support to take PLAB 1 or PLAB 2 directly.
The complete examination fees need to be personally financed through your account on the GMC site.
No concession rates or slots on discount that are listed on the GMC website.
Previously, GMC has run some limited assistance schemes supporting doctors in conflict zones or with refugee status; however, such schemes are unusual and not regular PLAB provisions.
Can I get a scholarship or reimbursement for PLAB?
Although GMC does not offer any financial assistance, these are some of the options other international candidates have used to their advantage:
Scholarships via local government or non-governmental organisation: In some countries, such as India, Nigeria, and Pakistan, some health-related non-governmental organizations, some state medical boards, or some state-owned enterprises, sometimes provide a scholarship or interest-free loan scheme to cover study abroad qualifications like PLAB.
Prospective employers in the UK: A few NHS Trusts or recruitment agencies recoup your money on fees to take the PLAB 2 once you join them as a junior doctor. This is commonly in relocation assistance, or it depends on your employment agreement.
For Example, some IMG physicians recruited with the help of the international recruitment program have shared their experiences in which they were partially refunded the pass fee of the PLAB 2 exam or IELTS/OET test, or visa payment upon joining the Trust.
How can I reduce the overall cost of taking the PLAB exam?
When you budget on the cost of PLAB, you should understand the truth of the matter; you can considerably reduce expenditures without the risk of a poor preparation effect. The trick to it is in smart planning, application of adequate resources, and the prevention of unnecessary spending.
Can I save money by planning PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 efficiently?
Yes, you can either save money with the timing of your bookings, or a hole in your wallet.
Book the PLAB 2 test as soon as one has passed the PLAB 1. Delays are expensive:
Trips to the UK increase their price as they go on.
Last-minute stays in Manchester could be more difficult (and more expensive).
Avoid flights and Hotel booking at peak season. Depart during the lower traveling period when the airfare and accommodation are low.
Look out for the release dates of the slots on the GMC site in case you can grab an early slot and make a corresponding plan.
Are there low-cost options for PLAB preparation?
Absolutely. It will not take you tens of thousands of dollars in coaching to pass PLAB.
These are the inexpensive/free PLAB preparation resources that many who passed the practice:
GMC sample questions and blueprint of the PLAB 1 and PLAB 2: PLAB 1 Blueprint & Sample Questions and Overview of PLAB 2
YouTube: There are dozens of tutorials posted by tutors on how to do PLAB free, most often on common situations in the PLAB 2.
Cheaper Qbanks (which are usually free or have a £20 (INR 2200) per month subscription price), such as PLABable, may exist.
Conclusion
The PLAB test is a major step to practicing medicine in the UK, but it subjects an applicant to financial obligations that are beyond the cost of sitting the examination. The price of the PLAB varies between INR 1.5 and INR 3.5 lakhs or more, including the cost of application, a coach, trip, and accommodation, depending on the options you take.
The thing is, you do not need to overspend. You can save yourself a lot of money with proper planning, the appropriate prep gear, and making the correct choices early. Remember:
Book the exams ahead to reduce the travelling and visa expenses.
Before being coached, use free resources.
Research possible employer or local grant reimbursement (where possible).
Never be left out of further updates through the official GMC website.
It is as important to have financial planning as it is to prepare for an exam. Be aware of your expenses, prepare a budget plan, and proceed with confidence towards your UK medical career.
If you are still unsure, you can book a free counseling session with upGrad and seek professional guidance! We’d be happy to help you figure this out.
FAQs
Is PLAB easier than the USMLE or AMC exams?
PLAB is usually looked upon as easier than USMLE or AMC, particularly for doctors having been trained in India or other Commonwealth countries. It is not focused on profound theoretical knowledge but on clinical knowledge. With that said, easier is relative- still requires serious prep. Before making a decision, you must know the type of exam.
Do I need an OET or IELTS score for PLAB?
Yes. Even to book PLAB 1, you will have to demonstrate your mastery of English. GMC considers IELTS (7.5 all round) or OET (B in all modules). With this, you will not be able to initiate the PLAB process. Therefore, approach your English test in an earnest manner-don't take it as a formality.
How long is the entire PLAB process from start to finish?
IELTS/OET to PLAB 1- PLAB 2- registration with GMC- normally 1-1.5 years, assuming you organize things well. Such delay most often occurs between PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 due to availability. Good planning enables fast-trackers to achieve it within less than a year.
Can I practice in the UK right after clearing PLAB?
Not immediately, but you are required to apply to the GMC to be registered with a license to practice, after passing the PLAB 2; this process takes documentation, background checks, and a potential clinical attachment. It is only then that you can go ahead and apply for NHS jobs.
How many times can I attempt PLAB?
There are four attempts at PLAB 1. Otherwise, you will have to demonstrate some additional clinical experience or additional studying, in case you do not pass after four attempts. In the second part, PLAB 2, you have four opportunities in two years after passing the first part, PLAB
Can I take PLAB 1 in India?
Yes, that is good news. The PLAB 1 is based in the large cities of India in Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai. Places go quickly, though, and therefore you must book in advance using your GMC account. PLAB 2 is, however, any test that only takes place in Manchester, in the UK.
Is there an age limit to appear for PLAB?
No, there is no age requirement to take PLAB. You will, however, need to have a primary medical qualification acceptable to the GMC. You should also be prepared to clarify any major gaps in practice and training in the process of registering.
Can I work part-time in the UK after PLAB?
Yes, as having GMC registration under your belt, you will be able to gain a part-time or full-time position. Non-training service jobs include experiences in the NHS of many IMGs (international medical graduates). Depending on the type of contract and visa, you will work accordingly.
What happens if I miss my PLAB exam date?
In case you miss your PLAB exam without formally giving it up or rescheduling on time, you will forfeit the full amount of the exam. Strict measures are taken with no-shows. It is important to review email and the GMC portal regularly to know what is new or has been changed last minute.
Is clinical experience mandatory before PLAB?
At GMC, there is no requirement for post-MBBS experience to make an appearance at PLAB. However, clinical exposure is very useful and useful in the case of PLAB 2. It would also make your GMC and job applications stronger. And yes, that is strongly suggested.
Can I bring dependents with me for PLAB 2?
Yes, but it is expensive. In case you are a visitor on a visitor visa strictly to take the exam, family in it means applying for several visas, longer stay accommodation, and additional travel. The majority come with no company, a strategy they apply to ensure that money is saved.
Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT,...
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