If you’re stepping into the UK medical pathway, PLAB 1 Exam Dates 2026 are probably the biggest thing on your mind right now and trust me, you’re not alone. Every year tens of thousands of IMGs race to secure their PLAB 1 seats, and the competition is getting tighter than ever.
Between juggling English exams, internship documents, GMC verification, study preparation and then hunting for a seat before it sells out, things can get overwhelming really fast.
This blog is designed to cut through the chaos.
You’ll find everything you need in one place, from exam dates and deadlines to booking instructions and preparation timelines.
PLAB 1 Exam Dates 2026 (Expected Timeline)
The GMC typically conducts PLAB 1 four times per year. While the official PLAB 1 Exam Dates 2026 are yet to be released, the exam almost always follows a predictable pattern.
Expected PLAB 1 2026 Exam Months
| Expected Month | Likelihood | Notes |
| March 2026 | Very High | First exam cycle of the year |
| June 2026 | Very High | High-demand international sitting |
| September 2026 | Very High | Peak season for bookings |
| November 2026 | Very High | Final cycle of the year |
These months are based on repeat annual scheduling patterns.
PLAB 1 Registration Deadlines 2026
While GMC hasn’t issued 2026 deadlines yet, historically:
Registration closes around 6–8 weeks before the exam date.
Typical Registration Window Pattern
| Exam Month | Expected Registration Opening | Expected Registration Deadline |
| March 2026 | November–December 2025 | January 2026 |
| June 2026 | February 2026 | April 2026 |
| September 2026 | May 2026 | July 2026 |
| November 2026 | July–August 2026 | September 2026 |
Important: Seats often fill within minutes of opening, especially in India, UAE, Nigeria, and Pakistan.
Should You Book Early? Yes, Here’s Why
Booking early gives you:
- A higher chance of getting your preferred center
- More time to plan travel (for international centers)
- Less stress preparing for the exam
Recommended booking strategy:
Book as soon as dates appear on your GMC dashboard.
The fastest bookings occur during June & September cycles.
Eligibility Requirements for PLAB 1 (2026 Edition)
Before you can book PLAB 1, you must meet GMC’s eligibility conditions.
Eligibility Checklist
| Requirement | Description |
| Primary medical qualification | Must be from a GMC-accepted school |
| 12-month internship | Verified experience required |
| English Test (IELTS/OET) | Valid scores before booking |
| GMC Account | Fully verified profile |
| Identity Documents | Passport, degree, internship certificate |
PLAB 1 Test Centers for 2026
GMC typically offers PLAB 1 in both the UK and various international centers.
UK Test Centers
- Belfast
- Birmingham
- Cardiff
- Edinburgh
- London
- Manchester
- Oxford
- Sheffield
International Test Centers (Expected)
| Country | Likely Cities |
| India | Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi |
| Pakistan | Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore |
| UAE | Dubai, Abu Dhabi |
| Nigeria | Lagos, Abuja |
| Bangladesh | Dhaka |
| Egypt | Cairo |
| Saudi Arabia | Riyadh, Jeddah |
Step-by-Step PLAB 1 Booking Process
Here’s exactly how the booking system works:
Step 1: Create & Verify Your GMC Online Account
Upload required documents and wait for confirmation.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Once approved, the “book PLAB” option becomes visible.
Step 3: View Available PLAB 1 Dates
You’ll see available seats based on your:
- Country
- Exam center
- Exam month
If nothing appears, it means:
- Seats aren’t released yet OR
- Seats are full
Step 4: Select Exam Center & Pay Fees
| Item | Expected Cost 2026 |
| PLAB 1 Exam Fee | ~£255 |
Payment must be completed immediately to lock your seat.
Step 5: Receive Confirmation Email
You’ll receive:
- Confirmation
- Center details
- Exam instructions
Save it, it’s required for entry.
Common Booking Problems (and Quick Fixes)
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
| Seats not showing | High demand | Try another center or refresh |
| Payment error | International card blocked | Use a different card |
| Dashboard glitch | Browser cache | Switch to incognito |
| No available centers | Fully booked | Wait for cancellations |
PLAB 1 Fees for 2026
GMC typically updates fees annually.
| Fee Type | Amount |
| PLAB 1 Exam Fee | ~£255 |
| Rescheduling Fee | Varies |
| Cancellation Refund | Possible if early |
How to Prepare for PLAB 1 in 2026
Your preparation strategy should depend on your experience and timeline.
Recommended Study Resources
- PLABable
- PLAB Keys
- PLAB Past Papers
- Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine
- NHS Guidelines
Ideal Study Plans
| Timeline | Best For | Strategy |
| 6 Months | Starters | Slow-paced, daily prep |
| 3 Months | Moderate experience | Mixed revision + practice MCQs |
| 1 Month | Repeaters | Only intensive revision |
Start your PLAB Preparation with Academically’s PLAB Preparation Course. You will get live and recorded lectures, AI-based mock tests, personalised guidance and so much more.
What to Expect on Exam Day
| Component | Details |
| Exam Format | MCQs (Single Best Answer) |
| Questions | 180 |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Allowed Items | Passport + confirmation email |
| Not Allowed | Phones, bags, books |
After PLAB 1 - Next Steps
Once results are out (typically 4–6 weeks):
- If you pass → Start preparing for PLAB 2
- If you fail → You can retake the exam
- Your GMC dashboard will guide you through your next steps
Final Thoughts
Preparing for PLAB 1 Exam Dates 2026 is a journey but with early planning, smart booking, and consistent preparation, you’ll position yourself for success. Whether you’re aiming for a UK center or an international location, staying ahead of the deadlines will save you stress and give you the best chance to secure your preferred slot.
You’ve got this and when you’re ready, the UK medical pathway will be waiting for you.
If you have any questions or queries you can reach out to the experts at Academcally.
