PMDC Announces National Registration Exam Step-II Dates, Offers Amnesty for Repeat Candidates

PMDC Announces National Registration Exam Step-II Dates, Offers Amnesty for Repeat Candidates

In a significant move for foreign medical graduates, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has officially announced the schedule for the National Registration Examination (NRE) Step-II . The council released a public notice on December 30, 2025, outlining a two-weekend examination window and introducing a critical one-time amnesty for certain candidates. You can also view MBBS Integrated Modular Curricula - MBBS 2K23 & BDS Integrated Curriculum 2K25 Version 2.0 .

Key Dates and Examination Schedule

According to Official Notification No. Exam-97/2025/273, the NRE Step-II will be conducted across two distinct weekends:

• First Session: Saturday, 24th, and Sunday, 25th January 2026.

• Second Session: Saturday, 31st January, and Sunday, 1st February 2026.

This phased approach allows for logistical management and potentially accommodates a larger number of aspiring medical and dental professionals seeking licensure in Pakistan.

Crucial Registration Window Opens Soon

A pivotal component of the announcement is the activation of the Online Registration Portal. The portal will be live for a strict period of 11 days , from 2nd January 2026 to 12th January 2026 . The PMDC has emphasized that candidates must complete their registration within this timeframe through the official council website, www.pmdc.pk .

Prospective examinees are advised to prepare their necessary documentation in advance to ensure a smooth registration process ahead of the deadline.

One-Time Amnesty: A Lifeline for Repeat Examinees

In a decision that has brought relief to many, the PMDC notice highlights a crucial amnesty provision. As per a council decision dated 24th July 2025, candidates who have exhausted their three previous attempts under the former 70% passing requirement will be granted a single additional attempt .

This "one-time amnesty" is a strategic move by the PMDC to provide a final opportunity to qualified individuals who have repeatedly demonstrated commitment but fell short under the previous standard. It underscores the council's intent to balance regulatory rigor with fairness, ensuring no eligible candidate is permanently barred without a final chance.

Accessing Exam Standards and Syllabus

The PMDC has reaffirmed that the complete details regarding the NRE’s Standards, Structure, and Syllabus remain available for download and review on its official website. Candidates, especially those availing the amnesty attempt, are strongly encouraged to consult these resources for comprehensive preparation.

Strategic Importance of the NRE Step-II

The National Registration Examination is a mandatory gateway for foreign medical and dental graduates aiming to practice in Pakistan. Successfully clearing NRE Step-II is essential for obtaining provisional registration with the PMDC, a prerequisite for entering the national healthcare system. This examination ensures that all practicing doctors in the country meet the uniform standards of medical knowledge and competency mandated by the national regulatory body.

Final Advisory and Official Channel

The PMDC notice concludes by urging all concerned candidates and institutions to regularly monitor www.pmdc.pk for any updates, clarifications, or additional instructions regarding the examination process.

The distribution list for the notice includes key administrative bodies such as the Registrar and Controller of Examinations at the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi , as well as relevant heads of departments within the PMDC, ensuring widespread institutional awareness.