Only 20% of Foreign Medical and Dental Graduates Clear National Registration Exam in Pakistan

Introduction: Shocking Results of NRE 2025

The National Registration Examination (NRE) results released by the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) have raised serious concerns among students, parents, and the medical community. According to official data, only around 20% of foreign medical and dental graduates passed the NRE, which is mandatory for professional registration in Pakistan.

This low success rate highlights the growing challenges faced by Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) and Foreign Dental Graduates (FDGs) who wish to practice medicine or dentistry in Pakistan. The results also underline the importance of choosing recognized and high-quality medical institutions abroad.

What Is the National Registration Examination (NRE)?

The National Registration Examination (NRE) is a licensing exam required by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) for graduates who have completed their MBBS or BDS degrees from foreign institutions.

Purpose of the NRE

The NRE ensures that:

• Foreign-trained doctors meet Pakistani medical standards
• Patient safety and healthcare quality are maintained
• Medical practice aligns with international benchmarks

The exam is conducted in two steps:

• NRE Step-I (Written Examination)
• NRE Step-II (Clinical Examination)

Only candidates who pass both steps are eligible for PMDC provisional registration.

NRE December 2025 Exam: Key Statistics

The most recent NRE was conducted on December 14, 2025, across multiple centers in Pakistan under PMDC policy.

Total Registrations

• Total registered candidates: 7,076
• Medical graduates: 6,993
• Dental graduates: 83

Candidates Who Appeared

• Total appeared: 7,012
• Absent candidates: 64

Pass Results

• Total passed: 1,473
• Medical graduates passed: 1,467
• Dental graduates passed: 6

Pass Percentage

• Medical pass rate: 21.17%
• Dental pass rate: 7.23%

These numbers clearly show that more than 78% of candidates failed, making this one of the toughest NRE outcomes in recent years.

Why Is the NRE Pass Rate So Low?

The low success rate in the National Registration Exam Pakistan is not accidental. Several factors contribute to these results.

1. Low Quality of Some Foreign Medical Colleges

Many Pakistani students enroll in unrecognized or low-standard institutions abroad, especially due to:

• Lower tuition fees
• Easier admission processes
• Limited seats in Pakistan

However, such institutions often lack:

• Proper clinical exposure
• Updated curricula
• International accreditation

2. Weak Clinical Training

The NRE heavily tests:

• Clinical reasoning
• Diagnostic skills
• Evidence-based medicine

Graduates with poor hospital exposure struggle to meet these requirements.

3. Exam Pattern Difference

Foreign universities may follow:

• Different teaching styles
• Outdated syllabi
• Non-MCQ based assessments

This makes adapting to the NRE exam pattern difficult for many candidates.

4. Limited Preparation and Guidance

Many FMGs:

• Do not enroll in proper NRE preparation courses
• Rely on outdated study materials
• Underestimate exam difficulty

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Comparison With Previous NRE (June 2025)

The PMDC also shared data from the June 25, 2025 NRE.

June 2025 Results

• Registered candidates: 5,035
• Appeared (medical): 4,994
• Passed: 1,252
• Medical pass rate: 25.26%

Although slightly better than December results, the pass rate still remained below 30%, confirming a consistent trend of low success.

Impact on Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs)

Failing the NRE has serious consequences for FMGs:

Career Delays

• Unable to start house job
• Delayed specialization and training
• Loss of valuable time

Financial Loss

• High tuition fees abroad
• Exam fees and travel costs
• Coaching and preparation expenses

Mental Stress

• Anxiety and depression
• Family pressure
• Uncertainty about future

What Happens After Passing the NRE?

Candidates who successfully pass both Step-I and Step-II receive:

• PMDC Provisional Registration Certificate
• Permission to start house job
• Eligibility to practice in Pakistan or abroad

The NRE Step-II clinical exam dates will be announced soon by PMDC.

PMDC’s Official Statement and Warning

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) emphasized that:

• Results were prepared strictly on merit
• International standards were followed
• No compromise was made on quality

PMDC Advisory for Students and Parents

PMDC strongly urged:

• Verify college recognition status
• Avoid low-quality institutions
• Check PMDC and WHO listings before admission

The council warned that choosing the wrong institution can:

• Destroy a medical career
• Waste years of effort
• Result in repeated exam failures

Importance of Choosing Recognized Medical Colleges Abroad

Before applying abroad, students should check:

• PMDC recognized colleges list
• World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)
• Clinical training quality
• Country-specific licensing rules

Popular destinations like China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe require extra verification due to variable standards.

How Can FMGs Improve Their NRE Success Rate?

1. Start Early Preparation

Begin preparation at least 6–8 months before the exam.

2. Follow PMDC Syllabus

Study according to:

• PMDC guidelines
• NRE blueprint
• Updated medical protocols

3. Focus on Clinical Concepts

• Case-based questions
• Diagnostics
• Management guidelines

4. Join NRE Coaching Programs

Professional guidance can:

• Improve MCQ solving
• Clarify exam strategy
• Boost confidence

What This Means for Pakistan’s Healthcare System

While the low pass rate is concerning, it also:

• Maintains healthcare quality
• Protects patient safety
• Encourages better education standards

However, authorities must also:

• Improve awareness
• Provide clear guidance
• Support deserving students

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Medical Aspirants

The 20% NRE pass rate is a strong reminder that medical education is not just about earning a degree, but about competence, training, and responsibility.

Students planning to study medicine abroad must:

• Research carefully
• Choose recognized institutions
• Prepare seriously for NRE

Only informed decisions can ensure a successful medical career in Pakistan

FAQs – National Registration Exam Pakistan