ISLAMABAD: The National Registration Examination (NRE) for foreign medical and dental graduates will be conducted across major regional centers in Pakistan on Sunday, 14th December 2025, officials confirmed.
Organized by the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, and supervised by the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC), the examination is a mandatory step for foreign-qualified graduates seeking medical and dental licensure in Pakistan.
Candidates and examination centers
A total of 7,076 candidates have registered for the NRE, including 6,989 medical graduates and 87 dental graduates. The examination will be held at four major centers nationwide:
- Islamabad/Rawalpindi: 2,358 medical and 43 dental candidates
- Karachi: 499 medical and 4 dental candidates
- Lahore: 3,562 medical and 30 dental candidates
- Peshawar: 570 medical and 10 dental candidates
All candidates are required to report to their respective centers by 10:00 a.m., with the examination starting at 12:00 p.m. Candidates violating the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) may be barred from participation.
Importance of the NRE
According to PMDC policy, foreign medical and dental graduates cannot obtain provisional or permanent registration or practice independently until they successfully clear the NRE. The council emphasizes that the examination is internationally aligned, standardized, and transparent, designed to assess the professional competence of returning graduates.
Guidance for parents and students
PM&DC has strongly advised parents and students intending to pursue medical or dental education abroad to:
- Ensure enrollment only in recognized, accredited, and PM&DC-approved institutions
- Avoid substandard or unrecognized colleges, which could jeopardize professional licensure
- Recognize that choosing low-quality institutions risks financial loss, wasted time, and compromised professional future
Successful candidates
Those who clear both steps of the NRE will receive registration certificates in accordance with relevant legal provisions, enabling them to practice safely and legally in Pakistan.
PMDC assurance
The council reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the medical and dental professions by ensuring only qualified, competent graduates are registered to practice, safeguarding public health and professional standards.
