Every year, thousands of doctors in India dream of practicing medicine in the UK. The journey is filled with ambition, hope, and understandably, a lot of questions. One of the most important and often overwhelming steps on this path is obtaining registration with the General Medical Council (GMC)—the body that licenses and regulates doctors in the United Kingdom.
For Indian medical graduates, GMC registration is more than just a formality; it is the bridge between medical education in India and a future within the National Health Service (NHS). Whether you're a recent MBBS graduate or a practicing junior doctor, understanding this process clearly can make a world of difference to how confidently you navigate your UK journey.
Understanding the GMC Pathway for Indian Doctors
Let’s begin with the foundational requirement: your MBBS degree. Before you take any exams or prepare any paperwork, you must first confirm that your degree is recognized by the GMC. This means it should appear in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), with the ECFMG sponsor note. If it’s not listed there, unfortunately, you won’t be eligible for GMC registration through the standard route.
Once that’s confirmed, the next important step is your internship. The GMC requires doctors to have completed a 12-month rotating internship, typically done after the MBBS final year in India. This internship must include various specialties, especially medicine and surgery. You’ll need formal documentation of this, and make sure your internship certificate matches the GMC’s criteria in terms of dates and clinical exposure. If the internship is incomplete or doesn't meet GMC standards, you may be required to complete further supervised experience in the UK.
Meeting the English Language Requirement
An essential part of working as a doctor in the UK is being able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and colleagues. For this reason, the GMC requires proof of English language proficiency. Most Indian doctors fulfill this through one of two exams: IELTS Academic or OET Medicine.
While IELTS is more widely known, many medical professionals now opt for OET since it’s tailored to healthcare settings and assesses language skills through real-world scenarios faced by doctors. Whichever test you choose, remember that the scores have strict minimums and must be valid (within two years) when you submit your GMC application. Many find that preparing for these exams takes several weeks to months, depending on their current level of proficiency and confidence in English communication.
Cracking the PLAB Exams
The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) exams are perhaps the most talked-about part of the journey for Indian doctors heading to the UK. The PLAB pathway exists to ensure international doctors have the knowledge and skills expected of a doctor starting their second year of Foundation Training (FY2) in the UK.
PLAB 1 is a multiple-choice exam held in test centres worldwide, including several cities across India. It focuses on clinical knowledge and decision-making, with questions based on real-life scenarios you’re likely to encounter as a junior doctor in the UK. After passing PLAB 1, you’ll be eligible to book PLAB 2—a practical exam (OSCE) held only in Manchester. PLAB 2 is often considered more challenging because it tests how you communicate with patients and colleagues, and how you apply your clinical skills in simulated situations.
Many candidates choose to join an academy to prepare for PLAB 2. While this isn’t mandatory, it can provide structured guidance and mock practice, especially for those unfamiliar with the OSCE format.
The EPIC Verification Process
Before you can apply for full GMC registration, you must get your primary medical qualification (MBBS) verified through the Electronic Portfolio of International Credentials (EPIC), run by the ECFMG. This process can take several weeks, so it’s best to start early.
You’ll need to create an EPIC account, submit your documents, and request verification to be sent to the GMC. This is a crucial step, as the GMC will not proceed with your application without EPIC verification.
Applying for GMC Registration
Once you’ve cleared PLAB 1 and 2, verified your degree through EPIC, and met the English language requirements, you’re ready to apply for full GMC registration. The application process is handled online through the GMC portal.
You’ll need to upload several documents, including your passport, MBBS degree, internship certificate, IELTS/OET results, and the Certificate of Good Standing from your medical council in India. It’s vital to ensure that all documents are clear, accurate, and translated if they are not in English. The application fee must also be paid at this stage.
Depending on your location and circumstances, you may be asked to attend an in-person ID check, typically held in Manchester or London. This is often the final step before you receive your GMC registration number and are officially licensed to practice medicine in the UK.
What Happens After You’re Registered?
Once you receive your GMC license, you’re eligible to apply for NHS jobs. This stage can also be competitive, especially if you're aiming for popular specialties or regions. Many IMGs begin their UK careers with non-training roles such as Junior Clinical Fellow, Trust Grade SHO, or FY2-equivalent posts. These roles help you gain NHS experience, adapt to the healthcare system, and build your portfolio for future specialty training.
At this point, you’ll also need to begin planning your revalidation, annual appraisals, and long-term career goals within the NHS. It’s the beginning of a whole new chapter—not just professionally, but personally, as you start your new life in the UK.
Final Words
The GMC registration journey may appear complex at first glance, but with a systematic approach, patience, and the right resources, it is entirely achievable. Each step along the way—from your IELTS or OET exam to EPIC verification, PLABs, and document preparation—brings you closer to your dream of working in the NHS.
If you're currently preparing for your GMC registration or anywhere along this journey, you're not alone. Thousands of IMGs from India are walking this path with the same questions, hopes, and challenges. And that's why we're here, to build a supportive community where you can ask, share, and succeed together.
We’d love to hear from you: Where are you in your GMC journey? What’s been the hardest step for you so far?