Low Pass Rate in December NRE Highlights Quality Concerns
The National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) has released the latest results of the National Registration Examination (NRE), revealing that just over one in five foreign-trained medical and dental graduates have managed to clear the test. The written exam, held on 14 December across Pakistan in line with Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) policy, is a mandatory requirement for foreign medical graduates who wish to practise in the country. According to NUMS, a total of 7,076 candidates registered for the exam, including 6,993 medical and 83 dental graduates. Of these, 7,012 candidates actually appeared in the test, while 64 remained absent. The low overall pass rate has once again raised questions about the standard of some foreign medical and dental colleges and the preparedness of their graduates.
Just 21% of Medical Graduates and 7% of Dental Graduates Pass
Out of the 7,012 candidates who sat the latest NRE, only 1,473 managed to pass. This group included 1,467 medical graduates and just six dental graduates. In percentage terms, the medical pass rate stood at 21.17%, while the dental pass rate was only 7.23%. The figures underline a particularly worrying situation for dentistry, where fewer than one in ten foreign-trained graduates met the required standard. By comparison, medical graduates performed slightly better but still saw nearly four out of five candidates fail to clear the exam. These results indicate that a significant number of foreign graduates are struggling to meet Pakistan’s minimum competency thresholds in basic medical and dental knowledge.
Earlier June Session Also Showed High Failure Rates
The December outcome follows a similarly challenging result in the previous NRE session held on 25 June. In that exam, 5,035 candidates registered, including 4,994 medical and 41 dental graduates. All 4,994 medical graduates appeared for the test, while 41 candidates were absent. A total of 1,252 candidates passed in June, all from the medical category, producing a medical pass rate of 25.26%. No dental candidates cleared the exam in that session. When both exams are viewed together, the trend is clear: a large proportion of foreign medical and dental graduates are failing to meet Pakistan’s licensing standards, raising serious concerns about the quality of instruction and clinical exposure they receive abroad.
PMDC Urges Students to Choose Recognised, High-Standard Institutions
Under PMDC regulations, two NRE examinations are held each year for foreign medical graduates, and candidates must pass both Step-I (theory) and Step-II (clinical) to qualify for provisional registration. The PMDC has emphasised that all results are compiled strictly according to its standard policies and merit, in line with international practices. In its latest statement, the council urged parents and students to be extremely careful when selecting medical and dental colleges abroad. It warned that enrolling in unrecognised or low-standard institutions can put a student’s professional future at risk, while also wasting significant financial resources and time. The council stressed that checking PMDC recognition status and the international reputation of a foreign institution should be treated as essential due diligence before taking admission.
Next Steps: Clinical Exam, Provisional Registration and Career Planning
NUMS has uploaded the results of both June and December NRE sessions to the PMDC website, where candidates can verify their pass or fail status using their roll numbers. The dates for the NRE Step-II clinical examination will be announced soon. Only those who clear both stages will be eligible to receive provisional registration certificates from PMDC, allowing them to start house jobs in Pakistan or, in some cases, abroad. For candidates who did not succeed, the low pass rates highlight the need for serious self-assessment, targeted preparation and, where necessary, remedial training before attempting the exam again. PMDC officials have reiterated that maintaining strict standards is critical for protecting patients, preserving the integrity of the medical profession and ensuring that future doctors and dentists have the skills and knowledge needed to provide safe, competent care.
