Many Indian doctors choose the United Kingdom for postgraduate medical training because the system allows them to earn while completing their specialization. Training takes place within the National Health Service (NHS), where doctors work as paid employees while gaining clinical experience.
Step 1: English Language Test
Doctors must pass either the IELTS Academic exam or the OET (Medicine) exam.
Approximate cost: ₹30,000–₹40,000.
Step 2: PLAB Examination
Most international graduates enter the UK system through the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) exam conducted by the General Medical Council (GMC).
PLAB 1 (written exam in India): about ₹27,000
PLAB 2 (clinical exam in Manchester, UK): about ₹1,00,000
Travel and accommodation for PLAB 2: ₹2–3 lakh
Total initial investment to start the pathway is roughly ₹4–5.5 lakh.
Step 3: Starting Work in the NHS
After obtaining GMC registration, doctors can apply for junior doctor roles such as Clinical Fellow or Trust Grade Doctor. These jobs provide experience in the UK healthcare system before specialty training.
Typical starting salary: ₹38–45 lakh per year.
Step 4: Internal Medicine Training
Doctors then enter Internal Medicine Training (IMT) and later higher specialty training. During this period they complete the MRCP (Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians) examinations.
Total duration of training after MBBS is usually about 8–9 years.
Key advantage:
Postgraduate medical training in the UK does not involve tuition fees. Doctors are salaried employees throughout training, with earnings increasing from about ₹38 lakh to ₹75 lakh per year as they progress.
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MBH/PS