The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has officially announced an extension in the registration deadline for the upcoming National Registration Examination (NRE) Step-I (Session 2026). Aspiring foreign medical graduates seeking permanent clinical licensing in Pakistan now have until September 15, 2026 to submit their applications and deposit the prescribed examination fees.
According to the official public notice issued by the PMDC Secretariat on September 9, 2026, the examination schedule remains firm: the written NRE Step-I will be conducted on Sunday, October 11, 2026, through the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi. This extension offers critical relief to hundreds of foreign medical and dental graduates who faced administrative delays in attesting foreign transcripts and generating fee challans under the earlier August 21 circular.
PMDC NRE Step-I 2026: Official Examination Parameters
The table below summarizes the key timeline, testing partner, and candidate guidelines verified from the council's public notification:
| Key Examination Parameter | Official Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Title | National Registration Examination (NRE) Step-I (2026) |
| Regulatory Authority | Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), Islamabad |
| Conducting & Testing Body | National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi |
| Initial Notice Date | August 21, 2026 |
| Deadline Extension Notice | September 9, 2026 |
| Revised Registration Deadline | September 15, 2026 |
| Examination Date | Sunday, October 11, 2026 |
| Target Beneficiaries | Pakistani graduates of foreign medical/dental colleges (MBBS / BDS) |
Why the NRE Step-I is Crucial for Foreign Medical Graduates
Under statutory PMDC regulations, passing the National Registration Examination is mandatory for all Pakistani nationals who have earned undergraduate medical (MBBS) or dental (BDS) qualifications abroad before they can obtain a permanent licence to practice medicine or enter house job training programs in Pakistan:
- NRE Step-I (Theory & Cognitive Competence): A computer-based or paper-administered multiple-choice evaluation testing foundational basic medical sciences and clinical reasoning. Passing Step-I is an absolute prerequisite to qualify for Step-II.
- NRE Step-II (Clinical & Practical OSCE): A hands-on clinical examination assessing practical clinical competencies, history taking, and patient management conducted in recognized teaching hospitals.
- Licensing Eligibility: Candidates who successfully clear both tiers are awarded full registration status by PMDC, enabling house officer appointments and independent medical practice.
Step-by-Step Registration Guide for Candidates
Candidates intending to register before the September 15 cutoff must complete the following protocol on the official PMDC portal:
- Access PMDC Examination Portal: Visit the official PMDC portal (
pmdc.pk) and log into the National Registration Examination module. - Upload Verified Credentials: Ensure your foreign medical diploma, English translation (if applicable), IBCC equivalence certificate, secondary school certificates, and valid CNIC/Passport are clearly scanned and uploaded in accordance with PMDC file size guidelines.
- Generate Examination Fee Challan: Download the designated bank challan generated through the portal and deposit the prescribed examination fee at the designated partner bank branches or via digital billing channels before banking hours close on September 15.
- Submit Paid Proof & Finalize Application: Upload the stamped bank receipt or transaction reference ID on the portal to confirm your candidature. Retain a printed copy of the submitted form.
- Admit Card & Roll Number Slips: PMDC and NUMS will issue electronic roll number slips and center allotment details approximately 7 to 10 days prior to the October 11 test date.
Official PMDC Directive: The council has explicitly cautioned candidates that no further extensions will be granted beyond September 15, 2026, and incomplete applications or fees submitted after the deadline will be rejected without refund. Candidates are urged to check the official PMDC portal regularly for venue and seating updates.
Source & Verification: Official public notice issued by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), corroborated via ProPakistani Education and cross-checked against NUMS examination guidelines.