About the PLAB exam
Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Test is one of the better-known exams for study, work or licensing abroad. It is administered by General Medical Council (GMC), UK and attracts a large number of candidates each cycle. The exam is held pLAB 1 is offered several times a year at centres including India.
Format of the real exam: PLAB 1 is a computer-based MCQ exam; PLAB 2 is a practical OSCE-style test in Manchester. Practising in the same style is the quickest way to remove surprises on exam day, which is exactly why PLAB mock tests matter.
PLAB eligibility
A primary medical qualification and acceptable English proficiency evidence as defined by the GMC.
Eligibility rules, age limits and relaxations can change between cycles, so always confirm the details in the latest official notification from General Medical Council (GMC), UK before you apply.
PLAB exam pattern and marking scheme
PLAB 1 has 180 single-best-answer questions in two papers of 90 questions each, three hours in total. PLAB 2 consists of simulated clinical stations.
- Subjects and sections: Clinical Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Psychiatry and Ethics & Professional Practice.
- Mode of the real exam: PLAB 1 is a computer-based MCQ exam; PLAB 2 is a practical OSCE-style test in Manchester.
- Frequency: PLAB 1 is offered several times a year at centres including India.
PLAB syllabus: what to study
The PLAB syllabus is organised around 6 main areas. Plan your preparation so that every area gets a revision cycle before your first full-length mock test.
- Clinical Medicine: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- Surgery: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- Paediatrics: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- Psychiatry: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
- Ethics & Professional Practice: revise concepts, practise topic-wise questions, then test yourself under timed conditions.
How to prepare for PLAB
A good PLAB plan combines concept study, topic-wise practice and regular full-length mock tests. Use the checklist below as a starting point.
- Practise with UK guidelines, such as NICE, as the answers follow UK practice.
- Solve single-best-answer questions under time pressure.
- Rehearse OSCE stations aloud with a partner before PLAB 2.
- Analyse every mock test: separate errors into concept gaps, calculation slips and time pressure, and fix one group at a time.
- Keep a short error notebook and revise it weekly, since repeated mistakes cost more marks than new ones.
Why practise PLAB mock tests online
Reading and notes build knowledge, but only timed practice builds exam performance. A PLAB mock test trains time management, question selection and stress control. Mock Archive gives you instant scoring, subject-wise accuracy, time spent per question and a full answer review the moment you submit.
- Real CBT interface: question palette, section timers and review marking.
- Instant result with accuracy, attempts and a question-by-question review.
- Works on mobile, tablet and desktop, and can be installed like an app.
- Free forever: no login, no signup and no payment.