– USMLE, PLAB, and NEET PG are major medical licensing/PG pathways – Each caters to different countries and goals – Understanding their structure helps in better planning – Your career destination decides the best choice
– Required for MD/MS/DNB admissions in India – Single-day MCQ-based entrance exam – Conducted by NBE, post-internship eligibility – Competitive, syllabus-heavy, India-specific
– Professional & Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) exam – Allows international doctors to work in the UK – Two stages: PLAB 1 (theory) & PLAB 2 (OSCE) – Doesn’t lead to direct postgraduate training, but GMC registration
– United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) – Three steps: Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 – Required for ECFMG certification and residency match – Long prep time, clinical and academic rigour
– Country: NEET (India), PLAB (UK), USMLE (USA) – Purpose: NEET → PG admission; PLAB/USMLE → Medical licensing – Exam Format: NEET (MCQs); PLAB (MCQ + OSCE); USMLE (multi-step) Career Path: NEET → Indian residency; PLAB/USMLE → work abroad