The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has officially announced the schedule for the National Equivalence Board (NEB) Examination 2026, confirming that the exam for foreign medical and dental graduates will be held on September 12, 2026.
The announcement provides clarity for hundreds of Pakistani students who completed their medical or dental education abroad and are seeking registration to practice in Pakistan. Passing the NEB examination is a mandatory requirement for eligible graduates from foreign institutions before they can obtain professional registration from the PMDC.
According to a public notice issued by the council, Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU) has been entrusted with conducting this year’s NEB examination. The university will oversee the examination process in accordance with PMDC guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness.
PMDC has also announced the registration schedule for candidates wishing to appear in the examination. Online registration will begin on August 6, 2026, and remain open until August 20, 2026. Candidates must complete their applications within the specified period through the PMDC’s official online portal.
The council has emphasized that late applications may not be entertained, urging all eligible candidates to complete the registration process well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues or delays.
The National Equivalence Board Examination serves as an assessment designed to evaluate whether graduates from foreign medical and dental institutions possess the knowledge and competencies required to practice safely and effectively in Pakistan. The examination is an essential step in maintaining national healthcare standards and ensuring that all licensed practitioners meet the country’s professional requirements.
PMDC has advised applicants to carefully review all examination-related instructions before submitting their applications. Candidates are encouraged to read the eligibility criteria, examination rules, registration requirements, and other procedural guidelines to ensure their applications are completed correctly.
The council further stated that applicants should regularly monitor the official PMDC website for any updates regarding the registration process, examination venue details, admit cards, or changes to the schedule. Any official notifications related to the examination will be published through the council’s digital platforms.
Medical graduates planning to appear in the examination are also encouraged to begin their preparation well in advance. The NEB examination is considered an important professional assessment that evaluates candidates across various medical and dental subjects relevant to clinical practice in Pakistan.
Every year, a significant number of Pakistani students return after completing their medical education in countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and other regions. Before becoming eligible for provisional or full registration, these graduates must successfully clear the NEB examination as required under PMDC regulations.
The council has reiterated its commitment to conducting the examination in a transparent and merit-based manner while ensuring that all candidates receive equal opportunities throughout the assessment process.
With the examination date now officially confirmed, eligible foreign medical and dental graduates have approximately one month to complete their registration after the online portal opens on August 6. Candidates are advised not to wait until the final days of registration and should verify that all required documents are uploaded correctly to avoid complications.
The announcement marks another important step in PMDC’s efforts to regulate medical education and maintain professional standards within Pakistan’s healthcare sector. More details regarding examination centers, reporting instructions, and candidate guidelines are expected to be released through the council’s official channels in the coming weeks.
Also read: PMDC Announces MDCAT 2026 Schedule
