Push for NRE Reform Gains Momentum

Foreign Medical Graduates have urged parliamentarians and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council to address urgent flaws in the National Registration Examination after the NRE 2025 held on December 14 produced unusually low pass rates. Roughly 7,000 candidates sat the exam, yet only 1,473 passed—1,467 medical graduates and six dental graduates—resulting in a medical pass rate of 21.17 percent and a dental pass rate of 7.23 percent. Graduates say these figures point to systemic problems with the exam format rather than a lack of competence among candidates.

Candidates highlighted that the heavy reliance on bubble-sheet answer sheets disadvantaged many foreign-trained doctors who completed their education under computerized or structured assessment systems. The unfamiliar format, they argue, increases the risk of human error and consumes time better spent on clinical reasoning.

Dr. Ali described the current NRE layout as not facilitative for foreign medical graduates, noting that the allocation of roughly one minute per multiple-choice question forces candidates to spend significant time filling bubbles instead of focusing on problem-solving. Dr. Ayesha called on authorities to allow candidates to view their marks after the exam so they can identify weak areas and prepare more effectively for subsequent attempts.

Dr. Rafey Sher, speaking for Foreign Medical Graduates, acknowledged the logistical role of NUMS in conducting the test but emphasised that the assessment methodology set by PMDC is outdated. He reiterated concerns about transparency, including the present inability of candidates to access detailed scores, and said FMG representatives will engage parliamentarians to press for an increase in the number of annual exam cycles.

The collective appeal from graduates asks PMDC and relevant stakeholders to take immediate action to modernise the examination system, improve transparency and expand exam opportunities to protect the professional futures of qualified doctors. Calls for NRE reform centre on updating assessment methods to international standards and ensuring fair access for candidates trained abroad.

With thousands of careers affected, the debate over the NRE and its format now turns to parliamentarians and regulatory authorities in Islamabad, who face mounting pressure to act swiftly to reform the exam process and safeguard the integration of competent foreign medical graduates into Pakistan’s health workforce.