PMDC to hold NEB exam on May 16 for students seeking transfer to Pakistani institutions

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced that the National Equivalence Board (NEB) examination will be held on May 16, 2026, for students seeking transfer to medical and dental institutions in Pakistan.

The PMDC conducts the NEB exam twice a year to evaluate the knowledge, clinical skills and professional competence of students who have partially completed their medical or dental education abroad and want transfer to or admission in Pakistan. According to the council, the examination is computer-based and consists of multiple-choice questions.

PMDC Chairperson Dr Rizwan Taj said the examination would be open to students from around the world, but added that it would be especially helpful for those affected by the US-Israeli war on Iran. He said, “Although students from across the world can appear in the exam, but it will provide the best opportunity to those who have been stuck [due to the war] and want to return to Pakistan without facing any loss of education and time.”

Dr Taj said Pakistani students enrolled in foreign medical or dental institutions who had completed two years of study and had reached at least the third year would be eligible to sit the NEB examination. He added, “Passing the exam is required for the transfer and admission to Pakistani institutions for the next academic year”.

Registration window and venue

In a statement, the PMDC said the NEB examination would be conducted in Rawalpindi on May 16, 2026. It said the registration portal would remain open from April 9 to April 24, 2026, and advised all eligible candidates to complete the process within the announced timeline once the portal becomes active.

The council also said the examination offered an opportunity to students currently pursuing medical and dental education in Iran. In its statement, the PMDC said, “This is also an opportunity for students who are currently pursuing their medical and dental education in Iran to appear in the examination. Such candidates are advised to complete the required codal formalities and ensure timely registration with PMDC.”

Advisory for students and parents

The PMDC further advised students and parents who are considering admission to foreign medical and dental colleges to take into account security conditions as well as long-term academic considerations. The council said, “The safety and well-being of students remain paramount, and careful consideration should be given to both security concerns and long-term academic prospects.”

According to the statement, details related to the NEB examination schedule, syllabus and examination centre are available on the PMDC website. The council also urged candidates to keep checking official announcements for any further instructions or changes. It said, “Candidates are encouraged to regularly check official announcements to stay updated on any further instructions or changes.”