How to Become a Doctor in the UK from India (2026 Guide, UKMLA, Salary & Cost)

Becoming a doctor in the UK is a dream for many Indian medical graduates. With world-class healthcare infrastructure, structured training pathways, and globally respected medical credentials, the UK offers excellent long-term career prospects.

However, the process involves clear steps, strict exams, GMC registration, and financial planning. This guide explains everything Indian graduates need to know in 2025–2026, from eligibility and exams to cost, salary, and visas.

Is an Indian MBBS Degree Valid in the UK?

Yes, an Indian MBBS degree is valid in the UK, provided it is awarded by a recognized medical college and meets the General Medical Council (GMC) standards.

Indian graduates must:

• Hold a recognized MBBS degree

• Complete a 12-month internship

• Pass the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA)

• Meet English language requirements

Once these criteria are fulfilled, Indian doctors are eligible to register with the GMC and work in the NHS.

How to Become a Doctor in the UK: A 5-Step Pathway for Indians

The UK medical licensing process follows a structured and transparent route:

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Prove English language proficiency (IELTS or OET)

2. Pass the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA)

3. Obtain GMC registration

4. Secure a job in the NHS

5. Apply for the Health and Care Worker Visa

Let’s explore each step in detail.

Step 1: Prove Your English Language Proficiency

Before applying for GMC registration, Indian doctors must demonstrate strong English skills.

IELTS vs OET: Which Should You Choose?

Why many doctors prefer OET:

OET focuses on real medical scenarios, making preparation more relevant and practical for clinicians.

Step 2: UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA)

From 2024 onwards, UKMLA has replaced PLAB for new applicants. It sets one uniform standard for UK and international doctors.

UKMLA Structure

Part 1: Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)

• Computer-based MCQ exam

• Tests clinical decision-making and applied knowledge

• Can be taken in India

Part 2: Clinical & Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA)

• OSCE-style practical exam

• Conducted only in Manchester, UK

• Assesses:

  • Patient communication

  • Clinical examination

  • Diagnosis and management

  • Professionalism and ethics

💡 Candidates who started PLAB earlier may still complete it during the transition period.

Step 3: Gaining GMC Registration

After clearing UKMLA, you can apply for GMC registration, which legally allows you to practice medicine in the UK.

Documents Required

• MBBS degree certificate

• Internship completion proof

• UKMLA pass certificates

• IELTS or OET score

• Passport

• Certificates of Good Standing

Once verified, the GMC grants full or provisional registration.

Step 4: Securing a Job in the NHS

Most international doctors begin their UK careers within the National Health Service (NHS).

Where to Apply

• NHS Jobs portal

• Trust-specific recruitment pages

Common Entry Roles

• FY2 (Foundation Year 2)

• SHO (Senior House Officer)

• Non-training clinical fellow roles

These positions help international doctors adapt to the NHS system before entering specialty training.

Step 5: UK Health and Care Worker Visa

Once you receive a job offer, your NHS employer provides a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).

Key Visa Benefits

• Lower visa fees

• No Immigration Health Surcharge

• Faster processing

• Direct pathway to UK Permanent Residency (ILR)

Cost of Becoming a Doctor in the UK (2026 Estimate for Indians)

Becoming a UK-registered doctor requires upfront investment. Below is an approximate cost breakdown:

Estimated Cost Table (INR)

Does not include coaching, CPSA travel expenses, or job-search living costs.

Salary and Career Path for Doctors in the UK

UK doctors benefit from structured progression, salary growth, and global recognition.

Salary Overview by Designation (2025)

Additional earnings possible via overtime, on-calls, excellence awards, and private practice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many years does it take to become a doctor in the UK?

It usually takes 10–15 years, including MBBS, foundation training, and specialty training.

What is the fastest way for Indian doctors?

Clear UKMLA, register with GMC, secure an NHS job, and enter training later.

Is it difficult to become a doctor in the UK?

Yes, it is competitive—but thousands of Indian doctors succeed every year with proper preparation.

What is a doctor’s salary in the UK?

Doctors earn £32,000–£120,000+ annually, depending on experience and role.

Is NEET required for MBBS in the UK?

Yes, NEET is mandatory for Indian students to ensure NMC recognition.

Is there a NEET exam in the UK?

No. UK medical schools require UCAT or BMAT, not NEET.

Cost of MBBS in the UK for Indians?

• Tuition: £30,000–£50,000/year

• Living: £12,000–£15,000/year

• Total cost: ₹1.5–3 crore for 5–6 years

Final Thoughts

For Indian medical graduates, the UK offers excellent clinical exposure, high salaries, and long-term settlement options. While the journey requires dedication, exams, and financial planning, the rewards—both professional and personal—are substantial.

If you plan strategically, prepare early, and understand the pathway clearly, becoming a doctor in the UK is absolutely achievable.

Still Have Questions About Becoming a Doctor in the UK?

👉 Talk to a UK Medical Career Advisor

No pressure. No hidden charges. Just clarity.

What are the steps to become a licensed doctor in the UK if I studied medicine in India?

To become a licensed doctor in the UK after studying medicine in India, you must follow these steps:

1. Prove English proficiency through IELTS or OET

2. Pass the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA) exams

3. Apply for General Medical Council (GMC) registration

4. Secure a job offer from a UK hospital (usually NHS)

5. Apply for the UK Health and Care Worker visa

Once registered with the GMC, you can legally practice medicine in the UK.

Which UK medical licensing exams do international medical graduates from India need to pass?

Indian medical graduates must pass the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA).
It consists of two parts:

• AKT (Applied Knowledge Test) – computer-based exam (can be taken in India)

• CPSA (Clinical & Professional Skills Assessment) – OSCE-style exam taken in the UK

The earlier PLAB exam is being phased out for new applicants.

Best online platforms for preparing for UK medical licensing exams from India?

Some of the most popular online platforms used by Indian doctors include:

• Passmedicine

• PLABABLE

• Pastest

• MedRevisions

• BMJ OnExamination

These platforms offer mock tests, question banks, and exam-oriented preparation for UKMLA/PLAB-style assessments.

How can I find UK-based coaching centers for PLAB exam preparation in India?

UK-focused medical coaching centers can be found in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kochi.
You can find them by:

• Searching “PLAB coaching in India” or “UKMLA coaching India”

• Checking doctor forums like Facebook PLAB groups

• Getting referrals from doctors already working in the UK

Always verify success rates and faculty clinical experience before enrolling.

What are top-rated medical recruitment agencies that help Indian doctors find jobs in the UK?

Some well-known recruitment agencies assisting Indian doctors include:

• NHS Professionals

• Remedium Partners

• Pulse Healthcare

• ID Medical

• Triple West Medical

These agencies work closely with National Health Service (NHS) hospitals and assist with interviews, relocation, and sponsorship.

How to apply for GMC registration as an Indian medical graduate wanting to work in the UK?

Indian doctors can apply for GMC registration online by:

1. Creating an account on the GMC website

2. Uploading MBBS degree, internship proof, and exam results

3. Submitting English language test scores

4. Providing Certificates of Good Standing

5. Paying the registration fee

After verification, the GMC grants provisional or full registration.

Are there any UK visa consultancy services specializing in medical professionals from India?

Yes, several visa consultancies in India specialize in healthcare professionals migrating to the UK.

They typically assist with:

• Health and Care Worker visa

• GMC & job-linked documentation

• Dependent visas and settlement planning

Choose consultancies with proven experience in medical visas, not general study visas.

What are the leading UK hospital training programs accepting international medical graduates from India?

Indian doctors usually enter through:

• Foundation Year 2 (FY2) standalone posts

• Clinical Fellow roles

• Trust-grade doctor positionsThese programs are offered by NHS Trusts and serve as entry points before specialty training.

How to get sponsorship from a UK hospital as an Indian doctor?

To get sponsorship:

1. Apply for NHS jobs that mention “visa sponsorship available”

2. Clear interviews and background checks

3. Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from the hospital

4. Use the CoS to apply for the Health and Care Worker visa

Most NHS hospitals are licensed sponsors.

Which Indian companies offer UK clinical observership or internship placements for doctors?

Several India-based medical consultancy firms arrange:

• UK clinical observerships

• NHS shadowing programs

• Short-term hospital exposure

These programs do not replace UKMLA or GMC registration, but they strengthen CVs and help doctors understand the NHS work culture.