NUMS upholds integrity and transparency in NRE examination
ISLAMABAD: In a bid to ensure credibility, integrity, and transparency in Pakistan’s medical and dental education system, the National Registration Examination (NRE) is exclusively conducted by the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi. This has been clarified again by the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council.
This crucial examination is a mandatory step for foreign medical graduates (FMGs), aiming to standardize the process and ensure patient safety in the country’s healthcare system.
NUMS’ commitment to conducting NRE with full integrity
According to the PMDC, for the past two years, NUMS has taken full responsibility for the NRE, including paper setting, examination conduct, evaluation, and declaration of results. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has no direct involvement in the development of the exam papers or the result preparation, ensuring that there is no conflict of interest and that the process remains fair and impartial.
The NRE is conducted in two steps, at least twice a year, in accordance with the approved standards, structure, and syllabus, all of which are available on the official PMDC website. This rigorous approach ensures that the examination is aligned with the MBBS/BDS curriculum in Pakistan, meeting national and international standards for medical education.
Transparency and accountability in NRE conduct
The NRE Step-I results for the most recent exam have already been made available through the official PMDC portal, offering detailed marks for all candidates. The passing criterion for the NRE is 60 percent, with no negative marking, making it accessible and transparent for all candidates. Additionally, the PMDC provides the option for candidates to apply for re-totaling of results, ensuring that any concerns about discrepancies are addressed. In the December 2025 NRE, only two candidates submitted requests for re-totaling, further highlighting the reliability of the examination process.
No compromise on medical examination integrity
In a statement, the PMDC has reassured the public that there has been no discrimination at any stage of the NRE process, and that all procedures are conducted in alignment with best national and international practices. The Health Ministry and the PMDC continue to assure that no compromise will be made on the transparency of this examination, as it directly impacts patient safety in Pakistan.
Why is the NRE so important for patient safety?
The NRE is designed to evaluate the competency of foreign medical graduates to practice safely in Pakistan’s healthcare system. It serves as a quality control measure to ensure that all medical professionals meet the required standards before providing care to patients. By ensuring that only well-trained and qualified practitioners are allowed to work in the country, the NRE plays a crucial role in safeguarding patient health and safety.
The NUMS has continued to maintain strict oversight and accountability in the conduct of the examination, as they strive to uphold the highest standards in medical education and practice. The ongoing collaboration between NUMS, PMDC, and various stakeholders ensures that the NRE will continue to be a reliable and fair assessment for future doctors in Pakistan.
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