NLE

The National Licensing Examination (NLE) has been designed and developed to gauge the ability of MBBS graduates competence to practice independently. Passing NLE (both theory and clinical skills examination components) is mandatory for obtaining a full license to practice as General Practitioner.

Candidates who have successfully graduated from PMC approved Pakistani medical colleges with an MBBS degree are eligible to sit for NLE 2021. Foreign medical graduates will be required to follow the regulations as given in the licensing pathways available on the PMC website.

The NLE consists of
(i) Theory Examination
(ii) Skill-based, clinical component – Clinical Skills Examination (CSE)

The theory component consists of MCQs targeting higher cognition and checks a candidate’s ability to apply knowledge. The theory component has 200 MCQs in which 70% are from clinical sciences disciplines and 30% from basic sciences disciplines.NLE is computer-based. Only candidates qualifying in the theory (MCQs) component of NLE are eligible for the CSE.

The Clinical Skills Examination (CSE) is meant to assess essential clinical skills required for practice by a general medical practitioner. The format of CSE is similar to that of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

Passing of the theory (MCQs) component of NLE remains valid for five (5) years from the date of passing the theory (MCQs) component. CSE component must be passed within five (5) years of passing the theory (MCQs) component of NLE. If a candidate fails the CSE in three consecutive attempts, s/he must reappear in both the theory and CSE components of the NLE. That is, after every three failed attempts at the CSE, candidates will have to retake the entire NLE.

NLE syllabus 2021

For more information https://www.pmc.gov.pk/