For Indian medical professionals, the prospect of working as a doctor in the United Kingdom’s esteemed National Health Service (NHS) represents a pinnacle of career achievement. The UK offers a globally respected platform for advanced training through top universities in the UK, like King’s College London, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Manchester. However, the path from an Indian medical degree to a UK practice is a structured process that requires planning and understanding of the latest regulations.
This comprehensive guide is designed specifically for Indian medical students and graduates. It provides a clear step-by-step process on how to become a doctor in the UK, covering everything from eligibility and new licensing exams to visa procedures and potential earnings. We will walk you through the entire process, ensuring you have the most current information to turn your ambition into a reality.
Is an Indian MBBS Degree Valid in the UK?
This is the first and most crucial question for any aspiring doctor from India. The answer is yes, an MBBS degree from a recognised Indian university is valid and acknowledged in the UK. However, the degree alone does not grant you the license to practice medicine. To ensure that all doctors, regardless of where they trained, meet the same high standards, the UK requires international medical graduates (IMGs) to pass a specific licensing examination.
This process is governed by the General Medical Council (GMC), the public body that maintains the official register of medical practitioners in the United Kingdom. Gaining GMC registration is the ultimate goal, as it is the legal requirement to practice medicine in the UK.
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How to Become a Doctor in the UK: A 5-Step Pathway for Indians
The journey to becoming a UK doctor can be broken down into five core stages. While it seems daunting, understanding this sequence provides a clear structure for your efforts:
- Prove English Proficiency: Pass an approved English language test (IELTS or OET).
- Pass the Licensing Exam: Clear the new UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA).
- GMC Registration: Complete the application process to get on the GMC register.
- Secure a Job: Find a suitable position, typically within the NHS.
- Obtain a Visa: Apply for the Health and Care Worker visa.
Let's explore each of these critical steps in detail.
Step 1: Prove Your English Language Proficiency
Before you can even attempt the medical licensing exam, you must demonstrate your command of the English language. The GMC accepts two primary tests for this purpose.
Choosing Your Test: IELTS vs. OET
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): This is a general academic English test. For GMC registration, you must take the Academic version and achieve a minimum overall score of 7.5, with no less than 7.0 in any of the four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).
- OET (Occupational English Test): This test is designed specifically for healthcare professionals. The content is tailored to medical scenarios, which many doctors find more relevant and intuitive. For the GMC, you must take the Medicine version of the OET and score a minimum of Grade 'B' (equivalent to a score of 350) in each of the four sections.
While both are accepted, the OET is often preferred by medical professionals as the context is directly related to their field, making preparation more aligned with their daily work.
Step 2: The UK Medical Licensing Exam (UKMLA) - The New Pathway
A significant change has occurred in the UK's medical licensing landscape. The Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test is being replaced by the UK Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA). This new system, fully implemented from 2024, is designed to create a single, unified standard for all doctors wishing to practice in the UK, whether they graduated from a UK medical school or an international one.
Understanding the Shift from PLAB to UKMLA
For Indian doctors applying in 2025, the UKMLA is the required examination. The core principle of the UKMLA is to ensure every doctor has the necessary applied knowledge and clinical skills for safe practice. The assessment is divided into two parts.
Part 1: The Applied Knowledge Test (AKT)
The AKT is a computer-based exam designed to test your ability to apply your medical knowledge to clinical scenarios.
- Format: It consists of single-best-answer multiple-choice questions.
- Content: The syllabus covers a wide range of topics based on the GMC's "MLA content map," which outlines the core knowledge, skills, and behaviours required. This includes areas like medicine, surgery, paediatrics, and ethics.
- Location: The AKT can be taken at various approved test centres globally, including several major cities in India. This allows you to complete the first major step without having to travel to the UK.
Part 2: The Clinical and Professional Skills Assessment (CPSA)
After successfully passing the AKT, you become eligible to take the second part. The CPSA is a practical, in-person examination that assesses your clinical and professional abilities.
- Format: It is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). This involves rotating through a series of timed "stations," each presenting a different simulated clinical scenario. You may have to take a patient history, perform a clinical examination on a manikin or a simulated patient (actor), or discuss a diagnosis and management plan with an examiner.
- Location: The CPSA must be taken in the UK at the GMC's dedicated clinical assessment centre in Manchester.
- Skills Tested: This exam evaluates a broad range of competencies, including clinical diagnosis, practical procedures, communication skills, and professionalism.
PLAB is being phased out, but remains valid for candidates who started before the change. The UKMLA is now the standard for new applicants and for UK medical graduates. Both PLAB and UKMLA are recognised by the GMC during the transition period.
Step 3: Gaining Full GMC Registration
Once you have successfully passed both parts of the UKMLA, you are eligible to apply for GMC registration. This is a formal application process where you submit all your required documentation.
Key documents typically include:
- Your primary medical qualification (MBBS degree certificate).
- Proof of your identity (passport).
- Evidence of completing an acceptable internship (usually a minimum of 12 months).
- Your UKMLA pass certificates.
- Your IELTS or OET certificate.
- Certificates of Good Standing from all medical regulatory bodies you have been registered with.
The GMC will meticulously verify these documents. Upon successful verification and payment of the registration fee, you will be granted either provisional or full registration, allowing you to legally practice medicine in the UK.
Step 4: Securing a Job in the NHS
With GMC registration in hand, your next step is to find employment. The vast majority of international doctors begin their UK careers in the National Health Service (NHS).
The Job Application Process
The primary portal for finding medical jobs is the NHS Jobs website. You can filter searches by specialty, location, and grade. You will need to prepare a UK-formatted CV that highlights your clinical experience, skills, and competencies as they relate to the job description. Interviews for NHS positions are often structured and competency-based, so preparation is key.
Typical Roles for New Doctors
Most Indian doctors entering the UK start in non-training roles or at the foundational level. Common entry-level positions include Foundation Year 2 (FY2) or Senior House Officer (SHO) level jobs. These roles provide a crucial period of induction into the NHS system before you apply for more specialised training programs.
Step 5: Applying for Your UK Health and Care Worker Visa
Once you receive a job offer from an NHS Trust, they will provide you with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This document is essential for your visa application. The Health and Care Worker visa is a specific category designed for qualified medical professionals.
Key requirements for the visa include:
- A valid Certificate of Sponsorship.
- Proof of English language proficiency (which you will already have).
- A valid passport.
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results from an approved clinic in India.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself, unless your employer certifies this on your CoS.
This visa category offers several advantages, including lower application fees and an exemption from the annual Immigration Health Surcharge. It also provides a clear path to settlement in the UK.
Cost of Becoming a Doctor in the UK: A 2025 Breakdown for Indian Applicants
The process involves a significant financial investment. Below is an estimated breakdown of the major costs. Please note these are approximate figures for 2025 and can vary.
| Expense | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| IELTS/OET Exam Fee | ₹17,818 |
| UKMLA AKT Exam Fee | ₹30,090 |
| UKMLA CPSA Exam Fee | ₹117,764 |
| GMC Registration Fee | ₹54,634 |
| UK Visa Application Fee | ₹15,026 - ₹100,380 |
| Flights & Initial Accommodation | ₹118,000 – ₹177,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹354,618 – ₹497,686 |
This estimate does not include exam preparation costs, travel for the CPSA exam, or living expenses while you are job searching. It is wise to budget for a higher amount to cover all eventualities.
Salary and Career Path for Doctors in the UK
For Indian medical graduates aspiring to practice in the UK, understanding the structured career progression and corresponding salaries within the NHS is crucial. The journey typically begins with Foundation Year 1 (FY1) and progresses through various specialty training stages, leading up to consultant roles. Each stage offers opportunities for professional development, increased responsibilities, and enhanced remuneration.
Salary Overview by Designation
| Designation | Estimated Salary (GBP/INR) |
| Foundation Year 1 (FY1) | £36,616 (~₹43.4 Lakh) |
| Foundation Year 2 (FY2) | £42,008 (~₹50.2 Lakh) |
| Specialty Training (ST1–ST3) | £49,909 – £61,825 (~₹59.9 – ₹73.5 Lakh) |
| Specialty Doctor | £61,542 – £99,216 (~₹73 – ₹1.17 Cr) |
| Specialist Doctor (SAS) | £100,870 – £111,441 (~₹1.19 – ₹1.32 Cr) |
| Consultant | £109,725 – £145,478 (~₹1.31 – ₹1.73 Cr) |
Note: Salaries listed are base pay for NHS doctors in 2025. Additional income may be earned through overtime, on-call duties, clinical excellence awards, and private practice. Figures in INR are approximate, based on an exchange rate of 1 GBP = ₹118.6.
Career Progression Pathway
- Foundation Year 1 (FY1): The initial year focuses on supervised clinical practice across various specialties. Doctors develop core competencies and prepare for independent practice.
- Foundation Year 2 (FY2): Building upon FY1, this year involves more responsibility and decision-making. Doctors begin to take on roles that prepare them for specialty training.
- Specialty Training (ST1–ST3): Doctors enter a specialty training program, gaining in-depth knowledge and skills in their chosen field. This phase is crucial for those aiming to become consultants.
- Specialty Doctor: Experienced doctors who have completed specialty training but choose not to pursue a consultant role. They provide high-quality care and often have leadership responsibilities.
- Specialist Doctor (SAS): Specialist and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors have substantial experience and expertise. They play a vital role in patient care and may take on additional duties such as teaching and research.
- Consultant: Consultants are senior doctors who have completed their specialty training and hold a permanent position. They lead clinical teams, make critical decisions, and contribute to the development of medical practice.
For Indian medical graduates, planning a career in the UK requires a clear understanding of the NHS structure, salary progression, and additional income opportunities. Starting as a Foundation Year 1 doctor offers modest pay, but progressing through specialty training to consultant roles significantly increases earnings and responsibilities. To maximize career growth, consider gaining experience in high-demand specialties, taking on leadership or teaching roles, and exploring clinical excellence awards. Awareness of cost-of-living differences across UK cities is also important to budget effectively while advancing your career.
Conclusion
The journey for an Indian doctor to practice in the UK is rigorous, demanding dedication, and significant investment. However, it is a well-trodden and achievable path. With the transition to the new UKMLA system, the process is now more standardized than ever. By meticulously preparing for each step from the English test to the final visa application, you can successfully navigate the requirements and unlock a rewarding and globally respected medical career in the heart of the NHS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many years does it take to become a doctor in the UK?
In the UK, becoming a doctor usually takes 5 to 6 years of undergraduate medical study (MBBS/MBChB), followed by a 2-year Foundation Programme where you work as a junior doctor. After that, you’ll enter specialty training, which can take anywhere from 3 to 8 years, depending on your chosen field. So, the full journey from medical school to becoming a fully qualified specialist doctor can take about 10 to 15 years.
What is the fastest way to become a doctor in the UK?
If you already have an MBBS from India: Pass the UKMLA exams (AKT and CPSA) to register with the GMC. The old PLAB route is now being replaced.
If you want to study MBBS in the UK: Join a UK MBBS program through UCAT or BMAT. It usually takes 5–6 years, including foundation training.
How to become a doctor in the UK after MBBS?
Pass the UKMLA exams, meet English requirements such as IELTS or OET, and register with the GMC. Candidates already on the PLAB pathway may finish that exam instead. Apply for jobs in the NHS as a junior doctor. After gaining experience, you can enter specialty training in your chosen field.
Is it difficult to become a doctor in the UK?
Yes, it can be challenging, but not impossible. Medical schools are competitive, exams like UCAT/BMAT/PLAB require preparation, and training takes years. However, with strong academics, good preparation, and persistence, many international students (including Indians) successfully become doctors in the UK every year.
What is a doctor's salary in the UK?
A doctor’s salary in the UK varies depending on experience, role, and specialty. Junior doctors start at around £32,000–£40,000 per year (₹37.8–₹47.2 lakh), while specialty doctors and consultants can earn between £50,000 and £120,000 annually (₹59–₹141.6 lakh). Salaries may also increase with additional responsibilities, experience, and private practice opportunities.
Is NEET required for MBBS in the UK?
Yes, Indian students must clear NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) if they want to study MBBS abroad, including in the UK. This is a requirement set by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to ensure your degree is valid if you plan to return and practice in India.
Is there a NEET exam in the UK?
No, the NEET exam is only for Indian medical aspirants. The UK does not conduct NEET. Instead, students applying to UK medical schools take admission tests such as UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) or BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test).
How much does it cost to do an MBBS in the UK for Indian students?
Studying MBBS in the UK is expensive compared to India. On average:
Tuition fees: £30,000 to £50,000 per year (₹30–50 lakhs approx).
Living expenses: Around £12,000 to £15,000 per year (₹12–15 lakhs approx).
This means the total cost for a 5–6 year MBBS programme can range between ₹1.5 crore and ₹3 crore.
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