How is the PLAB 2 exam structured for me as an international medical graduate?
15 Oct 2026 · Answered by Sai Sunayan Reddy P · 1 min read
Quick Answer
verified
PLAB 2 is an objective structured clinical exam made up of 16 scenarios, each lasting 8 minutes. It tests history taking, physical examination, diagnosis and counselling in simulated or real clinical settings. Dates are available throughout the year at two GMC Assessment Centres in Manchester, UK.
PLAB 2 is a hands-on clinical exam rather than a written test. You move through 16 scenarios of 8 minutes each, so you should practise short, focused consultations.
PLAB 2 at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exam type | Objective structured clinical exam (OSCE) |
| Number of scenarios | 16 |
| Time per scenario | 8 minutes |
| Skills assessed | History taking, physical examination, diagnosis and counselling |
| Exam dates | Available throughout the year, unlike PLAB 1 |
| Venue | Two GMC Assessment Centres in Manchester, UK |
What the Scenarios Reflect
- The scenarios mirror real-life settings such as mock consultations or acute wards.
- They can use simulated or real clinical conditions.
- Because there are no fixed sittings, you can choose a date that suits your preparation, subject to availability.
My Advice
Practise timed 8-minute stations with a study partner so that history taking and counselling feel natural. Check the official GMC page for the latest booking details before you plan travel to Manchester.
Planning to study in the UK?
Get a personalised university shortlist with courses, costs and career outcomes.
4.7/5 Google
🎓 25K+ admits
Get My Free UK ShortlistRelated topics
More UK questions
- Is a loan sanction letter from the government regulated Indian Bank accepted for a UK student visa application?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
- Is it possible to study computer science with specialization in artificial intelligence in UK/New Zealand for a Master's?
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
- How do US universities evaluate Indian LLM applicants differently from UK or European law schools?
- What is the fee range for a one-year MBA course compared to a two-year course in UK?
- Can I call my husband on a dependent visa after I go on a student visa for my masters abroad in UK/Ireland?
🎓 Studying in the UK? Get a free plan Get Free Shortlist