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Are you an MBBS graduate with your heart set on a paediatric career in the UK? If you feel like the path forward can be confusing, we’re here with a solution. The two most common routes for your UK dream are MRCPCH and PLAB. This guide will break down both and helps you understand what works best for your goals.
MRCPCH or PLAB: Which UK Pathway Suits Your Paediatric Career?
MRCPCH: A Direct Route into Paediatrics
What is MRCPCH?
The MRCPCH is a prestigious postgraduate qualification awarded by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH). It’s designed specifically for doctors who want to build a long-term career in paediatrics.
What it focuses on:
- Core Paediatric concepts
- Clinical reasoning
- Practical skills
Who it’s best for:
Indian doctors who already know they want to specialize in Paediatrics.
PLAB: A General Entry Route into UK Medicine
What is PLAB?
PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) is a licensing exam that ensures international doctors meet the standards required to practice safely in the UK.
What it focuses on:
- General medical knowledge
- Safe clinical practice in the UK
- A broader understanding of patient care
Who it’s best for:
Doctors who want to start with general registration in the UK and think about specialization later.
MRCPCH vs. PLAB: Full Comparison for Indian Doctors
Exam Format & Structure
| Feature | MRCPCH | PLAB |
| Exams | FOP + TAS (Theory), AKP, Clinical Exam | PLAB 1 (Theory), PLAB 2 (OSCE) |
| Format | Theory online; clinical in-person (India) | PLAB 1 in India, PLAB 2 only in UK |
| Question Type | SBA MCQs + clinical stations | MCQs (PLAB 1), OSCE stations (PLAB 2) |
| Location | India | India + UK |
Exam Fees & Attempt Limits
| Feature | MRCPCH | PLAB |
| Cost | FOP/TAS: £775, AKP: £895, Clinical: £1620 | PLAB 1: £443, PLAB 2: £974 |
| Attempts | Up to 6 for each part | Up to 4 each for PLAB 1 & 2 |
Time Needed for Preparation
| Feature | MRCPCH | PLAB |
| Prep Time | 3–6 months per exam | PLAB 1: 3–4 months, PLAB 2: 3–6 months |
English Language Requirements
Both MRCPCH and PLAB require IELTS or OET for GMC registration, with no limit on the number of attempts.
Careers & Earnings After Qualification
| Feature | MRCPCH | PLAB |
| Initial Salary | ₹2.5–3 lakh/month | ₹2.5–3 lakh/month |
| UK Salary Post-Training | £49,000–£68,000/year | Similar once specialized |
| Pass Rates | 72%–80% | PLAB 1: 72%, PLAB 2: 62% |
| Specialty Advantage | Strong for paediatrics | Depends on experience & training |
Why Many Choose MRCPCH Or PLAB
Why Choose MRCPCH?
- Direct paediatric focus: MRCPCH is a perfect fit if you’ve already committed to paediatrics.
- Clear career alignment: Every exam moves you forward in the same specialty.
- Recognized specialty qualification: Helpful when applying for paediatric roles.
- Exams available in India: Convenient for theory and clinical parts.
Why Choose PLAB?
- Flexible entry point: Great if you want to practice in the UK first and explore your options before choosing a specialty.
- Step into UK healthcare early: PLAB allows you to start building real NHS experience quickly.
- Cost-effective route: Generally, PLAB is more affordable compared to MRCPCH upfront.
- Smooth pathway to training: You can pursue paediatric specialty training after gaining UK experience.
Final Thoughts
Both MRCPCH and PLAB are solid choices for Indian doctors aiming to work in the UK.
- If you’re certain about Paediatrics and want a specialization-focused route, MRCPCH is the clearer and faster option.
- If you prefer general practice first and want flexibility later, PLAB is a great starting point.
Choose the path that matches your long-term career goals, preparation style, and commitment level. If you’re looking for the perfect courses, you can choose either StudyPLAB or StudyMRCPCH for a perfect learning companion. Also, get free access to high-quality learning resources with our LMS 3.0.
Authored By: Varun Mohandas
By : Admin
