Islamabad, January 23 2026: National Registration Examination (NRE) Step 2 Clinical Skills Examination (CSE) is going to be held on 24th -25th January 2026 (Saturday – Sunday) and 31st January and 1st February 2026 (Saturday – Sunday) in compliance with Section 18 of the Council Act 2022 This examination will be conducted by the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS).
Admit cards have been issued to all eligible candidates they are advised to reach the exam venue well in time. As per law, this exam is conducted twice a year and for those candidates who have already passed the step I exam of NRE. A total of 1849 graduates nationwide have been registered for the NRE-II exam.
This exam assesses the clinical skills and competencies of medical foreign graduates, ensuring they meet the required standards for practice. The exam is crucial for foreign graduates with Pakistani nationality to register with the Council.
The NRE Step 2 CSE involved practical assessments, including patient interactions, clinical procedures, and decision-making processes. It was akin to an objectively structured clinical examination (OSCE), requiring candidates to pass both the theory and CSE components separately.
“The NRE Step 2 exam ensures that only competent professionals enter the medical and dental fields, maintaining high standards of medical education and practice in Pakistan.”
The transparent and fair design of the exam reduces biases and ensures equal opportunities for all candidates. It encourages continuous learning and professional development, promoting excellence in healthcare services.
Spanning over three-and-a-half hours, the CSE consisted of 20 stations across various disciplines. A 60% pass rate is required for both the theory and CSE components. “The rigorous assessment process upholds public trust in the medical professions and maintains the quality of healthcare services.”
Aspiring medical students have been advised to only enroll in recognized international institutions listed by the PM&DC and they must provide quality education so that when these graduates come back to Pakistan can pass the licensing exam and can get absorbed in the national health system and serve their country.
