How I Passed UKMLA PLAB 1 first time: Dr Parin Patel
If you are preparing for the GMC UKMLA PLAB 1 exam, this blog will be useful.
Dr Parin Patel, an International Medical Graduate, shares how he prepared for UKMLA PLAB 1 and passed at his first attempt. He explains what worked, how he structured his revision and the practical decisions he made along the way.
If you are early in your PLAB 1 preparation or trying to refine your approach, his experience offers clear, realistic insight into what effective preparation actually looks like.
– Get PLAB 1 Updates and Teaching Emails here
– Register for next Free PLAB 1 Webinar here
– Pass with PLAB 1 Ultimate Package here
Introduction
Greetings to the person reading! I am a doctor from India and I originally planned my PLAB journey back in 2020 – just as the whole world was realising what Covid was. I have faced several challenges so far – highlighting the importance of being very sure of why you wish to shift to the UK before you start your own journey.
I had to answer this question many times and I’m sure I will until I get my registration – the constant challenges can lead to lots of self doubts!
What is UKMLA PLAB 1?
It is an 180 question MCQ exam, with 5 choices for each question. Total exam time is 3 hours – ie on average one MCQ per minute.
The exam tests three aspects: a) Assessment, b) Management and c) Knowledge and Experience.
Remember the most important thing – it DOES NOT test your ability to memorise facts – more important is APPLICATION of knowledge.
For full details of the PLAB 1 exam read our blog here.
UKMLA PLAB 1 Booking
I was a full time working professional when I decided to book PLAB 1. At the time no exam seats were available for 6-8 months (not even OET or IELTS) – eventually it took me almost 1.5 years to get a seat and take PLAB 1. Patience is the first thing to remember if planning for PLAB 1!
PLAB 1 Preparation and Exam Expectations
As a full time junior doctor, I would come home tired after 12 hours of duty and crash with no time remaining to study. I started with Dr. Arora’s Audiobook course which I would listen to it on my work commutes. This gave me an understanding of how medicine works in the UK system – for example NICE guidelines. The audiobook is designed in a way that the GMC PLAB Blueprint contents are covered. For a more visual and more comprehensive course, watch a sample of our PLAB 1 Online Course.
Then I came across one of Dr Arora’s free PLAB 1 webinars which made me realise what PLAB 1 is actually testing – not just knowledge alone. Technique and approach matters in a big way. Even if I knew what the question was about, I marked it wrong due to gaps in my technique. These webinars (and more so the Arora Qu Bank and Mocks) taught me how to not lose silly marks in the real exam.
Another major factor in PLAB 1 is time management. Once you get trapped by a long question you can start to lose time very quickly. This is where Mocks are important – I used the Arora mock bundles – part of the PLAB 1 Ultimate Package. They are built in such a way as to mimic the actual exam. They also provided me with an overall assessment as to where I was lacking with my time management. I also used Plabable’s question bank for more regular practice.
Social media is also invaluable – there is so much free teaching available that you should take advantage of. For example I used free YouTube videos as well as quick learning on Instagram (I found Dr Arora’s filtered video clips to be a good source of de stressing as well!).
In my view the ideal preparation time is approximately 3 months – however if working full time this may increase to around 4 months. Watch this video which covers 3 things to focus on in preparation. Join the Arora PLAB 1 Telegram teaching group here for daily PLAB 1 teaching.
Our PLAB 1 Ultimate Package (containing live course, video chapters, question bank, mocks, audiobook and flashcards) is designed to focus both on knowledge and technique.
To bear in mind…
No matter how much information you see on social media about ‘just doing a question bank’ and that ‘PLAB 1 is an easy exam’ – remember these are MYTHS. We do need a dual approach to exam preparation (as Dr Arora frequently says) – questions + knowledge build. Nowadays most doctors tend to agree on one thing – PLAB 1 is getting trickier and harder day by day. Watch this video for 3 reasons that doctors fail PLAB 1.
Make sure you get your basics right – from guidelines to prescribing – as well as an understanding of how clinical management in the UK system works. Someone like Dr. Arora – who gives out original and updated content and can be trusted genuinely – should be used. I did come across many different resources that just copy the material and then charge you for it – do beware that these may have wrong answers and outdated guidelines.
From my experience, the actual exam never replicates any one platform available online – both in terms of content and style. You are always expected to know something from every subject – be ‘jack of all trades and master of none”. Do not attempt to leave a subject that doesn’t interest you.
Finally, you must believe in yourself every time something unexpected happens. Just remember why you started this journey in the first place. Best of luck from my side for your preparations and a big thank you to Dr. Arora and a warm hug for helping me achieve my goals. I look forward to Arora’s support in my PLAB 2 preparation!
How Arora Medical Education Can Support You
Clear Teaching Built for Busy Doctors.
If you want a guided path, our PLAB 1 resources help you build confidence at each step. Everything is created by senior UK NHS clinicians and previous PLAB examiners with experience in the exam and in teaching.
You can choose:
– PLAB 1 Ultimate – a full PLAB 1 preparation system with question banks, videos, audios, live teaching, flashcards and mock exams.
– A live PLAB 1 Crammer course held a few weeks before each sitting.
– Individual resources such as audios, videos, question banks or mocks
Each option follows a clear plan that helps you stay organised and focused. Explore these more here.
Also:
– Get PLAB 1 Updates and Teaching Emails here.
– Register for next Free PLAB 1 Webinar here.
PLAB 1 Videos that will help…
Watch my video ‘3 Trends that I see in those who Fail PLAB 1‘ here.
Watch my video ‘Focus on these 3 things to Pass PLAB‘ here.
Lead PLAB 1 Tutor - Dr Aman Arora
Hi! I’m Dr. Aman Arora, a Portfolio GP with over a decade of clinical and teaching experience, dedicated to helping doctors achieve their goals with confidence. Having had the privilege of supporting more than 50,000 doctors worldwide across exams such as MRCGP AKT, SCA, MSRA, PLAB 2 and PLAB 1, I understand the challenges you face and the strategies needed to overcome them. Through personalised face-to-face sessions, engaging online courses, mocks, audio and a vibrant social media community, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re looking to pass crucial exams or take the next big step in your medical career, we’re here to help you succeed. Feel free to get in touch with any thoughts, questions, or ideas — I look forward to working with you and being part of your journey.
Senior PLAB 1 Tutor - Dr Pooja Arora
Dr Pooja Arora is a GP with a background in Medical Politics, where she passionately focuses on improving the opportunities and working conditions for junior doctors. She is proud to hold FRCGP (Fellow of Royal College of General Practitioners).
You can find out more about Pooja’s previous roles and qualifications here.
