(To be a consultant/doctor)

Step 1: Complete MBBS
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Step 2: PLAB 1- Pass the written MCQ exam.
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Step 3: PLAB 2- Pass the OSCE clinical skills exam (held in Manchester, UK). You'll need a GMC-accepted English qualification too.
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Step 4: GMC Registration- Get full registration with the General Medical Council — this allows you to work in the UK.
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Step 5: Foundation equivalent post / FY2 job- Work as a Trust Grade doctor (SHO/junior doctor) to build UK clinical experience. IMG doctors typically skip Foundation Programme and enter at FY2-equivalent level.
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Step 6: Core Training (CT1–CT2) ~2 years of specialty-specific core training (e.g., Core Medical Training, Core Surgical Training). Competitive application via Oriel.
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Step 7: Specialty Training (ST3–ST7/8) ~5–6 years of registrar-level specialty training. Again competitive via Oriel. You work toward your MRCP / MRCS / FRCA etc. exams during this time.
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Step 8: CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training)- Awarded at the end of specialty training by the GMC. This makes you eligible for the Specialist Register.
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Final step: Consultant Post- Apply for Consultant jobs — typically advertised on NHS Jobs. Once appointed, you're a 'Consultant'.

(To be a surgeon)

Step 1: Complete MBBS
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Step 2: Pass PLAB 1 — MCQ exam.
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Step 3: Pass PLAB 2 — OSCE clinical skills exam (taken in Manchester, UK).
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Step 4: GMC Registration- Get full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) after passing PLAB 2.
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Step 5: Complete 'FY1 & FY2' (2 years) — general clinical rotations.
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Step 6: Some IMGs can get 'FY2 exemption' depending on experience.
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Step 7: Core Surgical Training (CST)- 2 years of competitive surgical training.
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Step 8: Sit and pass the 'MRCS' exam (membership of Royal Colleges of Surgeons).
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Step 9: Specialty Surgical Training (ST3–ST8)- Competitive entry into your chosen surgical specialty (e.g. General, Orthopaedics, Neurosurgery, Cardiothoracic, etc.)
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Step 10: Specialty Surgical Training (ST3–ST8)- 6 years of higher surgical training.
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Step 11: Specialty Surgical Training (ST3–ST8)- Pass the 'FRCS' exam (Fellowship of Royal Colleges of Surgeons).
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Step 12: Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT)- Awarded at the end of ST8.
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Step 13: Apply for the 'Specialist Register' with GMC.
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Final step: Consultant Surgeon Post- Apply for NHS Consultant positions.

(To be a researcher)

Step 1: Complete MBBS
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Step 2: Pass PLAB 1 — MCQ exam.
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Step 3: Pass PLAB 2 — OSCE clinical skills exam (taken in Manchester, UK).
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Step 4: GMC Registration- Get full registration with the General Medical Council (GMC) after passing PLAB 2.
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Step 5: Foundation Programme (FY1 & FY2)- 2 years of clinical training in NHS.
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Step 6: Foundation Programme (FY1 & FY2)- Apply via UK Foundation Programme Office (UKFPO).
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Step 7: Core/Specialty Training- Enter Core Medical/Surgical or directly into a specialty.
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Step 8: Core/Specialty Training- During this phase, start identifying research interests.
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Step 9: Research Route 1→Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF)- 25% protected research time during specialty training.
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Step 10: Research Route 2→Clinical Research Fellowship (CRF)- Take time out of training to do a funded research post.
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Step 11: Research Route 3→MD/PhD- Full-time research degree (2–4 years), often funded by NIHR or MRC.
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Step 12: Academic Career- Apply for 'Clinician Scientist Fellowship' or 'Lecturer posts'.
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Final step: Progress to Senior Lecturer → Reader → Professor.