NMCLE
National Medical Council Licensure Examination (NMCLE)
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Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The Nepal Medical Council licensure examination is the credentialing gateway that allows an MBBS graduate to register and practise as a medical doctor in Nepal. It is written for graduates of Nepalese medical colleges and for those holding a recognised foreign MBBS who are seeking registration through the Council. The examination samples the breadth of the undergraduate curriculum rather than any single specialty, so candidates should expect integrated questions that cross disciplines: a pharmacology stem anchored in a medicine case, a physiology question framed around a surgical patient, or a public health scenario requiring clinical judgement. Preparation is best treated as a structured revision of the full MBBS syllabus, weighted toward the major clinical subjects while keeping the basic sciences and community medicine current, because recall-level facts from anatomy, biochemistry, and microbiology are examined alongside clinical reasoning. Working through clinical vignettes under timed conditions builds the pacing and decision-making the paper rewards. Candidates should verify all administrative details - eligibility, scheduling, and the current pass standard - directly with the Nepal Medical Council, which publishes the authoritative information. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Council.
What you'll study
About NMCLE preparation
Who needs to sit the NMC licensure examination?
MBBS graduates who wish to register with the Nepal Medical Council and practise clinically in Nepal. Foreign-trained graduates should confirm their eligibility and any additional requirements, such as equivalence processes, with the Council before applying, since rules differ by where the degree was obtained.
What is the format of the examination?
It is a multiple-choice paper covering the full undergraduate curriculum, with clinical vignettes and single-best-answer items rather than pure recall. Expect questions that combine basic science with clinical application. Confirm the current paper structure, item count, and any negative marking policy with the Nepal Medical Council.
How long is the exam and how many questions are there?
The Nepal Medical Council sets and publishes the current question count and time limit for each sitting, and these can be revised. Check the official Council website or your examination admit card for the authoritative figures rather than relying on older candidates' recollections, which are frequently out of date.
How difficult is it, and what is the pass mark?
Difficulty reflects the breadth of the syllabus rather than trick questions; most failures come from uneven coverage, not from unusually hard items. The passing standard is set by the Council and published officially, so verify the current threshold there. Do not assume a fixed percentage from past years.
Can I retake the examination if I fail?
Retake provisions, waiting periods, and any limit on the number of attempts are determined by the Nepal Medical Council and may change. Consult the Council directly for the current policy before you plan your timeline, and keep your documents ready so a repeat attempt does not stall on paperwork.
In what order should I study the subjects?
Start with the high-weight clinical subjects - internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, and paediatrics - and revise the basic sciences through them rather than in isolation. Keep community medicine, pharmacology, and microbiology in a regular weekly rotation so recall stays fresh. Finish with timed mixed-subject practice.
What are the most common reasons candidates fail?
Neglecting community medicine and the basic sciences because they feel less clinical; memorising lists without practising vignette-style application; poor time management on long stems; and leaving forensic medicine and ethics until the final week. A balanced timetable with regular self-testing addresses most of these.
How far in advance should I start preparing?
Most graduates need a focused revision period of several months after internship, but the right length depends on how recently you covered each subject. Build in at least four to six weeks for full-length timed practice and review of your errors, and confirm the application deadline early.
Where do I find official examination information?
The Nepal Medical Council publishes eligibility criteria, application procedures, schedules, and results on its official website. Treat that site as the single authoritative source for administrative matters, and use independent resources such as this one only for study content and practice.