ISLAMABAD: To ensure credulity and transparency, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has fully empowered the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi to conduct National Registration Examination (NRE). The NUMS has been conducting the NRE for the past two years and is responsible for paper setting, compilation, and declaration of final results. The NRE is conducted in two steps, at least twice a year, in accordance with the approved NRE standards, structure, and syllabus, which are available on the official website PMDC. The NRE is conducted on the curriculum at par with the MBBS /BDS in Pakistan. The candidates are encouraged to submit any complaints or concerns through the online portal. The NUMS is responsible for the NRE, including paper setting, examination conduct, evaluation, compilation, and declaration of results for NRE Step-I. The PMDC has no direct role in the paper development, conduct, or result preparation of the NRE. The NUMS declares the conduct and results of the examination in a timely manner. The results of the most recent NRE Step-I have been published on the PMDC website, and detailed marks are available through the official online portal of the PMDC as well. The passing criterion for the NRE is 60 percent, with no negative marking. In addition, the PMDC provides candidates with the opportunity to apply for re-totaling of results. For the NRE held in December 2025, only two candidates submitted applications for re-totalling. As the national regulatory authority, the PMDC affirmed that no discrimination has been exercised at any stage of the examination process. All procedures are conducted robustly and transparently to ensure fairness, accountability, and alignment with best national and international practices. Any allegations regarding the transparency of the examination are totally baseless as NRE for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) is a mandatory requirement under an Act of Parliament, aimed at ensuring transparency, standardization, and quality in medical and dental education and professional practice in Pakistan. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026