NRE Step 1 Guide: Syllabus, Pattern and Passing Marks

NRE Step 1 is the theory paper for foreign medical graduates who want to practise in Pakistan. It is a computer-based paper of 200 multiple-choice questions. Only candidates who pass Step 1 become eligible for Step 2, the clinical skills examination.

Step 1 pattern: 200 MCQs

Subject weightage in the clinical section

Medicine and Surgery together make up 100 of the 200 questions. Small subjects such as ophthalmology and ENT are only 6 questions each, but they are the easiest to complete - see NRE ophthalmology MCQs and NRE ENT MCQs.

Passing marks and negative marking

The minimum pass percentage in the Step 1 theory paper is 60 percent. There is no negative marking in NRE Step 1, so every question should be attempted.

Pattern source: PMDC NRE Standard, Structure and Syllabus table as published - 200 MCQs, 140 clinical / 60 applied basic sciences, pass 60 percent, no negative marking.

Practice this pattern with NRE past papers with explanations and timed NRE mock exams.