Preparation for PLAB 2

PLAB 2 doesn't test your knowledge. It tests whether you are a 'safe doctor' or not and how good your communication skills are.

Pattern of examination:

  • There are 20 stations in total,including 2 rest stations. So you will have 18 cases.
  • Each station is of 8 minutes and you get an additional 1.5 minutes to read the question.
  • The question is posted on the door outside each cubicle. There is an addition copy kept inside too.
  • Once your 1.5 minutes for reading the question is over, you will hear a bell. Your 8 minutes now start. Knock the door and enter the cubicle. 
  • You will hear a warning bell at 6 minutes.
  • At the end of 8 minutes, you again hear a bell. 
  • Move on to the next station.

Marking scheme:

  • Each station carries 12 marks.
  • Marking are equally divided between:
  1. History taking and examination(2+2)
  2. Interpersonal skills(4)
  3. Management(4)
Time for prep: 
2-4 weeks(I had 15 days for prep and it was more than sufficient for me)

 Materials for prep:
  • Almost everyone recommends joining a course(online or classroom).
  • Classes help by providing a list of all the stations and a script for each station.
  • However, I have known people who have passed PLAB 2 without joining an academy. You may chose not to join if you can get hold of the latest notes from any of the academy and have a good study partner.

How to study:

  • Go through all the notes ones.
  • Find a study partner and start practising the stations.
  • Once you practise around 10-15 cases, you will understand your weak points. Focus on them.
  • It is not essential to practise all the cases with your partner at it consumes a lot of time.(50-60 is a good number)
  • Practise with atleast 3-4 different people. It is wise to have different people's opinion.
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