Postponement of the MRCOG Part 3 examination in Pakistan
10 May 2025
It is with deep regret that we confirm the postponement of the MRCOG Part 3 Examination in Pakistan, due to take place at Shalamar Hospital, Lahore, 14th and 15th May 2025.
We welcome the news of the ceasefire that has been declared and that diplomatic discussion between the Pakistani and Indian governments are now underway. This is a positive step towards regional stability.
However, despite this progress, international flights into Lahore have not yet been reinstated, and travel options for our UK examining team are still unavailable. Unfortunately, even the earliest possible flights would not allow the team to arrive in time to deliver the examination as scheduled. As with all MRCOG Part 3 centres globally, the presence of the UK examining team is essential to ensure parity and consistency across centres and is a core requirement for the integrity and validity of the examination process. Following careful assessment and consultation, we have therefore made the extremely difficult but necessary decision to postpone the examination.
We recognise how upsetting and disruptive this news will be for all those who were due to sit their Part 3 exam in Lahore, particularly given how close the exams are. We share in your disappointment and are extremely sorry for the distress this will cause.
The RCOG team has been working closely with the Pakistan International Representative Committee and the local exam organising team to explore every possible option to proceed safely and minimise disruption. Unfortunately, circumstances are now outside of our control. The RCOG has a duty of care to all of our candidates, examiners, and staff and the safety of all is our highest priority.
We are sincerely grateful to Professor Nazli Hameed, Chair of the Pakistan IRC, for her leadership and dedication to bring the MRCOG to Pakistan and establish the inaugural Part 3 Exam centre in Lahore. We also extend heartfelt thanks to all examiners who had generously committed their time to support this important examination.
The RCOG remains fully committed to supporting all O&G doctors on their prestigious MRCOG journey and to our valued members and fellows in Pakistan. We are actively exploring all options to reschedule this exam and will be in direct contact with affected candidates in the coming days to provide details once available.
We are truly disappointed for all of our candidates who have worked so hard to ready themselves for this critical career milestone and are facing signification disruption at such short notice.
Our thanks to all for your understanding and support during such a challenging period.
We recognise these are worrying times for all in the region and the College extends our thoughts and best wishes at this difficult time.
Further information for candidates and examiners
Why hasn’t the exam been converted to online?
Business continuity plans for the MRCOG Part 3 do include the conversion to an online exam. Unfortunately due to the proximity of the exam date this is not possible due to the infrastructure required to set this up. Attempting to convert to an online exam at this stage would risk compromising the security and validity of the examination, which is not acceptable for candidates or the RCOG.
When will the exam be rescheduled to?
The College team are working hard to establish a timeline for a contingency exam, including if this will be delivered online or face to face. This work is happening with the Pakistan IRC and the College Exams & Assessment Committee. We understand how important this information is and appreciate that candidates are eager for certainty. We kindly ask for patience while plans are finalised. All candidates will be contacted directly with updates in the coming days as soon as more information is available.
Will candidates need to reapply or make another payment for the rescheduled exam?
No. All existing exam bookings will be automatically transferred to the rescheduled date. There is no requirement for candidates to reapply or make any additional payment. Alternatively, should any candidate wish to withdraw from the exam, they may apply for a refund under our Extenuating Circumstances Policy. Read full details of the policy and how to apply.
How to get in contact
The Exams team can be contacted at [email protected]. The Exams team will be contacting all candidates and examiners directly.