Levels of Postgraduate Medical Education in Pakistan (by PMDC)

Medical education in Pakistan, as structured by PMDC, progresses through defined levels starting with Level I (MBBS/BDS), followed by Level IIa (postgraduate diplomas) and Level IIb (research-based degrees like M.Sc., M.Phil, or MHPE). Level III includes advanced qualifications such as FCPS, MS, MD, or Ph.D., all requiring a thesis or dissertation. Level IV refers to the 2nd Fellowship—super-specialty training pursued after Level III to develop expertise in specific clinical fields.

1. Level I
   • Duration: 5 years (MBBS) or 4 years (BDS)
   • Qualification: Basic medical/dental degree (MBBS/BDS)
   • Research Component: None
   • Purpose: Foundation level for clinical practice and further specialization
2. Level IIa
   • Duration: Minimum 1 year after Level I
   • Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma (e.g., Diploma in Medical Education, DMJ, DHPE)
   • Research Component: Not mandatory
   • Purpose: Entry-level postgraduate qualification without research; not eligible for Ph.D. in basic sciences without thesis
3. Level IIb
   • Duration: Minimum 2 years after Level I
   • Qualification: M.Sc., M.Phil, MHPE, MME, MSPH or equivalent
   • Research Component: Mandatory thesis/dissertation
   • Purpose: Academic and clinical qualification with research, eligible for further progression, like a Ph.D.
4. Level III
   • Duration: Minimum 3 or more years after Level I
   • Qualification: FCPS, MD, MS, Ph.D., or equivalent
   • Research Component: Mandatory thesis/dissertation
   • Purpose: Terminal degree in clinical or academic pathway; required for advanced academic or clinical roles
5. 2nd Fellowship (Level IV)
   • Eligibility: Only after completing Level III (FCPS/MD/MS or equivalent)
   • Duration: 2–3 years of structured, full-time super-specialty training
   • Purpose: Advanced specialization in a focused area (e.g., pediatric cardiology, neurointervention)
   • Level IV is omitted from the qualification framework as it is the pursuit of excellence, and all Level III qualifications are terminal qualifications.

PMDC Official Document: https://pmdc.pk/Documents/law/Approved%20PG%20regulations%202023.pdf