The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is a critical licensure exam for Indian students who have earned their medical degrees from foreign universities. This mandatory screening test, conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), serves as a gateway for foreign medical graduates to practice medicine in India. Clearing the FMGE is a challenging yet essential step for thousands of aspiring doctors each year.
In this blog, we will talk about the most common questions on FMGE, covering its requirements, how to register, its structure, and advice on preparation for 2025.
An absolute necessity for working as a medical doctor in India is to clear the FMGE. Any licence to work as a doctor in the UK for foreign medical graduates depends on passing this exam first. It allows doctors from other countries to prove that they are up to the Indian standards in their field.
The FMGE is known for being tough, as pass rates have generally been below 25-30% in the last few years. This shows that it is important to be well-prepared and understand exactly how the exam is structured.
With the creation of the National Exit Test (NExT) waiting for approval shortly, 2025 could be the last year the FMGE is given. Now, students must be extra careful to take the examination as soon as they can.
The following criteria should be fulfilled by a candidate to be able to attempt the FMGE 2025:
exam:
It is important to know what will be covered in the actual exam. The FMGE contains two parts, and each is made up of 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Here are the main elements of the FMGE exam pattern:
The syllabus for the FMGE includes many medical topics, such as:
While the registration process for FMGE is not difficult, paying careful attention is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Start by visiting the NBE official website (nbe.edu.in) and creating your new user profile.
Step 2: Make sure to put in correct details for your name, address, mailing lists, and educational records in the application form
Step 3: Part of the process includes uploading your passport-sized photo, scanned signature, and a copy of your primary medical qualification.
Step 4: Make the exam payment on the website using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.
Step 5: Apply and make a printout of the confirmation message for your future use.
Understand the Syllabus: Work on important topics and key subjects that will account for most of the FMGE exam.
Many foreign medical graduates consider passing the FMGE as a key event in their pursuit of practising medicine in India. If you prepare well, understand the exam format, and are consistent, you will have a good chance of doing well in this exam and starting your medical journey in India. Keep yourself motivated, organise your studies, and make use of all the help you have.
Ques 1. Is FMGE compulsory for all foreign medical graduates?
Answer 1. Yes, FMGE is mandatory for all Indian citizens and OCIs who have completed their medical degrees from foreign universities and wish to practise in India.
Ques 2. What is the passing percentage for FMGE?
Answer 2. Candidates need to score at least 50% (150 out of 300 marks) to pass the FMGE.
Ques 3. Can I attempt FMGE multiple times?
Answer 3. Yes, there is no limit to the number of attempts for FMGE. You can take the exam as many times as needed until you pass.
Ques 4. How long is the FMGE score valid?
Answer 4. The FMGE score is valid for lifetime registration with the NMC, allowing you to practise in India permanently.
Ques 5. When is the FMGE conducted each year?
Answer 5. The FMGE is conducted twice a year, typically in June and December.