- Licensing OBSTACLES
- What is FMGE?
FMGE is an entry-level screening test conducted by the National Board of Exams in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for all individuals seeking licensure as physicians in India who have completed their primary medical education outside India. Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) testing is mandatory in order for FMGs to obtain a provisional registration or permanent registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the State Medical Council (SMC) to practice medicine in India and/or enter residency programs and/or specialize in any area of medicine.
- FMGE 2026 Key Information
- Exam Pattern
- Computer-Based Test of 300 M/C Questions
- 2 Parts: Part A (150 Questions) & Part B (150 Questions)
- Duration: 2.5 hours per part or a total of 5 hours
- Scoring: +1 mark per correct response. There is no negative marking.
- Passing Score: Minimum of 150 out of 300 (50%)
- Exam Language: English Only
- Application Fee: ₹6195 for FMGE 2025
FMGE Eligibility
To be eligible for FMGE, you must meet the following requirements if you are an Indian Citizen who completed your Medical Studies outside of India. You will need to provide either Indian Citizenship or OCI, a Primary Medical Qualification from a recognized Medical Institution of the Country you studied in and a FMGE Pass Certificate for applying to the MC/MCI Register.
Eligible Criteria
- Nationality:
An applicant who is a Citizen of Pakistan or completed their Medical Studies in Pakistan is required to review the updated guidelines and obtain Security Clearance from the National Board of Examinations for Medical Sciences (NBEMS).
- Medical Qualification:
The University attended must be recognized by the Medical Authority of the country where it is located (e.g., European Countries, GCC Countries, etc.).
- NEET Requirement:
This is very important; No matter whether you completed your Medical Studies Abroad but did not complete NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), you will not be eligible to take the FMGE or to practice in India. NEET is not negotiable.
- Eligibility Certificate:
An applicant must have an Eligibility Certificate issued by the NMC.
Common Mistakes That Derail PG Plans
- Not Taking NEET Qualifications Before the International Medical Education Experience
- Selecting Universities with No NMC Accreditation
- Failing to Complete an Internship of At Least 12 Months
Some universities have an internship of only 6-12 months. Others do not include an internship as part of their curriculum. This has significant ramifications for Indian licensure.
- Delay in FMGE Preparation
- Inadequate Document Attestations
FMGE Pass Rates
- Country-Wise Performance (Most Recent Data):
- Nepal 30% overall FMGE pass rate
- Bangladesh 26.79% overall FMGE pass rate
- Kyrgyzstan 12 – 31% FMGE pass rate (depends on university)
- Armenia 16.9% (combined 2019-2022)
- Philippines traditionally higher
- Russia has moderate-to-good pass rates with adequate preparation.
Challenges In FMGE
- Differences in Curriculum:
- Different Exam Formats:
- High Competition:
- Gaps in Clinical Training:
Ways to Succeed in FMGE
- Early Preparation: Start studying for the FMGE test during the 4th-5th year of medical school, not just after you finish medical school
- Take Coaching Classes: Attending a quality FMGE coaching program has been shown to increase candidate pass rate dramatically.
- Focus on Indian Guidelines: Study using Indian medicine guidelines and protocols
Practice Prior Papers: Make sure to solve at least 5 years of prior FMGE papers - Understand the Exam: Familiarise yourself with the MCQ test format and practice managing your time
- Connect Theory to Practice: Be able to relate theoretical knowledge to clinical situations
- Continuing Attempts: If a candidate does not pass their FMGE exam, do not get discouraged and keep attempting.
NMC Registration Process After FMGE
FMGE has been passed successfully. But now it’s time for you to start in your new role as a medical practitioner and continue with your further education through a postgraduate (PG) programme.
- Obtain Provisional Registration
- Documents Required
- FMGE Pass Certificate
- MBBS Degree Certificate (certified true copy)
- Certificate of Completion of 12 Months Of Foreign Internship
- Passport and Visa Documents
- NEET Scorecard
- Character Certificate
- Medical Fitness Certificate
- Recent Photographs
- Complete Your Internship in India
- Apply for Permanent Registration
- Pass NEET PG
EOCL India's Complete Support
- Why is EOCL India the Best?
- An Honest Risk Assessment – EOCL India provides objective information about potential destination countries for school enrollment.
- Alternative Identification – There are other places, such as Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Bangladesh, where you could find safe and affordable schools through EOCL India.
- NMC Compliance Expertise – EOCL India is familiar with NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council of India) compliance.
- Admission Deadlines – EOCL India’s team members are responsible for monitoring admission deadlines in multiple countries so that you do not miss critical dates while exploring various options.
