The FMGE exam is mandatory for Indian students with MBBS degrees from abroad to practice medicine in India. Conducted twice yearly, it requires a minimum of 150 marks to pass. This guide covers eligibility, exam structure, passing strategy, fees, and preparation tips for FMGE 2026.
The FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination), also known as MCI Screening Test, is a mandatory licensure exam for Indian students who have completed their MBBS abroad and wish to practice medicine in India. Conducted by the National Medical Commission (NMC) twice a year, this exam ensures that foreign-trained doctors meet the Indian medical standards.
With thousands of Indian students pursuing MBBS in Russia, Ukraine, China, Kazakhstan, Philippines, and other countries, clearing FMGE is the final and most important step before applying for a license to practice in India.
What Is the FMGE Exam?
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination is a screening test for Indian citizens, OCI holders, and foreign nationals with medical qualifications from outside India. It is conducted twice a year – June and December. Qualifying FMGE is compulsory to obtain a Provisional or Permanent Registration Certificate from the NMC to practice medicine in India.
Who Should Take the FMGE Exam?
You must appear for FMGE if you are:
- An Indian student who completed MBBS abroad
- An OCI or Indian-origin medical graduate from a foreign university
- Aspiring to start an internship or medical practice in India
MBBS graduates from US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are exempt if they qualify USMLE/PLAB/NZREX.
Key Highlights of FMGE 2026
| Feature | Details |
| Conducted By | National Board of Examinations (NBE) |
| Frequency | Twice (June & December) |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-based) |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Passing Criteria | 150/300 (50%) – No negative marking |
| Duration | 5 Hours (2 Sessions of 2.5 hours) |
| Attempts Allowed | Unlimited |
| Internship | Required after passing |
FMGE Exam Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration |
| Session 1 | 150 | 2.5 hours |
| Session 2 | 150 | 2.5 hours |
- Only MCQ questions
- No negative marking
- Minimum passing marks: 150
- Syllabus based on MBBS curriculum as per the NMC
FMGE Syllabus Overview
Pre-clinical Subjects
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
Para-clinical Subjects
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Forensic Medicine
Clinical Subjects
- General Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Dermatology
- Psychiatry
- General Surgery
- ENT
- Ophthalmology
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Anesthesiology
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
Eligibility Criteria for FMGE
| Requirement | Details |
| Nationality | Indian / OCI |
| Qualification | MBBS degree from a WHO-listed foreign university |
| Internship | Completed or final-year students |
| Degree Recognition | Must be approved by NMC |
| Documents Needed | Passport, Visa, Degree, Internship certificate |
FMGE Exam Fees
| Category | Fee |
| Exam Registration | ₹6,950 (Approx.) |
| Document Verification | ₹1,000 (if applicable) |
Fees may vary slightly year-on-year.
FMGE Pass Percentage Trend (Last 5 Years)
| Year | Pass Rate |
| 2020 | 14% |
| 2021 | 23% |
| 2022 | 10% |
| 2023 | 18% |
| 2024 | 20% (expected) |
Only 1 in 5 students pass on average — proper preparation is crucial!
FMGE Preparation Tips for 2026
| Strategy | Why It Helps |
| Start 6–9 months early | Covers full MBBS syllabus |
| Solve previous papers | Understand pattern |
| Attempt full mock tests | Simulate exam environment |
| Focus on high-yield subjects | Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics |
| Revise multiple times | For recall-based questions |
| Join FMGE coaching (optional) | Extra guidance |
After Passing FMGE
- Apply for one-year mandatory internship in India
- Register with State Medical Council or NMC
- Eligible for PG NEET, medical practice or hospital hiring
- Can also pursue specialization in India or abroad
Common Challenges Faced by Students
| Challenge | Solution |
| Vast syllabus | Use subject-wise strategy |
| Lack of revision | Follow 3-phase revision cycle |
| Language issues (foreign graduates) | Study English medical content |
| Low motivation | Join peer study groups |
Conclusion
The FMGE exam is a decisive turning point for international medical graduates who aspire to practice in India. Although challenging, passing it is achievable with strategic preparation, mock tests, and time management.
Planning to apply for FMGE 2026? Make a structured study plan and begin early!
Get expert guidance on preparation strategies, document support, and medical career planning after MBBS abroad.
Book your Free FMGE Consultation with Stubard — limited mentorship slots available!
FAQs
1. What is the FMGE exam?
The FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) is a screening test conducted by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for Indian and OCI students who completed their medical degree abroad. Passing FMGE is mandatory to obtain a license and practice medicine in India.
2. Who is eligible to appear for FMGE?
You are eligible if you:
Hold an MBBS degree from a foreign university listed by WHO or recognised by NMC.
Are an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder.
Meet the internship requirements of the respective country.
Have a degree completion certificate and valid travel documents (passport, visa).3. What is the passing score in FMGE?
Candidates must score at least 150 out of 300 marks (50%). There is no negative marking. Passing the exam is essential to proceed with a one-year compulsory internship in India.
4. How many attempts are allowed for FMGE?
There is no limit on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear as many times as needed until they pass.
5. How many times is FMGE conducted in a year?
FMGE is conducted twice every year:
June Session
December Session6. Is FMGE difficult to crack?
Yes, FMGE is known to be challenging due to its vast syllabus and conceptual questions. However, with 6–9 months of focused preparation, mock tests, revision cycles and strong clinical understanding, students can successfully clear it.
7. How long does it take to prepare for FMGE?
Most candidates require 6 to 9 months of consistent preparation. However, if your fundamentals are strong, 3–4 months of targeted revision with mock tests is sufficient.
8. Is coaching necessary for FMGE?
Coaching is not mandatory but is highly recommended for students who:
Studied abroad in non-English speaking countries
Lack clinical exposure
Face challenges in high-weightage subjects like Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacology
A structured coaching plan can improve success rates.9. What happens after passing FMGE?
Once you pass FMGE:
Apply for provisional registration with NMC
Start a compulsory one-year internship in an NMC-approved hospital
Register as a medical practitioner in India
You can now practice, apply for postgraduate studies or appear for NEET PG10. Can I apply for FMGE before completing my MBBS?
No. You must have officially completed your MBBS degree and hold the final certificate before applying.
11. Which countries require FMGE for Indian students?
FMGE is required if you complete MBBS from:
1. Russia, Ukraine, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Philippines, Uzbekistan, Nepal, Armenia, Belarus and other abroad universities
2. You are exempt if you graduate from USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and clear licensing exams like USMLE, PLAB or NZREX.12. What are the best books or materials for FMGE preparation?
Top FMGE preparation resources include:
Review books by Dr. Deepak Marwah, Dr. Mukesh Bhatia
FMGE Solution Series (IBE)
Previous years’ FMGE papers
Online mock test platforms and FMGE coaching modules13. What is the FMGE syllabus?
FMGE follows the MBBS curriculum prescribed by NMC, including Pre-clinical, Para-clinical and Clinical subjects:
Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology
Medicine, Surgery, OBG, Pediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry etc.14. How much is the FMGE exam fee?
The exam fee is approximately ₹6,950, which may vary slightly each session.