When you are reading this article, let’s assume you are from a medical background or you are an aspiring MBBS student. Hopping you may come across the term FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) It is an examination for medical students who passed their MBBS/MD from foreign countries for candidates who chose MBBS abroad.

Why FMGE?

In a nutshell, FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) allows medical graduates to start their medical career in India or any other country that conducts this examination. After passing this exam, students are awarded a license to practice in India or that particular country. If you still think you have very little info about this exam, you can browse our other blogs for know.

Coming to the main point recorded passing percentage of FMGE to date. The FMGE i.e. Foreign Medical Graduate Examination Dec 2022, which was conducted by the National Board of Examinations on the 12th of January 2023, announced the result on the 3rd of February 2023.

The passing percentage was 39.6%, which was truly an amazing thing that happened this year. It is no doubt outstanding results that rose high compared to the last few years. Unfortunately, the passing percentage of the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) has always been low, sometimes between 10 to 20%, which was not outstanding for sure. Furthermore, this year witnessed a maximum passing percentage and a large number of students qualified for the examination.

The high passing percentage has also been reasoned with the supposed uncertainty as well as fear of the NExT Exam i.e. National Exit Test which is scheduled to be introduced in the next academic year. Needless to say, the majority of students who sat for this exam know the FMGE pattern then NExT. They seem to have worked hard. Thus, we gave an outstanding result this time!

Let’s see the FMGE Session and Passing Percentage in detail.

A reputed daily stated with a general conversation of Union Health Ministry that this is an examination medical students have worked hard, therefore, the difficulty index might also have been slightly lower this DECEMBER 2022 exam.

FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) is no doubt a tough exam in the country, and students show truly super results. In the end, it can be said, that it does not matter what the reason behind this excellent result in the passing percentage of the medical licensing exam in the country. It certainly seems promising, and at the same time assuring all Indian medical students who completed MBBS from foreign countries prepare their turn to excel in the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) or NExT (National Exit Test).

Also Read: FMGE Passing Percentage of Top Countries for MBBS

Overseas graduates will be expected to pass the new National Exit Test (NExT) instead of the Foreign Medical Graduate Exam beginning at an undetermined date (FMGE). Applicants who want to practice in India must pass NExT within two years of finishing their medical education overseas.

What exactly is the NEXT Exam?

The National Exit Test is now both the licentiate test and the national medical postgraduate exam that students/MBBS hopefuls must pass to receive a "Doctor" tag next to their name. The central government of India included the test in the National Medical Commission Bill 2019. The NEXT test will be established and rolled out in 2023 and will serve as a substitute for both the FMGE Exam and the NEET-PG Exam.

According to the presented by the National Medical Commission (NMC), all medical graduates who finished their MBBS abroad must also pass the National Exit Test within two years of their MBBS. This is because, as previously stated, it will replace the FMGE test, which was formerly the licentiate exam for practicing in India. Candidates must pass the NEXT test to be registered for medical practice in India. PG admission in Indian medical institutes will be solicited and determined based on the results of the Upcoming medical test. The NEET-PG exam, which is meant to assess the abilities and knowledge of final-year medical students, is also likely to be changed.

The new medical bill's goal is to provide a single-window exit test for final-year medical students. After the new legislation is in effect, there will only be one test for a final year degree, medical practice license, and medical PG admittance.

What are the benefits of the NExT Exam?

• The National Exit Test will make sure that education is the same and the same all over the country. This is because it will be a pan-Indian test that every state will be required to take, including the same curriculum system for medical studies. In reality, it must also provide an equitable and consistent educational quality. Karnataka, Punjab, and Delhi have the most significant medical institutions today, but due to the NEXT Exam, other states will be able to compete as well. Colleges will raise their educational standards as their students compete in the same tests as overseas medical graduates.
• In some ways, it will compel/persuade medical colleges to raise their educational standards since their students will be competing against international medical graduates in the same test.
• If the president signs the measure into law, it will require people to work toward raising the standard of medical education in the country, which will contribute to an overall improvement. This would also lead to India adopting the same (or comparable) educational culture as industrialized nations.
• Foreign graduate physicians will no longer need to take separate tests thanks to the NEXT Exam since they will get a practicing license if they pass the National Exit Test. There will be a consolidated test in which they would compete against Indian students.

If you pursue any of these careers in 2023, you will have the highest chance of being employed. As the world changes at a quick pace, introducing new possibilities and sectors, so are our employment alternatives. Students are no longer confined to conventional vocations like engineering and medicine, but may also study and pursue a wide variety of fascinating and inspirational careers.

The medical sector, notably MBBS, is expected to flourish in 2023. The MBBS degree is one of the most sought-after and recognized in the world of healthcare, and it is an excellent option for people who wish to make a difference in the lives of others.

MBBS graduates may look forward to a variety of fascinating job opportunities. They may pursue careers in medical research, education, public health, or even clinical practice. In each of these areas, MBBS professionals may have a significant influence and contribute to enhancing patients' quality of life.

MBBS professionals may pursue other fascinating and inspirational jobs, such as medical journalism, publishing medical publications, or working as medical consultants in the corporate sector, in addition to being highly sought-after in the medical area. These are all excellent possibilities for folks who wish to go out while still using their medical knowledge and expertise. 

MBBS graduates may also look forward to a promising career in artificial intelligence (AI). Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly significant aspect of the medical industry, and MBBS professionals may use their knowledge and abilities to create and work on cutting-edge AI technology. This is a very intriguing area with the potential to change the way we practice medicine.

Nurse Practitioner is the second most common profession.

It's hardly surprising that this "hero career" has remained at the top for 2023. You may expect to earn about $111,680 per year and be recognized as someone who saves lives. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) include Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse-Midwives. They coordinate patient care and may offer general care as well as special treatment. Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, and Nurse-Midwives are all examples of advanced practice registered nurses, or APRNs. They may offer general and even specialty healthcare as well as coordinate patient care.

The third most popular profession is that of a Health Specialty Teacher.

If you love teaching adults, this might be a good profession for you. A postsecondary education and health specialties teacher's annual salary is $102,720. Colleges and universities employ the vast majority of health specialty instructors. Others, however, work in medical facilities, trade schools, or junior colleges. Further licensing and certifications may be necessary depending on the field in which you teach.

The fourth-highest-paying job is that of a Medical and Health Services Manager.

You might consider a career as a Medical and Health Services Manager if you enjoy the pay and security of medical professions but would prefer to sit at a desk in a setting with healthy people. At the desk, your daily tasks will be to organize, lead, and manage the business activities of healthcare providers. 

You will be assisting medical professionals in managing the business part of their practice and keeping them organized if you do so. True, you'll be busy pushing paperwork and talking with physicians at the medical office, but not too busy to go to the bank and cash your huge wage check of about $100,980 every year! 

United States: The United States Medical Licensing Examination, also known as the USMLE, is a three-part examination that evaluates a physician's capacity to apply knowledge, concepts, and principles, as well as to demonstrate fundamental patient-centered abilities that are necessary for providing safe and effective patient care. In order to become a licensed physician in the United States, one must first pass the USMLE.

The three steps of the USMLE are as follows:

• USMLE Step 1: This is a computer-based exam that tests the candidate's understanding of basic medical sciences. The exam consists of 280 multiple-choice questions and is administered over a period of one day (eight hours).

• USMLE Step 2: This is further divided into two parts - Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Clinical Skills (CS).

• USMLE Step 2 CK: This is a computer-based exam that assesses the candidate's medical knowledge and clinical decision-making abilities. The test lasts for one day (nine hours) and consists of 318 questions with multiple-choice answers. The questions are spread out over the course of the day.

• USMLE Step 2 CS: This is a clinical skills exam that evaluates the candidate's ability to gather information from patients, perform a physical examination, and communicate effectively with patients and colleagues. The exam is administered in person and consists of 12 standardized patient encounters.

• USMLE Step 3: This test is administered on a computer and evaluates the candidate's capacity to apply medical knowledge as well as their comprehension of biological and clinical science, all of which are necessary for the practice of medicine without supervision. The exam consists of 233 multiple-choice questions and is administered over a period of two days (14 hours). Each step of the USMLE must be successfully completed in order to practice medicine in the United States. The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) are responsible for administering the USMLE.

United Kingdom: The General Medical Council (GMC) is the regulatory body for doctors in the United Kingdom. Its primary role is to protect, promote, and maintain the health and safety of the public by ensuring that doctors meet the standards of practice and conduct required in the UK.

The GMC has several key functions, including:

• Registration: The GMC maintains a register of all licensed doctors in the UK. In order to practice medicine in the UK, one must first become registered with the General Medical Council (GMC).

• Education and Training: The GMC sets the standards for medical education and training in the UK. This includes the approval of medical schools and postgraduate training programs.

• Professional Standards: The GMC sets the standards of practice and conduct required of doctors in the UK. This includes the investigation and adjudication of complaints against doctors.

• Revalidation: The GMC requires all doctors to undergo revalidation every five years in order to maintain their license to practice medicine in the UK. This includes the completion of continuing professional development and the evaluation of the doctor's practice by their peers.

The GMC also oversees the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB), which is the licensing exam for doctors who have qualified overseas and wish to practice medicine in the UK. The PLAB consists of two parts: Part 1 is a written exam, and Part 2 is a practical exam that assesses the candidate's clinical skills and communication abilities.

These are just a few examples of the medical licensing exams required in different international countries. It's important to research the specific requirements of the country where you wish to practice medicine.

Aware of unforeseen circumstances in the world, the National Health Commission has now allowed Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) who have not completed their internships due to “limited circumstances” such as: War and Covid-19 to register for internships in India if they are able to pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). The National Health Commission has also issued guidelines for the registration of foreign medical graduates. Aware of unforeseen circumstances in the world, the National Health Commission has now allowed Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) who have not completed their internships due to “limited circumstances” such as: War and Covid-19 to register for internships in India if they are able to pass the FMGE. The National Health Commission has also issued guidelines for the registration of foreign medical graduates.

How when why and till when

Yes, of course, there are a lot of questions regarding the concerned decision of NMC.  Well, let's dig up a bit, The National Health Commission (NMC) has relaxed the standards for one year, allowing foreign medical graduates who have passed a drug test to intern at non-teaching hospitals. Internships at 679 designated hospitals across the states will be allowed through May next year. The easing was announced as some students - especially those who completed training in China and Ukraine last year - had to complete a two-year internship to fill a gap in the process. The actual learning process has been hampered by pandemics and wars.

The National Health Commission made it clear on Wednesday that accredited non-university hospitals will be allowed to do internships for foreign medical graduates until May 2024. 

This is going to be a reasonable step from the side of NMC, and this is a good approach towards helping the other students. 

“This relaxation is granted only as one-time measure. The allotment of FMGs in these non-teaching hospitals shall also be done through concerned state medical councils,” said the circular.

GMF is allowed to apply for internships in India

“In addition to the above, it has also been observed that there are also foreign medical graduates who have not completed their internship due to a compelling situation beyond their control, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. -19 and war, and so on." 

As per the official notification, "Given the pain and stress faced by these foreign medical graduates, their application to complete the remainder of their internship in India is considered an eligible:

“Accordingly, the state medical board can deal with the same issue provided that the applicant obtains an FMGE licence before applying to complete the internship in India,” the announcement added. 

Guidelines for internships for foreign medical students in India

Considering all relevant NMC regulations and circumstances, the committee has issued a set of guidelines for FMG registration by the State Health Board, as noted. 

• A medical degree or GMF degree must be registered to practise medicine in the country where it is issued and must be equivalent to a licence to practise medicine issued to citizens of that country.

• If completed at a foreign institution, documentary proof of successful completion of physical training or internship in the course of medical certification equivalent to MBBS.

• A copy of passport with VISA details from immigration.

• Candidates who wish to apply to India must pass the FMGE conducted by the National Examination Board (NBE).

• The State Board of Health may enrol applicants who meet the above criteria for a 12-month period or a balanced period, if applicable. 

• Internships will be authorised at hospitals of the medical faculty or at hospitals affiliated with the medical faculty, as authorised by the committee.

• The maximum quota for the distribution of internships to FMGs in the medical faculty should be capped at an additional 7.5% of the total authorised places.

• State medical boards must obtain assurance from the medical faculty that the medical faculty will not charge FMGs any money/fees to allow them to practise.

• GMF will receive a grant and other benefits equivalent to the training of Indian medical graduates in government medical colleges at the discretion of the relevant authorities applicable to institution/university or state. 

FMGE: Number of hospitals offering internships

Studying MBBS abroad at a lower cost is a consideration for many Indian students. However, it's crucial to ensure that the chosen institution is recognized by relevant medical councils and provides a quality education. Here are five countries and ten advantages of studying medicine that have been popular choices for Indian students to pursue MBBS at a relatively lower cost:

Studying Medicine: Advantages

"MBBS" stands for "Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery," and it's a professional undergraduate degree awarded to students who have completed the necessary training in the field of medicine and surgery. The term "MBBS" is used in many countries, particularly those with a British influence on their education systems.

Studying medicine is a rigorous and demanding endeavour, but it offers numerous advantages. Here are ten key benefits of pursuing a medical education:

• Opportunity to Make a Difference: Medical professionals have the opportunity to directly impact and improve the lives of individuals and communities through healthcare and treatment.
• Job Stability and Demand: The demand for healthcare professionals, including doctors, remains high globally, providing job stability and diverse career opportunities.
• Intellectual Challenge: Medicine is a field of constant discovery and advancement. Practitioners engage in lifelong learning to stay updated on medical advancements.
• Diverse Specialisations: Medicine offers a wide range of specialisations, allowing individuals to focus on areas such as surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, and more.
• Financial Reward: Medical professionals often receive competitive salaries, reflecting the extensive education and training required.

• Global Mobility: Medical professionals often have the option to work internationally, contributing to healthcare on a global scale, so studying MBBS abroad can be a great option for those who are looking for an international medical career.

• Job Satisfaction: The intrinsic reward of helping others and making a positive impact on health outcomes contributes to high levels of job satisfaction.

• Respected Profession: Doctors are generally highly respected members of society, and the medical profession is often viewed with admiration and trust.

• Interpersonal Skills Development: Communication Skills: Medical professionals develop strong interpersonal and communication skills through interactions with patients, families, and colleagues.

• Research Opportunities: Medical professionals often have the chance to contribute to medical research, advancing the understanding and treatment of various health conditions.

It's important to note that while the advantages of studying MBBS abroad are significant, the journey is demanding and requires a strong commitment of time and effort. Additionally, ethical considerations, empathy, and a genuine desire to help others are crucial attributes for success in the medical field.

Top five countries to study medicine Abroad for Indian students at low cost

MBBS in Russia

• Many Russian universities offer MBBS programs at a lower cost compared to Western countries.
• MBBS in Russia is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).
• The majority of universities provide English-language instruction.

MBBS in Georgia

• Georgia has several universities offering affordable MBBS programs.
• The cost of living is relatively low.
• MBBS in Georgia is also recognized by the MCI and WHO, and many other national and international medical associations of repute.

MBBS in Kyrgyzstan 

• Kyrgyzstan offers low-cost MBBS programs.
• Many medical universities provide English-language instruction.
• MBBS in Kyrgyzstan is recognized by the WHO, MCI, FAIMER, and the Ministry of Education, Kyrgyzstan.

MBBS in Philippines

• Some medical universities in the Philippines offer affordable MBBS programs.
• English is the medium of instruction for international students who aspire to study MBBS in Philippines.
• The education system is influenced by the American system, and the Philippines universities are accredited by WHO, NMC, FAIMER, etc.

MBBS in Kazakhstan

• Kazakhstan has medical universities with relatively lower tuition fees.
• Similar curriculum to India.
• MBBS in Kazakhstan is taught in the English language and the degree is recognized by the MCI.

There has been a noticeable trend of Indian students pursuing medical education abroad. However, specific statistics regarding the percentage of Indian students studying medicine abroad can be challenging to pinpoint due to several factors. Data regarding the number and percentage of Indian students studying medicine abroad may change annually, and obtaining real-time statistics can be challenging. Indian students often choose various countries for medical education, including Russia, Ukraine, China, the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, and others. The distribution across these countries can vary. Each destination country may have its own reporting systems, and obtaining a consolidated and accurate figure for the total percentage of Indian students studying medicine abroad can be complex. It's important for students to exercise caution and thoroughly research any institution before deciding to pursue MBBS abroad. Consider factors such as recognition by medical councils, language of instruction, reputation, facilities, and the overall quality of education. Additionally, be aware of visa regulations, accommodation options, and post-graduation opportunities in the chosen country.

Before making any decisions, it's advisable for students to consult with educational advisors, and, if possible, connect with alumni who have studied in the chosen country to gain insights into their experiences. Lastly, ensure that the medical degree obtained abroad is recognized in India and meets the necessary criteria for practice.