FMGE Exam
Your complete blueprint for India's mandatory medical licensing test. Master the FMGE Exam syllabus, track exam changes, and unlock your permanent NMC registration to practice medicine in India.
Total Marks
300
Total Questions
300
Duration
5 Hours
Frequency
Thrice a Year
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE Exam) is a mandatory screening test in India for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who have obtained their primary medical qualification from a foreign medical institution and wish to practise medicine in India. The examination is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) under the Screening Test Regulations, 2002. As per the new NBEMS guidelines, FMGE will now be conducted three times a year and will be held in computer-based (CBT) mode.
The exam consists of 300 multiple-choice questions, divided into two parts of 150 questions each, with 150 minutes allotted for each part. There is no negative marking, and candidates must secure at least 150 out of 300 marks to qualify. Applicants must meet the prescribed eligibility requirements, including holding a recognised primary medical qualification from a foreign institution and fulfilling the applicable document and qualification requirements for the particular FMGE session.
After qualifying the FMGE, eligible foreign medical graduates must complete the applicable registration and internship requirements before obtaining permanent registration to practise medicine in India.
Foreign medical graduates (FMGs) need to pass the mandatory medical licensing examination to practice medicine in India. Currently, it is the FMGE or the future NExT.
Becoming a practising doctor in India after passing the FMGE examination is the dream of millions of students. Every year, thousands of foreign medical graduates take this exam and become practising doctors in India.
For the Academic Year 2026–27, NMC has announced 43,250 Compulsory Rotatory Medical Internship (CRMI) seats for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) across approved medical colleges in India.
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is a mandatory licensing test in India that allows Indian citizens or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who earned their primary medical degree abroad to legally practice medicine in the country. It is important because of:
Passing the FMGE Exam is a legal requirement to register with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Councils, granting the right to practice medicine in India.
It bridges differences between foreign curricula and Indian medical standards, ensuring all practising doctors meet uniform competency levels.
The qualification enables medical graduates to apply for postgraduate medical entrance tests (like NEET-PG) and pursue specialisation in India.
Clearing the screening test unlocks official eligibility to work legally in both government and private healthcare institutions across the country.
It acts as an objective metric to evaluate whether graduates from diverse international medical universities possess the core clinical & theoretical knowledge required in India.
Passing the exam prevents professional delays, allowing foreign medical graduates to transition into internships, permanent registration, & active medical careers in India.
Foreign Medical Graduate Examination is a mandatory licensing examination for FMGs in India. Explore key details about the FMGE exam, including its type, subjects, duration, conducting body, and marking scheme.
Understanding the FMGE eligibility criteria is important to sit for the examination. Key requirements for foreign medical graduates (FMGs) and Indian students who have completed their medical degree abroad are quoted below.
There is no upper or lower age limit for applicants willing to take the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) in India.
You must possess a primary medical qualification (e.g MBBS or equivalent) from a WDOMS (World Directory of Medical Schools) listed university.
PG-qualified graduates from these nations are exempt from the FMGE exam.
The FMGE exam pattern consists of 300 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), divided into two parts: Pre-clinical & Para-Clinical Subjects and clinical subjects. See the table curated below for their weightage.
Total: 300 MCQs | 300 Max Marks | 5 Hours
Correct Answer+1
Incorrect Answer0
Unanswered0The FMGE syllabus covers the major subjects taught during the MBBS programme, from basic medical sciences and pathology to clinical medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, and community medicine.
The Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) registration process is conducted entirely online through the official National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) portal. For a streamlined application, follow the key steps.
To apply for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), you must upload specific scanned images and academic documents as prescribed by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). Key prerequisites are quoted below.
Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) Degree Certificate
Provisional Pass Certificate, if applicable
NEET-UG Scorecard/Qualification Proof
NMC/MCI Eligibility Certificate, if applicable
Valid Passport
Citizenship Proof
Class 10 Certificate
Class 12 Marksheet
Class 12 Passing Certificate
Internship Completion Certificate
Previous FMGE Result/Pass or Fail Certificate, if applicable
Category Certificate, if applicable
AIU Equivalence Certificate, if applicable
Medical College Transfer Documents, if applicable
Recent Passport-Size Photograph
Scanned Signature
Left-Hand Thumb Impression
Keep your FMGE Exam Admit Card ready before exam day, verify the information mentioned on it, and follow all instructions to avoid last-minute problems.
Download Admit Card
Passing the FMGE allows eligible foreign medical graduates to seek registration to practise medicine in India, subject to applicable NMC and State Medical Council requirements. Explore your registration and career options with expert guidance.
The FMGE is conducted at designated examination centres across India. For the June 2026 session, NBEMS listed 75 tentative cities. Candidates can select their preferred city, while the final centre is allotted based on availability.
Agra
Ahmedabad
Aligarh
Bengaluru
Chandigarh
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi NCR
Gurugram
Guwahati
Hyderabad
Jaipur
Kolkata
Lucknow
Mumbai
New Delhi
Noida
Pune
Thiruvananthapuram
Varanasi
and several other cities across India. The available cities may vary by FMGE session
FMGE 2026 is being conducted in multiple sessions, with the June session held on 28 June and the October session scheduled for 31 October 2026. The exam is conducted at designated centres across India, with 75 tentative cities listed for the June session. Let’s have a look at the table below.
| Events | Date |
|---|---|
| 01Application Form Release | 11 September 2026 |
| 02Application Form Last Date | 25 September 2026 |
| 03Edit Window | 29–30 September 2026 |
| 04Image Correction Window | 3–19 October 2026 |
| 05Document Deficiency Correction | Up to 21 October 2026 |
| 06Test City Intimation | 20 October 2026 |
| 07Admit Card Release | 27 October 2026 |
| 08FMGE Exam Date | 31 October 2026 |
| 09Result Declaration | By 30 November 2026 |
| 10Scorecard | To be announced |
| 11Pass Certificate | To be announced |
<strong>Note:</strong> FMGE October 2026 is an additional session introduced by NBEMS, making FMGE a three-times-a-year examination in 2026. Update the next session's schedule once NBEMS officially announces it.
300
MCQs in the FMGE exam
2
Parts: 150 questions in each part
No
Negative marking. Attempt all questions
13
Subjects. Cover pre/para-clinical & clinical subjects
Cover all major pre-clinical, para-clinical and clinical subjects. Give additional attention to high-yield topics and subjects carrying greater weightage.
Divide your preparation into study, revision and question-solving sessions. Keep dedicated time for difficult subjects instead of spending equal time on every topic.
Understand clinical concepts rather than relying only on memorisation. Pay special attention to diagnosis, investigations, treatment protocols, pharmacology and clinical management.
Practise previous FMGE questions regularly to understand recurring concepts, question patterns, and commonly tested topics. Review every incorrect answer to identify knowledge gaps.
Attempt full-length and subject-wise mocks under timed conditions. Analyse your performance after every test and work on accuracy, speed and weak areas.
Prepare concise notes for important formulas, drug classifications, clinical criteria, investigations and frequently tested facts. Revise them repeatedly during the final phase.
Give adequate attention to major clinical subjects such as Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Pharmacology, Pathology and Microbiology.
Focus on clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, investigations and treatment. Use case-based questions to improve your ability to apply concepts.
Follow a structured revision cycle instead of studying each topic only once. Keep the final weeks primarily for revision, PYQs and mock-test analysis.
FMGE consists of 300 questions divided into two parts of 150 questions each. Use the allotted time strategically, avoid spending too long on difficult questions, and maintain a steady pace throughout the computer-based examination.
Start with your strongest subjects to build confidence and maintain momentum.Keep track of time and maintain a steady pace throughout both exam parts.Mark difficult questions and return to them after completing easier questions.Read clinical questions carefully, especially words such as “except,” “not,” and “incorrect.”
Don’t spend too long on a single difficult question.Don’t rush through clinical case-based questions.Don’t repeatedly change answers without a valid reason.Don’t leave questions unanswered, as FMGE has no negative marking.The FMGE passing cutoff is a fixed score of 150 out of 300 marks (50%), which is set by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), with no category-wise relaxations or negative marking.
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Qualifying Marks | 150 |
| Qualifying % | 50% |
| Negative Marking | No |
| Category-wise Cutoff | Not applicable |
After passing the FMGE and completing the applicable registration and internship requirements, foreign medical graduates can pursue different medical career pathways in India. Depending on their registration and qualifications, options may include:
Explore our FMGE and MBBS abroad guides covering exam preparation, eligibility, admissions, medical universities, fees, registration, and career pathways to help students make informed decisions about their medical education and future.
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FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) is a screening examination conducted by NBEMS for eligible foreign medical graduates seeking to practise medicine in India.
Indian citizens or Overseas Citizens of India who hold a primary medical qualification from a recognised foreign medical institution and meet the applicable eligibility requirements can apply for FMGE.
Yes. Candidates who were required to qualify NEET-UG for admission to an overseas medical course must provide proof of NEET qualification, subject to applicable rules.
FMGE consists of 300 multiple-choice questions, divided into two parts of 150 questions each.
A candidate must score at least 150 marks out of 300 to qualify for FMGE. There is no negative marking.
There is no fixed limit on the number of FMGE attempts, provided the candidate continues to meet the eligibility requirements.
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has updated the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) frequency to be conducted three times a year instead of twice.
FMGE can be challenging because it covers a broad range of medical subjects. Consistent preparation, revision, previous-year questions and mock tests can improve performance.
After qualifying FMGE, candidates must complete the applicable pass certificate, internship and medical registration formalities before practising medicine in India.
Passing FMGE alone does not automatically authorise medical practice. Candidates must fulfil the applicable internship, registration and other requirements prescribed by the NMC and the concerned State Medical Council.
Get personalised guidance for FMGE preparation, medical education options, and your career goals to plan your next step with confidence.
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