Everything About the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE)

Many students dream of studying MBBS abroad. Countries like Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and the Philippines attract thousands of Indian medical aspirants every year. However, returning to India and practicing medicine is not automatic. This is where the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) becomes important.

The FMGE is a screening test conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) in India. It checks whether an Indian student who has completed MBBS from abroad is eligible to practice medicine in India. Here is everything that you need to know about the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination, also known as the MCI screening test.

What Is the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE)?

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination or FMGE is a licensing exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). It is mandatory for Indian citizens or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who obtain their medical degree from a foreign country and want to practice medicine in India.

FMGE is held twice a year, usually in June and December. The exam is conducted in computer-based mode at various centers across India.

The main goal of FMGE is to ensure that foreign-trained doctors meet Indian medical standards. Many students fear FMGE due to its low pass percentage. But with the right guidance, syllabus understanding, and practice, clearing FMGE is very much possible.

This exam is mandatory for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who have obtained their primary medical qualification from a foreign university and wish to practice medicine in India.

FMGE Eligibility Criteria

Meeting the eligibility criteria is essential for candidates planning to appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Screening Exam (FMGE). The National Board of Examinations sets specific requirements for applicants. Only eligible candidates can proceed with the application process for the FMGE.

Nationality

Candidate must be a citizen of India or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI).

Educational Qualification

To be eligible for FMGE:

• You must have completed MBBS or equivalent degree from a foreign medical institute.

• Your foreign medical college must be recognized by the authorities of that country.

• You must have completed the entire duration of the course, including the internship.

• You must possess proof of qualification before applying.

Students who completed MBBS from countries like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand and hold medical licenses there are exempted from FMGE.

FMGE Application Process 

The application procedure for the FMGE is online. Candidates must follow a set of steps to successfully submit their application. It is crucial to fill the form carefully and cross-check all details before final submission.

Steps to Apply Online:

• Visit the official website – www.fmge.nbe.gov.in

• Register as a new user to generate a User ID and Password.

• Login to the website using your credentials.

• Click on the "Go to Application" link.

• Fill out the online application form with personal and academic details.

• Upload scanned copies of required documents, including photograph and signature.

• Pay the application fee online.

• Review the filled application form thoroughly.

• Submit the application. Once submitted, only limited changes are possible during the edit window.

Required Documents:

Candidates must upload scanned copies of the following original documents:

• Primary Medical Qualification Degree certificate.

• Provisional Pass Certificate, attested by the Indian Embassy or apostilled.

• Proof of citizenship (Valid Passport for Indian citizens/NRI, OCI Card + Valid Passport for OCI).

• Eligibility Certificate.

• Recent Photograph.

• Scanned Signatures.

• Thumb Impressions.

Application Fee

The application fee for the Foreign Medical Graduate Screening Exam (FMGE) as of December 2025  is INR 6195/-. This fee includes an examination fee of ₹5,250 and 18% GST amounting to ₹945.

The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable once submitted. Payment is made through a payment gateway using Credit Card or Debit Card. The application submission is complete only when the payment status shows "S" (successful). 

NBEMS is not responsible for application rejection due to delayed payment settlements by banks. Excess payments are refunded after the application window closes.

FMGE Exam Pattern Explained

Knowing the FMGE Exam Pattern helps reduce fear and confusion. Once you understand how the paper is designed, preparation becomes easier. Here is the FMGE exam pattern:

• Mode: Computer-based test

• Total Papers: 2 (Paper 1 and Paper 2)

• Total Questions: 300 MCQs

• Negative Marking: No

• Duration: 5 hours (2.5 hours per paper)

• Passing Marks: 150 out of 300 (50%)

The exam covers 19 medical subjects taught in MBBS. Questions are clinical and concept-based. There is no negative marking. 

FMGE Exam Syllabus – What You Need to Study?

The FMGE Exam Syllabus is vast. But it is not random. It follows the standard MBBS curriculum taught in India. The syllabus is divided into pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects.

Pre-Clinical Subjects

• Anatomy

• Physiology

• Biochemistry

Para-Clinical Subjects

• Pathology

• Pharmacology

• Microbiology

• Forensic Medicine

Clinical Subjects

• Medicine & Allied Subjects (General Medicine, Psychiatry, Dermatology & STD, Radiotherapy)

• Surgery & Allied Subjects (General Surgery, Anaesthesiology, Orthopedics, Radiodiagnosis)

• Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Pediatrics

• Ophthalmology

• Otorhinolaryngology

• Community Medicine

Note - Focus more on clinical subjects. They carry higher weightage

To sum up, the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is challenging but not impossible. With the right strategy, a clear understanding of the FMGE Exam Pattern, FMGE Exam Syllabus, and regular practice of FMGE Previous Year Question Papers PDF, success is achievable.