FMGE 2026, NBEMS Announces Third Exam on October 31; Check New Schedule

FMGE 2026:The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has officially announced a significant structural change to the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) framework. Under the newly updated schedule, NBEMS will now conduct the FMGE screening test three times a year instead of the traditional bi-annual format. As part of this revised arrangement, an additional third FMGE session has been scheduled for October 31, 2026.

Consequently, the examination previously fixed for January 9, 2027, has been postponed and will now take place in late January or February 2027. 

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NBEMS Announces Third FMGE Exam on October 31

National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) earlier this week confirmed conducting the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) three times a year, instead of the existing twice-a-year schedule. As part of the revised schedule, NBEMS will conduct an additional FMGE on October 31, 2026. Check the official notice below:

NBEMS Foreign Medical Graduate Examination 2026 Overview

The table below provides a quick summary of the revised FMGE examination cycle announced by NBEMS:

Detailed Overview of the Revised FMGE 2026 Schedule

The decision by NBEMS introduces a major change for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) holding primary medical degrees from foreign institutions. Previously, candidates had to wait six months between exam cycles. With the introduction of the October 31, 2026 exam, candidates get an additional chance to clear the mandatory screening test sooner.

Impact on the January 2027 Session

Due to the addition of the October 31 examination, NBEMS has modified the timeline for the subsequent test. The exam earlier scheduled for January 9, 2027, stands deferred. The board will notify the exact revised date in late January or February 2027 through a separate notification on its official website.

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FMGE 2026 Application Process and Information Bulletin

NBEMS will issue a detailed Information Bulletin for the October 31, 2026 examination shortly on its official website. The upcoming bulletin will outline:

• Online registration opening and closing dates

• Eligibility criteria and cut-off dates for qualifying degree documents

• Document submission and primary medical qualification certificate requirements

• Application fee structure and payment modes

• Examination cities and test centre availability

Candidates are advised to regularly monitor natboard.edu.in to avoid missing the registration window once the portal goes live.

Steps to Access Official FMGE 2026 Notices

Candidates can follow these simple steps to check official notifications on the NBEMS portal:

1. Go to the official website of NBEMS at natboard.edu.in.

2. Under the homepage navigation, click on the Public Notices or FMGE tab.

3. Select the link titled "Notice regarding additional FMGE on 31st October 2026 and revised examination schedule".

4. Download and save the official PDF document for reference.