
FMGE 2026: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has announced a major change in the schedule of the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). The screening test, which was earlier conducted twice a year, will now be held three times annually.
As part of this revised schedule, NBEMS will conduct an additional FMGE examination on October 31, 2026. The test will be held in computer-based mode at designated examination centres across India.
The board has also postponed the FMGE examination that was earlier scheduled for January 9, 2027. The January 2027 session will now be conducted on a later date in January or February 2027.
According to the latest NBEMS notice, the additional FMGE 2026 examination has been scheduled for October 31, 2026.
The decision to introduce a third FMGE session in the year gives eligible foreign medical graduates an additional opportunity to appear for the screening examination. FMGE is required for eligible Indian citizens and certain overseas citizens who have obtained their primary medical qualification from institutions outside India and seek to practise medicine in India, subject to the applicable rules.
The examination will be conducted through a computer-based platform at various centres across the country.
Candidates can check the currently announced FMGE schedule below:
| Event | Date/Status |
| Additional FMGE Examination | October 31, 2026 |
| Examination Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Examination Centres | Various centres across India |
| January 2027 FMGE | Postponed |
| Earlier January Exam Date | January 9, 2027 |
| Revised January/February 2027 Date | To be announced |
NBEMS has not yet released the detailed application schedule, registration dates, fee details or other examination-related information for the additional October session.
Along with announcing the additional October examination, NBEMS has revised the schedule of the next FMGE session.
The FMGE examination was earlier scheduled to be conducted on January 9, 2027. According to the latest notice, this examination has now been postponed and will be held on a later date in January or February 2027.
The revised date has not been announced yet. NBEMS will publish the updated schedule separately through its official website.
Candidates who were preparing according to the earlier January 9 date should therefore keep checking the official NBEMS updates for the revised timetable.
FMGE has traditionally been conducted twice a year. With the latest decision, NBEMS has introduced an additional examination session, taking the frequency to three times a year.
The October 2026 examination provides eligible candidates with an extra opportunity to appear for the screening test without having to wait for the next regular session.
This change may particularly benefit foreign medical graduates who are ready to take the examination and meet the eligibility requirements for the additional session.
NBEMS has not announced the application dates for the additional FMGE 2026 examination scheduled for October 31.
The detailed registration schedule, application process, examination fee, eligibility requirements and other instructions will be provided through the Information Bulletin.
Candidates should avoid relying on unofficial dates circulating online and should wait for the official notification from NBEMS.
NBEMS will release a separate FMGE 2026 Information Bulletin containing detailed information about the October examination.
The bulletin is expected to provide details related to:
Eligibility criteria
Application and registration dates
Examination fee
Application process
Examination pattern
Syllabus
Important instructions
Admit card
Examination centres
Result and qualifying requirements
Candidates should carefully read the Information Bulletin once it is released before submitting the application form.
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination will be conducted in computer-based mode.
The examination will be held at various designated examination centres across India. The exact list of cities and centres will be communicated by NBEMS through the Information Bulletin and subsequent notices.
Candidates should check their admit cards carefully for the allotted examination centre and other reporting instructions.
Candidates can check the latest information regarding the FMGE examination on the official NBEMS website.
Official NBEMS website: natboard.edu.in
The board will publish the Information Bulletin, application schedule, admit card details, examination instructions and revised January/February 2027 date through its official communication channels.
Candidates planning to appear for the October 31 FMGE 2026 examination should continue their preparation while waiting for the detailed notification.
Once the application window opens, eligible candidates should complete the registration process within the prescribed deadline. They should also keep their academic and identity documents ready to avoid delays during the application process.
Candidates preparing for the January 2027 session should also take note of the postponement and adjust their preparation plans according to the revised examination date once announced.
The important points from the latest NBEMS announcement are:
FMGE will now be conducted three times a year instead of twice.
An additional FMGE examination will be held on October 31, 2026.
The examination will be conducted in computer-based mode.
The FMGE scheduled earlier for January 9, 2027, has been postponed.
The January 2027 examination will now be held on a later date in January or February 2027.
The detailed application schedule for the October examination is yet to be announced.
NBEMS will release the Information Bulletin separately on its official website.
Candidates should regularly check the NBEMS website for the application form, Information Bulletin and further FMGE 2026 updates.
