FMGE vs AMC: What Should International Medical Graduates (IMGs) Choose?

Jun 25, 2024 3 min read
FMGE vs AMC

Key Takeaways:

  • FMGE is for practising medicine in India, while AMC exams are for Australia.
  • FMGE offers familiarity with the Indian healthcare system, while AMC provides exposure to Australia's high-quality healthcare environment.
  • Both pathways require thorough preparation and adherence to eligibility requirements for successful licensure and medical practice.

For medical graduates aspiring to practise in countries other than where they obtained their medical degree, navigating the licensing and certification processes can be daunting. 

Among the various examinations designed to assess the competency of foreign medical graduates, the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) in India and the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams are two prominent ones. 

Let’s delve into a comparative analysis of FMGE vs AMC to understand their similarities, differences, and implications for international medical graduates.

FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination)

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination, conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) in India, is a screening test for Indian and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) medical graduates who have obtained their medical degrees from abroad. The FMGE assesses candidates' knowledge and skills to ensure they meet the minimum standards necessary to practise medicine in India.

AMC (Australian Medical Council) Exams

The Australian Medical Council oversees the assessment and accreditation of medical practitioners in Australia. For international medical graduates seeking to practise in Australia, the AMC conducts a series of examinations to evaluate their medical knowledge, clinical skills, and professionalism.

Eligibility

FMGE

To be eligible to take the FMGE, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Citizenship: Candidates must be either citizens of India or overseas citizens of India.
  • Primary Medical Qualification: Candidates must hold a primary medical qualification that is recognized by the Indian embassy as valid for enrollment as a medical practitioner in the country where the institution granting the qualification is located.
  • Passing Qualification: It is essential for candidates to provide proof of passing the primary medical qualification on or before the specified cutoff date.

AMC

For AMC, the candidate must have:

  • A medical degree such as MBBS/MD/MS at a medical university recognised by the Australian Medical Council (4.5 years).

Also Read: Navigating the Steps Involved in Taking the AMC Exam

Exam Format

While FMGE is a single-step exam conducted  in India, AMC is a two-step examination. AMC 1 is a computer-based test, and AMC 2 is a practical examination.

Both FMGE and AMC aim to assess candidates' comprehensive understanding of medical knowledge and proficiency in clinical skills.

CategoriesFMGEAMC 1AMC 2
Exam ModeComputer-basedComputer-based At the examination centre in Melbourne or online
Question TypeMultiple Choice QuestionsMultiple Choice QuestionsClinical Examination
Duration of the Exam5 hours3 hours 30 mins8 hours
Number of Questions300150 16-stations
Total Marks300500Score of 10 or more of the 14 assessed stations marks as pass
Marking Scheme1 mark for each correct answer and no negative markingMeasurement of the candidate’s ability levelGlobal rating on a seven-point scale
Total Number of Attempts6 attempts in 3 yearsNo limitNo limit
SyllabusAll 19 subjects from the MBBS curriculumBased on the undergraduate medical syllabusBased on the undergraduate medical syllabus

Key Factors To Consider

Here are some key factors to consider for international medical graduates when deciding between FMGE and AMC exams:

Career Goals

Consider your long-term career aspirations and where you envision practising medicine. If your goal is to work in India, FMGE is the appropriate pathway. Conversely, if you aim to practise in Australia, pursuing the AMC pathway is advisable.

Eligibility and Recognition

Evaluate whether your medical qualification is recognised by the respective country's medical regulatory authorities. Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the chosen exam, including citizenship requirements and recognition of your primary medical qualification.

Preparation Resources

Assess the availability of preparation resources, such as study materials, coaching programs, and practice exams, for the chosen exam. Adequate preparation is essential for success, so ensure that you have access to the necessary resources to prepare effectively.

Cost and Time Investment

Calculate the financial costs and time required to prepare for and take the exam, including potential travel expenses if applicable. Consider factors such as exam fees, study materials, coaching costs, and the cost of living in the country where you plan to practise.

Global Recognition

Evaluate the global recognition of the exam you choose. While FMGE primarily enables practice in India, AMC exams are widely recognised internationally, facilitating licensure and practice in multiple countries beyond Australia.

Scope of Practice

Consider the scope of practice allowed by each pathway. FMGE restricts practice to India, limiting international career opportunities compared to exams with broader recognition, such as the AMC pathway.

Language Proficiency

If English is not your first language, consider the language proficiency requirements for each exam. Both FMGE and AMC exams may require candidates to demonstrate proficiency in English language skills through exams like IELTS or OET.

Quality of Healthcare System

Evaluate the quality of the healthcare system and clinical exposure offered by each country. Practising in Australia, for example, offers exposure to a high-quality healthcare system with diverse patient populations and advanced medical facilities.

Validity of Exam Results

Consider the validity period of exam results. FMGE scores are valid for a lifetime once passed, while AMC exam results may have a limited validity period, necessitating periodic revalidation of qualifications.

Personal Preferences

Lastly, consider your personal preferences, such as cultural fit, lifestyle, and professional networks, when deciding between FMGE and AMC exams. Choose the pathway that aligns best with your individual circumstances and goals..

Pros and Cons

FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination)

Pros:

  • Straightforward Eligibility: The eligibility criteria for FMGE are relatively simple, requiring candidates to be Indian citizens or overseas citizens of India with a recognized medical qualification.
  • Lifetime Validity: Once passed, FMGE scores are valid indefinitely, providing flexibility in the timing of licensure.
  • Familiarity with Indian Healthcare System: For candidates intending to practice in India, FMGE offers familiarity with the Indian healthcare system and patient population.

Cons:

  • High Competition: FMGE is highly competitive, with a significant number of candidates vying for limited residency positions and job opportunities.
  • Limited Scope: FMGE restricts practice to India, limiting international career opportunities compared to exams with broader recognition.

AMC (Australian Medical Council) Exams

Pros:

  • Global Recognition: AMC exams are widely recognized internationally, facilitating licensure and practice in multiple countries beyond Australia.
  • Comprehensive Assessment: The AMC exams assess not only medical knowledge but also clinical skills and language proficiency, ensuring well-rounded competency.
  • High-Quality Healthcare System: Practising in Australia offers exposure to a high-quality healthcare system with diverse patient populations and advanced medical facilities.

Cons:

  • Complex Eligibility: Eligibility requirements for AMC exams can be more stringent, requiring additional assessments such as English language proficiency exams.
  • Limited Validity: AMC exam results may have a limited validity period, necessitating periodic revalidation of qualifications.
  • Cost of Living: Australia's high cost of living, including expenses for housing, healthcare, and education, can pose financial challenges for international medical graduates.

Final Words

Both FMGE and AMC exams serve as critical gateways for international medical graduates seeking to practise medicine in India and Australia, respectively. 

Understanding the similarities and differences between these exams is essential for aspiring medical professionals to navigate the complex process of international medical licensure and registration effectively. 

Whether aiming for FMGE or AMC, thorough preparation and adherence to eligibility requirements are crucial for success in these examinations and subsequent medical practice in the desired country.

If you are thinking of Australia, join Academically today! Academically offers an exclusive course called the AMC Preparation Course to ace the AMC exam on the first attempt.

AMC Exam Preparation Course
AMC Exam Preparation Course

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FAQs

Q. What exams are included in the AMC pathway?

Ans: The AMC pathway includes the AMC MCQ Examination, AMC Clinical Examination, and assessment of English language skills through exams like IELTS or OET.

Q. How often are FMGE and AMC exams conducted?

Ans: FMGE is typically held twice a year, in June and December. AMC exams are conducted throughout the year, with multiple sittings available for different components of the assessment.

Q. What are the passing scores for FMGE and AMC exams?

Ans: Candidates must score at least 50% to pass the FMGE. Passing scores for AMC exams may vary depending on the specific assessment component.

Dr. Indu K
Dr. Indu K
about the author

Dr. Indu K is a dentist with one year of clinical experience. She seamlessly transitioned into content writing three years ago. Her passion lies in making complex medical information accessible to everyone. She uses her unique blend of medical knowledge and exceptional writing skills to bridge the gap between healthcare and the general audience.