Did you know that over 20,000 foreign medical graduates apply to practice in India every year?
If you’re an Indian citizen who earned your medical degree from a foreign university, you’ve likely heard of the FMGE.
This examination determines whether you’re eligible to practice medicine in India. It’s your gateway to becoming a registered medical professional in the country.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the FMGE Exam 2026. From its purpose to the eligibility criteria.
Whether you’ve just completed your MBBS abroad or are in the planning stages, this guide will help you with the next steps.
What is FMGE?
Let’s start with the basics.
- FMGE stands for Foreign Medical Graduate Examination.
- It is popularly known as the MCI screening test conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences.
- It is for Indian citizens and OCI holders who have obtained their medical degree outside India.
- The exam is mandatory if you wish to practice medicine in India.
- After passing the exam, you can register with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Councils (SMCs).
- FMGE is a screening exam. You just need to score a minimum qualifying mark to pass.
Snapshot of FMGE 2026
| Exam Particulars | Details | Remarks |
| Conducted by | NBEMS | Governed by National Medical Council |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year | June and December |
| Mode of Exam | Online | Computer based exam |
| Exam Duration | 300 minutes or 5 hours | The exam is divided into two sittings of 150 minutes each. Break in between. |
| Number of Questions | 300 | Multiple Choice Questions |
| Pass Marks | 150/300 or 50% | No negative marking |
| 2026 Exam Date | 17th January, 2026 (December 2025 Session) The 2026 session exam dates are not released yet. They are expected to follow the same schedule as FMGE 2025. | Possible timing: First shift- 9 AM to 11:30 AM First shift- 2 AM to 4:30 AM |
The Purpose of the FMGE
The FMGE serves an important role in standardizing medical practice in India.
It has become even more important with the increasing number of students going abroad for medical education.
The purpose of FMGE is to:
- Ensures foreign graduates meet Indian medical standards
- Protects the integrity and quality of healthcare delivery
- Bridges the gap between different medical education systems
- Helps verify genuine foreign qualifications
- Compulsory step before internship or medical practice in India
Passing the FMGE opens the gateway to a plethora of opportunities. From licensing, internships, and job opportunities in India, you need the FMGE qualification for all.
Who Needs to Take the FMGE Exam?
Wondering whether you need to take the FMGE? Here's a simple checklist:
- Required for Indian citizens or OCI holders with a foreign medical degree
- Completed primary medical qualifications outside India
- Those with degrees from non-NMC-recognized institutions
- Includes students from Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, and others
You need to take the FMGE if you fall into any of the above categories.
Medical Graduates Exempt from the FMGE
There are a few countries whose registered medical practitioners are exempt from the FMGE:
- USA
- UK
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
FMGE Exam 2026- Eligibility Criteria
Now let’s look at the eligibility requirements for FMGE 2025:
1. Nationality
- Must be an Indian Citizen or hold Overseas Citizen of India status.
2. Medical Qualification
- Must hold a primary medical degree (MBBS equivalent) from a recognized institution located outside India.
- Qualifications must be recognized by the concerned medical authority of the country where the institution is located.
- Must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
3. Eligibility Certificate for Older Students
- Produce an Eligibility Certificate issued by the NMC if you joined your course before March 2019.
4. Course Completion
- Should have completed the entire course. This includes clinical rotations or internships, where applicable.
What are the Documents Required?
To apply, you will need:
- Passport
- Visa
- MBBS or equivalent degree certificate
- Final year mark sheets
- Eligibility certificate
- Proof of internship (if completed abroad)
- A certificate from the Indian Embassy of the country of study validating your degree
Good news for candidates. There’s no age limit and no restriction on the number of attempts for FMGE. You can reappear if you do not qualify on your first try.
Application Process for the FMGE
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to register for FMGE:
- Go to the NBEMS website and open the FMGE page.
- Click “To Register” and create your profile with your name, DOB, nationality, email, and number.
- Make sure you use the same details as on your Primary Medical Qualification certificate.
- You’ll get a User ID & Password by email/SMS.
- Log in as “Applicant” and open the application form.
- Fill the three sections: Personal details, Qualification details, and Test-centre details.
- Here, you can select up to four test cities closest to you.
- Upload images of passport photo, signature, and left thumb impression.
- Upload the required documents.
- Preview the form, confirm the declaration, then submit.
- Pay the exam fee online via the payment gateway.
- Download the Application PDF showing your Transaction ID and payment status “S” (successful) and keep it for your records.
- If NBEMS flags any deficiency, fix it during the announced Edit Window.
- When released, download your Admit Card.
Keep your documents ready before you start. Make sure you have good internet connectivity.
FMGE 2026 - Exam Syllabus and Structure Overview
Let us understand the exam pattern and the syllabus.
Exam Format
| Exam Mode | Exam Frequency | Total Questions | Passing Marks | Additional Remarks |
| Online computer-based | Twice a year: June December | 300 Multiple Choice Questions | 50%: 150 out of 300 | No negative marking |
Subjects Covered: Based on the MBBS syllabus. It includes pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects.
| Preclinical | Para-clinical | Clinical |
| Anatomy Physiology Biochemistry | Pathology Microbiology Pharmacology | Medicine Surgery Obstetrics & Gynaecology Paediatrics |
How To Succeed in Your First Attempt at FMGE?
Don’t let these reasons scare you from taking the FMGE. You can clear it on your first attempt with proper preparation.. Here are a few tips to help you succeed.
- Start early and build strong conceptual clarity
- Stick to the NMC syllabus guidelines
- Solve past-year papers and practice tests
- Join the FMGE Preparation Course online.
- Revise high-yield topics repeatedly
- Use Indian standard textbooks where possible
Latest Update on FMGE
The FMGE exam will soon be replaced with NExT (National Exit Test). The NExT exam will replace both FMGE and NEET-PG to create a standardized approach to getting your registration to practice medicine or pursuing PG studies.
The NExT is supposed to follow the same pattern as the majority of medical registration exams around the world. There will be two parts of the exam. The first one is an MCQ-based assessment, while the second part is a practical assessment.
The dates of the exam are yet to be released.
Your First Step Towards Practicing in India
The FMGE Exam 2026 is more than just a test. It’s a gateway to a medical career in India.
To pass this exam, you need to strategize your preparation. And what better way to do so than with the best? Academically provides online FMGE coaching. From self-paced preparation materials to AI based mock exams, community groups to support you throughout your journey, you’ll find it all there.