- FMGE is conducted twice a year, in June and December, by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) at natboard.edu.in
- Candidates must score 150 out of 300 marks to qualify
- The National Exit Test (NExT), meant to replace FMGE, has been deferred by three to four years, so FMGE continues as the licensing exam for foreign medical graduates.
What Is the FMGE Exam?
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), also called the Screening Test, is a licensing exam that Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India with a medical degree from outside India must pass to practise medicine in the country. Introduced under the Screening Test Regulations 2002, it is conducted by NBEMS.
FMGE is a mandatory qualifying test rather than an admission or ranking exam. Passing it confirms that a foreign-trained doctor meets the minimum standard required to be registered with a State Medical Council or the National Medical Commission and to practise medicine in India.
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FMGE is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), an autonomous body established in 1975 under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. NBEMS holds the test, declares results, and forwards them to the National Medical Commission and State Medical Councils, which handle registration and licensing of successful candidates.
In 2020 the National Medical Commission (NMC) replaced the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI) as the apex regulator of medical education and practice. NBEMS also awards the Diplomate of National Board (DNB) for specialties and the Doctorate of National Board (DrNB) for super-specialties, alongside conducting NEET-PG and other examinations.
What Is the FMGE Exam Pattern?
The FMGE is a computer-based test with 300 multiple-choice questions carrying 300 marks, split into two papers of 150 questions each. Each correct answer earns one mark and there is no negative marking. The paper covers pre-clinical, para-clinical and clinical subjects taught across the MBBS course, held on a single day.
| FMGE Pattern 2026 | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Total questions | 300 MCQs (two papers of 150 each) |
| Total marks | 300 |
| Marking scheme | Plus one per correct answer; no negative marking |
| Passing marks | 150 out of 300 (50 percent) |
| Frequency | Twice a year (June and December) |
What Are the FMGE Eligibility Criteria?
To sit for FMGE, a candidate must be an Indian citizen or Overseas Citizen of India who holds a primary medical qualification, that is an MBBS or equivalent, from a medical institution outside India recognised by the relevant authority. The foreign degree must be duly confirmed, and there is no limit on the number of attempts.
- Indian citizen or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
- Primary medical qualification (MBBS or equivalent) obtained abroad
- Degree recognised in the country where it was awarded
- Eligibility certificate or equivalent as required by the NMC
How Do You Register for FMGE and What Is the Fee?
Candidates register online at the official NBEMS portal, natboard.edu.in, during the notified application window before each June and December session. The application fee is around Rs 7,080 including 18 percent GST, payable only through the online gateway and non-refundable. Applicants upload their photograph, signature, degree and identity documents while filling the form.
- Valid email address and mobile number
- Nationality and identity proof such as Aadhaar or passport
- MBBS or equivalent qualification details
- Scanned passport-size photograph and signature
- Debit card, credit card or net banking for the fee payment
What Is the FMGE Passing Score and Result Process?
A candidate must score at least 150 out of 300 marks, that is 50 percent, to qualify FMGE, with no relaxation for any category. NBEMS publishes the result on natboard.edu.in, usually within a few weeks of the exam. Those who pass receive a pass certificate and can then apply for registration to practise medicine in India.
The pass percentage in FMGE has historically been low, often around fifteen to twenty-five percent per session, which is why consistent preparation is essential. Successful candidates are issued a pass certificate and are then eligible for provisional or permanent registration with a State Medical Council or the National Medical Commission.
Will NExT Replace the FMGE Exam?
The National Exit Test (NExT) was proposed to replace FMGE and NEET-PG as a single licensing and postgraduate entrance exam. However, the National Medical Commission has deferred NExT by three to four years, citing legal, infrastructural and logistical challenges. Until it is rolled out, FMGE continues as the licensing exam for foreign medical graduates.
How Should You Prepare for the FMGE Exam?
Effective FMGE preparation combines strong subject revision with regular practice of previous question papers and mock tests. Popular resources include the FMGE Solutions series by Dr Deepak Marwah and subject-wise review books, along with coaching from institutes such as DAMS. A disciplined schedule covering all nineteen MBBS subjects improves the chance of clearing the exam.
- Revise all pre-clinical, para-clinical and clinical subjects systematically
- Practise previous years' question papers and full-length mock tests
- Use trusted review books such as FMGE Solutions by Dr Deepak Marwah
- Focus on high-yield topics and time management for 300 questions