The FMGE exam, Foreign Medical Graduate Examination, is the mandatory licensing test every Indian citizen and OCI cardholder must pass to practice medicine in India after completing MBBS abroad. It is conducted twice a year by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS): once in June and once in December. The next session is confirmed for June 28, 2026.
This article covers the FMGE exam’s eligibility criteria, exam pattern, 2026 dates, registration process, country-wise pass rate data, and a month-by-month preparation calendar.
What the FMGE Exam Is and Why You Cannot Skip It
The FMGE is a screening test, not a competitive exam. Its purpose is not to rank candidates against each other but to verify that foreign MBBS graduates meet the minimum knowledge standard required to safely practice medicine in India. Passing it unlocks provisional or permanent registration with the NMC or your State Medical Council, the legal requirement before you can see patients, write prescriptions, or pursue postgraduate medical education in India.
The exam is governed by the Screening Test Regulations, 2002 (and subsequent amendments), issued by the National Medical Commission. The conducting body, NBEMS, publishes the information bulletin, application window, admit card, and result on its official portal at natboard.edu.in.
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If you completed your MBBS abroad as an Indian student, clearing the FMGE is not optional. There is no pathway to NMC registration without it unless your degree is from one of the five specifically exempted countries (more on this below).
One important note for 2026: the National Exit Test (NExT) is planned to eventually replace both the FMGE and NEET PG. However, as of March 2026, no official start date has been announced for foreign medical graduates. The FMGE continues to operate normally, and students currently preparing should plan for the FMGE, not NExT. This is addressed in detail later in this article.
Who Must Appear for FMGE in 2026 and Who Is Exempt
You are required to appear for the FMGE if you meet all three of the following conditions:
- You are an Indian citizen or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder
- You have completed your primary medical qualification (MBBS or equivalent) from a foreign institution
- You want to practice medicine in India or enrol for postgraduate medical courses here
Exemptions from FMGE: Indian and OCI candidates who hold a medical degree from the following five countries are currently exempt from the FMGE: the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This exemption exists because degrees from these countries are directly recognized. Note that even exempt graduates will eventually need to clear NExT once it is formally implemented for foreign graduates. Students who completed MBBS in the UK should track NMC updates on these matters.
If your degree is from any country not on this list (Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, China, or elsewhere), you must appear for the FMGE.
Eligibility Certificate requirement: If you started your medical course on or after March 15, 2002, you need a valid Eligibility Certificate issued by the NMC before you can register for the FMGE. You must apply for the certificate separately at nmc.org.in well before the FMGE registration window opens.
Documents and Eligibility Checklist
| Document | What It Is | India-Specific Note | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Certificate (EC) | NMC-issued certificate confirming your foreign degree is recognised | Required if you enrolled in medical college after March 15, 2002 | Apply at nmc.org.in; allow 4-6 weeks |
| Provisional Pass / Degree Certificate | Your MBBS degree or provisional pass certificate from your foreign university | The final result must have been declared before the FMGE session cut-off date | Your foreign university |
| Indian Embassy Attestation | Attestation from the Indian Embassy in your country of study, confirming your degree qualifies you to practise medicine in that country | Must be from the embassy in the country where the institution is located, not where you are currently residing | Indian Embassy in your study country |
| WDOMS Recognition Proof | Confirmation your university is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools | Cross-check your institution at wdoms.org before applying | WDOMS website |
| Internship Completion Certificate | Proof of 12-month internship completion (or planned completion) | Internship done in a different hospital, city, or country from your medical college is not recognised by NMC | Issued by your foreign medical college/hospital |
| Citizenship / OCI Proof | Aadhaar card, Indian passport, or OCI card | OCI card must be valid at the time of application | Passport Seva / Ministry of Home Affairs |
| Passport-sized photographs | Standard size as specified in the information bulletin | Specifications vary by session check the bulletin carefully | Local studio; follow NBEMS specifications exactly |
Counselor insight: The Eligibility Certificate is where most first-time FMGE applicants lose time. NMC can take six to eight weeks to process, and any mismatch in your name spelling, date of birth, or institution name between your EC application and your degree certificate will trigger a rejection. Apply for the EC at least two months before the FMGE registration window opens, not the week before.
FMGE Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme for 2026
The FMGE is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted in English only. It consists of two papers taken on the same day with a break in between.
| Detail | Paper I (Part A) | Paper II (Part B) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 150 MCQs | 150 MCQs |
| Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Marks per correct answer | 1 mark | 1 mark |
| Negative marking | None | None |
| Passing threshold | Combined 150/300 (50%) | No separate sectional cutoff |
| Subject focus | Pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects | Clinical subjects |
| Exam mode | CBT (computer-based) | CBT (computer-based) |
Subjects covered (19 in total): Pre-clinical: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry. Para-clinical: Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine. Clinical: General Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Orthopaedics, Radiology, Anaesthesia, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Community Medicine.
Surgery and General Medicine carry the highest weightage. Psychiatry, Anaesthesia, and Radiology carry the lowest. This score does not mean you skip the lighter subjects; several candidates have fallen just below 150 by neglecting a single low-weightage subject.
June Session vs. December Session: How They Compare
| Factor | June Session (2026) | December Session (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam date | June 28, 2026 | Last week of December 2026 or early-January 2027 |
| Application window (approx.) | Late April to mid-May | Late October to mid-November |
| Historical pass rate range | 10-22% | 21-30% |
| Typical candidate volume | 35,000 to 38,000 | 40,000 to 46,000 |
| Results expected | Within 3-4 weeks of exam | Within 3-4 weeks of exam |
| Pass certificate collection | In-person at NBEMS Dwarka office | In-person at NBEMS Dwarka office |
| Recommended if | You completed internship by April and have had preparation time | Better pass rates; suited for those who want more preparation time |
Counselor insight: The December session consistently shows higher pass rates than June, and this pattern is not a coincidence. Candidates who appear in December typically have had more structured preparation time after returning from abroad. If you have returned to India between May and August 2026 and feel your preparation is still shaky, the disciplined choice is to skip the June session and appear in the January 2027 sitting (the December 2026 session exam) with another four to five months of coaching behind you. One additional session of preparation almost always outperforms the anxiety of sitting unprepared.
Country-Wise FMGE Pass Rates and What They Mean for Your Preparation
Where you did your MBBS is one of the strongest predictors of your FMGE outcome. This is not about the quality of your education in absolute terms; it is about how closely your curriculum aligns with the FMGE syllabus and how much supplementary preparation you will need.
According to NBEMS data for 2024, the country-wise FMGE performance broadly looked as follows:
| Country of MBBS | Approx. FMGE Pass Rate (2024) | Key Reason | Preparation Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | ~35.65% | English-medium, European curriculum with clinical rotations from Year 3 | Moderate additional preparation needed; focus on clinical application |
| Philippines | ~24% | US-style curriculum in English; strong clinical training standards | Lower additional preparation needed; mock tests and subject revision sufficient for many |
| Bangladesh | ~26-27% | Curriculum closely mirrors Indian MBBS syllabus | Lower additional preparation needed; strongest alignment with FMGE content |
| Kazakhstan | ~18.5% | Improving but still some curriculum gap; mix of English and Russian instruction | 4-6 months structured coaching recommended |
| Russia | ~9-12% | Curriculum and language gap significant for non-English tracks | 6-8 months structured coaching essential; focus on clinical subjects and pharmacology |
| China | ~9-12% | Non-English medium for most programs; curriculum gap significant | 6-8 months structured coaching essential |
| Ukraine | ~9-12% | Curriculum gap; disruption post-2022 adds pressure | 6-8 months structured coaching essential |
These figures are NBEMS-reported averages and include students from all colleges in each country, including those from lower-tier institutions. Graduates from better-ranked universities in any country typically outperform the national average.
If you are evaluating countries for MBBS study and are planning to practice in India, the best countries for MBBS abroad for Indian students and the cheapest countries for MBBS abroad both carry updated information on NMC approval and curriculum alignment.
For country-specific FMGE preparation context: MBBS in the Philippines for Indian students and MBBS in Georgia for Indian students include details on curriculum structure and FMGE readiness.
FMGE 2026 Important Dates, Registration Process, and Application Fee
Confirmed and Tentative Dates for FMGE June 2026
The FMGE June 2026 exam date is confirmed as June 28, 2026, as per the official NBEMS tentative examination calendar released December 29, 2025, on natboard.edu.in. This was also reported by Business Standard directly, citing the NBEMS notice.
| Event | Date (June 2026 Session) |
|---|---|
| Exam date | June 28, 2026 (confirmed per NBEMS calendar) |
| Application window opens (tentative) | Late April 2026 |
| Application window closes (tentative) | Mid-May 2026 |
| Eligibility Certificate application (tentative) | February to March 2026 |
| Admit card release (tentative) | 4-7 days before exam |
| Result declaration (tentative) | Within 3-4 weeks of exam |
| Pass certificate collection (tentative) | 6-8 weeks after result |
All dates except the exam date are tentative based on prior-year patterns.
FMGE December 2026: Date not yet released as of March 2026. Visit natboard.edu.in from October 2026 onwards.
Application Fee
The FMGE application fee for the 2025 sessions was Rs.6,195 (Rs.5,250 + Rs.945 GST). A fee revision to Rs. 7,080 was reported for December 2025; please confirm the 2026 fee from the official information bulletin before applying.
The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances. Candidates who are absent, declared ineligible, or withdraw after submission forfeit the full fee.
How to Register for FMGE 2026: Step by Step
- Visit the official NBE examination portal at nbe.edu.in
- Click on the FMGE tab and select the current session
- Click "New Applicant" to register; enter your name, date of birth, email address, and mobile number
- A login ID and password will be sent to your registered email and mobile number
- Log in and complete the application form: personal details, educational qualifications, internship details, and exam city preference
- Upload required documents: passport-size photograph, signature, thumb impression, Eligibility Certificate, degree certificate, and citizenship proof, all in the size and format specified in the information bulletin
- Pay the application fee online (credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI)
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page; keep a printed copy
Important: Exam centers are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis. Register early if you have a preferred city. Once allotted, the exam center cannot be changed.
Decision Framework: Which FMGE Session Should You Target in 2026?
Your ideal session depends on where you are in your MBBS journey right now. Here are three specific scenarios written for the students who most commonly sit in the FMGE.
Scenario 1: You completed your MBBS internship abroad and returned to India between January and April 2026
If you are back in India now with a few months before the June 28 exam, the question is not whether to register; it is whether your preparation is genuinely ready. If you have been doing structured coaching or self-study since returning, and you are consistently scoring 155-plus on full-length mock tests, register for June 2026. If your mock scores are still below 145, register for the December session instead. One failed attempt costs you Rs. 6,195 in fees and, more importantly, extends your timeline for NMC registration. The December session's historically higher pass rate (21 to 30% vs. 10 to 22% for June) is not just a statistic; it reflects that candidates who appear in December have had more preparation time.
Scenario 2: You are currently in your final year abroad and your MBBS results are expected in September or October 2026
You cannot register for the June 2026 session because your final result will not be declared before the NBEMS cut-off date (typically April 30 for the June session). Your first possible FMGE session is December 2026. We encourage you to use the time between now and October productively by starting to study the FMGE syllabus, even before your final exams are completed. The subjects overlap significantly. Students who begin FMGE preparation during their final MBBS year consistently outperform those who start after returning to India.
Scenario 3: You appeared for the FMGE in January 2026 (December 2025 session) and did not pass
Your scorecard is your most valuable tool right now. Download it from natboard.edu.in and map your subject-wise performance. Identify whether you failed broadly across subjects (suggesting a preparation gap) or narrowly in a few (suggesting a targeted study gap). If you scored 130-148, you are close; a focused three to four months of coaching on your weak subjects and intensive mock testing can close that gap by June 2026. If you scored below 120, the June 2026 session is risky unless you commit to full-time structured coaching. The December 2026 session (exam in January 2027) gives you a more realistic runway for a strong, confident attempt.
What Happens If You Fail the FMGE
Failing the FMGE is common statistically, it is the more likely outcome for a first-time candidate. What matters is what you do next.
How many attempts are allowed: NBEMS has no cap on the number of FMGE attempts. You can appear as many times as needed until you pass, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. Earlier, some sources incorrectly stated a three-attempt limit; this restriction does not apply.
After a failed attempt:
- Download your scorecard from natboard.edu.in (available even for failed candidates, typically one week after results)
- Identify your subject-wise performance to understand where your marks are lost
- Do not register for the next session immediately unless you have a specific, changed preparation plan
- Enrol in structured FMGE coaching if you have not done so already; self-study alone has a low success rate for students with a significant curriculum gap
- Complete a minimum of 8-10 full-length timed mock tests before your next attempt
What to do when specific things go wrong:
| Problem | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Missed the application deadline | Wait for the next session; NBEMS does not accept late applications. Use the time to strengthen your weak subjects. |
| Your MBBS result was delayed and arrived after the cut-off date | Apply for the next session once your result is declared and your EC is issued. Contact NBEMS helpdesk at natboard.edu.in if you believe your result was delayed by verifiable circumstances. |
| Eligibility Certificate rejected due to document mismatch | Contact the NMC helpdesk at nmc.org.in. Common mismatches: name spelling differences between passport and degree certificate, institution name not matching WDOMS listing. These can be corrected but take time, start early. |
| Preferred exam centre not available | NBEMS allots the nearest alternative. You cannot change your allotted center. Plan travel and accommodation in advance once your admit card is issued. |
| You scored 145-149 (just below passing) | You are close. Targeted preparation in your weakest 2-3 subjects and full-length mock testing is typically sufficient. Attempt the very next session. |
| Results withheld due to exam ethics review | Contact NBEMS directly via natboard.edu.in. Please wait to register for the next session until your current result is resolved. |
Counselor insight: Students who fail the FMGE once and then appear for the next session without changing their preparation approach fail again at a high rate. The exam does not become easier, and repeating the same study routine produces the same outcome. After a failed attempt, the single most productive change is shifting from subject-by-subject reading to full-length timed practice under exam conditions, combined with faculty-guided review of wrong answers. That shift, more than any specific book or course, is what separates first-attempt passers from repeat candidates.
Conclusion: Three Things Every FMGE Candidate Must Do in 2026
1. Register for the session you are actually ready for, not the earliest available one. The June 2026 exam is on June 28, 2026. Registration opens in late April. If you have returned to India by April and have been preparing consistently, and your mock test scores are above 155, register. If you are still below 145 on mock tests, the December 2026 session (check natboard.edu.in from October onwards) will serve you better and statistically offers a higher pass rate.
2. Your country of study determines your preparation gap; adjust your timeline accordingly. Students from Russia, China, and Ukraine typically need six to eight months of structured coaching after returning to India. Students from the Philippines, Bangladesh, or Georgia may need three to five months. This is not about your ability; it is about how much your foreign curriculum diverges from the FMGE syllabus. Be honest about this gap and build your preparation plan around it.
3. Prepare for FMGE now. Do not wait for NExT. As of March 2026, the National Exit Test has no confirmed implementation date for foreign medical graduates. The FMGE is operational. Every session you delay costs you months of NMC registration, and if you want to pursue postgraduate studies in India, it delays your PG application timeline. Start your preparation now.
Verified by: LeapScholar's medical admissions counseling team, with hands-on experience guiding Indian students through the FMGE preparation and NMC registration process.
Have questions about the FMGE or your path to practicing medicine in India after an MBBS abroad? Book a free session with a LeapScholar counselor.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’s)
-
Are students from some countries better prepared for FMGE than others?
Yes, and the NBEMS data shows these differences clearly. In 2024, students from Georgia (about 35.65%), Bangladesh (about 26–27%), and the Philippines (about 24%) had higher pass rates than students from Russia, China, and Ukraine (about 9–12% each). The primary reasons are curriculum alignment with India's MBBS syllabus, English-medium instruction, and quality of clinical exposure. Students from lower-performing countries are not at a disadvantage if they prepare specifically for the FMGE, but they need more preparation time and should not rely on their university coursework alone.
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Why do December session pass rates tend to be higher than June?
The December session (exam in January) draws candidates who have had more preparation time after returning from abroad. Many students who appear in June do so within three to four months of returning, often with incomplete preparation. Those who appear in December have typically had six to eight months of structured preparation. The higher pass rate reflects candidate readiness, not a difference in exam difficulty. NBEMS independently sets the question paper difficulty for each session.
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I scored 143 marks in the FMGE, just below passing. What should I do?
Download your subject-wise scorecard from natboard.edu.in and identify the two or three subjects where you lost the most marks. At 143, you are seven marks short; a targeted subject focus rather than a full curriculum revision is what you need. Identify whether your weakness is in clinical application questions (scenario-based MCQs) or in theory recall. Then complete a minimum of six full-length timed mock tests before your next attempt, focusing on your weak subjects. Most candidates who score 135-149 and change their preparation approach pass on their next attempt.
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What happens to the FMGE after the NExT exam is introduced?
The NExT (National Exit Test) is planned to replace the FMGE and NEET PG once fully implemented. However, as of March 2026, NExT for foreign medical graduates has no confirmed implementation date. The exam for domestic MBBS students is now expected to start in 2028. The FMGE continues to operate normally. Students currently preparing for FMGE should not wait for NExT to be implemented before attempting their exam.
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Can I appear for the FMGE before completing my internship abroad?
NBEMS requires that your final MBBS examination result must have been declared on or before the prescribed cut-off date for that session (typically April 30 for the June session and October 31 for the December session). Some sessions allow candidates who have completed their course but are in the internship period to apply. Check the specific information bulletin for each session. A Provisional Pass Certificate or Degree Certificate is required; the internship completion certificate is separate from this requirement.
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Which subjects carry the most weight in the FMGE?
Surgery and General Medicine carry the highest number of questions in the FMGE. Other high-weightage subjects include Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, and Pharmacology. Psychiatry, Anaesthesia, and Radiology have the fewest questions. That said, skipping low-weightage subjects entirely is a common reason candidates fall just short of 150. Every mark counts when the cutoff is fixed at 50%.
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What is the FMGE application fee for 2026?
The fee confirmed for the 2025 sessions was Rs.6,195, comprising Rs.5,250 as the examination fee and Rs.945 as 18% GST. The fee must be paid online and is non-refundable under all circumstances, including absence, ineligibility, or withdrawal.
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What is the FMGE pass percentage in the most recent sessions?
In the June 2025 session, 18.61% of candidates passed: 6,707 out of 36,034 who appeared. In the December 2024 session, 29.62% passed. In the June 2024 session, approximately 21.6% passed. These figures are based on NBEMS results. The December session consistently shows a higher pass rate than June across recent years.
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How many times can I attempt the FMGE?
There is no limit on the number of FMGE attempts. NBEMS has not placed any cap on how many times a candidate can appear. You may attempt every session (June and December each year) until you pass, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria for each session, including a valid eligibility certificate where applicable.
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Is the FMGE exam compulsory for all Indian students who did MBBS abroad?
FMGE is compulsory for all Indian citizens or OCI cardholders who have finished MBBS or an equivalent primary medical qualification outside of India and would like to practice medicine in India. The five countries that have their graduates exempted are the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. All other foreign MBBS holders are required to pass the FMGE prior to seeking registration by the NMC or State Medical Council.
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