Published by Dr. Nandkishore Rathi on 24 March 2025
Chief Career Navigator
Dr. Nandkishore Rathi is passionate about identifying people's passions and helping them create and lead successful and fulfilling careers. With 30+ years of experience and interactions with thousands of students, academicians, and corporate executives, he has developed a range of career services aimed at benefiting individuals seeking a breakthrough in their professional lives.
Plan your FMGE strategy effectively by following 8 key strategies.
Dreaming of practicing medicine in India but earned your degree from a foreign university? If so, the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is your bridge to making that dream a reality. Conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), this mandatory screening test ensures that foreign-trained doctors meet Indian medical standards before receiving their license.
The journey might seem overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’re breaking it down step by step. Whether you're just starting to explore FMGE or gearing up for the exam, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is a mandatory licensure test for medical graduates who have completed their MBBS (or equivalent) from institutions outside India. This screening test is designed to assess the medical knowledge and competency of these graduates before they can obtain provisional or permanent registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) / State Medical Councils. The FMGE was introduced in 2002 as a screening test for foreign medical graduates. Over the years, modifications in the format and frequency along with eligibility clauses have been implemented to ensure a standardized assessment process.
It is conducted twice a year (June and December).
It is an online, computer-based test (CBT).
The exam consists of 300 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Candidates must secure at least 150 out of 300 marks (50%) to pass.
There is no limit on the number of attempts.
Clearing FMGE is a big deal; it’s your ticket to entering the Indian healthcare system and building a successful career as a doctor.
The FMGE is compulsory for Indian citizens and OCI cardholders who obtained their primary medical degree from foreign institutions that are not recognized by the NMC for direct registration. However, not every foreign medical graduate needs to take FMGE.
If you studied medicine in these countries, you’re exempt from the exam.
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
These countries follow reciprocal agreements with India, allowing their medical graduates to practice in India without taking FMGE.
Start your FMGE journey today!
Take ActionBefore you apply for FMGE, check if you meet these basic requirements:
Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI).
Educational Qualification: Should have completed MBBS (or equivalent) from a foreign medical institution recognized by the relevant medical authority in that country.
Essential Documentation: Candidates must provide proof of primary medical qualification, verified by the Indian Embassy or Competent Authority.
Provisional/Permanent Registration: If the degree was obtained in a foreign language, an official English translation must be submitted.
Completion of Internship: Must have completed the necessary internship training abroad as per the regulations of the respective country.
If you tick all these boxes, you’re good to go!
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
Ensure that your foreign medical degree is recognized by the NMC.
Check if your country falls under the exempted category.
Collect necessary documents like your degree certificate, mark sheets, passport, and eligibility certificate from the NMC (if applicable).
Step 2: FMGE Registration and Application
Visit the National Board of Examinations (NBE) website (https://natboard.edu.in/).
Register and create an account on the NBE portal.
Fill in the online FMGE application form, providing personal, educational, and contact details.
Upload required documents in PDF format.
Pay the FMGE application fee online.
Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation page.
Step 3: Admit Card Download
Once your application is approved, you can download the FMGE Admit Card from the NBE website.
Verify all details on the admit card and carry a printed copy along with a valid photo ID on exam day.
Step 4: Appear for FMGE Exam
The exam is held in two parts, each consisting of 150 MCQs.
The total time duration is 5 hours (2.5 hours per section with a break in between).
The syllabus covers Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical subjects, similar to the MBBS curriculum in India.
No negative marking applies in FMGE.
Step 5: FMGE Result Declaration
The results are published on the NBE website within a month of the exam.
Candidates who score 150 out of 300 or more qualify for the next step.
Step 6: Apply for Provisional Registration with NMC
After passing FMGE, apply for a Provisional Registration Certificate from the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Council.
Submit the required documents, including your FMGE scorecard and internship completion certificate.
Step 7: Complete One-Year Internship
All FMGE-qualified candidates must complete a compulsory one-year internship in an NMC-recognized medical institution in India.
The internship is essential for acquiring permanent registration to practice medicine independently.
Step 8: Apply for Permanent Registration
After completing the internship, apply for permanent registration with the NMC or State Medical Council.
Once registered, you can practice medicine in India as a licensed doctor
FMGE is more than just an exam—it’s your stepping stone to a fulfilling medical career in India. While it may seem like a tough road, thousands of foreign medical graduates successfully clear FMGE every year for easy career acceleration.
Start early; understand the exam format, create a study plan, and take mock tests. Stay determined; if you don’t pass on your first attempt, keep going. Keep your goal in mind; clearing FMGE brings you one step closer to practicing medicine in India.
If you’re on this journey, embrace the challenge! With the right guidance and career counselling for students, you’ll soon be saving lives and making a difference—right here in India.
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