FMGE 2025: Exam Dates, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, and Preparation Strategy

Latest Updates

• Exam Date: January 17, 2026 (Computer-Based Test)
• Result Announcement: Expected by February 17, 2026

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is a screening test conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India who have obtained a foreign medical qualification. The FMGE is conducted twice each calendar year in a computer-based format, and candidates need a minimum of 50% marks to qualify. 

The FMGE Exam pattern consists of 300 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects, divided into two sessions of 2.5 hours each.

The FMGE is an important test to gain registration to practice under the National Medical Commission (NMC) or state medical councils in India. In the last sessions, there were more than 20,000 candidates registered to take the test. The general rating of difficulty has been medium to high, but the level of difficulty depends on the subject distribution of the candidates. 

The NBEMS regularly makes notifications, publishes the exam schedule, and gives exam results on the NBEMS portal. The next FMGE exam session is in January 2026. 

FMGE Exam: Quick Highlights

Check the table below to know the quick highlights of the FMGE Exam.

What is the FMGE Exam?

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is a screening test at the national level conducted for Indian nationals.

FMGE is held twice in a year, generally in June and December, in a computer-based format, and consists of 300 multiple-choice questions based on the curricular subjects of pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical, and is divided into two sessions of 2.5 hours each. 

To qualify for the examination, candidates must score a minimum of 150 out of 300 marks (50%). It is mandatory for candidates to pass the FMGE exam to get provisional or permanent registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Councils to practice in India. The FMGE is a licensure exam in which qualified candidates can function across India as doctors in hospitals, medical colleges, and clinics.

NBEMS has officially announced the FMGE December 2025 session. The exam is a compulsory screening test for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India with foreign medical qualifications, so they can register for a license with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Councils. Here is the schedule of important events for the upcoming session.

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FMGE Exam Pattern

The FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) uses a structured exam pattern that is intended to assess candidates' knowledge across pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects. This computer-based exam provides consistency and fairness in testing essential concepts about medicine. Here is a quick overview of the FMGE exam pattern.

FMGE Application/Registration Process 2026

The FMGE 2026 online application process will be conducted by NBEMS. The FMGE will be held in June and December. To successfully apply, candidates must register and provide the required details, upload documents, and pay the application fee. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you complete the application on time.

• Notification Release: NBEMS will publish the official information bulletin a few days before each session on its portal.
• Registration: Candidates will create an account on the NBEMS exam portal with basic information.
• Application Form: Candidates should fill in personal, educational, and qualification information before submitting the application form.
• Document Upload: Candidates should upload the scanned copies of the required documents (passport, medical qualification, eligibility certificate, photo, signature).
• Application Fee: The application fee will be paid online ( approx ₹7,080 for 2026) through debit card, credit card, or net banking facility.
• Correction window: NBEMS will announce a short time period for candidates to edit some of the details of their application, if applicable.
• Admit card: Candidates can download the admit card from the portal once it is released.
• Exam date: June 2026 (fourth week) & December 2026 (third week).

Read Also :NBEMS Announces FMGE December 2025 Exam: Registration Begins November 14 at natboard.edu.in

FMGE Application Fees 2026

Candidates who want to appear for the FMGE Exam 2026  must pay a non-refundable fee. It can be paid online during registration. Check the following table for the FMGE Exam application fee details.

FMGE Admit Card 2026

The FMGE Admit Card 2026 will be published by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) about one week ahead of the test, in an online format. It is a compulsory document that consists of information, such as the candidate’s name, roll number, exam date, time, venue, and exam-day instructions. Candidates must have the admit card and a valid photo ID to attend the exam.

Steps to Download FMGE Admit Card 2026

• Visit the official NBEMS portal: natboard.edu.in
• Click on the FMGE Admit Card 2026 link.
• Log in using your User ID and Password.
• Download the admit card displayed on the screen.
• Print multiple copies and verify all details carefully.
• Carry the printed admit card along with a valid photo ID to the exam center.

FMGE Exam: Eligibility Criteria 2026

The FMGE Exam Eligibility Criteria are shown in the table below.

Citizenship: You must be an Indian citizen or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder. 

Equivalency: Your medical qualification must be equivalent to an MBBS degree in the country in which you completed the degree. 

Degree Completion: Your MBBS Degree must have been completed by the time of your FMGE exam. 

Outcome Date: The outcome date for your medical degree final exam must be on or before the FMGE session cut-off date.

Preparation Tips for FMGE Exam

Preparing for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) requires a strategic and personalized approach. Here are essential tips to help you score well.

• Stick With One Trusted Source per Topic
• Don't Avoid Short Topics, like Radiology, Anesthesia, and Psychiatric, because they appear and are important for scoring.
• Relate Physiology with Medicine and Pharmacology with Clinical Practice through Integrated Learning.
• Practice PYQs, as many questions are repeated in concept or style.
• Find an Online Community or Discussion Group, and it will keep you connected and current.
• Stay Positive and Avoid Burnout-Slow and Steady wins.

FMGE 2025 Cutoff

Check the table below for the FMGE Cutoff 2025.

FMGE Exam Centres

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) takes place in all major cities in India. The complete list of cities where the FMGE test is held is listed below.

FMGE Exam Day Guidelines

Candidates must follow all guidelines who want to appear for the FMGE exam 2026:

• Admit Card: Ensure you have downloaded and printed your FMGE admit card. No candidates will be allowed to enter the FMGE exam centre without an admit card.
• Photo Identity Card: You will be required to present a valid and original photo ID along with your admit card.
• Reporting Time: You are advised to arrive promptly at your exam center.
• Strict Checking: The exam venue gate will enforce identification checks.

Check the FMGE Exam detailed syllabus is shown below in the table.

Note: Above PYQs is  provided by www.prepladder.com

Ques: Who issues the FMGE Eligibility Certificate?

Ans: An eligibility certificate is issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to Indian citizens/OCI, before applying for FMGE.

Ques: What is the FMGE application form 2026?

Ans: The FMGE application for 2026 is the online form issued by NBEMS for candidates to register for FMGE 2026, upload various documents, and make application fee payment.

Ques: How much does FMGE cost?

Ans: The application fee is ₹7,080 (inclusive of GST) and must be paid online.

Ques: What is the eligibility certificate for FMGE 2026?

Ans: The eligibility certificate is an official document issued by the NMC to certify that a candidates foreign medical qualification has been recognized and deemed valid for FMGE.

Ques: What is the mark distribution for FMGE 2026?

Ans: The FMGE has a total of 300 multiple-choice questions distributed into two papers, of 150 questions each, covering pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects.

Ques: Which country has the highest FMGE pass percentage?

Ans: Historically, the lowest percentage of FMGE has been achieved by students graduating from Russia, China, and/or Ukraine, while countries like the Philippines and Nepal have had relatively higher percentages.

Ques: What is the 54 month rule for FMGE?

Ans: To be eligible for FMGE, candidates must have completed a minimum of 54 months of medical education abroad.

Ques: How many attempts are allowed in FMGE?

Ans: There is no limit for attempts, candidates can attempt as many times as required to qualify.

Ques: How long is the FMGE result valid for? 

Ans: Once qualified, FMGE results are valid for unlimited time period for registration in NMC / State Medical Council.

Ques: What is the 2 year internship rule for FMGE?

Ans: FMGE qualified doctors must complete 1 year of compulsory internship in India. In some cases NMC may require 2 years of internship depending on the gaps in training in foreign countries.

Ques: Is FMGE tougher than NEET PG?

Ans: FMGE is more difficult due to a low pass percentage (usually below 25%), while NEET-PG has higher pass percentages, but more competition for number of seats.

Ques: How does one apply for an eligibility certificate through FMGE? 

Ans: Applications must be completed online through the NMC portal. Candidates need to upload several documents (passport, proof of primary medical qualification, proof of citizenship) and pay the applicable fee. The eligibility certificate verifies the candidate meets the requirements to sit FMGE.

Ques: What is the last date for the NMC eligibility certificate? 

Ans: The last date will be usually advertised in the NBEMS/FMGE information bulletin for each of the sessions. For example, for the December 2025, the application deadline was 4 December 2025, and the same timeframe will likely be true for 2026 sessions.