FMGE Exam 2025: Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus Breakdown

Each year, thousands of medical graduates make the first important step towards practicing medicine in India by appearing for the Foreign Medical Graduate Exam (FMGE). The screening test is a requirement for qualification for foreign-trained doctors to determine if they meet the standards for practicing medicine in India.

But what is the FMGE, and why is it so crucial? In this article, we break down everything you need to know—from eligibility criteria and exam patterns to the registration process and tips for preparation. Whether you are a foreign-trained medical graduate preparing for the exam or just curious about its importance, this guide will help you understand the important points of FMGE in a simple and easy-to-understand manner.

Eligibility Criteria for FMGE Exam

The FMGE, conducted by the NBE, is for Indian citizens and OCIs with a foreign medical degree. To practice in India, candidates must have a recognized foreign medical qualification, complete an internship, and meet citizenship requirements.

• To be eligible to take the FMGE examination, one has to be either an Indian national or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI).
• The candidate should hold a primary medical qualification acquired from a foreign medical institution.
• The required period of study should be completed, including internship, as specified under the regulation of the medical institution where the candidate had graduated.
• Candidates are required to provide valid documentation that proves their medical qualification, which the National Board of Examinations (NBE) will verify.

FMGE Exam Pattern and Structure

The FMGE happens twice a year in June and December. This gives eligible candidates two chances each year to get their certification. It’s a test you take on a computer.

The test is online and in English. It has 300 multiple-choice questions split into two parts A and B. Each part has 150 questions. You get 2 hours and 30 minutes for each part. The whole exam takes 5 hours, including a 15-minute guide before each session.

In this test, you get 1 mark for each right answer. You don’t lose marks for wrong answers so no negative marking. To pass, you need to score at least 150 marks, which is 50% of the total.

FMGE Exam Pattern Change – Latest Update for June 2025

The National Board of Examinations (NBE) has put out the information bulletin for the FMGE June 2024 exam. It confirms that the overall exam pattern stays the same, but there’s a key change in how questions will show up.

The new update says the FMGE question paper will now have three time-limited sections: Section A, Section B, and Section C. Each section will have 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and test-takers will have 50 minutes to finish each one.

Major Updates for FMGE June 2024:
✅ The test will now have three distinct parts (A, B, & C) each containing 50 questions.
✅ Test-takers need to finish each part within its set time limit before going to the next one.
✅ Once a section’s time expires, answers cannot be reviewed or modified.
✅ The next part will start right away when the time for the previous part ends.

This change makes time management a key part of doing well on the FMGE test. To get ready for this new setup, people taking the test should work on answering 50 questions in 50 minutes.

FMGE Subject-Wise Marks Breakdown

Important Update on FMGE Subject-Wise Marks Breakdown

The FMGE Subject-Wise Marks Breakdown provided above follows the traditional pattern used in previous exams. However, with recent changes in the exam structure, there is now less correlation between subject-wise weightage and the actual distribution of questions in the exam.

In the new FMGE pattern, questions are increasingly being designed by integrating multiple subjects. Instead of strictly following individual subject weightage, the exam now combines topics from two or three different subjects to frame a single question. This change highlights the necessity of preparing using a more conceptual and broad approach as opposed to depending only on subject-specific weighting.

Aspiring candidates should focus on understanding core concepts across subjects and practicing integrated question-solving techniques to adapt to this evolving exam format.

FMGE Exam Registration Process

Through the National Board of Examinations (NBE) official website, candidates can register for this exam online. In order to create an account, new students must be supplied with personal information such as their name, birthdate, email address, and phone number.

In addition to a live camera snapshot of the student, applicants must supply scanned copies of their passport-sized photo and signature in the required format.

Furthermore, the application fee must be successfully paid with a credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI in order for the registration to be considered complete.

It is crucial that students print the application form for their own records after submitting it in order to prevent any problems later on in any case User ID and password will be sent to the registered email Id.

Here’s a sample of the email that you will receive from the National Board of Examinations (NBE) official website.

Required Documents and Application Fees for FMGE

Students must note that last year’s FMGE 2025 application fee was reduced in the June session; hence, applicants will now have to pay INR 6,195 instead of INR 7,080.

Documents for FMGE Application

To ensure a seamless application process for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), candidates must gather and prepare several essential documents. Based on the latest guidelines, the required documents include:

1. Primary Medical Qualification Degree Certificate or Provisional Pass Certificate
   • This certificate must be duly attested by the Indian Embassy in the country where the qualification was obtained or apostilled as per the Hague Convention requirements.
2. Proof of Citizenship
   • For Indian Citizens/NRI: Valid passport issued by the Government of India (front and last page).
   • For Overseas Citizens of India (OCI): OCI card along with a valid passport of the country of citizenship (front and last page).
3. Eligibility Certificate
   • Issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI), confirming your eligibility to pursue a primary medical qualification abroad.
4. Proof of Date of Birth
   • Such as a Certificate of Matriculation.
5. Class 12 Mark Sheet and Passing Certificate
   • Demonstrating completion of higher secondary education.
6. Internship Certificate
   • If the internship was completed abroad, a certificate confirming completion is required.
7. Proof of Address
   • Any one of the following: PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, or Aadhaar Card.
8. Recent Passport-Size Photographs
   • Must be as per the specifications outlined in the application guidelines.
9. Scanned Copies of Signature and Left-Hand Thumb Impression
   • To be uploaded in the prescribed format during the application process.
10. Equivalence Certificate

• Required for candidates who have completed their MBBS from abroad, obtained from the Association of Indian Universities.

FMGE Admit Card Issuance

Obtaining the FMGE admission card is a very important step in the application process. The admit card, which is issued about a week before the examination date, is critical for all qualified students because it serves as confirmation of identification and fitness to take the test.

Candidates must obtain this important document from the NBE’s official website and follow all instructions pertaining to the examination day indicated inside.

Details Mentioned on the FMGE Admit Card

The FMGE admit card includes the candidate’s name, photograph, roll number, exam date, and time. Additionally, it specifies the exam center’s address, ensuring candidates know where to report.

After downloading, candidates must print a clear copy on A4-size paper. On the day of the exam, it is mandatory to present the admit card along with a valid ID proof, such as a PAN card, Driving Licence, Voter ID, Passport, or Aadhaar Card.

Schedule for FMGE 2025 Exam Day 

Here is the schedule for the FMGE exam day, according to the time slots assigned by the exam conducting organization. Candidates are recommended to stick to the following times for both exam slots:

FMGE Result Declaration 2025

The FMGE exam results are published on the official NBE website (nbe.edu.in) shortly after the exam, providing timely updates to candidates. To access their results, candidates must log into the applicant portal using their credentials. The results are provided in PDF format, containing essential details such as the candidate’s roll number and marks obtained.

The NBE ensures the accessibility of results through both nbe.edu.in and natboard.edu.in. Candidates can verify their pass or fail status by searching for their roll number in the FMGE result PDF, allowing for quick and easy access to this critical information.

FMGE 2025 Exam Centres

The NBE will disclose the list of exam centers for the FMGE 2025 June session, as well as the information brochure. Until the June session notice is released, students can check the list of FMGE 2025 centers for the June session in the table below:

FMGE 2025 Official Websites and Contact Numbers

How to Prepare for the FMGE Exam

Preparing for the FMGE exam requires a structured study plan to ensure comprehensive coverage of all subjects while allowing time for revision and practice. Below is a strategic study plan to help candidates stay focused and maximize their chances of success.

1. Understand the FMGE Syllabus & Exam Pattern

• Familiarize yourself with the FMGE syllabus and subject-wise weightage to prioritize high-yield topics.
• The exam consists of 300 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), divided into two parts of 150 questions each.

2. Create a Realistic Study Schedule

• Allocate 3–4 months for dedicated preparation.
• Divide your time as follows:
  • 60% for studying new concepts
  • 30% for revisions
  • 10% for mock tests and self-assessment

3. Subject-Wise Study Approach

• Focus on clinical subjects like Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Community Medicine as they carry significant weight.
• Integrate related subjects (e.g., Physiology with Medicine, Anatomy with Surgery) to enhance understanding.
• Use active learning methods like flashcards, flowcharts, and concept maps.

4. Practice MCQs & Mock Tests Regularly

• Solve at least 100-150 MCQs daily to improve speed and accuracy.
• Attempt full-length mock tests under timed conditions.
• Analyze mistakes and revise weak areas.

5. Revise Smartly

• Daily Revision: Spend 1-2 hours reviewing previous topics.
• Weekly Review: Summarize key concepts from the past week.
• Last-Month Strategy: Focus on high-yield topics, short notes, and previous exam trends.

6. Time Management & Exam Strategy

• Manage time wisely: Aim to complete each question in 45–50 seconds.
• Use the elimination method for difficult questions.
• Mark and review uncertain questions but avoid excessive time wastage.

7. Maintain a Balanced Routine

• Avoid burnout: Take short breaks between study sessions.
• Stay healthy: Maintain a proper diet, sleep schedule, and exercise routine.
• Stay positive & confident: Avoid unnecessary stress and believe in your preparation.

FMGE vs. National Exit Test (NExT)

A major change is on the horizon as the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is set to be replaced by the National Exit Test (NExT) in the coming year. The NExT aims to provide a more rigorous and standardized assessment of medical knowledge and clinical skills, ensuring that all medical graduates—whether trained in India or abroad—meet the required competency levels to practice in the country.

Key Differences Between FMGE and NExT

As FMGE phases out, understanding its transition to NExT is crucial for medical graduates. Currently, the FMGE is conducted twice a year and consists of 300 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering both basic medical sciences and clinical subjects. Candidates must score at least 150 out of 300 to qualify. Additionally, Indian citizens who have obtained their medical degrees from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand are exempt from taking the FMGE.

In contrast, the NExT will introduce a new evaluation system, divided into two parts: NExT 1 and NExT 2. While specific details about its format, frequency, and scoring system are still emerging, it is expected to have a broader scope of assessment, integrating both theoretical and practical evaluations. Notably, unlike FMGE, no exemptions have been announced for candidates from any country, indicating a move toward a unified standard for assessing all medical graduates.

As more details about the NExT exam become available, aspiring doctors must stay updated and adapt their preparation strategies accordingly.

Commonly Asked FMGE Questions