Exam Updates
FMGE 2026: Exam Date, Eligibility Criteria and Registration Process
Complete guide to the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) 2026 -- who can appear, eligibility rules, registration steps and exam schedule.
MedNext Editorial Team | 2026-08-01 | 6 min read
FMGE 2026: Exam Date, Eligibility Criteria and Registration Process
Complete guide to the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) 2026 -- who can appear, eligibility rules, registration steps and exam schedule.
What Is FMGE?
The Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE), also known as the MCI Screening Test, is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for Indian citizens and OCI cardholders who have obtained their medical degree from a foreign university. Passing FMGE is mandatory for registration with state medical councils and for practising medicine in India.
FMGE is typically conducted twice a year -- in June and December -- though exact dates are announced by NBEMS through official notifications on natboard.edu.in.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for FMGE, a candidate must be an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder, must have obtained a primary medical qualification from a medical institution listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), must have the qualification recognised by the medical regulatory authority of the country where the institution is located, and must have completed the full duration of the medical course (typically 5-6 years including internship) in that country.
Graduates from specific countries with bilateral agreements (such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia) where the medical qualification is directly recognised by NMC may be exempt from FMGE. Candidates should verify their specific eligibility on the NBEMS website.
Importantly, the medical institution must be listed in the WDOMS at the time of admission and throughout the duration of the course. Institutions that lose recognition during the course period may affect a candidate's eligibility.
Exam Pattern
FMGE consists of 300 MCQs divided into two papers. Paper 1 covers pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine). Paper 2 covers clinical subjects (Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Community Medicine, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Orthopaedics, Anaesthesia, Radiology).
Each paper carries 150 marks with one mark per question. There is no negative marking. The passing score is 150 out of 300 total (50% aggregate). The exam is conducted in two sessions on the same day.
Registration Process
Registration is online through the NBEMS portal. Candidates must create an account, fill in personal and academic details, upload required documents (passport, medical degree, eligibility certificate, photograph, signature), select examination city preferences, and pay the examination fee. The fee for FMGE is typically in the range of INR 5,500-6,000 for General category candidates.
NBEMS issues an eligibility certificate after verifying documents. This certificate is a prerequisite for appearing in the exam. Candidates should apply well before the deadline to allow time for document verification.
After Passing FMGE
Upon passing FMGE, the candidate receives a passing certificate from NBEMS. This certificate, along with the foreign medical degree and other documents, must be submitted to a state medical council for provisional registration. The candidate must then complete a compulsory rotating internship of 12 months at an institution recognised by NMC before obtaining permanent registration and being eligible for independent practice or NEET PG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to appear for FMGE?
Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who have obtained their primary medical qualification (MBBS equivalent) from a medical college outside India need to appear for FMGE. Graduates from colleges listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and recognised by the respective country's medical regulatory authority are eligible.
How many times can I attempt FMGE?
There is currently no limit on the number of attempts for FMGE. Candidates can appear for the exam in any subsequent session until they pass. However, policy changes may impose attempt limits in the future, so candidates should check the latest NBEMS notification.
Is FMGE conducted online or offline?
FMGE is conducted as a computer-based test (CBT) at designated centres across India. The exam is fully online -- candidates answer MCQs on a computer terminal at the test centre.
What is the passing score for FMGE?
The passing score for FMGE is 150 marks out of 300 (50%). There is no negative marking in FMGE. Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and incorrect or unanswered questions carry zero marks.
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