Licensing exam - India
What is FMGE?
Complete FMGE preparation for Indian graduates of foreign medical schools: the pattern, all 19 subjects, clinician-written notes and a purpose-built question bank.
- MCQs across two papers
- 300
- to pass, no negative marking
- 150 / 50%
- subjects covered
- 19
What is FMGE?
FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) is a mandatory screening test conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for Indian citizens and OCIs who completed their MBBS degree from a foreign medical college. Passing FMGE is a prerequisite for obtaining registration with a State Medical Council or the National Medical Commission (NMC) and practising medicine in India.
The exam is a two-paper computer-based test: 300 MCQs (150 per paper), 300 marks, a 50% (150/300) pass mark, and no negative marking, testing all 19 MBBS subjects at the level of a fresh graduate. Despite the 50% bar, the historical pass rate is only around 10 to 30% per session, making focused preparation essential. MedNext pairs clinician-written notes across every subject with a 50,000+ MCQ bank, so you practise against the pattern the exam actually tests.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
- Format
- 300 MCQs (2 papers x 150), no negative marking
- Frequency
- Twice yearly (Jun and Dec)
- Eligibility
- Indian citizens / OCI with a foreign MBBS degree
- Pass Mark
- 50% (150/300)
- Difficulty
- Moderate to High
- Conducted By
- NBEMS
Subject Weightage (Approximate)
Medicine and Allied (30%): General Medicine, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, highest combined weightage. Clinical scenarios and common presentations dominate.
Surgery and Allied (20%): General Surgery, Orthopaedics, ENT, Ophthalmology. Surgical anatomy and post-operative complications are frequently tested.
ObGyn (10%): Obstetric emergencies, contraception, and gynaecological oncology are high-yield areas.
Pre-Clinical and Para-Clinical (25%): Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine. Pharmacology (especially essential medicines) is a common differentiator.
Community Medicine / PSM (15%): National Health Programmes, biostatistics, and epidemiology. Easy marks for well-prepared candidates.
How MedNext Academy Prepares You
MedNext delivers every topic across 15 study modes: notes, MCQs, flashcards, clinical cases, mnemonics, mind maps, viva practice, and more. Plus clinical calculators, an ECG atlas with 105 annotated strips, an X-ray atlas, and a drug formulary with 1,800+ drugs.
50,000+ MCQ bank
FMGE-pattern questions across all 19 MBBS subjects with detailed explanations, timed practice, and performance analytics.
Drug Formulary
1,800+ drugs with adult and paediatric monographs and an interactions checker, particularly useful for FMGE pharmacology.
Clinical Calculators
105 clinical calculators to practise the calculations that appear in scenario-based questions.
Clinical Cases
Case-based study modes matched to the increasingly clinical FMGE question style.
Mnemonics and Flashcards
Rapid-recall tools for the high-volume factual content FMGE tests.
Community Medicine Notes
National Health Programmes, biostatistics, and epidemiology, the easiest scoring subjects when well prepared.
Recommended Study Plan
12-Month Plan
- Months 1-3: Clinical subjects, Medicine, Surgery, ObGyn, Paediatrics
- Months 4-6: Para-clinical, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, FMT
- Months 7-8: Pre-clinical, Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry and PSM
- Months 9-10: Subject-wise MCQ practice and previous year papers
- Months 11-12: Full mock tests weekly and targeted revision of weak areas
6-Month Intensive
- Weeks 1-4: Medicine and Surgery (highest weightage)
- Weeks 5-8: Paediatrics, ObGyn, Psychiatry, Dermatology
- Weeks 9-12: Pharmacology and PSM (easiest scoring subjects)
- Weeks 13-16: Para-clinical and pre-clinical rapid revision
- Weeks 17-24: Daily MCQ tests and full-length mocks every weekend
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pass mark for FMGE?
The pass mark is 50%, that is, 150 out of 300 MCQs. There is no negative marking, so attempt all questions. The exam is conducted twice yearly in June and December.
Why is the FMGE pass rate so low?
The historical FMGE pass rate is low, typically around 10 to 30% per session. Most candidates struggle because the level of clinical knowledge tested exceeds what is taught in many foreign MBBS curricula. Focused, systematic preparation aligned with the Indian MBBS syllabus is essential.
Which subjects are most important for FMGE?
Medicine (including allied specialties) and Surgery carry the highest combined weightage (around 50%). Pharmacology and PSM are strategic subjects, high yield for time invested. Pre-clinical subjects (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry) are lower yield but cannot be ignored.
How many attempts are allowed for FMGE?
Attempt limits have changed over time. It is advisable to check the latest NMC/NBEMS regulations before registering, as this rule has been subject to change.
Can MedNext help me prepare for FMGE?
Yes. MedNext covers all 19 MBBS subjects with clinician-written notes, MCQs, mnemonics, and clinical cases across 15 study modes. The drug formulary (1,800+ drugs) and clinical calculators are particularly useful for FMGE pharmacology and clinical subjects.
MedNext Academy
What is FMGE?
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