FMGE — Foreign Medical Graduate Examination
The screening test Indian citizens must clear after completing MBBS abroad, to register with NMC and practise medicine in India.
Who must give FMGE?
Any Indian citizen (or OCI cardholder, per SC W.P. Civil 891/2021) who has obtained a primary medical qualification equivalent to MBBS from a foreign medical institution must clear FMGE before they can:
- Register with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Council
- Practise modern medicine (allopathy) in India
- Join a PG programme in India (NEET PG eligibility requires NMC registration after FMGE clearance)
NBE eligibility conditions for FMGE
Per NBE FMGE regulations and FMGL 2021 (for students enrolled on/after 18 Nov 2021)
Must be an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder (per SC direction W.P. Civil 891/2021).
Must have obtained a primary medical qualification (MBBS equivalent) from a recognised foreign medical institution.
The foreign medical institution must be listed in WDOMS (World Directory of Medical Schools) at the time of enrolment.
Must have obtained the NEET UG qualifying score before enrolment in the foreign institution (if enrolled on or after May 2018).
Must have completed the required duration of the MBBS course (minimum 54 months under FMGL 2021 for students enrolled on/after 18 Nov 2021).
Internship must be completed at the same foreign university, same country (FMGL 2021 — for students enrolled on/after 18 Nov 2021).
Must be eligible to practise medicine in the country of graduation.
FMGE eligibility — NBE official regulations
Source: National Board of Examinations (NBE) · EduPath verified Jun 2026
Visit official sourceFMGE pass rates — what the data shows
NBE publishes annual FMGE statistics — including pass rates by country of graduation. Historically, overall FMGE pass rates have been below 25% in most years. Country-specific rates vary significantly.
For current data by country of graduation, refer directly to NBE's official publications:
natboard.edu.in — FMGE StatisticsEduPath does not reproduce NBE statistics here because pass rates change annually. Always verify with the latest NBE report.
Will NExT replace FMGE?
Yes — but NExT is currently deferred (2–3 years from August 2025)
When NExT launches, foreign medical graduates will need to clear NExT Step 1 (replacing FMGE), then complete 12 months internship in India, then clear NExT Step 2 for medical license. Until then, FMGE continues as the required screening test.
Ukraine-returned students — special FMGE provision
Source: NMC Circular NMC/20659(Legal)/2022/UGMEB dated 28 July 2022
Following the Russia-Ukraine war (February 2022), NMC issued a special circular for Indian students who were pursuing MBBS in Ukraine but had to return to India. Key provisions:
Transfer permission
Ukraine-returned students can transfer to another foreign university (or continue in another country). This is an exception to the general FMGL 2021 rule which prohibits transfer.
2-year CRMI provision
Students who clear FMGE will need to complete a 2-year CRMI (Compulsory Rotatory Medical Internship) in India instead of the standard 1 year. This is specific to Ukraine-returned students under this circular.
This circular is specific to the war-affected batch. Provisions may have evolved. Verify current NMC position at nmc.org.in and consult a counsellor for your specific situation.
NMC Circular — Ukraine-returned students
Source: National Medical Commission (NMC) · Published 28 Jul 2022 · EduPath verified Jun 2026
Visit official sourceReference: NMC/20659(Legal)/2022/UGMEB
Ukraine-returned? Not sure about your FMGE eligibility?
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