FMGE 2026 (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination) is the mandatory licensing test conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who have completed their MBBS-equivalent degree from a foreign medical institution. Without clearing FMGE, these graduates cannot register with the National Medical Commission (NMC) and practice medicine in India. In a historic first, NBEMS added a third FMGE session this year — the FMGE October 2026 exam is scheduled on October 31, 2026, and is the key upcoming event for thousands of candidates yet to clear this examination.
- City Intimation Slip: The city intimation slip for FMGE October 2026 will be released on October 20, 2026 at natboard.edu.in. Candidates can check their assigned exam city using their application number. Last session, the slip came 10 days before the admit card — the same gap applies here.
- Admit Card: FMGE October 2026 admit card will be released on October 27, 2026 at natboard.edu.in. Download and print it before the exam. You must carry it along with a valid photo ID on October 31.
- Exam Date: FMGE October 2026 is on October 31, 2026 in CBT mode. The paper has 300 MCQs across two parts of 2.5 hours each. You need 150 out of 300 to qualify. There is no negative marking.
- Result: FMGE October 2026 result is expected by November 30, 2026. In the June 2026 session, NBEMS declared the result in 9 days after the exam — a similar turnaround puts the probable result date around November 9–10, 2026.
What is FMGE 2026?
The Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) is a screening test mandated under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019. Any Indian citizen or OCI who has obtained a primary medical qualification (MBBS-equivalent degree) from a foreign medical institution must clear FMGE before they can get provisional registration with NMC and work as a doctor in India. Without this registration, you cannot do a compulsory internship in India, appear for NEET PG, or practice medicine independently.
NBEMS conducts FMGE on behalf of NMC. The exam is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with 300 multiple choice questions (MCQs) spread across all subjects of the MBBS curriculum. You need to score at least 150 out of 300 (50%) to qualify. There is no negative marking, and there is no cap on the number of attempts.
FMGE 2026 Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Foreign Medical Graduates Examination |
| Also Known As | MCI/NMC Screening Test |
| Conducting Body | National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) |
| Mandated By | National Medical Commission (NMC) |
| Purpose | Licensing exam for Indian/OCI graduates of foreign medical institutions |
| Sessions in 2026 | Three — June 28, October 31, and January 9, 2027 (tentative) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Language | English |
| Total Questions | 300 MCQs (Part A: 150 + Part B: 150) |
| Duration | 5 hours total (2.5 hours per paper) |
| Qualifying Marks | 150 out of 300 (50%) — fixed, no relaxation |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Number of Attempts | Unlimited |
| Official Website | natboard.edu.in |
More than 35,000 candidates appear for each FMGE session. A large proportion of them are repeat candidates — students who studied MBBS in countries like Russia, Ukraine, China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Kyrgyzstan and are now back in India waiting to get their medical licence. The pass rate has been consistently low — between 10% and 30% per session — making FMGE one of the most challenging qualifying examinations in the Indian medical system.
FMGE 2026: Three Sessions — A First in Exam History
For the first time since FMGE was introduced in 2002, NBEMS is conducting three sessions in a single calendar year. This change is a direct response to the record-low pass rate of 12.77% in the FMGE June 2026 session and the nationwide protests that followed.
After the June 2026 result, the All FMGs Association (AFA) and other foreign medical graduate bodies held demonstrations outside the NBEMS office in New Delhi. Candidates raised concerns over the extreme paper difficulty, poor exam centre infrastructure, and lack of transparency in the answer key. NBEMS formed an independent expert committee to review the situation. On August 28, 2026, NBEMS officially announced the addition of an October 2026 session — offered at a reduced fee of Rs 4,650 compared to the regular Rs 6,195 — as a direct remedial step for candidates who failed the June session.
NBEMS has also indicated the three-session format may continue in 2027, with sessions tentatively planned for January, April/May, and August/September.
FMGE 2026: All Three Sessions at a Glance
| Session | Exam Date | Result | Pass % |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | June 28, 2026 | July 7, 2026 (Out) | 12.77% |
| October 2026 | October 31, 2026 | By November 30, 2026 | — |
| January 2027 (tentative) | January 9, 2027 | Expected February–March 2027 | — |
The October session is special — registration was offered only to candidates who had previously appeared in the June 2026 session. The January 2027 session, however, is expected to be open to all eligible FMGs including fresh applicants. No official information bulletin for the January session has been released yet (as of October 6, 2026).
FMGE October 2026: Exam Date, Admit Card and Schedule
The FMGE October 2026 session is the active session right now, with the exam 25 days away. It is a special third sitting introduced after the June 2026 controversy. Here is the complete schedule for this session:
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Image/Document Correction Window | October 3–21, 2026 | Open until October 21 |
| City Intimation Slip | October 20, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Admit Card | October 27, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Exam Date | October 31, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Result | By November 30, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Scorecard Available | Expected December 2026 | Upcoming |
| Information Brochure Released | September 11, 2026 | (Over) |
| Application Window | September 11–25, 2026 | (Over) |
| Edit / Correction Window | September 29–30, 2026 | (Over) |
Source: natboard.edu.in — FMGE October 2026 Information Brochure
The image and document correction window for FMGE October 2026 is open until October 21, 2026. If you have any discrepancy in your uploaded photo, signature, or documents, log in to natboard.edu.in and correct it before the deadline.
FMGE 2026 Important Dates: All Sessions
The table below covers the full FMGE 2026 exam calendar across all three sessions. Upcoming events are listed first in chronological order, followed by past events.
| Event | Session | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Image/Document Correction Window | October 2026 | October 3–21, 2026 |
| City Intimation Slip | October 2026 | October 20, 2026 |
| Admit Card | October 2026 | October 27, 2026 |
| Exam Date | October 2026 | October 31, 2026 |
| Result | October 2026 | By November 30, 2026 |
| Scorecard Release | October 2026 | Expected December 2026 |
| Registration Opens (3rd session) | January 2027 | Expected November 2026 |
| Exam Date — 3rd session (tentative) | January 2027 | January 9, 2027 |
| NBEMS Tentative Exam Calendar Released | — | December 29, 2025 (Past) |
| Information Brochure (June session) | June 2026 | May 2026 (Past) |
| FMGE June Exam Date | June 2026 | June 28, 2026 (Past) |
| FMGE June Result | June 2026 | July 7, 2026 (Past) |
| FMGE June Scorecards | June 2026 | July 16, 2026 (Past) |
| Third Session Announced by NBEMS | October 2026 | August 28, 2026 (Past) |
| Information Brochure (October session) | October 2026 | September 11, 2026 (Past) |
| Application Window (October session) | October 2026 | September 11–25, 2026 (Past) |
Source: natboard.edu.in
FMGE 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before registering for FMGE 2026, check that you meet all the conditions set by NMC. Here are the main requirements:
Nationality
- You must be an Indian citizen or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI).
- Foreign nationals are not eligible for FMGE under any circumstances.
Medical Qualification
- You must have obtained a primary medical qualification (MBBS-equivalent) from a foreign medical institution.
- The institution must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
- Your foreign degree must carry an Embassy of India attestation or Apostille stamp as per the Hague Convention.
Course Duration and Internship
- For candidates who joined a foreign medical institution on or after May 2018: the MBBS-equivalent course must be at least 54 months (4.5 years) followed by a mandatory 12-month internship at the same foreign institution.
- Your final result from the foreign institution must be declared before the session cutoff date. For the October 2026 session, this cutoff was August 31, 2026.
NEET UG Requirement
- If you were admitted to a foreign medical institution on or after May 15, 2018, you must have qualified NEET UG at the time of taking admission abroad.
- Your NEET UG scorecard is required as a document during FMGE registration.
NMC Eligibility Certificate
- You must obtain an NMC Eligibility Certificate before registering at natboard.edu.in. This is a non-negotiable requirement.
- Apply through the NMC portal well in advance — processing typically takes 4–6 weeks.
- The certificate confirms that NMC has verified your foreign medical degree as eligible for FMGE.
2026 NMC Update: Online Classes Must Be Compensated
In March 2026, NMC issued an important ruling — FMGs who attended MBBS classes online during COVID-era or post-COVID semesters must physically compensate for those sessions. Time spent in virtual classes will not count towards the minimum physical attendance requirement in the 54-month course. If this affects you, clarify your standing with your foreign institution and NMC before applying for the NMC Eligibility Certificate.
There is no age limit for FMGE, and you can appear an unlimited number of times until you pass.
How to Apply for FMGE 2026
The FMGE application process is entirely online at natboard.edu.in. The October 2026 session registration has already closed (September 25, 2026). The next open window will be for the January 2027 session, expected in November 2026. Here is what the process looks like so you can prepare documents in advance.
Step-by-Step FMGE Registration Process
- Get your NMC Eligibility Certificate first. Without it, you cannot complete NBEMS registration. Apply at nmc.org.in at least 6 weeks before the registration window opens.
- Go to natboard.edu.in and click on New User Registration under the FMGE section.
- Fill in your personal details, contact information, and educational qualification details accurately.
- Upload scanned copies of all required documents in the specified size and format.
- Pay the application fee online using UPI, credit card, or debit card.
- Submit the form and note your Application ID. You will need it to download your admit card, check your result, and access your scorecard.
Documents Required for FMGE Application
- Recent passport-size colour photograph
- Scanned signature
- Left-hand thumb impression
- Foreign MBBS degree certificate (with Embassy of India attestation or Apostille stamp)
- NMC Eligibility Certificate
- NEET UG scorecard (required if you joined your foreign medical institution on or after May 15, 2018)
- Proof of Indian nationality or OCI status (passport, Aadhaar, or OCI card)
- Internship completion certificate from the foreign institution
FMGE 2026 Application Fee
| Session | Exam Fee | GST (18%) | Total Payable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular sessions (June / January) | Rs 5,250 | Rs 945 | Rs 6,195 |
| October 2026 (special session) | Rs 3,941 (approx.) | Rs 709 | Rs 4,650 |
The FMGE registration fee is non-refundable under any circumstances — including if you miss the exam or choose to withdraw your application.
FMGE 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The FMGE 2026 exam pattern is unchanged from previous years. It is a Computer-Based Test with 300 MCQs split across two papers. Understanding the structure helps you manage time effectively on exam day.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Language | English only |
| Total Questions | 300 MCQs |
| Paper Structure | Part A: 150 questions | Part B: 150 questions |
| Total Duration | 5 hours (2.5 hours per paper) |
| Section Timing | 51 minutes per 50 questions (50 minutes answering + 1 minute biometric) |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +1 |
| Negative Marking | None |
| Qualifying Marks | 150 out of 300 (50%) |
| Question Type | Single Best Response (SBR) MCQs |
FMGE 2026 Subject-wise Question Distribution
The 300 questions cover all 19 subjects of the MBBS curriculum. Clinical subjects account for 200 marks — two-thirds of the total paper. This makes clinical preparation the most decisive factor in clearing FMGE.
| Subject Group | Subject | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Clinical (51 questions) | Anatomy | 17 |
| Physiology | 17 | |
| Biochemistry | 17 | |
| Para-Clinical (49 questions) | Pathology | 13 |
| Microbiology | 13 | |
| Pharmacology | 13 | |
| Forensic Medicine & Toxicology | 10 | |
| Clinical (200 questions) | Medicine | 33 |
| General Surgery | 32 | |
| Obstetrics & Gynaecology | 30 | |
| Community Medicine (PSM) | 30 | |
| Paediatrics | 17 | |
| Ophthalmology | 15 | |
| ENT (Otorhinolaryngology) | 15 | |
| Orthopaedics | 10 | |
| Psychiatry | 5 | |
| Dermatology & STD | 5 | |
| Anaesthesiology, Radiodiagnosis & Radiotherapy | 8 | |
| Total | 300 | |
Medicine (33), Surgery (32), Obs & Gynae (30), and PSM (30) together make up 125 of the 200 clinical marks. Getting these four subjects right significantly improves your chance of crossing the 150-mark qualifying threshold.
FMGE 2026 Syllabus: Subject-wise Topics
NBEMS does not publish a separate subject-wise syllabus for FMGE. The exam follows the NMC-approved MBBS curriculum — the same topics taught in Indian medical colleges across all 19 subjects. Here are the key focus areas for each subject group:
Pre-Clinical Subjects
- Anatomy: General anatomy, embryology, histology, neuroanatomy, and systemic anatomy (thorax, abdomen, head and neck, upper and lower limbs)
- Physiology: Nerve and muscle, blood and haemopoiesis, cardiovascular, respiratory, GI, renal, endocrine, reproductive, and neurophysiology
- Biochemistry: Carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, protein metabolism, enzymes, vitamins and minerals, molecular biology, and clinical biochemistry
Para-Clinical Subjects
- Pathology: General pathology (cell injury, inflammation, neoplasia), systemic pathology (cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, GI, CNS, endocrine), and haematology
- Microbiology: Bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology, immunology, and clinical microbiology for common infections
- Pharmacology: Autonomic pharmacology, CNS drugs, cardiovascular drugs, GI drugs, antimicrobials, chemotherapy, and drug toxicity and adverse effects
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology: Medical jurisprudence, thanatology, forensic examination of injuries, common poisons (organic and inorganic), and medico-legal aspects of clinical practice
Clinical Subjects (High Priority)
- Medicine: Infectious diseases, cardiology, respiratory medicine, nephrology, neurology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, haematology, and clinical toxicology
- General Surgery: Surgical oncology, abdominal surgery, hernias, thyroid and parathyroid, vascular surgery, trauma, urology, and neurosurgery
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Normal and abnormal labour, obstetric emergencies (PPH, eclampsia, APH), gynaecological infections, reproductive tract malignancies, family planning, and infertility
- Community Medicine (PSM): Epidemiology, biostatistics, nutrition, national health programmes, vaccine schedules, environmental health, and health administration
- Paediatrics: Neonatology, growth and development milestones, childhood infections, immunisation schedule, paediatric emergencies, and nutritional disorders
- Ophthalmology: Diseases of the cornea, lens (cataract), glaucoma, retinal conditions, uveitis, optics and refraction errors, and ocular emergencies
- ENT: Ear diseases including CSOM and ASOM, diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses, throat and laryngeal conditions, and head and neck oncology
FMGE focuses heavily on clinical reasoning and application-based questions, not just direct fact recall. Candidates who use Indian textbooks (Harrison’s, Bailey & Love, Dutta’s Obs & Gynae, Park’s PSM) alongside FMGE-specific MCQ books tend to perform better than those who rely only on material from their foreign university.
FMGE 2026 Admit Card: How to Download
The FMGE admit card (also called the hall ticket) is mandatory for entry into the exam centre. Without it, you will not be allowed to sit the exam. For FMGE October 2026, the admit card will be available from October 27, 2026 at natboard.edu.in.
Steps to Download the FMGE Admit Card
- Go to natboard.edu.in.
- Click on Candidate Login under the FMGE section.
- Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth.
- Your admit card will appear on screen.
- Download the PDF and take a colour printout.
What to Carry on FMGE Exam Day
- Printed admit card (colour printout recommended)
- Original government-issued photo ID — Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, or driving licence
- One passport-size photograph (same as uploaded during application)
Mobile phones, electronic devices, and calculators are strictly not allowed inside the FMGE exam hall. The exam centre provides rough sheets. Do not carry any study material into the exam room.
Check your admit card carefully for your exam centre, date, timing, and candidate details. If you see any discrepancy — such as a wrong name spelling or exam city — report it immediately to NBEMS at nbems@natboard.edu.in before the exam date.
FMGE 2026 Result: Pass Percentage and Statistics
FMGE June 2026 Result (Declared on July 7, 2026)
The FMGE June 2026 result was declared on July 7, 2026 at natboard.edu.in. More than 37,448 candidates appeared for this session. Only 12.77% qualified — one of the lowest pass rates in recent FMGE history — which directly triggered the addition of the October 2026 session.
| Particulars | FMGE June 2026 |
|---|---|
| Total Candidates Appeared | ~37,448 |
| Candidates Passed | ~5,086 |
| Overall Pass Rate | 12.77% |
| Pass Rate — First-Time Candidates | Above 35% |
| Highest Score (AIR 1) | 243 out of 300 |
| Topper Score Range | 224–243 out of 300 |
| Qualifying Marks | 150 out of 300 |
| Result Declared | July 7, 2026 |
| Scorecard Available From | July 16, 2026 |
One important detail in the June 2026 data: first-time candidates passed at over 35%, while repeat candidates had a much lower rate. The repeat-candidate cohort is large — many FMGs take multiple attempts across years — and this drags the overall headline figure significantly downward. If you are appearing for the first time, your actual probability of passing is much higher than 12.77%.
How to Download Your FMGE Scorecard
- Log in to natboard.edu.in with your application number and date of birth.
- Go to the results section and download your individual scorecard.
- The FMGE scorecard does not expire — it is a permanent qualifying document.
- Use it to apply for NMC Provisional Registration after you clear the exam.
FMGE October 2026 Result (Expected)
The FMGE October 2026 exam is on October 31, 2026. The result is officially expected by November 30, 2026. NBEMS declared the June 2026 result in just 9 days after the exam — if a similar turnaround applies, the October result may come around November 9–10, 2026. Keep checking natboard.edu.in from the first week of November onwards.
FMGE Pass Percentage: Year-wise Historical Trend
FMGE has one of the lowest pass rates among any professional qualifying examination in India. This trend helps you set realistic expectations and build a preparation plan based on actual data.
| Session | Pass Percentage | Candidates Appeared (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| June 2026 | 12.77% | 37,448 |
| December 2025 | 23.9% | ~35,000 |
| June 2025 | 18.61% | 36,039 |
| December 2024 | 29.62% | ~32,000 |
| June 2024 | 20.89% | ~34,000 |
| December 2023 | 20.57% | ~32,000 |
| June 2023 | 10.20% | ~30,000 |
| December 2022 | ~25% | ~28,000 |
| June 2022 | ~22% | ~26,000 |
Source: NBEMS — FMGE Result Archives
A few key patterns stand out from this data:
- June sessions are consistently harder than December sessions. June 2023 (10.20%) and June 2026 (12.77%) were the two lowest pass rates in recent history. December sessions post higher rates — December 2024 at 29.62% was the best in recent years.
- The headline pass rate is pulled down by repeat candidates. First-time candidates typically clear at 30–40%. The large pool of repeat attempters brings the overall percentage far lower. If you are a first-timer, your chances are significantly better than the session average.
- Candidate numbers are rising fast. From about 26,000 in June 2022 to over 37,000 in June 2026 — a 43% rise in four years — driven by the growing number of students pursuing MBBS abroad due to limited government medical college seats in India.
- Pass rate range is 10%–30%, depending on paper difficulty. December 2024 showed that nearly a third of candidates can pass when the paper is at moderate difficulty. Preparation quality and paper level both matter.
After Clearing FMGE 2026: NMC Registration and Next Steps
Passing FMGE is not the final step — it is the starting point for your medical career in India. After you clear the exam, you need to complete the following process to become a fully registered doctor.
Step 1: Apply for NMC Provisional Registration
- Use your FMGE pass certificate and scorecard to apply for provisional registration at nmc.org.in.
- Provisional registration lets you do a one-year compulsory rotating internship at a recognised hospital in India. You cannot practice independently with provisional registration alone.
Step 2: Complete One-Year Compulsory Internship in India
- After FMGE, you must complete a 12-month internship in India at an NMC-recognised hospital.
- This Indian internship is separate from the internship you completed abroad (which was required to qualify for FMGE). Both are mandatory.
- You will receive a stipend from the hospital during this internship period.
Step 3: Apply for Permanent NMC Registration
- After the Indian internship, apply for full (permanent) registration with NMC and your respective State Medical Council.
- Permanent registration allows you to practice medicine independently, apply for NEET PG, or pursue other postgraduate options in India.
NExT (National Exit Test) — Status in 2026
NExT was proposed as a future replacement for both FMGE and the licensing exam for Indian MBBS graduates. NMC has officially deferred the NExT rollout by 3–4 years. FMGE will remain the active screening test for foreign medical graduates until at least 2028–2029. You do not need to prepare for NExT right now — FMGE is your only licensing pathway for the foreseeable future.
How to Prepare for FMGE 2026
The FMGE October 2026 exam is on October 31, 2026 — 25 days away. If you are registered for this session, here is a focused strategy. If you missed this session, this plan applies equally to the January 2027 sitting.
Understand the Scoring Logic First
You need 150 correct out of 300 to pass. With no negative marking, you should attempt every question — even a random guess gives you a 25% chance on a 4-option MCQ. Maximise correct answers in the top four subjects: Medicine (33), Surgery (32), Obs & Gynae (30), and PSM (30). Scoring 90% across just these four subjects gives you 113 marks — you need only 37 more from the remaining 175 questions to qualify.
Subject-wise Preparation Strategy
- Medicine and Surgery: Study Indian disease presentations and NMC-guidelines-based management. FMGE tests diagnosis, investigation choices, and first-line treatment per Indian clinical guidelines — not just textbook definitions. Use Harrison’s Principles for theory and 5–7 years of past FMGE papers for MCQ practice.
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Focus on obstetric emergencies (PPH, eclampsia, APH), normal labour stages, gestational diabetes, cervical cancer screening, family planning, and infertility. Dutta’s Obstetrics is the standard reference for Indian exam preparation.
- PSM (Community Medicine): This is the most scorable section in FMGE. Memorise vaccine schedules, national health programme targets, biostatistics formulas, nutritional deficiency diseases, and types of epidemiological study designs. Park’s Textbook of PSM is the standard resource.
- Pathology and Microbiology: Use Robbins Pathology for theory. Focus on classic histological presentations and characteristic laboratory findings. For microbiology, study common pathogens, their virulence factors, and standard treatment protocols.
- Pharmacology: High-yield areas include antimicrobials, cardiovascular drugs (antihypertensives, antiarrhythmics), CNS drugs, and drug adverse effects. Focus on mechanisms of action and key side effects for each drug class.
- Pre-clinical subjects (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry): These 51 questions are manageable with standard MBBS revision. Aim for 35–40 correct out of 51 — an achievable target with focused review of core topics.
Last 25-Day Strategy for FMGE October 2026
- Do not start entirely new subjects from scratch. Prioritise strengthening topics you have already studied but need to consolidate.
- Solve at least 2,000–3,000 MCQs from past FMGE papers (2020–2025). Pattern recognition from previous papers is one of the most reliable ways to score well in FMGE.
- In CBT mode, you have about 1 minute per question. Practice timed mock tests. Do not spend more than 90 seconds on any single question during the exam.
- Attempt all 300 questions. There is no penalty for wrong answers — never leave any question unanswered.
- Check the city intimation slip on October 20 and book travel and accommodation early if your exam city is far from home.
FAQs on FMGE 2026
Ques. What is the FMGE October 2026 exam date?
Ans. The FMGE October 2026 exam is on October 31, 2026 in CBT mode. It is the second of three FMGE sessions in 2026 — added as a special sitting after the June 2026 pass rate fell to 12.77%. The admit card releases on October 27, 2026, and the result is expected by November 30, 2026.
Ques. When will the FMGE October 2026 admit card be released?
Ans. The FMGE October 2026 admit card will be released on October 27, 2026 at natboard.edu.in. Log in with your application number and date of birth to download it. Print it in colour and carry it with your original photo ID on October 31.
Ques. What is the FMGE 2026 pass percentage?
Ans. In the FMGE June 2026 session, 12.77% of candidates qualified — about 5,086 out of 37,448 who appeared. This was one of the lowest pass rates in recent history. However, first-time candidates had a pass rate above 35%. The overall figure is pulled down by the large number of repeat attempters. The October 2026 result is expected by November 30, 2026.
Ques. How many questions are in FMGE 2026?
Ans. FMGE 2026 has 300 MCQs split into two papers — Part A (150 questions, 2.5 hours) and Part B (150 questions, 2.5 hours). Total duration is 5 hours. You need 150 out of 300 (50%) to qualify. There is no negative marking, so you should attempt every question.
Ques. Who is eligible for FMGE 2026?
Ans. You are eligible for FMGE 2026 if you are an Indian citizen or OCI who completed an MBBS-equivalent degree from a foreign medical institution listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). You need an NMC Eligibility Certificate before registering. If you joined your foreign medical college on or after May 15, 2018, you must also have qualified NEET UG at the time of admission abroad.
Ques. What are the qualifying marks for FMGE 2026?
Ans. The FMGE qualifying mark is fixed at 150 out of 300 (50%). This threshold has not changed since the exam began in 2002. NMC has confirmed that relaxing this threshold is outside NBEMS’s authority — it would require a court order. There is no category-wise relaxation; 150/300 applies equally to all candidates.
Ques. Is FMGE now conducted three times a year?
Ans. Yes, for the first time in 2026, NBEMS is holding FMGE three times in a single year. The June session was on June 28, 2026. The October session is on October 31, 2026. A third session is tentatively planned for January 9, 2027, though the official information bulletin has not been released yet. Before 2026, FMGE was held twice a year — in June and December. NBEMS has indicated the three-session format may continue in 2027.
Ques. Why is the FMGE pass rate so low?
Ans. FMGE’s overall pass rate is low mainly because of repeat candidates. A large proportion of those appearing have already failed multiple times — this pulls the average down sharply. First-time candidates typically pass at 30–40%. Additionally, FMGE tests Indian disease presentations and NMC clinical guidelines, which can differ from what was taught in foreign universities — especially in Russia, Ukraine, or China, where most FMGs study.
Ques. When will NExT replace FMGE?
Ans. NMC officially deferred the NExT (National Exit Test) by 3–4 years in 2026. FMGE will remain the active licensing exam for foreign medical graduates until at least 2028–2029. If you are appearing in FMGE this year, NExT will not replace it in the near future — focus entirely on FMGE preparation.
Ques. What documents do I need to carry to the FMGE exam centre?
Ans. You must carry the following to the FMGE exam centre:
- Printed admit card (colour printout recommended)
- Original government photo ID — Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, or driving licence
- One passport-size photograph matching the one uploaded during application
Mobile phones and electronic devices are not allowed inside the exam hall. Report at least 30 minutes before the exam time shown on your admit card.
Ques. What happens after clearing FMGE 2026?
Ans. After clearing FMGE 2026, you apply for NMC Provisional Registration using your scorecard and pass certificate. With provisional registration, you can complete a one-year compulsory internship in India at an NMC-recognised hospital. After the Indian internship, you apply for full NMC registration — which lets you practice medicine independently and appear for NEET PG for postgraduate medical education in India.
Ques. Can I still register for FMGE October 2026?
Ans. No. The FMGE October 2026 registration window closed on September 25, 2026. If you had already registered, you can still use the image and document correction window, which is open until October 21, 2026, at natboard.edu.in. If you missed this session entirely, the next opportunity is the January 2027 session — registration is expected to open in November 2026.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is based on official NBEMS and NMC sources available as of October 2026. Exam dates and schedules are subject to change. Always verify the latest details at natboard.edu.in before taking any action.
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