Introduction to the FMGE and Its Importance

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination or FMGE is a mandatory exam that is conducted by the National Board of Examinations - NBE in India for medical students who have completed their MBBS degree because it works for providing a license number to practise in India. It is a mandatory screening test for Indian students or Overseas Citizens of India who have obtained their MBBS degree from abroad and wish to practice medicine in India. With thousands of students heading abroad for medical education each year, FMGE or NExtT play a main role for medical students who gas completed their MBBS.

Understanding the Role of FMGE for Foreign Medical Graduates

Role of NExt/ FMGE is a screening test which is held twice a year in December and June for analysis foreign medical students to ensure that the knowledge and clinical skills of foreign-trained doctors meet Indian medical standards. It is not a competitive exam but qualifying for this entrance is mandatory.

Foreign medical graduates must clear FMGE to be eligible for provisional or permanent registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Councils. Only after passing FMGE can they pursue internships, post-graduate medical education, or practice medicine legally in India.

Significance for Russian MBBS Graduates in India

Russia is still remains as one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students who are seeking affordable and quality MBBS education abroad. Medical universities in Russia are recognized by the NMC and WHO, and they offer a globally recognized degree at a fraction of the cost compared to Indian private medical colleges.

Despite the quality of education, Indian students graduating from Russian universities must clear the FMGE to practice in India. This makes the FMGE/NExT exam 2025 particularly important for this year because the large number of Russian MBBS graduates expected to return this year. NExT or FMGE exam is a way that students will be eligible to practise in India after qualifying this exam.

Given the linguistic, clinical, and curriculum differences between the Russian and Indian medical systems, FMGE serves as an equalizer to ensure all doctors meet Indian standards. Russian MBBS graduates are advised to start preparing for FMGE from the final year of their degree program and enroll in FMGE-specific coaching or revision courses.

Current Trends and Updates for FMGE 2025

The FMGE 2025 is expected to be held as per the revised guidelines set by the National Medical Commission (NMC). While the core structure remains a 300-question multiple-choice test conducted in two parts in a single day, candidates should stay updated with the latest FMGE syllabus and guidelines issued by NMC. 

In latest years, the passing percentage for FMGE has consistently stayed low, generally hovering around 15–25%. This highlights the necessity for targeted preparation, a clear understanding of concepts, and practical knowledge application. Students should refer to standard Indian textbooks, previous year question papers, and practice mock tests regularly.

Some coaching institutes also provide online FMGE prep courses that are specially designed for Russian MBBS graduates, considering the variation in teaching methods and clinical exposure they receive abroad.

Latest Changes from the National Medical Commission

The National Medical Commission - NMC has introduced multiple changes in last few years with main focus is at streamlining medical education and improving the standard of healthcare professionals in India. One of the major changes is the mandatory Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship - CRMI for foreign medical graduates even after passing the FMGE.

The NMC has also issued updated eligibility guidelines for appearing in FMGE, including documents like eligibility certificates, recognition of foreign medical institutions, and proof of completion of the medical program.

Medical graduates are now required to complete their entire MBBS education, including internships, within the stipulated time frame as per NMC norms to be eligible for FMGE.

Transition from FMGE to NEXT Exam

A major development in Indian medical education is the proposed replacement of FMGE with the National Exit Test (NEXT). The NEXT exam is expected to be a common licensure exam for both Indian and foreign medical graduates. It will serve a dual purpose—as a final year MBBS exam and as a licensure test to practice medicine in India.

Although the exact timeline for implementing NEXT is still under discussion, it may come into effect as early as 2026. Thus, FMGE 2025 might be the last or penultimate FMGE exam. Russian MBBS graduates planning to return soon should aim to appear in FMGE 2025 to avoid transitioning into a new, possibly more complex exam system.

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination called FMGE Exam is an essential test for medical students for license after completing their MBBS from outside India. The FMGE is a screening inspection designed to inspect the medical expertise and aptitudes of medical graduates before they receive temporal or fixed approval with the National Medical Commission or State Medical Councils. 

The first FMGE examination was conducted in 2002 as a screening test for foreign medical graduates.

Important points about FMGE

• The FMGE Exam is conducted two times in a year (June and December).
• It is an online test.
• There is no limit for attempts.
• The exam paper contains 300 multiple-choice questions.
• Students must obtain 150 out of 300 marks.

Essential Exam Details and Overview: 

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination is planned for 2025 and continues as a necessary screening test for international medical graduates. We will focus on mastering the essential details and overview of the FMGE 2025 exam, including examination dates, application method, eligibility qualifications, subjects, syllabus, exam pattern detailed description, and marks distribution. 

Exam Pattern and Duration:

The exam pattern for FMGE Exam follows a computer-based test (CBT). The mode of language will be English and conducted in two parts, A and B; each part contains multiple-choice questions. FMGE exam paper containing 150 MCQs, for a total of 300 questions for a thorough period of 5 hours.

• Exam pattern: Computer-based test (CBT)
• Duration: 300 minutes (5 hours) for both papers.
• Scoring, Qualifying Marks, and No Negative Marking Policy
• The FMGE exam is includes two papers, each paper containing 150 multiple-choice questions with a total of 300 marks. To qualify the exam, students need to secure at at least 50% of the total marks. One mark will be offer for each correct answer.
• There is no negative marking in the FMCG examination.

FMGE Application Form 2025:

1. Step-by-Step Registration Process for FMGE

Visit the website of the National Board of Examinations (NBE)..

Register and create an online account on the NBE portal..

Fill in the application form online with personal, educational,, and proper details.

Upload documents in PDF format as per the requirement..

Payment for the FMGEFMGE exam fee online

Submit the form and keep a printout of the confirmation page.

2. Online Registration and Document Submission:

After successful registration, the candidate will get a unique ID and password. These details will be received on the candidate’s registered email ID and mobile number. To proceed filling out the FMGE 2025 application, log in to logging page. Use the provided user ID and password.

Completing Application Form 2025:

• After logging in application form page will be directed. Candidates need to fill out out the application form by following these steps:
• First the “fill the application form”
• It will show an instruction page; read all instructions carefully before continuing.
• Then fill all the required personal information like parent’s details, address,, and email ID.
• In the next step, fill in in your educational details, such as MBBS degree, class 12th details, school or college,, and passing years.
• Then choose your preferred exam location among available options.

Eligibility Criteria and Required Documentation:

The candidate should be the citizen of India or an Overseas Citizen of India.

A student have completed an MBBS from an international medical institute that is recognized by the medical authority of that country.

Qualifications and Necessary Credentials

Primary medical qualification, recognized by the Indian Embassy or competent authority is a must. Submit required documents such as a degree certificate, mark sheets, an eligibility certificate form from from NMC, and a passport.

The candidate completed the internship program as per the regulations of that country

Payment Methods and Confirmation

After submitting the application form, the candidate needs to pay the application fee online.

All categories: Rs. 6,195 (Rs. 5,250 exam fee + Rs. 945 GST)

Mode of Payment:online payment

After successfully completing the application form and paying the application fee, the candidate should take a printout of the confirmation page. After application approval, a candidate can download their admit card from the NBE website. The candidate should verify all the details shown on the admit card. The candidate should keep a printout with a valid photo ID on the day of the exam.