FMGE: Pattern, Frequency & Success Statistics
Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (Screening Test)
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is conducted three times a year by NBEMS under the screening test regulations of the National Medical Commission (NMC). Qualifying FMGE is statutory for Indian nationals and OCI cardholders holding foreign MBBS qualifications to obtain permanent or provisional registration to practice medicine in India.
Total Questions
300 MCQs
Part A (150) + Part B (150)
Total Duration
300 mins
5 hours (2.5 hrs x 2)
Total Marks
300 Marks
No Negative Marking!
Exam Frequency
3x / Year
June, Oct & Jan/Feb Cycles
Pass Benchmark
150 / 300
50% Qualifying Score
Negative Marking
None (0)
Zero Penalty
Exam Pattern & Structure
CBT ModeTotal Questions
300 Questions
Max Marks: 300
Total Duration
5 hours total: Part A (150 mins) and Part B (150 mins) with an intervening break
Two sessions on the same day: Part A (Morning) & Part B (Afternoon)
Time-Locked Section Navigation
The test is split into Part A (150 questions on Pre-clinical & Para-clinical disciplines) and Part B (150 questions on Clinical disciplines). Time-locked blocks of 50 questions per 50 minutes are enforced within each part.
Question Format & Types
- ✓Single Best Answer Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- ✓Clinical image-based diagnostics
- ✓Clinical case vignettes and pharmacological management
- ✓Community medicine epidemiology and national health schemes
Success Ratio & Seat Analytics
Unlike NEET-PG and INICET, FMGE is not a competitive rank test—it is a pure qualifying examination. Anyone scoring 150 or more is eligible for registration. However, due to rigorous clinical vignette standards, disciplined preparation across all 19 MBBS subjects is indispensable.
Annual Candidates
38,000 – 52,000 foreign medical graduates per session
Seats / Quota
Qualifying exam (no fixed seat quota; all candidates scoring ≥150 pass)
Conversion / Rate
Historical pass rate averages between 15% and 24%
| Specialty / Score Tier | Typical Rank / Band | Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Score ≥ 200 Marks | Top 5% of FMG cohort | High Distinction |
| Score 175 – 199 Marks | Upper 10% – 15% | Comfortable Pass |
| Score 150 – 174 Marks | Passing Band | Qualifying Zone |
| Score < 150 Marks | Non-Qualifying | Requires Re-Attempt |
Syllabus & Subject Weightage
Estimated question allocation across Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, and Clinical disciplines:
Part B: Clinical Subjects (150 Questions)
Part A: Pre & Para-Clinical Subjects (150 Questions)
Official Marking Scheme
Each correct answer earns 1 mark. There is zero negative marking for wrong answers. Therefore, candidates should attempt all 300 questions without fear of penalty.
Annual Schedule & Timeline
Three times a year (Tri-annual)3 sessions: June Cycle, October Cycle, and January/February Cycle
Online application submission and document upload
Nationwide two-shift CBT exam
Pass/Fail list and individual scorecards published
Registration window for the autumn cycle
Nationwide two-shift CBT exam
Scorecards and qualifying certification
Online application for winter cycle
Nationwide two-shift CBT exam
Results declared on NBEMS portal
Eligibility Criteria
- ✓Must be a citizen of India or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI).
- ✓Possession of a primary medical degree (e.g. MD / MBBS) confirmed by the Indian Embassy in the country of study.
- ✓Submission of the primary medical qualification pass certificate on or before the NBEMS cutoff date.
- ✓No restriction on the maximum number of attempts allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions about FMGE
Is there any negative marking in FMGE?
No. FMGE has NO negative marking. Each correct question awards +1 mark, and zero marks are deducted for incorrect answers.
What is the qualifying passing score for FMGE?
You must score a minimum of 150 marks out of 300 (50%). There are no category or reservation relaxations for the passing cutoff.
How many times a year is FMGE organized?
NBEMS has officially expanded FMGE to be conducted 3 times a year (tri-annually) instead of twice. The three distinct cycles are held across Summer (June/July), Autumn (October), and Winter (January/February), giving foreign medical graduates more frequent opportunities to qualify and start their mandatory internships in India.
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