What Is the FMGE?
The FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) is the screening test conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for Indian citizens and OCIs who hold a medical degree from outside India and wish to register and practise in India. Passing it is required for registration with the National Medical Commission and a state medical council.
The FMGE is purely pass/fail at 150 out of 300 (50%), with no sectional cut-offs and no negative marking. The winning strategy is broad, high-yield MCQ coverage so you bank marks across every subject.
FMGE Format: Two Papers, 300 Questions
With no negative marking and a flat 50% target, leaving blanks only hurts. An educated guess across all 300 questions is always the right play.
FMGE and the Upcoming NExT
The National Exit Test (NExT) is a proposed common exam intended by the NMC to act as the final MBBS exam, the licensing exam, and the basis for PG admission — and to replace the FMGE for foreign graduates. Its rollout has been deferred several times, so the FMGE remains in effect for now.
Because NExT timelines keep shifting, the smart approach is broad, clinically focused MCQ practice that builds the foundation for either exam. MedLumen's bank is structured so the same preparation serves you whichever applies in your cycle. Always check the latest NBEMS / NMC notifications for current rules.
FMGE High-Yield Subjects
- Pathology: a consistently high-scoring subject across both papers.
- Pharmacology: mechanisms, drugs of choice and adverse effects — heavily tested.
- Medicine: the largest clinical block; common diagnoses and management.
- PSM / Community Medicine: high-yield, scoring and often under-prepared.
- Microbiology & Forensic Medicine: reliable recall-based marks.
- Surgery, O&G & Paediatrics: core clinical coverage in Part B.
Community medicine (PSM) is one of the most efficient subjects to score in — high-yield, memorisable and frequently the difference between failing and clearing 50%.
How to Prepare for the FMGE
Most candidates prepare over 3–6 months, revising subject by subject while doing high volumes of MCQs. See our exam guides on the MedLumen blog.
Why MedLumen for the FMGE?
FMGE Curriculum Coverage
The question bank spans every FMGE subject. Explore by area:
FMGE Question Bank Pricing
All plans include full access to the FMGE question bank, mock tests and the AI analytics dashboard. Start free — no credit card required.
- Full FMGE bank
- All subjects
- Mock tests included
- AI analytics
- iOS & Android app
- Full FMGE bank
- Unlimited mock tests
- AI analytics
- iOS & Android app
- Unlimited progress resets
- Full FMGE bank
- Unlimited mock tests
- AI analytics
- iOS & Android app
- Covers two FMGE cycles
Frequently Asked Questions About the FMGE
What is the FMGE exam?
How is it structured?
What's the pass mark?
What subjects does it cover?
What is NExT and will it replace the FMGE?
How long should I prepare?
Is there negative marking?
Is there a free FMGE trial?
Can I prepare on my phone?
Start Your FMGE Preparation Today
Practice across every subject, with full mocks and AI analytics. Free 7-day trial.