FMGE 2025: Over 60,000 Candidates Gear Up for January 12 Exam as Admit Cards Go Live

The number of students appearing for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) exceeded 60,000 by 2023. The exam for the December 2024 session will be held on January 12, 2025. In the 2023 session, total of 61,616 students registered for the exam.

About the Exam

The FMGE is a licensing examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), essential for foreign-educated medical graduates to practice in India. Students who complete their MBBS abroad must clear this exam to gain registration with the Medical Council of India (MCI) (now National Medical Commission, NMC).

According to historical data, only 10,847 candidates appeared for FMGE in 2010. Over the years, this number has grown exponentially, reflecting the limited seats and stiff competition in Indian medical colleges, which drives many students to seek medical education in countries like Russia, China, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, and the Philippines. Additionally, the affordable tuition fees and less stringent admission criteria in these countries make them an attractive option.

This increasing trend also points to the apparent demand-supply gap in medical education in India, where the availability of medical seats is limited compared to the number of aspirants.

DataYear-wise Number of Registered Students (July + Dec Exam)

To qualify in FMGE, candidates must secure at least 50% marks. In 2023, out of the 61,616 registered students, only 10,261 candidates passed. The remaining students either failed to meet the criteria or did not appear for the exam. This highlights the challenge faced by foreign medical graduates in obtaining licensure in India.

Admit Cards Released; Exam Will Have 300 Questions

Admit cards for the exam have been issued. The FMGE exam will consist of 300 questions, with 150 questions to be attempted in the morning session and 150 in the afternoon with Time Based Slots. The exam will be conducted in a computer-based format across multiple cities in India. Candidates are advised to carefully read and follow the instructions mentioned on the admit card, including reporting time and other guidelines.

The Medical Bulletin