The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is a vital certification for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who hold medical degrees from institutions outside India. Managed by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), the FMGE ensures that foreign-trained medical professionals meet India’s standards to practice medicine. If you are a foreign medical graduate aiming to register in India, here’s everything you need to know about the Eligibility Criteria for FMGE.

Eligibility Criteria for FMGE

1. Citizenship Requirements

• Who Can Apply: The FMGE is open to Indian Citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).

• Ineligible Applicants: Foreign nationals, except those from Nepal, are not eligible to apply.

2. Primary Medical Qualification

• Candidates must hold a primary medical qualification (such as MBBS or its equivalent) from a recognized medical institution outside India.

• This qualification should be recognized by the medical regulatory authority of the country where the institution is located, qualifying the individual for medical practice there.

3. Certification by Indian Embassy or Apostille

• The primary medical qualification must be:

  • Certified by the Indian Embassy in the country where the institution is located, or

  • Apostilled by the relevant authority as per the Hague Convention.

• These certifications confirm that the qualification is valid for practicing medicine in the awarding country.

4. Final Examination Date Requirement

• For eligibility in FMGE 2025, the final examination for the primary medical qualification must be completed and passed on or before the specified cutoff date (e.g., April 30, 2025 for the June session).

• Candidates must submit proof of passing by this date when applying.

5. NEET-UG Requirement for Admissions After May 2018

• Candidates who commenced their medical education after May 2018 are required to have qualified the NEET-UG exam.

• NEET-UG scores are valid for three years from the date of declaration to pursue MBBS-equivalent programs abroad.

6. Eligibility Certificate from NMC/MCI

• If candidates joined a foreign medical institution between March 15, 2002, and May 15, 2013, they must hold an Eligibility Certificate from the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI).

• This requirement is not necessary for those who completed their studies before March 15, 2002.

7. Exemptions from FMGE

• Graduates with primary medical qualifications from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States are exempt from FMGE.

• These individuals must also possess a recognized postgraduate medical qualification from the same country and meet eligibility for medical practice there.

9. Important Note on Eligibility Responsibility

• It is the candidate’s sole responsibility to ensure they meet all FMGE eligibility requirements.

• Failure to meet any of the eligibility standards may result in disqualification, even if initially overlooked by authorities. NBEMS strictly enforces these standards, so double-check your qualifications and documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can foreign nationals apply for FMGE?
A1: Only Indian citizens and OCIs can apply for FMGE. Foreign nationals, apart from Nepalese citizens, are ineligible.

Q2: Do I need NEET-UG qualification if I began my studies after May 2018?
A2: Yes, NEET-UG qualification is mandatory for students who started their medical education abroad after May 2018.