FMGE Exam Pattern: An In-Depth Guide (Simplified)
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is a national Computer-Based Test (CBT) for foreign medical graduates seeking registration in India.
⚙️ Core Examination Structure & Key Facts
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Periodicity: Biannually (June & December)
- Medium: English only
- Total Questions: 300 MCQs
- Total Marks: 300 (1 mark each)
- Negative Marking: None
- Exam Structure: 2 Parts — Part A & Part B
- Total Duration: 5 hours (300 minutes)
- Question Type: 4-option MCQs; includes image-based questions (IBQs)
- Qualifying Criteria: Minimum 150 marks (50%)
- Syllabus Basis: MBBS undergraduate curriculum
⏳ Part A — Pre-Clinical & Para-Clinical
Questions: 150
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Focus: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine
⏳ Part B — Clinical Sciences
Questions: 150
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Focus: Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OBG, Community Medicine, ENT, Ophthalmology, Allied subjects
Subject-Wise Weightage
| Pre-Clinical & Para-Clinical (Total: 100) | Marks |
|---|---|
| Anatomy | 17 |
| Physiology | 17 |
| Biochemistry | 17 |
| Pathology | 13 |
| Microbiology | 13 |
| Pharmacology | 13 |
| Forensic Medicine | 10 |
| Clinical Sciences (Total: 200) | Marks |
|---|---|
| Medicine | 33 |
| General Surgery | 32 |
| Obstetrics & Gynaecology (OBG) | 30 |
| Community Medicine (PSM) | 30 |
| Pediatrics | 15 |
| Ophthalmology | 15 |
| ENT (Otorhinolaryngology) | 15 |
| Psychiatry (Minor) | 5 |
| Dermatology & STD (Minor) | 5 |
| Radiodiagnosis (Minor) | 5 |
| Radiotherapy (Minor) | 5 |
| Anesthesiology (Minor) | 5 |
| Orthopedics (Minor) | 5 |
Note: The above marks distribution is approximate and based on the standard FMGE pattern. Candidates should consult official NBEMS notifications for any changes or session-specific updates.
Key Facts, Statistics, and Attempts
- Number of Attempts: Unlimited — candidates may appear any number of times until they qualify.
- Candidates must re-register and pay the examination fee for every attempt.
- Qualifying Marks: Minimum 150 out of 300 (50%).
- No sectional cutoff — Part A + Part B combined score is considered.
- No relaxation in qualifying marks for any reserved categories.
FMGE pass percentage is generally low, ranging between 10% and 30%, indicating the importance of disciplined, high-yield preparation.
FMGE is expected to be replaced by the National Exit Test (NExT) in the future. Candidates should monitor NBEMS/NMC announcements for updates.
The Importance of Image-Based Questions (IBQs)
Image-Based Questions (IBQs) are a major scoring component of the FMGE, typically contributing 30 to 40 questions out of the total 300.
Nature of IBQs:
These questions evaluate visual recognition, pattern identification, and clinical diagnostic interpretation.
High-Yield Subjects for IBQs
- Pathology: Histopathology slides
- Microbiology: Organisms, stains, culture media
- Radiology / Medicine: X-rays, CTs, MRIs, ECGs
- Surgery: Instruments & operative visuals
- Ophthalmology: Clinical images
- Dermatology: Rash patterns, lesions
Post-Qualification Process
Qualifying FMGE is only the first step. Candidates must complete the mandatory registration and internship process before practicing in India.
Step 1: Collect Pass Certificate
Qualified candidates must appear in-person at NBEMS for document verification and collection of the FMGE Pass Certificate.
Step 2: Provisional Registration
Using the Pass Certificate, candidates must apply for Provisional Registration with the NMC or State Medical Council.
Step 3: Compulsory Internship
Candidates must complete a one-year rotating internship at an NMC-recognized hospital in India.
Step 4: Permanent Registration
After internship completion, candidates may apply for Permanent Registration with NMC/State Medical Council to legally practice medicine in India.
