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Aug 22, 2025
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FMGE Nightmare: Why Thousands of Students Fail Every Year

Thousands of MBBS graduates from India return home annually after completing their foreign MBBS to face the most difficult phase of medical education—the FMGE. This FMGE screening test is conducted by the National Board of Examination (NBE) for all foreign medical graduates who want to register as medical practitioners in India. But the shocking fact is historically, the FMGE pass percentage has been low, between 10% and 20%. This means that despite spending 30-40 lakhs and 5-6 years outside India, 8 out of 10 students fail. Why does this happen? Let's deconstruct it.

What is FMGE and Why is it Mandatory?

The FMGE, or the MCI Screening Test, is a qualifying examination for Indian students who pursue MBBS abroad. It verifies that the student has the expected medical knowledge to practice in India.

  • Conducted by: National Board of Examinations (NBE)
  • Mode: Online (Computer-based)
  • Pattern: 300 multiple-choice questions
  • Passing Criteria: 50% (150 marks out of 300)
  • Frequency: Twice a year (June & December)

 

The Reality: FMGE's Failure Rate is Alarming

Do you know the average pass percentage of FMGE in the last 5 years?

  • 2019: 14.68%
  • 2020: 20.67%
  • 2021: 23.83%
  • 2022: 10.61%
  • 2023: 16%

This means out of 1 lakh students that appear, only around 10,000 to 20,000 pass, while the rest start preparing once again, spend lakhs on coaching, or give up on their dream of becoming a doctor.

 

Why Do Students Fail FMGE? The Harsh Truth

1. Lack of Awareness Before Going Abroad

Most students are not told about FMGE by agents. They hear promises such as: 

 âœ” There's no FMGE here.

 âœ”Anyone can practice immediately in MBBS in India.

✔ "It's easy to clear FMGE." 

In reality, FMGE is compulsory for any foreign graduate except those who studied medicine in the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand and have cleared their licensing examination there.

2. Poor Quality of Education Abroad

There are several cheap colleges abroad that follow local curricula, unlike India. They deprive students of clinical risk, practical knowledge and understanding of Indian disease patterns.

3. Language Barrier

The local language is spoken in hospitals in Russia, Ukraine, China, and Kazakhstan. Students find it difficult to learn medicine plus a new language that they are hardly equipped with any practical skill.

4. No FMGE Preparation In MBBS Abroad

The syllabus of FMGE is Indian MBBS, and students abroad are not taught this course during their studies there. So they have to start from Square One on their return.

5. False Feelings of Security

A lot of students panic that if they pass MBBS abroad, they will have an easy time clearing FMGE. But the truth is: FMGE is much more difficult than most foreign exams because it expects you to know the entire MBBS syllabus very well.

 

The Financial & Emotional Impact of Failure

  • Students spend ₹25-50 lakhs abroad, plus ₹3-5 lakhs on FMGE coaching later.
  • Every failed attempt delays your career by 6 months to 1 year.
  • Some students give up completely, wasting years of hard work and money.

 

How to Avoid the FMGE Nightmare?

✔ Select the Correct Country & University

 Select countries that have a high pass percentage rate of FMGE (Philippines, Georgia, Uzbekistan are better than China or Ukraine).

✔ Prepare Early for FMGE

 Do not wait for graduation. Prepare in your 3rd or 4th year of MBBS.

✔ Stick to the Indian Curriculum

 Practice using Indian standard books such as Anatomy by BD Chaurasia, Pathology by Robbins, etc.

✔ Prepare FMGE Online Coaching

There are numerous platforms providing online classes, mock tests and doubt sessions for ongoing practice.

✔ Know the Truth About NEXT

Starting from 2025, Next (National Exit Test) will replace NEET PG and FMGE. The test will be even tougher and compulsory for all MBBS graduates (India + Abroad).

 

Final Words: Is MBBS Abroad Worth It?

Yes, MBBS abroad can be an excellent idea if you select sensibly and prepare for FMGE/NEXT right from the start. But if you blindly follow low fees and false promises you might become a victim of the FMGE nightmare.

 Want Guidance for MBBS Abroad or FMGE Preparation?

 Shiksha Planets is here to assist you with:

✅ Objective country & college selection

✅ Tips for FMGE/NEXT preparation

✅ Admission counseling in its entirety

Call us now or visit Shiksha Planets to make the right decision for your medical career.

 

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

FMGE is a licensing exam by NBE for Indian students with foreign MBBS degrees. Clearing it is compulsory to register and practice medicine in India.

It is very tough, with only 10–20% pass rates in recent years. Most students struggle because of curriculum gaps and lack of preparation.

FMGE is a computer-based test with 300 MCQs. To pass, candidates need 150 marks (50%). It takes place two times every year, June and December.

Failures happen due to the quality of education in some foreign universities, language problems, inadequate FMGE-specific study and late preparation.

Start preparing early on during MBBS, study using Indian textbooks, join coaching, take mock tests and select universities with higher pass percentages.

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