How to Get Medical License in India after Studying Abroad

For thousands of Indian students who pursue medical education abroad, the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is the crucial bridge to becoming a licensed medical practitioner in India. While studying abroad can offer quality education and global exposure, returning to practice in India requires passing this mandatory licensure test.

This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the FMGE—from eligibility criteria and exam pattern to preparation strategies, study resources, and expert tips to help you ace it on the first try.

What Is the FMGE?

The FMGE is a screening test conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for Indian citizens or Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) who have earned their primary medical qualification from a foreign country.

Purpose:

To ensure that foreign-trained doctors meet the standards required for medical practice in India.

Conducted by:

NBEMS (National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences)

Frequency:

Twice a year – June and December

Mode:

Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Language:

English

Who Needs to Take the FMGE?

You must appear for the FMGE if:

• You are an Indian citizen or an OCI.
• You obtained your primary medical qualification from a foreign medical institution.
• Your degree is not recognized under the First Schedule or Second Schedule of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.

Exemptions:

• Graduates from USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are exempt if their degree qualifies for direct registration with the relevant medical council.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the FMGE, you must:

1. Hold a Primary Medical Qualification from a recognized foreign medical institution.
2. Possess the eligibility certificate (EC) from the Medical Council of India (MCI) if your admission was taken after March 15, 2002.
3. Have completed internship or clinical rotations as part of your degree.
4. Submit the required documentation for verification by NBEMS.

FMGE Exam Pattern

Total Questions:

300 multiple-choice questions

Duration:

2 parts of 2.5 hours each, on the same day

Total Marks:

300 (Each question carries 1 mark, no negative marking)

Qualifying Marks:

150 out of 300 (50%)

Exam Structure:

• Part A and Part B, each comprising 150 questions
• Divided into Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical subjects

FMGE Syllabus Breakdown

The FMGE syllabus is based on the MBBS curriculum prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Here's a broad breakdown:

Pre-Clinical Subjects:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biochemistry

Para-Clinical Subjects:

• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Microbiology
• Forensic Medicine
• Community Medicine

Clinical Subjects:

• Medicine
• Surgery
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Pediatrics
• Ophthalmology
• ENT
• Dermatology
• Psychiatry
• Radiology
• Orthopedics
• Anesthesia

How to Prepare for the FMGE: Top Strategies

1. Start Early and Make a Plan

FMGE requires 6–8 months of focused preparation. Create a personalized study timetable and allocate time based on your weak and strong subjects.

2. Use High-Yield Study Materials

Some trusted resources include:

• FMGE Solutions by Deepak Marwah
• Across by Dr. Ranjan Kumar Patel
• Review of FMGE by Pritesh Singh
• Prepladder or Marrow apps (FMGE-dedicated versions)
• Self-made notes and MCQ books

3. Master the Basics

Don’t skip the first-year subjects like Anatomy and Physiology—they often make up a significant portion of the paper and are scoring.

4. Practice MCQs Daily

The exam is purely objective, so develop MCQ-solving skills and time management by practicing at least 100–150 questions daily.

5. Join a Reputed Coaching Program

Online platforms like Prepladder, Marrow, DAMS, and Dr. Bhatia offer FMGE-specific plans with lectures, tests, and doubt clearing sessions.

6. Take Mock Exams Regularly

Simulate real exam conditions to:

• Improve speed and accuracy
• Identify weak areas
• Build exam-day confidence

Time-Tested Study Plan (6 Months)

Month

Focus

1

Basics: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry

2

Para-clinicals: Patho, Pharma, Micro

3

Clinicals: Medicine, Surgery, OB/GYN

4

Short subjects: ENT, Ophthal, Ortho, etc.

5

Full syllabus revision, MCQs, weekly mocks

6

Final revision + grand mocks every 3 days

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping short subjects – Ophthalmology, ENT, and Psychiatry can be scoring.
2. Focusing too much on one resource – Diversify your tools.
3. Underestimating the exam – FMGE isn’t “just a pass exam.” It’s competitive.
4. Burning out – Take breaks, sleep well, and avoid study fatigue.

Tips for Exam Day

• Sleep well the night before
• Carry required documents: Admit card, ID proof
• Reach the center early
• Stay calm and focused – Don’t dwell on tough questions
• Mark all 300 questions – No negative marking!

After the FMGE: What’s Next?

If You Pass:

• Apply for provisional registration with the State Medical Council
• Begin your mandatory internship (CRRI) if not already completed
• Then apply for permanent registration with the NMC

If You Don’t Pass:

• Don’t panic. Analyze your weak areas and reappear in the next session.
• Many successful doctors needed multiple attempts.

FAQs About the FMGE

Q1: How many times can I take the FMGE?

There’s no limit on attempts, but you must pass to register in India.

Q2: Can I do internship after passing FMGE?

Yes, you can apply for internship through government or recognized private medical colleges.

Q3: Is FMGE harder than NEET-PG?

FMGE is a qualifying exam with a fixed passing mark, while NEET-PG is a competitive ranking exam. Difficulty is subjective.

Q4: Can I practice in India if I pass FMGE but don’t do internship?

No. Completing internship is mandatory for permanent registration.