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Everything you need to know about FMGE eligibility

The dream of becoming a doctor is a noble one, attracting passionate individuals across the globe. Many students, motivated by the desire for quality education, exposure to diverse medical practices, and sometimes more accessible admission processes, choose to study medicine abroad. While the journey to becoming a physician is challenging, for international medical graduates (IMGs), the path to practicing medicine in India involves an additional hurdle: the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE).

What is FMGE?

FMGE is a licensure examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) in India. This mandatory exam is designed for Indian and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who have graduated from colleges outside India and wish to practice medicine in the country. Passing the FMGE demonstrates a candidate’s competency to deliver safe and effective medical care according to Indian healthcare standards.

Eligibility criteria for FMGE

• The foreign medical graduates should be Indian citizens or Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).
• Candidates must hold a primary medical qualification from a recognized institution, which must be confirmed by the Indian Embassy of that country.
• Candidates are expected to submit the necessary documents to validate their claim that they have successfully completed and are qualified in the final examination of Primary Medical exam on or before the specified date.
• Applicants who fail to provide the required documents within the due dates will not be eligible for the FMGE examination.

Countries exempted from FMGE

 While FMGE is a mandatory requirement for most international medical graduates, certain countries are free from this obligation because of mutual recognition of medical qualifications. Doctors who have obtained their medical degrees from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are exempt from taking the FMGE to practice in India. This exemption is based on agreements between these countries and India, acknowledging the comparable standards of medical education and training. Therefore, graduates from these nations can directly apply for registration with the Medical Council of India or State Medical Council (SMC) without the need to clear the FMGE.

StudyFMGE offers a range of courses with various durations to help you clear the FMGE on your first attempt. Whether you need a comprehensive program or an intensive approach, our courses are designed to meet your needs. Contact our StudyFMGE team today to explore our courses and take the next step toward your success.