Best Career Options Abroad for FMGE Failed Students

FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) is the medical licensing exam to practice medicine in India. However, it is a challenging exam and only a few pass the exam on the first attempt. According to the FMGE 2024 reports, only 25.8% students passed the exam. A common question arises: What are the best career options abroad for FMGE failed students? While it can be challenging not to pass the FMGE, remember that your medical degree holds immense value around the globe. There are numerous career opportunities, like exploring non-clinical options such as public health, healthcare administration, medical research and more. In addition, students can also consider practicing in countries that do not have FMGE requirements. Explore this article to know more about career options abroad for FMGE failed students.

This Story also Contains

1. What is FMGE?
2. Reasons Why Students Fail FMGE
3. Best Career Options Abroad for FMGE Failed Students
4. Practice in Countries that Do Not Require FMGE

What is FMGE?

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is an important screening test organized by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) in India. It is a requirement for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who have obtained their primary medical qualifications from foreign universities and want to practice medicine in India. This exam takes place twice a year, in June and December, and features multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that span a range of medical subjects. To pass, candidates need to achieve a minimum score of 50%. It is important to note that the FMGE does not provide a medical degree, rather, it certifies that the knowledge of internationally trained doctors aligns with the standards necessary for registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or a State Medical Council, allowing them to practice legally in India.

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Reasons Why Students Fail FMGE

As only a few students are able to pass the FMGE exam, it is important to assess the reasons why students are failing the FMGE exam. These reasons include:

• Different syllabus: Many medical universities abroad have a syllabus that does not match what the National Medical Commission (NMC) recommends. This mismatch can lead to gaps in the subjects that the FMGE examines.

• Insufficient exam preparation: Some students do not give enough time for revision, mock tests, and practice questions while preparing for the FMGE.

• Language barriers: As the medical courses are taught in the English language, students will be required to know the local language of the country in order to go through clinical training and internship in the country.

• Poor time management: Since the FMGE is time-sensitive, not managing time well can often lead to unfinished attempts.

• Limited access to resources: Not every student has the opportunity to access updated study materials focused on the FMGE, online coaching, or mentorship while studying MBBS abroad.

Best Career Options Abroad for FMGE Failed Students

There are a few options to consider if you did not pass the FMGE exam.

1. Medical Research

Medical research is a great option for the scientific and investigative aspects of medicine. Many universities, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutes across the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia require international medical graduates. However, a Master’s or PhD in Clinical Research, Biomedical Sciences, or Epidemiology might be required. The average salary for these roles abroad ranges from USD 50,000 to 80,000 annually. This is a good career option for FMGE failed students as it does not require a medical license.

2. Public Health

A Master’s in Public Health (MPH) is a top choice for graduates who have not cleared the FMGE. Career opportunities include roles like Epidemiologist, Health Policy Advisor, NGO Program Manager, and Disease Surveillance Officer. There is a global demand for health professionals as the WHO predicts a shortage of 18 million health workers by 2030, particularly in public health. The best countries to consider are the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Students can expect to earn between USD 60,000 and 90,000 annually. This path is ideal because it focuses on healthcare systems, policy, and prevention rather than direct patient care, so an FMGE score is not required.

3. Hospital Management or Healthcare Administration

Healthcare systems depend highly on skilled healthcare administrators to effectively manage facilities, staff, and budgets. Some popular career roles include hospital administrator, healthcare consultant, and operations manager. The top countries for these positions include the UAE, Singapore, Canada, and Germany. The average salary for these roles ranges from USD 55,000 to 85,000 annually. A role in healthcare administration allows candidates to improve their leadership and organizational skills while staying within the healthcare sector without requiring a clinical license.

4. Medical Content Writing

For students who have strong language skills, medical writing is a great option. This career option abroad for FMGE failed students is available in countries like the USA, UK, and Canada. Medical content writing includes scientific writing, creating patient education materials, regulatory documentation, and health journalism. Interested candidates can work with pharmaceutical companies, medical journals, health websites, and NGOs. On average, salaries abroad range from USD 40,000 to 65,000 annually. This field allows for both remote and on-site work, making it easier to pursue international opportunities without requiring an FMGE license.

5. Medical Coaching

In case you did not pass the FMGE exam but have in-depth knowledge about medical topics, then coaching can be a great option. You can opt for FMGE coaching, NEET PG tutoring, USMLE preparation, or teaching basic medical sciences to international students. In India, medical tutors can earn between ₹5–15 lakh annually. However, if you have an extra qualification in education, like a PG Diploma in Medical Education, you could also teach in paramedical colleges, nursing schools, or health institutes abroad. On average, salaries abroad range from USD 35,000 to 60,000 annually for medical coaches.

Practice in Countries that Do Not Require FMGE

Apart from opting for career opportunities abroad, students can travel back to the country where they studied the medical course and take their licensing exam. This will allow you to practice medicine abroad. Note that each country has its own medical licensing exam. Refer to the table below to explore the different licensing exams for popular countries abroad.

Medical Licensing Exams in Different Countries

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