Why 80 Percent FMGs fail in FMGE Exam?

FMGE Fail Percentage: Year wise Trend

Let us now understand the FMGE fail percentages of the previous years in both sessions. It is crucial to check these fail percentages to compare the performance. It shows that although a significant number of foreign medical graduates (FMGs) appear for the FMGE exam, around 80% of them fail to clear the screening tests.

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Is FMGE Tough for FMGs?

We have already inculcated that around 80% of the international MBBS graduates fail the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) exam every year. The consistently low pass rates in the screening test in India confirm the fact that it is tough for FMGs. Moreover, candidates require a minimum of 150 out of 300 marks, which is equivalent to 50% to qualify for the FMGE exam. Hence, international students after completing their MBBS degrees abroad must keep in mind some of the crucial aspects regarding the FMGE exam. Being one of the toughest exams to crack for FMGs, they must consider the following key aspects:

• FMGE is important to practice medicine in India. The National Board of Examinations (NBE) conducts FMGE in two sessions, June and December each year. So, students who fail in one session can prepare for the other.

• There is no limit to the number of attempts. Hence, candidates can retake the exam as many times as they want.

• The exam includes 300 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in a computer-based format.

• The FMGE exam includes a vast syllabus of all 19 subjects that have been in the MBBS curriculum. Hence, the questions are based on both pre-clinical and clinical subjects.

• Irrespective of the category, the qualifying marks for the FMGE exam are 50%, or 150 out of 300 marks. So, all categories, including SCs, STc, OBCs, and others, must follow such qualifying guidelines.

• FMGE is expected to be replaced by the National Exit Test (NExT). This step makes the licensing process common and standardised for all applicants.

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Why 80% of FMGs Fail FMGE Each Year?

We have already discussed that around 80% of foreign medical graduates fail the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination despite having years of rigorous medical training. There are many reasons why international MBBS graduates tend to fail the exam in 2025. Some of these are included below, which create a huge gap between education and preparation for candidates.

Vast and Mismatched FMGE Syllabus

The FMGE has an extensive syllabus covering around 19 subjects, including pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects. It includes all the subjects that are part of the MBBS degrees as per the NMC. It is one of the main reasons why FMGs fail the screening test in India, as they face challenges in preparing for all the subjects.

Also, the MBBS degree completed abroad might have a different curriculum, which makes a key difference in preparation. Medical universities abroad may not have provided a significant time for the crucial FMGE subjects. Let us check all the subjects involved in FMGE:

All Subjects in FMGE

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Insufficient Clinical Exposure

To clear FMGE, practical medical training within clinical experience is mandatory. However, many FMGs fail to be eligible with insufficient clinical exposure. Due to limited patient interaction, these candidates fail to develop and enhance their practical skills, which are key to crack the case-based questions in FMGE exam. As they struggle to answer the application-based and case-based questions, they tend to score low on such questions.

Less Preparation

This is one of the most common reasons why FMGs fail the FMGE screening test in India in 2025. After completing MBBS abroad, students lack focused preparation. After returning to India, they have only a few months to prepare for the licensing exam, and they struggle to complete the syllabus in time. This makes them less prepared and not up to the FMGE standards.

New Language and cultural barriers abroad

As per the NMC guidelines to study MBBS abroad, candidates must complete their MBBS degrees in English. However, the MBBS course might be in English, and candidates often face language and cultural barriers during the time of practical training. NMC also mandates a 1-year internship with the same medical colleges. They are required to meet and treat patients and the hospital in the local language for better communication, or because they might not know English. This lacks them with effective, practical medical learning. As the FMGE exam is a licensure exam for candidates wishing to practice in India, the exam question types include cases of the Indian healthcare system that may be unclear.

Lack of Preparation Materials and Guidance

Generally, candidates studying MBBS in India have easy access to specialised study materials, coaching centres, and official resources. On the other hand, foreign medical graduates often lack such access. This makes them struggle to keep up to the standards of the FMGE exam structure and complexities.

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• Is FMGE Tough for MBBS Graduates from Abroad?

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