FMGE vs NExT Exam 2026: What MBBS Abroad Students Need to Know
If you are planning to study MBBS abroad and want to practice medicine in India after graduation, understanding the current licensing examination system is extremely important.
FMGE vs NExT: Quick Overview
Mandatory licensing pathway for Indian students graduating from foreign medical universities
For Indian students who complete their medical education abroad, a licensing examination is required before they can register with a State Medical Council in India.
FMGE
FMGE is currently the applicable screening examination for eligible foreign medical graduates. It is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and is held twice a year.
NExT
NExT (National Exit Test) is a proposed common examination intended for both Indian and foreign medical graduates combining licensure and PG admission merit. However, NExT is not currently operational, and there is no confirmed NExT date for 2026.
What Is FMGE?
FMGE stands for Foreign Medical Graduate Examination.
It is a screening examination for eligible Indian citizens and OCI cardholders who have obtained their primary medical qualification (MBBS or equivalent) from a foreign medical institution.
The examination is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and is generally held twice a year, in June and December. A candidate must qualify in FMGE before proceeding toward registration to practice medicine in India, subject to applicable NMC regulatory requirements.
FMGE Exam Pattern 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Total Questions | 300 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Duration | 5 hours (Two 2.5-hour sessions) |
| Parts | Part A (Pre & Para-clinical) + Part B (Clinical) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 mark for every correct answer |
| Negative Marking | No negative marking (0 mark for incorrect/unattempted) |
| Qualifying Score | 150 out of 300 (50% aggregate) |
* Part A covers pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects, while Part B covers clinical subjects.
FMGE Subjects Breakdown
The FMGE syllabus encompasses the major subjects studied during the 5.5 to 6-year MBBS program:
What Is NExT?
NExT stands for National Exit Test.
It was proposed as a common examination framework for medical graduates in India and foreign medical graduates alike, serving both as a qualifying licensing examination and as a merit entrance test for postgraduate medical seats (replacing NEET-PG).
NExT Step 1
Designed as a computer-based theoretical examination covering clinical and medical knowledge across the entire MBBS curriculum, taken before the rotating internship.
NExT Step 2
Designed as a practical, clinical, and viva-voce examination assessing hands-on procedural competencies, taken after the completion of the compulsory rotating internship.
When Will NExT Be Introduced?
The implementation of NExT has been delayed several times following stakeholder feedback:
| Year | Development & Official Status |
|---|---|
| 2023 | NExT Regulations notified by the NMC with an initial rollout plan |
| July 2023 | First scheduled national mock test was cancelled |
| January 2024 | NMC paused NExT implementation for further stakeholder consultation |
| 2025–26 | NExT was not conducted; FMGE remained the active licensing examination |
| 2026 | Further postponement confirmed; NMC-funded pilot/mock examinations planned, setting 2028–2029 as the realistic implementation window |
The provided 2026 draft states that NMC-funded mock/pilot tests are planned over the coming years before actual implementation, with 2028–2029 mentioned as a realistic implementation window.
What Does This Mean for Students?
If you are planning to start MBBS abroad in 2026, FMGE remains the examination you should currently plan for.
Students should not assume that NExT will automatically replace FMGE before they complete their medical education. The exact future transition will depend on official notifications from the National Medical Commission.
FMGE vs NExT: Key Differences
| Feature | FMGE | NExT (Proposed) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Status | Currently Operational & Active | Not Yet Operational (Delayed) |
| Who Is It For? | Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) | Intended for both Indian & Foreign Medical Graduates |
| Structure | Single examination (Part A + Part B) | Two proposed steps (Step 1 + Step 2) |
| Step 1 Format | Not Applicable | Computer-based theoretical clinical examination |
| Step 2 Format | Not Applicable | Practical & Viva-voce clinical skill assessment |
| Main Purpose | Medical Licensure in India | Licensure + Postgraduate Medical Admission (NEET-PG replacement) |
| Frequency | Twice a year (June & December) | Proposed twice yearly |
| Qualifying Score | 150 / 300 (50%) | Draft structure: 270 / 540 (50%) in Step 1; Pass/Fail in Step 2 |
| Historical Pass Rate | 10% to 28.8% (Session average) | Not yet available (Pilot stages) |
* Note: The NExT structure and qualifying requirements may be modified before formal nationwide implementation.
FMGE Pass Rate: Recent Trends (2023–2025)
FMGE performance is a vital consideration for students planning to study medicine abroad because passing this screening test is the mandatory gateway to medical registration and clinical practice in India.
| Examination Session | Candidates Appeared | Candidates Passed | Pass Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2023 | 24,269 | 2,474 | 10.19% |
| December 2023 | 38,535 | 7,781 | 20.19% |
| June 2024 | 35,819 | 7,233 | 20.19% |
| December 2024 | 45,552 | 13,149 | 28.86% |
| June 2025 | 37,207 | 6,707 | 18.61% |
| December 2025 | 43,933 | 10,264 | 23.90% |
Planning to Study MBBS Abroad?
Choosing a foreign medical university involves far more than comparing tuition fee sheets. Before taking admission in 2026, students must carefully evaluate:
Planning to Study MBBS Abroad?
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Frequently Asked Questions: FMGE vs NExT
Fact-checked answers to the most common queries regarding medical licensing examinations in India.
FMGE is the current screening examination applicable to eligible foreign medical graduates seeking medical registration in India. NExT is a proposed common examination for Indian and foreign medical graduates that is intended to combine licensing and postgraduate admission functions. NExT has not yet become operational.