How Many Attempts for FMGE -Understanding Eligibility and More

The FMGE '23 results, announced on February 6, 2024, brought congratulations to those who conquered this milestone!  For those who couldn't quite make it, don't worry –  there are still ample opportunities on the horizon.

Many candidates wonder how many times they can attempt the FMGE exam. 

Let's delve into this topic and explore the eligibility criteria, what lies ahead for those who successfully qualified for FMGE, and the available options for those who didn't quite make it.

How Many Attempts Are Allowed for FMGE?

According to the eligibility criteria mentioned in the information bulletin for December 2023, there's no limit on the number of attempts for FMGE. Candidates can appear for the exam as many times as needed until they pass. This provides flexibility and opportunities for candidates to improve their performance and achieve the required score.

However, it's important to note that upon successfully passing the FMGE exam, candidates are not permitted to retake the exam. 

Also, any attempts after passing don't count. This rule stresses that the FMGE exam is a one-time thing and urges candidates to plan and prepare well.

Although there is no restriction on the number of attempts allowed, achieving a good passing score holds significant importance. 

It reminds candidates to take each attempt seriously and work hard to succeed. Understanding and following these rules can help candidates reach their goal of practicing medicine in India.

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for FMGE 

It's important to understand the prerequisites before you start the FMGE preparation. Here are the key eligibility criteria that candidates must meet to participate in FMGE. 

• Nationality: Candidates must either hold Indian citizenship or be Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).
• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have attained a primary medical qualification (such as MBBS or its equivalent) from a foreign university or institution recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
• Medical Registration: Candidates are required to possess a valid medical registration certificate issued by the country where they obtained their primary medical qualification.
• Internship Completion: Completion of a compulsory rotating internship from a recognized hospital is mandatory for candidates, with the internship being concluded on or before the deadline specified by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
• Documents Required: To register for the exam, candidates need to furnish essential documents including their passport, primary medical qualification certificate, mark sheets, internship completion certificate, and any other pertinent documents as per the requirements.

Post-Exam Procedures: What to Do After Passing FMGE

Step 1: Obtain Passing Certificate

Upon achieving a minimum score of 150 marks in the FMGE exam, receive the passing certificate from the National Board of Examinations (NBE).

Learn how to get an FMGE Passing Certificate 

Step 2: Apply for Temporary Registration

Apply for temporary registration with the Medical Council of India (MCI) using the passing certificate. Obtain an acknowledgment tracking number sheet for application tracking.

Step 3: Apply for Provisional Registration

Download and fill out the provisional registration form from the state medical council where you plan to practice. Submit the form along with necessary documents including the FMGE mark sheet and provisional MBBS pass certificate to the State Medical Council.

Step 4: Obtain NOC from the DME (Directorate of Medical Education) Office

Request a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for internship from the Directorate of Medical Education (DME). 

Step 5: Obtain NOC from Hospital

Request the hospital superintendent to issue a NOC for the internship. Submit necessary documents to the hospital administration.

Step 6: Obtain NOC from College

Request the college principal to issue an NOC for the internship. 

Step 7: Obtain NOC from University

Request the university registrar to issue an NOC for the internship. Submit the required documents to the university administration.

Step 8: Obtain Final Order from DME

Write a letter to DME requesting the final order to join the hospital for the internship. Submit necessary documents to the DME office.

If success eluded you in your first attempt at the FMGE, it's not the end of the road. 

Understand that success often comes through perseverance. Take advantage of the absence of limitations on FMGE attempts and persistently strive towards achieving your goal. Each attempt offers valuable learning experiences that can ultimately lead to success.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the provisions regarding the internship of FMGs?

As per the latest guidelines from the National Medical Commission (NMC), Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) are required to fulfill a supervised internship of a minimum duration of 12 months. This internship must be undertaken in medical colleges authorized to offer the Compulsory Rotatory Residential Internship (CRRI) to Indian medical graduates.

The allocation of medical colleges to FMGs will be conducted by state medical councils through a merit-based system, ensuring adherence to these regulations. It is mandated by the NMC for all state medical councils to enforce compliance with these guidelines.

Learn more about new guidelines on FMG Internship

2. What are the criteria for passing FMGE? 

In accordance with the FMGE exam pattern, candidates are required to achieve a minimum of 50% marks to qualify. Specifically, candidates must attain a score of 150 marks or higher to pass the FMGE 2023 examination. 

3. Is it permissible for foreign medical graduates to engage in medical or clinical practice without FMGE?

No, foreign medical graduates are not allowed to participate in medical or clinical practice without successfully passing the FMGE exam and obtaining a license from the NMC.

4. What happens if one fails in FMGE? 

Individuals who do not pass the FMGE have the option to either retake the exam after better preparation or pursue postgraduate courses such as MS/MD in countries like the UK, where FMGE clearance is not mandatory.

5. How frequently is the FMGE exam held?

The FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination) is conducted twice a year, in June and December.