January 20, 2025
In a significant policy update, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has established a 10-year timeframe for foreign medical graduates to pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). This decision aims to streamline the licensing process and address concerns raised by students studying abroad.
The FMGE serves as a screening test for Indian citizens or overseas citizens of India who have obtained their primary medical qualifications from institutions outside the country. Passing this examination is mandatory to secure provisional or permanent registration with the NMC or any State Medical Council.
Additionally, the government plans to introduce the National Exit Test (NExT), which will replace both the NEET PG and FMGE exams. NExT is envisioned as a unified qualifying examination for both foreign and Indian medical graduates seeking admission to postgraduate courses, thereby simplifying the admission process.
This policy change comes in response to various representations and grievances from medical graduates, particularly those who have studied in countries like Ukraine and the Philippines. The Under-Graduate Medical Education Board and the Ethics and Medical Registration Board of the NMC have released notifications addressing these concerns.
In related developments, the FMGE conducted in December 2023 saw a pass rate of approximately 20%, with only 7,781 out of 38,535 candidates clearing the exam. This statistic has raised concerns about the competency and clinical skills of foreign medical graduates.
Furthermore, an analysis revealed that over 40% of foreign medical colleges attended by Indian students were unaccredited, with many lacking essential facilities such as hospitals or even functional websites. This finding underscores the importance of thorough due diligence by students when selecting foreign medical institutions for their studies.
These measures reflect the NMC's commitment to ensuring that medical practitioners in India meet rigorous standards of education and training, ultimately safeguarding public health and maintaining the integrity of the medical profession.
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