Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), including Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who have obtained their Primary Medical Qualification (PMQ) from medical institutions outside India, must meet certain mandatory requirements to practice medicine or pursue postgraduate education in India. These criteria are governed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and enforced through the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), also known as the Screening Test.
This guide outlines the eligibility criteria for FMGE and the steps FMGs must follow to ensure compliance with Indian medical regulatory standards.
Who is a Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG)?
An FMG is an Indian citizen or OCI who has completed their MBBS or equivalent degree from a foreign medical college not located in India. Before they can be registered as a medical practitioner in India, they must pass the FMGE and fulfill additional requirements set by the NMC.
Key Eligibility Criteria for FMGE
1. Citizenship
- The applicant must be either:
- An Indian citizen, or
- An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
2. Primary Medical Qualification
- The candidate must have obtained a recognized primary medical qualification (MBBS or equivalent) from a foreign medical institution.
- The qualification must be verified by the Indian Embassy or a competent authority in the country of education.
3. Qualification in FMGE (Screening Test)
- FMGs must qualify the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS).
- The FMGE is mandatory as per the Screening Test Regulations, 2002.
4. Registration with NMC/State Medical Council
- After passing the FMGE, the candidate must apply for provisional or permanent registration with the:
- National Medical Commission (NMC)
- State Medical Council (SMC)
5. Completion of Internship
- The applicant should have completed their compulsory rotatory medical internship, or must be likely to complete it on or before 31st July 2025.
- Proof of internship completion must be submitted at the time of applying for registration.
Importance of FMGE for Indian and OCI Graduates
With a growing number of Indian students pursuing MBBS degrees abroad—especially in countries like China, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and the Philippines—the FMGE acts as a qualifying bridge that maintains the integrity and standards of the Indian healthcare system.
It ensures:
- Equivalence of foreign medical education with Indian standards.
- Safety and competence in medical practice.
- Regulatory oversight for returning graduates.
Steps After FMGE Qualification
- Collect the FMGE Pass Certificate from NBEMS.
- Apply for registration with NMC or State Medical Council.
- Submit:
- Degree certificate
- FMGE pass certificate
- Internship completion certificate
- Other necessary documents
- Await approval and begin legal medical practice in India.
Final Note for Aspiring FMGs
Candidates aiming to practice medicine in India after studying abroad should keep the following deadlines and rules in mind:
- FMGE qualification is compulsory for all foreign medical graduates.
- Internship must be completed or nearing completion by 31st July 2025.
- NMC registration is mandatory for legal medical practice.
Always refer to official notices from NBEMS, NMC, or State Medical Councils for the latest guidelines and deadlines.
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