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The FMGE January 2026 exam was conducted on 17 January 2026 in computer-based mode with 300 questions across two sequential papers. Paper 1 covered pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects, while Paper 2 focused on clinical subjects. FMGE exam analysis 2026 is one of the most searched topics among foreign medical graduates who appeared for the exam. Overall, the exam was rated moderate to difficult, with Paper 1 being largely manageable and Paper 2 more lengthy and concept-intensive.
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Every exam cycle, aspirants look for information about how the paper was, which subjects carried more weightage, and whether the exam followed previous trends. The FMGE exam analysis 2026 is provided here based on student feedback, expert reviews, and paper pattern observations.
The table below summarises the key highlights of the FMGE January 2026 session conducted by the National Board of Examinations for foreign medical graduates seeking registration in India.
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Exam Name | Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) |
Session | January 2026 |
Exam Date | 17 January 2026 |
Conducting Authority | National Board of Examinations (NBE) |
Mode of Examination | Computer-based test |
Total Number of Questions | 300 |
Exam Duration | 5 hours (2 hours and 30 minutes for each of its two papers) |
Qualifying Criteria | 150 out of 300 marks (50%) |
Based on post-exam student responses and expert inputs, the FMGE 2026 exam difficulty level was rated overall as moderate to difficult.
Time management emerged as a key challenge, especially in Paper 2 due to long clinical-based and closely framed options. A significant proportion of candidates reported that although topics were familiar, the framing required careful interpretation.
The FMGE January 2026 paper strongly focused on clinical application over direct recall.
Key observations:
This FMGE exam analysis 2026 subject-wise section is based on reported trends from the exam.
High Weightage Subjects
Obstetrics & Gynaecology: Highest weightage, focusing on obstetric emergencies and common gynecological conditions
Medicine: System-based clinical questions with integrated concepts
Surgery: Neck, thyroid, hernia, breast, and applied anatomy
Ophthalmology: Clinical diagnosis and image-based questions
Moderate Weightage Subjects
Community Medicine (PSM): National health programs with clinical twists
Pharmacology: Mechanisms, adverse effects, and applied therapeutics
Pathology & Biochemistry: Metabolic pathways, general pathology, and correlations
Microbiology: Standard high-yield areas
Lower Weightage Subjects
Questions from these subjects appeared in limited numbers and focused mainly on high-yield concepts.
The FMGE January 2026 examination, conducted on 17 January 2026, was held in two sequential papers rather than parallel shifts. Both papers were attempted by all candidates on the same day.
Paper 1: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM (Pre-clinical and Para-clinical subjects)
Paper 2: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM (Clinical subjects)
Since all candidates appeared for both papers, there was no shift-based advantage or disadvantage.
Based on the subjectwise weightage trends, clinical subjects clearly dominated the FMGE 2026 paper.
Observed weightage trend:
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This pattern aligns with FMGE’s focus on evaluating clinical readiness.
Student feedback highlighted the following points:
Many students reported that strategies such as attempting easy questions first, using elimination techniques, and applying clinical logic were helpful during the exam.
According to expert reviews:
Experts stated that consistent preparation and revision mattered more than the number of attempts.
Good attempts depend on paper difficulty and accuracy.
Estimated safe attempt range:
Accuracy proved more important than attempting a higher number of questions due to closely framed options.
The qualifying cutoff for FMGE remains fixed at 150 out of 300 marks (50%), irrespective of difficulty level.
Factors influencing overall performance trends:
The FMGE January 2026 exam was moderately difficult with a strong clinical orientation. Paper 1 was manageable, while Paper 2 demanded accuracy and conceptual clarity. Candidates who had clear concepts, practised PYQs regularly, and taken sufficient mock tests found themselves in a stronger position to qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FMGE 2026, held on 17 January 2026, was rated moderate to difficult, with a clear focus on clinical, conceptual, and integrated questions rather than direct factual recall.
The FMGE exam included a mix of clinical case-based questions, image-based questions, and integrated MCQs across multiple subjects. Direct one-line questions were minimal, with applied and concept-driven questions dominating the paper.
Recent FMGE sessions have shown a gradual shift towards clinical orientation and concept application, making the exam feel more challenging for candidates relying only on rote learning.
On Question asked by student community
If the FMGE exam centre location is different in SMS and email, don't rely on either.
• The final and correct exam centre will be mentioned only on the FMGE Admit Card.
• SMS / email are just city intimation and may have error.
• Wait for the admit card
The FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) previous year question papers (PYQs) are a vital resource for aspirants preparing for the upcoming January 17, 2026, session. Since the exam is conducted online (CBT), official papers are not released; however, memory-based "recall" papers from the June 2025, 2024, and 2023 sessions provide
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If you gave your name in the FMGE 2026 form as per Aadhaar and other documents, but your passport has a different full name or surname, then there is a real chance of a name-mismatch problem.
Here is the simple picture:
1. FMGE does not allow name changes after
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If there is a spelling mistake in your FMGE passing certificate , you should contact the National Board of Examinations (NBE) , which issues the certificate. Here’s what you can do:
Write an application to NBE explaining the mistake clearly.
Mention your name, roll number, exam session, and the
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If you have an MBBS from Nepal and haven't passed the FMGE, you have several options for further courses abroad, including pursuing a postgraduate degree in countries like the UK, the USA, and Australia, which may not require the FMGE to practice there.
I hope it will clear your
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Want to study abroad? Plan your Journey
Want to study abroad? Plan your Journey