FMGE January 2026 Topper Interview: Dr Royam Venkatesh Nikhil on Scoring 237 Marks

With the announcement of FMGE January 2026 result on January 29, 2026, Dr. Royam Venkatesh Nikhil has emerged as an outstanding student. He has secured 237 marks in the recently held FMGE 2025 exam for December session. An MBBS graduate from Volgograd State Medical University, Russia, Dr Royam believes that consistency, repetition, and conceptual clarity are his essential pillars to qualify FMGE exam. He is the only international student being awarded with a prestigious Red diploma at his university. Read the complete interview of Dr. Royam and know more about his FMGE exam strategy, crucial tips and future plans.
Must check: FMGE January 2026 topper list

Question: Can you briefly introduce yourself?

Dr. Royam: I am Dr. Royam Venkatesh Nikhil, an MBBS graduate from Volgograd State Medical University, Russia. I completed my medical education with a Red Diploma, which is awarded for academic excellence. I’m the only international student being awarded this Red diploma in my university after a gap of 18 years, and I’m proud to share it here. After returning to India, my primary focus was to prepare thoroughly for the FMGE, understanding its unique pattern and expectations, which eventually helped me secure a score of 237.
Also, read: FMGE January 2026 Topper Interview: Dr Rena on Scoring 233 Marks

Question: Congratulations on scoring 237 marks in the FMGE! How did you feel when you saw your result, and what was your immediate reaction?

Dr. Royam: When I saw the result, my first reaction was emotional rather than celebratory. Clearing FMGE marked the end of a long period of uncertainty, self-questioning, and sustained effort. It took me a few moments to truly register what the score meant. Interestingly, my parents were far more enthusiastic than I was at that instant—they celebrated immediately, with visible relief and pride. Seeing their joy grounded the moment for me and made it deeply meaningful, because their unwavering support had been my strongest pillar throughout this journey.
Must check: How many students qualified for FMGE January 2026?

Question: When did you start your FMGE preparation, and how many months of dedicated study did you do?

Dr. Royam: My focused FMGE preparation began way before completing my MD. Right from my first year I had read many standard textbooks and made dedicated notes for the same but I didn’t have a clear structured schedule for all the subjects, that’s when PrepLadder came in. It took my preparation to a whole another level, be it their main videos, Q bank or the penultimate marathon session, it was absolutely the best. After my graduation, I dedicated approximately 6 to 7 months to structured and consistent preparation. While the early phase was about concept-building, the latter months were highly exam-oriented, involving intensive revision and question-solving.
Must check: FMGE Pass Percentage 2025

Question: What was your overall study strategy for FMGE?

Dr. Royam: My strategy evolved over time. Initially, I followed a subject-wise approach to strengthen fundamentals. Once the core concepts were clear, I transitioned to an integrated, MCQ-based approach. FMGE is less about isolated facts and more about clinical application, so integrating subjects proved extremely beneficial.

Question: Which resources did you rely on the most?

Dr. Royam: I focused on limited but high-yield resources—concise notes, a reliable question bank, and a structured test series. The key was repeated revision rather than constantly changing sources. Analysing MCQ explanations in depth helped refine my understanding and contributed significantly to my final score.

Question: How did you manage revision in the last 30–45 days?

Dr. Royam: The last 30–45 days were exclusively reserved for revision. I avoided adding new material and concentrated on revising my notes multiple times. I also revisited incorrect and marked MCQs. This phase was crucial for retention, confidence-building, and improving recall speed.

Question: Did you attempt mock tests?

Dr. Royam: Yes, mock tests were an integral part of my preparation. I attempted multiple mocks under exam-like conditions. The real value lay in post-test analysis—understanding conceptual gaps,identifying careless errors, and revising those areas immediately. I had started with an initial score of 185 and towards the end it rose to 243 on a very difficult GT.I also had an incorrect notebook and a lucky guess notebook where I wrote down my mistakes and made sure to revise topics rather than that particular question.
Must check: FMGE January 2026 Rank 1 Topper Interview: Dr Juhi on Scoring 251 Marks

Question: What was your exam-day strategy?

Dr. Royam: My exam-day approach was calm and methodical. I prioritised accuracy over aggressive attempts and avoided unnecessary guessing to reduce my mistakes. Familiarity with the exam pattern through mocks helped me manage time efficiently without panic.

Question: How did you deal with stress or self-doubt?

Dr. Royam: Stress and self-doubt are inevitable during FMGE preparation. I dealt with them by staying connected to my support system, especially my family. Taking short breaks, maintaining perspective, and reminding myself of consistent progress helped me stay mentally resilient.

Question: What common mistakes should aspirants avoid?

Dr. Royam: One of the biggest mistakes is using too many resources. Lack of revision and excessive comparison with peers can also be counterproductive. FMGE rewards consistency, repetition, and clarity - not overload.

Question: What is your subject-wise advice?

Dr. Royam: Candidates should focus strongly on major subjects like Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pathology, and Pharmacology, while ensuring basic coverage of all subjects. Even moderate scoring across all subjects can significantly impact the final result.

Question: If you had to start again, what would you do differently?

Dr. Royam: I would incorporate MCQ-based learning earlier and structure revisions more evenly throughout the preparation period instead of concentrating them heavily at the end.

Question: Any final message for FMGE aspirants?

Dr. Royam: FMGE is demanding, but it is achievable with discipline and belief. Progress may feel slow, but consistency compounds over time. Trust the process, respect your effort, and remember that perseverance often matters more than brilliance. Start preparing early and effectively. A final quote I would like to add: You don’t need to be an above average student in intelligence or being genuinely smart, you need to be above average in being consistent, sit those hours needed and work towards your future.