FMGE Result 2024: 80% Of Foreign MBBS Graduates Fail Indian Doctor's License Test; Here's Why

New Delhi: The National Board of Education in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) declared the results of Foreign Medical Graduate Examination 2024 on July 17. The pass percentage of FMGE 2024 was recorded at 20.19% only. In recent years, the pass rates of FMGE have varied with 10.20% passing in the June 2023 session while it was 20.57% in the December 2023 session, 10.61% pass rate in 2022 and 23.91% in 2021. The highest pass percentage to date was in 2012-13 at 28.29%.

The Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE), a screening test for Indian citizens who have completed their medical education abroad and wish to practice in India, was held on July 6th, 2024. A total of 35,819 students took the test. Of these, 7,233 students passed, while 27,297 failed. The highest score achieved was 251 out of 300. Among the unsuccessful candidates, 2,032 scored between 145-149 marks, just below the minimum required score of 150 out of 300. Additionally, 1,211 students were absent, and the results of 78 students have been withheld pending clarification from the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the outcome of the Exam Ethics Committee. 

Why Do Students Choose To Study MBBS Abroad?

Students in India need to clear the National Eligibility-Cum- Entrance Test (NEET) to get admission into a medical college in the country. However, there are only around one lakh medical seats in government and medical colleges. Every year, over 20 lakh students appear for NEET and 10-13 lakh of them pass. However, not all of them get admission in MBBS colleges due to lack of seats. Such students move abroad to pursue their education in medicine. Students of medical colleges in Armenia, Georgia and Russia etc. do not need to clear an entrance test for MBBS admissions. The fees are very reasonable due to which students end up getting admissions in foreign countries.

Why is FMGE Tough To Crack?

Despite their best efforts, many foreign MBBS students fail the FMGE exam due to various reasons, including:

1. Syllabus not defined: The curriculum and syllabus of foreign medical colleges differ from those of Indian medical colleges, leading to a gap in knowledge and preparation. The FMGE syllabus is not defined. Moreover, NBE does not recommend any books for preparation of the exam, said an aspirant. Foreign medical colleges do not focus on the Indian medical syllabus, leading to gaps in knowledge. Moreover, the FMGE syllabus is very vast.

2. Lack of clinical exposure: Foreign medical colleges have limited clinical exposure and hands-on training, making it challenging for students to adapt to the practical-oriented FMGE exam. As per law, MBBS students in other countries are never allowed to touch a patient, so they do not have hands-on knowledge of even putting an injection. On the other hand, MBBS students in India go under a mandatory one-year internship for hands-on training. 

3. Language barriers: English may not be the primary language of instruction in foreign medical colleges, leading to language barriers and difficulties in understanding exam questions.

4. Different exam pattern: The FMGE exam pattern and format are unfamiliar to foreign MBBS students, causing difficulties in managing time and answering questions effectively. The exam is held in MCQ format. 

FMGE 2024 Toppers

Dr. Dinesh Subburaj, a student of Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) Philippines, achieved AIR 2 with a score of 244 out of 300. Close behind, Dr. Ayub Mohamed secured AIR 6 with a score of 235 out of 300. Dr. Venkat Ammati and Dr. Preetha Murugan also distinguished themselves, achieving AIR 8 with a score of 233 out of 300 and AIR 9 with a score of 232 out of 300, respectively. All are students of DMSF.

The Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) is known for its difficulty and high failure rate. Indian students who have completed their Medical Education abroad need to pass this exam before they are permitted to practice medicine in India.

“Students who complete their MBBS from the Philippines often perform well in the FMGE, partly due to the accreditation of Philippine medical schools by international bodies such as the FAIMER (Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Additionally, graduates from Philippine medical schools have a solid track record of success in international exams like the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), indicating the quality of education they receive. The country has been a top destination to pursue MBBS abroad for 15 years due to its affordability of living and completing medical courses,” Kadwin Pillai, Director of Transworld Educare and Chairman of Kings International Medical said.