Foreign medical graduates aiming to practise in India may apply from 14 Nov to 4 Dec

Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), your window to register for the FMGE December 2025 screening test is rapidly closing. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has set the application deadline for December 4, 2025. This mandatory exam, scheduled for January 17, 2026, is the essential gateway for Indian nationals with foreign medical degrees to obtain provisional or permanent registration to practice medicine in India. Read on for the crucial dates, a step-by-step guide to the online application process on the official website, and essential preparation tips to ace this high-stakes Computer-Based Test (CBT). Don't miss this final opportunity to secure your spot.

The journey for Indian students pursuing their medical education abroad culminates in a single, critical examination: the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). This mandatory screening test, conducted twice yearly by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), is the non-negotiable prerequisite for obtaining a medical license and beginning your practice in India. For all aspirants who completed their MBBS (or equivalent) degree outside India, the moment to act is now.

​NBEMS has officially announced the schedule for the FMGE December 2025 session, opening the online application window from November 14, 2025, to December 4, 2025. This is a short, crucial window. The Computer-Based Test (CBT) itself is scheduled for January 17, 2026. Failing to register by the deadline means delaying your dream of practicing in India by a full six months. Every Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) must prioritize securing their application for this high-stakes exam.

​1.  Crucial Dates and Application Deadline: Mark Your Calendar

​The FMGE December 2025 application process is swift, and missing the deadline is not an option for serious aspirants. All candidates must adhere strictly to the schedule released by NBEMS. The entire process, from application submission to the result declaration, operates on a tight timeline, demanding prompt action from every FMG.

• ​Online Application Commencement: November 14, 2025 (3:00 PM onwards)
• ​Online Application Deadline:December 4, 2025 (11:55 PM) - This is your final cutoff date.
• ​Date of Examination (CBT): January 17, 2026
• ​Expected Result Declaration: By February 17, 2026

​Key Takeaways for Aspirants:

• ​Do Not Wait: Given the volume of applications and potential for last-minute technical glitches, FMGs are strongly advised to complete their online submission well before the December 4th closing date.
• ​Information Bulletin: The detailed Information Bulletin containing eligibility criteria, fee structure, and required documents is available on the official NBEMS website, natboard.edu.in. Review this document thoroughly before beginning your application.
• ​Future Practice: Successfully passing this examination is the mandatory first step to obtaining registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or any State Medical Council (SMC).

​2.  Navigating the Online Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

​The application for FMGE December 2025 must be submitted exclusively online through the official NBEMS portal. The process is streamlined but requires meticulous attention to detail, especially regarding document upload specifications.

• ​Official Website: Start by visiting the NBEMS website at natboard.edu.in.
• ​Registration: Navigate to the 'FMGE' section and click on the link for the 'FMGE December 2025 Session.' New users must complete the initial registration by providing basic details (Name, DOB, Mobile Number, Email ID) to generate a unique User ID and Password.
• ​Application Form Filling: Log in using the generated credentials. Carefully fill in all personal, academic, and qualification details. Ensure accuracy, as these details will be verified against original documents.
• ​Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of all required documents, which typically include your recent passport-size photograph, signature, thumb impression, MBBS/Primary Medical Qualification Certificate, and a certificate from the Indian Embassy validating your degree. Pay close attention to the specified size and format for each image.
• ​Fee Payment: Complete the payment of the prescribed examination fee using an online payment gateway (Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking). The application will only be considered complete after a successful transaction.
• ​Confirmation Page: After final submission, download and print the Confirmation Page. This document serves as proof of your successful application and is vital for future correspondence.

​Essential Documents Checklist (Typical Requirements):

• ​Passport (required for identity verification).
• ​MBBS/Primary Medical Qualification Pass Certificate.
• ​Eligibility Certificate (if applicable, for students who enrolled in an overseas medical college between a specific period).
• ​Certificate from the Indian Embassy/High Commission in the country where the degree was obtained.

​3. Exam Structure and Strategic Preparation for FMGE

​The FMGE is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of a foreign medical graduate in the context of Indian medical standards. Understanding the exam pattern is half the battle won.

• ​Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT).
• ​Total Marks: 300 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
• ​Qualifying Criteria: A candidate must score a minimum of 150 marks (50%) to pass the examination. There is no negative marking.
• ​Exam Pattern: The test is divided into two parts, Part A and Part B, each of 150 questions, with a scheduled break in between. The curriculum covers Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical subjects, with a high weightage often placed on Clinical subjects.

​Targeted Preparation Strategies:

• ​High-Yield Subject Focus: Prioritize high-yield subjects like Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBG), and Preventive & Social Medicine (PSM), which carry significant weight.
• ​Integrated Learning: Practice integrating knowledge across subjects, as questions are often clinical and require multi-disciplinary understanding.
• ​Mock Tests: Consistent practice with NBEMS-pattern mock tests is crucial to manage time effectively and simulate the CBT environment. Since there is no negative marking, candidates should aim to attempt all 300 questions.

​Conclusion: Seize Your Medical Future in India

​The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) December 2025 session represents a pivotal moment for FMGs to validate their qualifications and fulfill their ambition of practicing medicine in India. With the registration window closing on December 4, 2025, immediate action is required. Aspirants must diligently review the Information Bulletin, complete the online application process accurately, and dedicate themselves to a rigorous preparation schedule for the January 17, 2026, exam. Successfully clearing the FMGE is not just passing a test; it is unlocking your professional future and the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s healthcare system.

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