The National Medical Commission (NMC) has clarified eligibility criteria for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). This decision allows Bachelor of Science (BS) students who pursued their courses online at foreign medical institutes before November 18, 2021 , to sit for the exam. This update expands the previous eligibility, which was initially limited to students who studied in physical mode.
Expanded Eligibility for Foreign BS Students
The NMC issued a notification on December 7, 2023 . This notification initially specified eligibility for BS students who studied medicine abroad in a physical classroom setting. The latest clarification broadens these norms. It now includes students who took admission in or were pursuing a BS course in foreign medical institutes through either online or physical mode before the 2021 regulations were introduced.
This means students who started their BS program online or in person before the critical date of November 18, 2021 , can now apply for the FMGE. The FMGE is a mandatory exam. It allows foreign medical graduates to obtain medical registration and practice medicine in India.
Governing Regulations
The NMC notice confirms that students who enrolled in a foreign BS course, whether online or physical, before the November 18, 2021 , publication of the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations (FMGL, 2021), will operate under a different set of rules. These specific students will be governed by the older Screening Test Regulation, 2002 . This provision serves as a one-time exemption for these specific groups of students.
The FMGL 2021 regulations introduced new, stricter requirements for medical education obtained abroad. However, this clarification ensures that students who began their studies before these new regulations came into effect are not unfairly disadvantaged by retrospective application of the rules. The move addresses concerns raised by students regarding their eligibility.
Mandatory Internship Requirements
BS course students benefiting from this one-time exemption must complete an additional one-year internship in India. This is a requirement beyond any standard internship. This additional year ensures these graduates gain sufficient clinical exposure within the Indian healthcare system. The internship requirement for foreign medical graduates holding an MBBS or an equivalent degree remains two years.
The NMC emphasizes that these compulsory internship requirements align with existing national norms. They aim to ensure adequate clinical experience and maintain uniform standards in medical education and practice across India. The Commission stated the policy ensures alignment with national treatment protocols. It also safeguards public health and maintains prescribed standards of patient care.
Upcoming FMGE Exam Details
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has released key information regarding the FMGE. The exam city slip for the December 2025 session is now available. Registered candidates can check their assigned exam cities on the official website, natboard.edu.in. The FMGE examination is scheduled for January 17, 2026 . It will be conducted across 67 exam cities throughout India for all registered candidates. Admit cards for the exam will be issued on January 14, 2026 .