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FMGE: the format of the test and the pass mark printed in the bulletin

Sources checked · Unofficial summary

For the October 2026 session of the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) bulletin states that the test is a single paper of 300 multiple-choice questions delivered in two parts on one day, and a candidate passes by obtaining at least 150 marks out of 300. This page sets out the scheme of examination and the result provisions exactly as printed in the bulletin for that session. Readers who are checking how the test fits into the path to practise in India may also consult this register's section page for the broader licensing steps.

Scheme of examination (Chapter 5 of the October 2026 bulletin)

The examination consists of one paper comprising 300 multiple-choice questions administered by computer network. Each question has four response options in English only, and candidates select the correct or best or most appropriate response.

The paper is delivered in two parts to be taken in a single day. Each part comprises 150 questions to be attempted in 150 minutes plus up to 3 additional minutes. The bulletin explains that the extra minutes compensate for any time lost during manual and digital attendance, including photograph matching, Face ID verification, biometric authentication, and signature or thumb impression capture. Accordingly, a total of 153 minutes is given to complete Part I and 153 minutes for Part II. A scheduled break occurs between the two parts.

The question paper for each part is divided into multiple time‑bound sections. For example, if there are three sections (Section A, B and C) in each part, each section will have 50 questions and 50 minutes allotted, plus one minute for manual/digital attendance and verification. Candidates may not proceed to the next section until the allotted time of the previous section ends, and may not review or modify responses of a section after its allotted time ends. Questions of the next section start automatically. The bulletin notes that the number of time‑restricted sections may vary based on the total number of questions and operational feasibility.

Candidates may mark any question, whether attempted or not, for review within a section. Questions marked for review are evaluated under the same marking scheme.

Negative marking: The bulletin states there shall be no negative marking.

Attempts: There are no restrictions on the number of attempts a candidate may take. However, FMGE is a qualifying examination; once a candidate qualifies, he or she shall not be eligible to take the FMGE again. Any examination taken in violation of this clause shall be treated as void and cancelled.

Source: FMGE (Screening Test) October 2026 Information Bulletin, version 2.2, Chapter 5 Scheme of FMG Examination, published by NBEMS, India.

Result and pass mark (Chapter 10 of the October 2026 bulletin)

A candidate shall be declared as having passed in FMGE only if he or she obtains a minimum of 150 marks out of 300 in the examination. The result is declared as Pass or Fail. Marks obtained in individual parts (Part I and Part II) shall not be published. There is no provision for re‑totaling, re‑evaluation, or award of grace marks in FMGE.

The result of a candidate may be kept withheld for reasons informed to the concerned candidates by NBEMS.

Qualified candidates shall be issued Pass Certificates after in‑person document and identity verification tentatively within four weeks of declaration of results; however, due to unforeseen circumstances, this period may vary.

Source: FMGE (Screening Test) October 2026 Information Bulletin, version 2.2, Chapter 10 Result, published by NBEMS, India.

Applicability of the 2021 Indian regulations

Under regulation 5 of the National Medical Commission (Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate) Regulations, 2021, those regulations do not apply to foreign medical graduates who acquired their foreign medical degree or primary qualification, or who were already pursuing their education in a foreign institution, before the regulations came into force on 18 November 2021 (per Q2 and Q4 of the Commission's FAQ). Such persons are governed by the earlier applicable regulations. This page covers the test format and pass mark only; it does not address whether any particular course meets Indian conditions.

Source: National Medical Commission (Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate) Regulations, 2021, regulation 5; and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): FMGs covered by National Medical Commission (Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate) Regulations, 2021, Q2 and Q4, published by NMC, India.

Questions people ask

What is the structure of the FMGE October 2026 paper?

The October 2026 FMGE is a single computer‑based paper of 300 multiple‑choice questions divided into two parts of 150 questions each, taken on the same day with a scheduled break. Each part allows 153 minutes (150 minutes plus up to 3 additional minutes for attendance and verification) and is further split into time‑bound sections.

What is the pass mark for the October 2026 FMGE?

A candidate passes by obtaining a minimum of 150 marks out of 300. The result is reported as Pass or Fail; marks for individual parts are not published, and there is no re‑totaling, re‑evaluation, or grace marks.

Is there negative marking in the October 2026 FMGE?

No. The bulletin for the October 2026 session states there shall be no negative marking.

How many times can a candidate attempt the FMGE?

There is no limit on the number of attempts. However, once a candidate qualifies the FMGE, he or she is not eligible to take it again; any further attempt would be treated as void and cancelled.

Sources

Checked 11 October 2026. This page is an unofficial summary, is not legal, medical or professional‑licensing advice, is not published by the bodies named, promises no admission, examination or registration outcome, and the official text and the regulator's own instructions prevail if they differ.

MBBS Register Desk