Exams to Clear After MBBS Abroad for Practicing in India: Pursuing an MBBS degree abroad is a popular choice for many Indian students due to the high competition and limited seats in Indian medical colleges. However, once you study MBBS abroad and earn your degree, there are several exams you must clear to practice medicine in India.
This comprehensive guide will provide detailed information on the exams to clear after MBBS abroad for practicing in India, the eligibility criteria, preparation strategies, and how AcadFly can support you in this process.
After completing an MBBS degree abroad, Indian students must pass specific exams to obtain a license to practice medicine in India. These exams ensure that the medical education received abroad meets the standards set by Indian medical authorities. The key exams are the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) and the upcoming National Exit Test (NExT).
A structured study schedule for MBBS abroad entrance exams should include dedicated time for biology, chemistry, and physics, along with regular practice tests and review sessions to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
Key Exams for Practicing Medicine in India After MBBS Abroad | |||
Exam Name |
Administering Body |
Purpose |
Frequency |
Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) |
National Board of Examinations (NBE) |
Screening test for foreign medical graduates |
Twice a year (June, December) |
National Exit Test (NExT) |
National Medical Commission (NMC) |
Licensing exam for all medical graduates |
Annually (from 2023) |
The Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) is a mandatory screening test for Indian citizens who have completed their medical education abroad and wish to practice medicine in India. The FMGE is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) twice a year, in June and December.
To be eligible for FMGE, candidates must meet the following criteria:
Be a citizen of India or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI).
Possess a primary medical qualification (MBBS) from a recognized institution outside India.
The degree must be recognized by the concerned authorities in the respective country.
The FMGE is a computer-based test consisting of 300 multiple-choice questions divided into two parts (Part A and Part B). Each part contains 150 questions, and the total duration of the exam is 5 hours. The exam covers pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects.
FMGE Exam Structure |
||
Section |
Number of Questions |
Duration |
Part A |
150 |
2.5 hours |
Part B |
150 |
2.5 hours |
To pass the FMGE, candidates must score at least 150 out of 300 marks (50%).
The National Exit Test (NExT) is a new licensing exam proposed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to replace FMGE and the existing MBBS final year exams. NExT is designed to standardize the licensing process for all medical graduates, whether they studied in India or abroad.
The eligibility criteria for NExT are expected to be similar to FMGE. Candidates must possess an MBBS degree from a recognized medical institution in India or abroad.
NExT is proposed to have two parts:
NExT-1: A computer-based test similar to FMGE, assessing medical knowledge across various subjects.
NExT-2: A practical and clinical skills exam conducted after a one-year internship.
Proposed NExT Exam Structure |
||
Exam Part |
Description |
Format |
NExT-1 |
Written exam covering medical knowledge |
Multiple-choice questions |
NExT-2 |
Practical and Clinical Skills Assessment |
Practical and viva-voce exams |
Before starting your preparation, take a diagnostic test to assess your current knowledge level. This will help you identify strengths and weaknesses and set a realistic target score.
Based on your diagnostic test results, set a target score that aligns with the passing criteria for FMGE or NExT. Research the average scores of successful candidates to set achievable goals.
A well-structured study schedule is crucial for effective preparation. Allocate specific time slots for each subject, ensuring a balanced approach. Include regular practice sessions, review periods, and breaks to avoid burnout.
Study Schedule for FMGE/NExT Preparation |
||||
Week |
Pre-Clinical Focus |
Para-Clinical Focus |
Clinical Focus |
Practice Tests |
1 |
Anatomy, Physiology |
Pathology, Pharmacology |
Medicine, Surgery |
Diagnostic Test |
2 |
Biochemistry |
Microbiology |
Pediatrics, Obstetrics |
Practice Test 1 |
3 |
Pathology |
Forensic Medicine |
Ophthalmology, ENT |
Review and Revise |
4 |
Pharmacology |
Community Medicine |
Dermatology, Psychiatry |
Practice Test 2 |
Invest in high-quality FMGE and NExT preparation books and study guides. These resources provide comprehensive coverage of the exam content, practice questions, and test-taking strategies.
Enroll in online preparation courses and tutorials. Platforms like AcadFly offer personalized study plans, expert tutoring, and extensive practice materials to help you prepare effectively.
Regularly take full-length practice tests to simulate the actual exam experience. Use question banks to access a wide range of practice questions and review detailed explanations for each answer.
Arrive at the test center early with all necessary documents, including your identification and admission ticket. Being well-prepared will help reduce test-day anxiety.
Take your time to read the instructions for each section carefully. Ensure you understand what is required before starting each task.
Keep track of the time allocated for each section and pace yourself accordingly. Avoid spending too much time on any single question.
Maintain a calm and focused mindset throughout the exam. If you encounter difficult questions, take a deep breath, and move on to the next one. You can always return to challenging questions if time permits.
AcadFly provides comprehensive support for students preparing for FMGE and NExT exams. Here’s how AcadFly can assist you:
AcadFly offers personalized study plans tailored to your strengths and weaknesses, ensuring efficient and effective preparation.
AcadFly’s experienced tutors provide one-on-one coaching, helping you understand complex concepts and develop test-taking strategies.
AcadFly offers a wide range of practice materials, including mock tests, practice questions, and interactive exercises, simulating the actual exam environment.
AcadFly tracks your progress regularly, providing detailed feedback and suggestions for improvement, keeping you on track to achieve your target score.
Clearing the exams required to practice medicine in India after completing an MBBS abroad is essential for your medical career. The FMGE and the upcoming NExT are crucial steps in this process. By understanding the exam structures, creating a comprehensive study plan, utilizing various preparation resources, and implementing test-day strategies, you can achieve success.
For personalized guidance and comprehensive support in your preparation journey, AcadFly offers expert assistance to help you achieve your academic and professional goals. Leveraging these resources and strategies will help you confidently approach the exams and succeed in your medical career in India.