Every year, thousands of Indian students choose MBBS abroad because of high competition and limited government seats in India. But the most important question which decides your future. “Will you be able to become a doctor in India after studying abroad?”
If you pursue MBBS abroad, then holding a degree is not enough. You have to clear the licensing exam for practice in India. Now known as NEXT (National Exit Test), but the system is changing.
This simply means that if you don’t clear the NEXT exam, you won’t be able to practice law in India no matter how good a university you graduated from. Therefore, the plan shouldn’t just be to go abroad, but also to have a strategy for clearing NEXT.
Smart students are those who start NEXT-oriented preparation from day one. The right country, the right university, and studying according to the Indian syllabus all these factors are very important.
What is FMGE?
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is a licensing exam for students who have completed their MBBS outside India. Passing this exam is mandatory if you wish to practice as a doctor in India. The FMGE is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and is held twice a year. Its purpose is to ensure that foreign graduates meet Indian medical standards. Only after clearing the FMGE exam are you eligible for registration with the Medical Council.
Key Points:
- Mandatory to practice medicine in India
- Conducted twice a year (June & December)
- Screening test (pass/fail only)
- Passing marks: 150 out of 300
What is the NEXT Exam (2026 Update)?
National Exit Test (NExT) is a proposed licensing and postgraduate entrance exam for MBBS students, which will replace NEET-PG and FMGE in future. It was originally planned to be implemented sooner, but as of April 2026, it is in a transition phase, mock tests and a phased rollout are being discussed, and NEET-PG 2026 will continue. NEXT will be in two steps: Step 1 (theory, mid-2026) and Step 2 (practical).
Key 2026 Updates and Structure
Purpose:
This will be a single, uniform exam for both medical licensing and PG seat ranking.
- Step 1 (Theory):There will be a computer-based exam covering pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects. The focus will be on problem-solving, case-based questions, and practical knowledge.
- Step 2 (Practical):Will be conducted after an internship, where clinical skills and patient management will be assessed.
- 2026 Status:There is a debate on immediate versus phased implementation until April 2026. Reports suggest the current focus is on infrastructure and system readiness, and the 2022 batch is expected to be the first batch to offer NExT.
- Structure:NexT focuses more on conceptual clarity and clinical application rather than rote learning. It will cover major subjects such as Pathology, Pharmacology, Surgery, and Pediatrics.
FMGE vs NEXT – What’s Changing?
- Scope & Applicability: FMGE is only for Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs). NExT applies to all medical students (Indian & Foreign), creating a uniform standard.
- Purpose: FMGE is a screening test to practice. NExT serves three purposes: licensure to practice, ranking for PG entrance (replacing NEET-PG), and a bridge to the internship.
- Structure:
- FMGE: Single-stage, computer-based, theoretical test.
- NExT: Two-step process. Step 1 is a theoretical (computer-based) exam, and Step 2 is a practical/clinical skill assessment.
- Difficulty/Focus: NExT will focus heavily on clinical application and competency, whereas FMGE is more theory-focused.
- Attempts: NExT Step 1 allows for multiple attempts to improve scores, while FMGE has limited attempts.
Eligibility for FMGE/NEXT After MBBS Abroad
To be eligible for FMGE/NEXT Exam 2026 after MBBS abroad, candidates must be Indian citizens/OCI cardholders who have completed at least a 54-month MBBS course in English from an NMC-recognized university, completed a 12-month internship in the same country, and qualified NEET-UG before starting their studies.
Essential Eligibility Criteria (NMC Guidelines 2026-27)
- Academic Duration: The course must be at least 54 months (4.5 years), followed by a 12-month internship, both of which must be completed at the same foreign institution.
- Medium of Instruction: The entire curriculum, including lectures and clinical training, must be in English.
- Registration: Graduates must have a license to practice medicine in the country of study.
- Eligibility Certificate: Candidates must obtain an eligibility certificate from the National Medical Commission (NMC) before joining a foreign university.
- NEET Requirement: Qualifying NEET-UG is required before enrolling in an MBBS program.
- Degree Recognition: The university must be recognized by the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
Exam Details
- Format: The exam is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of 300 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering 19 subjects. Passing Score: A minimum of 50% (150/300) marks is required to qualify.
- When: The National Board of Examinations (NBE) conducts the exam twice a year, usually in June and December.
Challenges Students Face After MBBS Abroad
- Low FMGE pass percentage (~10–25%)
- Lack of clinical exposure
- Language barriers
- Poor guidance during preparation
- Confusion about NEXT pattern
Conclusion
Choosing MBBS abroad can open doors to your dream of becoming a doctor, but your journey doesn’t end with your degree it begins with clearing FMGE or NEXT.
With the transition towards NEXT in 2026, the process is becoming more structured, competitive, and skill-focused. This means students must be more strategic than ever from selecting the right university to preparing consistently throughout their course.
FAQs
01Is FMGE compulsory after MBBS abroad?
Answer: Yes, as of now FMGE is mandatory to practice in India after completing MBBS from abroad. However, it is expected to be replaced by NEXT from 2026.
02Will NEXT completely replace FMGE in 2026?
Answer: Most likely yes. NEXT is designed to become a single, unified exam for licensing, final-year assessment, and PG admissions.
03Is NEXT tougher than FMGE?
Answer: Yes, NEXT is expected to be more challenging because:
It tests concepts deeply
Includes practical/clinical skills (NEXT 2)
Also determines PG ranking
04What is the passing mark for FMGE?
Answer: You need to score 150 out of 300 (50%) to pass FMGE.
05How many attempts are allowed in FMGE/NEXT?
Answer: FMGE: Unlimited attempts
NEXT: Likely to have limited attempts (final rules may vary)
06Can I do PG in India after MBBS abroad?
Answer: Yes, but only after:
Clearing FMGE/NEXT
Completing internship requirements
After that, you can apply for PG through NEXT (or NEET-PG if applicable).
07Which countries are best for MBBS abroad for Indian students?
Answer: Popular options include:
Russia
Georgia
Kazakhstan
Philippines
But the “best” country depends on your budget, university quality, and FMGE/NEXT success rate.
08What is the FMGE pass percentage?
Answer: It is generally low, around 10–25%, which shows the importance of proper preparation and guidance.
09When should I start preparing for FMGE/NEXT?
Answer: Ideally from 2nd or 3rd year of your MBBS to build strong concepts and avoid last-minute pressure.
10What is the biggest mistake students make in MBBS abroad?
Answer: Choosing the wrong university without checking:
NMC recognition
FMGE results
Clinical exposure
This can seriously impact your chances of practicing in India.
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