FMGE June vs December Session – Which Is Better to Attempt?

All the Indian Medical graduates who have completed their MBBS abroad must be aware of the sheer importance of the FMGE if they wish to practice in India. It is the defining test that can actually make that happen for you. 

It is also crucial to know that this exam is conducted by the National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences twice a year, once in June and once in December. It is undeniably a gateway to licensing, internships, and postgraduate opportunities.

Most of the aspirants are asking this very question these days, “Should I appear in the June session or wait for the December one”? For us to be able to answer that question, we must go way beyond the surface where both attempts follow the same syllabus and pattern. 

In reality, each session has its fair share of pros and cons, its own advantages and challenges. So, the choice you make right now is significantly going to influence your preparation, timeline, and even overall career path. 

In this blog, we are going to talk in detail about everything there’s to know before making an informed decision. 

Understanding the FMGE

Before comparing the two sessions, let’s take a quick look at the basics. FMGE is a computer-based exam consisting of 300 multiple-choice questions, drawn from the entire MBBS curriculum, including pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects. To qualify, you need 150 marks out of 300 (50%).

The exam is compulsory for Indian or OCI graduates who have completed their medical degree abroad. Only after clearing FMGE can candidates register with the National Medical Commission (NMC), begin internships, and step into medical practice in India.

FMGE June Session: Why It Appeals to Many

The June session is usually scheduled in the first week of June, with results announced within a month or so. For students who are already confident, this can be an attractive option.

The biggest advantage of June is time-saving. Clearing the exam here allows you to begin your compulsory internship by July or August, nearly six months earlier than December candidates. This means you also enter the licensing process, and later postgraduate exams like NEET PG or INI-CET, much sooner.

June also helps students maintain their momentum post-graduation. Many foreign universities wrap up MBBS programs by February or March, so attempting FMGE quickly keeps students in “exam mode” without a long gap. Another subtle benefit is that fewer students attempt June due to the shorter preparation window, which may reduce the overall psychological pressure of competition.

However, the challenges are real. Students who graduate in March often find themselves with only 2–3 months of preparation time, which can feel rushed for such a vast syllabus. Balancing travel back to India, paperwork, and concentrated revision makes the June session tough for those who have not prepared during their MBBS years.

FMGE December Session: Why Students Prefer It

The December session is generally conducted in the third or fourth week of December, with results declared in January. For many aspirants, this is the more practical choice.

The key advantage is time. Students get anywhere between six to nine months to prepare thoroughly after graduation. This longer window means you can cover all 19 subjects in detail, revise multiple times, and practice mock tests to build confidence.

Another reason December is preferred is the structured coaching support available. Most dedicated FMGE courses begin around mid-year and are designed to align with the December attempt. This gives students a guided study path and enough time to address weak areas.

For those who feel underprepared in March, postponing to December removes the risk of rushing into an exam and failing. Instead, it allows them to make their first attempt their strongest attempt.

But December has its downsides too. Clearing the exam here means internships usually begin around February or March, pushing licensing and postgraduate exam timelines six to eight months later than June candidates. The extra wait can feel discouraging, and since students have spent additional time preparing, the psychological pressure to pass can be even higher. Add to that the festive distractions of year-end, and maintaining focus becomes another challenge.

Also Read: Why Do So Many Aspirants Fail FMGE?

June vs December: A Side-by-Side Look

How to Choose Between June and December?

The choice ultimately boils down to your level of readiness and long-term goals. If you have been thorough with your preparation during your MBBS abroad, the June session is best suited for you. It is the best way to start an internship early and move faster towards postgraduate studies. 

But, if you didn’t get enough time to revise and still need some to strengthen your weak subjects, the December session might be a safer choice. It’s wiser to wait for a few months and clear the exam on your first attempt than rushing into June and not being able to qualify it. 

Final Tips for Both Sessions

No matter what session you choose, the basics of preparation will remain the same. It is advised to focus heavily on high-yield subjects like Medicine, Surgery, Pathology, Pharmacology, PSM, OBSGYN, and Microbiology. 

Solve previous year questions and take mock tests regularly to build exam temperament. Multiple revisions are essential — aim for at least 3–4 rounds before the exam.

Most of all, you must stay consistent. This exam is known to evaluate smart preparation and repeated revision. 

Also Read: How to Revise the FMGE Syllabus in 3 Months?

Wrapping Up

So, the real question here is June or December? Neither is best suited for everyone. If you are one of those aspirants who are exam-ready and eager to save time, June is the best choice for you. And, December is better suited for those who want to take their time and prepare more thoroughly before walking into the exam hall with absolute confidence. 

In the end, it is all about clearing FMGE successfully. The session that you choose doesn’t matter much if you move forward with the right plan, discipline, and mindset. 

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