Aug 12, 2025
There is no denying that FMGE or as you know it, Foreign Medical Graduate Examination is a make-or-break step for doctors who have earned their MBBS degree from foreign institutions and now want to practice in India.
If you wish to obtain provisional or permanent registration with the National Medical Commission, qualifying this exam remains your only choice.
And, as important as this exam is, the pass percentage still remains low, even as low as 30%. Most of the candidates don’t even make it on their first attempt.
The results are about to be announced and we wish you all the best. But, if you think there is even a slight chance that you might not clear it this time, this blog is for you.
You are bound to get disappointed at this time. But remember, this is not the end of the world at all. If you have the right reflection, strategy, and preparation, you can bounce back in no time and achieve success in your next attempt.
In this blog, we’ll help you determine exactly where things went wrong and how you can make targeted changes for the next time.
The first thing to do is to study your result thoroughly rather than simply noting your total marks. Look at your subject-wise scores and identify which subjects brought your overall score down. Check how many questions you attempted versus how many you got right — if your accuracy was low, you may need to work on your concepts and question selection strategy.
It’s also important to recognise whether your weaker areas lie in high-weightage subjects such as Medicine, Surgery, or Pathology. Even if you missed the passing mark by just a few points, ask yourself whether those marks were lost due to silly mistakes, poor revision, or time mismanagement during the exam. This kind of analysis will form the foundation of your new study plan.
We understand that every aspirant’s prep journey is different. But, there are certain challenges that are mostly common among those who can’t qualify in their first attempt.
While some struggle with a lack of a structured study routine, others rely heavily on cramming without actually understanding the concepts. This usually leads to gaps in coverage and harder retention.
Revision is another significant phase where candidates lack. They cover the syllabus once but fail to give revision an adequate time. This causes them to forget key points. ANd, if you ignore previous years’ questions and not give enough time to practice MCQs, you are bound to miss the greatest opportunity as FMGE tends to repeat topics and patterns.
Once you’ve processed your result, the next step is to set practical goals for your upcoming attempt. Instead of simply aiming to “pass,” aim for a safe margin — around 160–170 marks — so you’re not cutting it close. Assign specific timelines for completing each subject, and reserve at least six weeks at the end purely for revision.
Your plan should also include regular testing to track your progress. Mock tests will help you measure improvement and identify areas that still need work. Most importantly, keep your goals achievable. Overloading yourself will only increase stress and reduce productivity.
A fresh attempt calls for a fresh approach. Start by focusing on your weakest subjects because they are where you stand to gain the most marks. At the same time, don’t neglect your stronger subjects — a few careless mistakes in these can cost you dearly.
Prioritise high-yield topics, especially in subjects like Medicine, Surgery, PSM, Pathology, and Pharmacology, which carry significant weight in the exam. Make it a habit to revise daily — even if it’s just the topics you studied the previous day — so that information stays fresh in your mind. This balance between strengthening weak areas and maintaining strong ones is crucial.
Previous years’ questions are one of the most valuable tools for FMGE preparation. They reveal recurring topics, familiarise you with the exam’s style, and help improve both accuracy and speed. Dedicate time each week to solving PYQs under timed conditions to mimic the real exam environment.
Full-length mock tests should be part of your routine as well. Analyse your performance immediately after each test — identify the topics you got wrong and review them before moving on. This active feedback loop will steadily improve your score.
Mental preparation plays as big a role as academic readiness. When taking mocks, simulate exam conditions as closely as possible so you get comfortable with time constraints. Schedule short breaks in your study plan to avoid burnout, especially during long preparation stretches.
Stay positive and remind yourself that many successful doctors have taken the FMGE more than once before clearing it. Persistence and the right approach can make all the difference between a near miss and a comfortable pass.
If you don’t clear FMGE this time, you are not alone. PrepLadder is with you every step of the way offering you a structured, high quality preparation platform designed specifically for FMGE aspirants.
This platform offers you the opportunity to learn from India’s top medical educators through video lectures that simplify the most complex topics. If you wish to sharpen your problem-solving skills, there is nothing better than our comprehensive QBank X that includes thousands of exam-relevant MCQs and previous years’ questions.
Mock tests including Grand Tests and Pulse Tests mirror the actual FMGE format to help you practice under realistic conditions, while detailed performance analytics show exactly where you need to improve.
Month Action Plan Month 1–3 This is the phase where you first cover weak subjects with PrepLadder’s video lectures and Notes. Practice MCQs daily. Month 4–5 The later months require you to revise strong subjects, start mixed mock tests, work on speed and accuracy. Month 6 The last month before the exam should be all about rapid revision using high-yield Notes and PYQs. It’s advised that you take 2-3 full length mock tests per week.
If you don’t clear the FMGE in the first attempt, you are bound to feel a setback but it’s not at all the end of your medical career.
You must leverage your result as a roadmap rather than a roadblock. The best you can do right now is learn from your mistakes, adjust your strategy, and commit to consistent preparation.
Clearing the FMGE is well within your reach with the right guidance and disciplined effort. Persistence pays. So, the next time you can walk into the exam hall fully prepared and walk out with the scores you were aiming for if you stay consistent.
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Vasavi Karol, Content Specialist at PrepLadder, brings over 5 years of experience to her role. Renowned for her articulate write-ups, she expertly assists medical aspirants in navigating the intricacies of exam preparation, helping them secure higher rankings.
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