Is the FMG Exam Tough? A Motivating Look at the Foreign Medical Graduate Exam

If you are one of the thousands of Indian Medical graduates who studied abroad and wish to practice in India, the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination is your final chance to wear that doctor’s coat. 

There is one question that everyone aspiring for the exam has in mind. 

“Is the FMGE tough?”

The shortest answer would be yes but that doesn’t at all mean that it is impossible. The difficulty of this exam usually depends on how prepared you are, how consistent you are with your revision and how easily you can adapt to the Indian exam style. 

If you have the right strategy and mindset, you can easily ace the exam and get closer to your dream. 

In this blog, we’ll break down the intricacies of the FMGE to give you clarity so you don’t find the exam tough at all. 

Understanding FMGE

First things first, we’ll begin by helping you understand what FMGE actually is. It is a licensing exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India who have graduated from a medical institution outside India, 

Purpose:

To check whether your knowledge matches the Indian medical education standard required to grant you a license to practice.

Quick Facts:

• Held twice a year — June & December.
• 300 MCQs in total, split into 2 parts of 150 each.
• Passing score: 150/300.
• No negative marking — every question is an opportunity.
• Conducted in English.
• It’s a screening test, not a rank-based competitive exam like NEET PG.

Why is FMGE Considered Difficult?

Most aspirants wonder that if FMGE is not competitive and only needs 50% to pass, why do so many aspirants find it tough. Based on the past trends, the pass percentage has typically hovered between 15-25% and that’s where the fear begins. However, the reasons go way deeper than that. Let’s dive straight in. 

1. Limited Indian Clinical Exposure

Many foreign universities, especially in countries like China, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia, focus heavily on theory. While you may have excellent classroom knowledge, FMGE leans toward application-based clinical scenarios — an area where many FMGs feel less confident.

2. Different Curriculum & Guidelines

Your syllabus abroad may have followed WHO or local protocols, while FMGE expects familiarity with Indian guidelines (ICMR, NMC). Diseases like TB, malaria, and dengue, which are common in India, may not have been taught in the same depth in your MBBS abroad.

3. Underestimating the Exam

Some students think, “It’s not NEET PG, so it must be easier.” They prepare lightly, skip mocks, and rely on last-minute cramming — only to realize too late that FMGE demands the same dedication as any major medical exam.

4. The Vast Syllabus

All 19 MBBS subjects in FMGE Syllabus are in play — from Medicine and Surgery to short subjects like Dermatology, Psychiatry, and Anesthesia. Balancing time and revisiting every subject at least twice before the exam is a huge task.

5. Mental Pressure

The aspirants usually battle societal pressure, self-doubt, and the fear of failure. This tends to enhance the mental pressure, making it absolutely overwhelming for them, sabotaging their performance. Their preparation can go in vain if they don’t focus on their mental well-being. 

Also Read: Failed FMGE Once? Here’s Your Bounce-Back Strategy with PrepLadder

The Truth — Is FMGE Really That Hard?

Yes, FMGE can be challenging. But challenging is not the same as unachievable. Thousands of students clear it every year, many on their first attempt. The key lies in strategy, discipline, and mindset.

Here’s a balanced view:

What Makes FMGE Hard:

• Low pass rate creates psychological pressure.
• Covers the entire MBBS syllabus.
• Clinical focus unfamiliar to some foreign graduates.
• Less structured guidance for FMGs.
• 300 questions to solve in a limited time frame.

What Makes FMGE Doable:

• No negative marking — you can attempt every question.
• Passing score is fixed — no competing with toppers.
• Repeated FMGE PYQ patterns — many questions are similar to previous years.
• Online platforms like PrepLadder offer structured FMGE prep modules.
• Two chances a year mean you can reattempt quickly if needed.

How to Make FMGE Easier for Yourself

1. Follow a Structured Plan

Break your prep into three clear phases:

• Learning: Build concepts from your notes or reliable video lectures.
• Revision: Prioritize high-yield topics and summaries.
• Practice: Solve MCQs every single day.

Aim for 6–8 months of consistent study, not last-minute marathons.

2. Master PYQs

If you are looking for the most effective way of concept reinforcement and long retention, there is nothing better than previous years’ questions. They help you determine recurring topics, question forming styles, and traps in the questions. Even if you don’t find repeated questions, you’ll surely find repeated concepts. 

3. Simulate Exam Conditions

Take full-length mock tests to train your brain for the 3-hour concentration sprint. Analyse every mock to fix weak areas immediately.

4. Think Clinically

Whenever you are studying a topic, you must be willing to think how this would look in a  real patient. This perspective will help you think more clinically and come up with practical ways to solve that case. As FMGE evaluates application, this is the best way to go. 

5. Use the Right Resources

A focused platform like PrepLadder can save months of guesswork by giving you:

• Expert faculty lectures tailored to FMGE.
• High-yield notes.
• A vast MCQ bank with explanations.
• Image-based question practice.

6. Stay Mentally Resilient

Your mindset will make or break your attempt.

• Surround yourself with supportive peers.
• Take short breaks to prevent burnout.
• Don’t let one bad mock shake your confidence.

Wrapping Up

So, to sum it all up, Yes, FMGE is tough but only if you underestimate it and underprepare for it. But, if you have the right preparation strategy, it is also completely conquerable. 

You must consider FMGE as your final checkpoint before entering Indian hospitals as a licensed doctor. 

Thousands have gotten closer to their dream through FMGE and so can you with the right mindset and strategy. 

Stay consistent, stay calm, and keep your eyes on the ultimate goal — wearing that stethoscope as Dr. YOU in India. 

Download the PrepLadder app now and unlock a 24-hour FREE trial of premium high-yield content. Access Smarter Video Lectures also in हिंglish, Game Changing Qbank, Audio QBank, Structured Notes, Treasures, Mock test for FREE.

Elevate your study experience with PrepLadder’s FMGE online coaching and gear up for success. Start your journey with PrepLadder today!