Mastering the FMGE Exam: 5 Smart Strategies for Success

The FMGE exam pattern has changed but how much? Discover 5 smart strategies to deal with the new FMG exam pattern in this blog. 

As inferred from the recently concluded FMGE June 2023 exam, the exam pattern has definitely changed. However, there is still some confusion as to what students can expect in the upcoming exams. 

To clear all your doubts, lets go over how much has actually changed and then we will move on to 5 smart tips you can apply in your preparation to crack the upcoming FMGE December 2023 exam. 

Lets begin. 

FMG Exam Pattern - How much has actually changed?

Many students have assumed that the FMG exam will only consist of clinical and integrated questions from here on and have worried themselves to anxiety. Let us assure you from the start, that is not the case. 

In the upcoming FMG exams, there will be more number of clinical questions asked. But this does not mean that there will only be clinical questions asked. 

One liner questions as given in the image below, are still going to be asked. 

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The most important thing to remember is that the topics will always remain the same. Only the way of asking questions will be different. 

For example, a one-liner question was asked in June 2020 exam. 

And in the very year, the same topic was repeated but in the form of a case-based question. 

As you can see, if you understand the topic in depth, there is no cause for concern. No matter how the question is asked, you will be able to answer it. This is also another reason why FMGE PYQs are so important in your preparation. 

Now that you know what’s changed in the FMG exam, let move on. 

In this blog, we'll unravel five smart strategies to guide you toward FMGE triumph.

5 Smart Tips to Crack FMGE December 2023

Smart Tip 1: Know Something About Everything

The FMGE exam encompasses a vast ocean of medical knowledge but you don’t need to become a expert in every subject. Nor is it enough to have complete knowledge of only a few subjects. 

Instead, what's crucial is having a foundational understanding of each subject. 

To prepare most effectively, you need to create a routine according to the weightage of each subject. You can divide the weightage as per the blue print given by the NBE (in the picture below).

Here’s how you can break it down:

High-Yielding Subjects: These are your heavy hitters - Medicine, Surgery, OB (Obstetrics), and SPM (Social and Preventive Medicine). In these subjects, you can expect at least 30 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) each.

Low-Yielding Subjects: On the other end are the low-yielders - Orthopedics, Psychiatry, Radiodiagnosis, Radiotherapy, Anaesthesia, and Dermatology. These subjects typically yield around 5 MCQs each.

Moderately Yielding Subjects: This category falls in the middle. It includes Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry (with 17 MCQs each); ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), Ophthalmology, Pediatrics (with 15 MCQs each); and Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology (with 13 MCQs each). Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (FMT) carries 10 marks.

You can use these weightages as a framework to structure your study schedule and create your own routine.

Smart Tip 2: Create a Study Schedule

With three months until the exam and the last month allocated for revision, you essentially have 60 days for focused studying. The key here is to allocate your time judiciously based on the weightage assigned to each subject. 

Consider the following schedule as a rough starting point. You can create your own schedule as per your study requirements. 

• Allocate 1.5 days to cover each of the 6 minor subjects.
• Dedicate 5 days to each of the 4 high-yielding subjects.
• Allot 3 days to each of the remaining 10 subjects.

Keep in mind that this framework is adaptable to your preferences and existing knowledge.

Smart Tip 3: Attempt Grand Tests (GTs)

Grand Tests (GTs) are not merely another set of exams. They are a potent tool for honing your skills. During the preparation phase, aim to take a GT every 20 days. And then as the revision period approaches, ramp up the frequency to one GT every 10 days. The real magic of GTs lies in the post-test phase - that iss, when you review your answers and prepare for the next GT. 

By review, we mean meticulously dissecting the MCQs, understanding the topics comprehensively, and grasping the concepts behind them. 

Do not neglect taking GTs because they offer you several significant advantages such as:

• Superior time management skills.
• Increased familiarity with frequently tested topics.
• Consistent engagement with all 20 subjects throughout your preparation helps drill information into your brain.
• Insights into your unique error patterns, helping you pinpoint and rectify weaknesses.

Smart Tip 4: Optimize Your Note-Taking

The perennial debate of handwritten notes versus printed materials often arises and we are sure this time around as well, thee will be many of you asking this question.

For FMGE preparation, we recommend a strategic blend of both. Use printed notes for both Comprehensive videos and Rapid Revision (RR) videos. The good news is that RR 5.0 notes will be available in September. You can order as soon as they are available and simplify your preparation further. 

In addition, here’s another thing you can do. Create a 'choti copy' or a condensed notebook and write down essential points from each topic. Next, you can incorporate PrepLadder Treasures into your arsenal. It houses flashcards, mind maps, and flowcharts designed to enhance your memorization.

Smart Tip 5: Choose Your Resources Wisely

Selecting the right resources for each subject is important. You should opt for resources that facilitate a conceptual and integrated understanding of all the subjects. In this case, PrepLadder's recorded videos and FMGE QBank 5.0, India’s only clinical QBank, come highly recommended.

When you start solving clinical questions you challenge your brain to start functioning at a higher level and you gain the power to comprehend questions quickly. And this is exactly what you need to solve case-based and clinical questions in the FMGE December ‘23 exam. 

It's crucial to recognize that the FMGE is a qualifying exam without negative marking. So, keep your spirits high, stay positive, and remember that you're on a path to success. 

All the best!