Why Medical Students Should Start Preparing Early for FMGE or NEXT
Early preparation for FMGE or NEXT is key for medical graduates aiming to practise in India. Every year, lakhs of students appear for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) with aspirations of becoming doctors. While many secure seats in Indian medical colleges, thousands pursue their MBBS abroad in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and the Philippines. However, many overlook a crucial step in their journey—the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or the upcoming National Exit Test (NEXT). The FMGE, conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), is a mandatory licensure exam for Indian students with foreign medical degrees who wish to practise in India. Its purpose is to ensure that returning graduates meet the minimum knowledge standards required for safe and effective medical practice. The Challenge of FMGE Although FMGE is an eligibility test, it is widely regarded as tough. Historical pass rates have hovered around 10–20%, refle...