FMGE 2026 to be held thrice a year; additional exam on October 31

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has decided to conduct the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) three times a year instead of twice. This will provide foreign medical graduates with an additional opportunity to appear for the screening examination.

According to an official notice issued by NBEMS, the FMGE will continue to be conducted through a computer-based platform at examination centres across the country. As part of the revised schedule, an additional FMGE will be held this year on October 31, 2026.

The decision marks a change from the existing practice of conducting the FMGE twice a year. The examination is mandatory for eligible foreign medical graduates seeking to practise medicine in India, subject to meeting the applicable regulatory requirements.

FMGE January 2027 exam rescheduled

NBEMS has also announced a change to the FMGE examination that was earlier scheduled for January 9, 2027. The January 2027 FMGE will now be rescheduled to a later date in January or February 2027. NBEMS has not yet announced the revised date. The examination board said details of the new schedule will be communicated in due course.

The decision to introduce an additional examination this year means that candidates will have an extra opportunity to appear for the FMGE before the rescheduled January/February 2027 examination.

Also read FMGE 2026 Controversy: NBEMS made 'adequate arrangements', freshers' pass-rate over 35%, says health ministry

FMGE 2026 Information bulletin

Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements will get an opportunity to appear for the screening test that will be conducted in October. NBEMS will publish the information bulletin for the additional exam soon. The additional October examination is scheduled for October 31, while FMGE earlier planned for January 9, 2027, has been postponed to January or February 2027.

Candidates planning to appear for the October 31 examination will need to check the bulletin for important information related to eligibility, application dates, fees, examination centres, scheme of the examination and other requirements. The board has advised candidates to refer only to the official communication issued by NBEMS for the detailed schedule and application-related information.