FMGE 2026: Candidates flag tough paper, poor facilities at exam centres; FAIMA seeks action

Candidates who appeared for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) have voiced concerns over both the difficulty level of this year's paper and the conditions at several examination centres, saying the experience was physically exhausting and mentally demanding.

The concerns were highlighted by the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), which said it had received complaints from candidates across multiple centres. According to the association, many examinees had to sit through the nearly eight-hour examination in poorly ventilated halls with non-functional air conditioners and fans, limited access to drinking water and extreme heat.

FAIMA also claimed that candidates at centres, including Noida Sector 62, reported suffocating conditions inside the examination halls, with some allegedly feeling dizzy and even fainting during the test.

Also read FAIMA survey flags burnout among resident doctors; 61% worked over 36 hours, calls for nationwide reforms

Candidates describe exam as highly demanding

Apart from the infrastructure issues, candidates said this year's FMGE paper was tougher than expected. According to FAIMA, the exam featured a large number of questions based on real-life clinical situations rather than straightforward theoretical concepts.

Many of these questions were presented through video and GIF-based scenarios, requiring candidates to observe a patient's symptoms and identify the correct diagnosis. This was unlike previous FMGE papers and claimed that even those familiar with NEET PG had not encountered so many diagnosis-based video questions in a single examination.

Heat, long hours add to concerns

The examination became even more challenging because of the conditions at several centres. It alleged that many candidates had to spend seven to eight hours in exam halls where cooling systems were not working properly despite soaring temperatures.

Also read As tighter immigration norms rub shine off UK, US for Indian MBBS grads, Australia, Germany, Middle East gain

The complaints included non-functional air conditioners, inadequate ventilation and a lack of drinking or cold water. It argued that such conditions were unfair, particularly during an examination that plays a crucial role in the careers of foreign medical graduates.

Association urges immediate action

The association also questioned the FMGE examination fee of Rs 6,195, saying candidates paying such an amount should at least be provided with basic facilities and a comfortable examination environment.

FAIMA has urged the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and other concerned authorities to investigate the complaints and take corrective action wherever lapses are found. It said future FMGE examinations should be conducted with proper infrastructure and adequate facilities to ensure candidates can focus on demonstrating their knowledge rather than coping with difficult conditions.