The FMGE syllabus 2026 outlines the complete range of subjects that foreign medical graduates must prepare to qualify for medical practice in India. It is based on the Indian MBBS curriculum and is divided into pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects, ensuring a balanced assessment of both theoretical knowledge and clinical understanding.
The FMGE exam places strong emphasis on high-weightage subjects such as Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Community Medicine, Pathology, and Microbiology, along with foundational sciences like Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry. With 300 MCQs split across two parts and no negative marking, the FMGE tests a candidate’s grasp of core concepts, clinical decision-making, and awareness of national health programs, making a structured syllabus-driven preparation essential.
FMGE Highlights:
Key Aspects
Detail
Syllabus Issuing Authority
Medical Council of India (MCI)
Total Subjects
14
Total Parts
Two parts (attempted in one day)
Subject Category
Pre & Para Clinical Subjects (100 marks) and Clinical Subjects (200 marks)
Total Number of Questions
300 multiple choice questions (MCQs)
Structure of FMGE Syllabus 2026
The FMGE syllabus 2026 is designed to assess a candidate’s complete MBBS-level knowledge as per the Indian medical education system. The syllabus is organised into three clearly defined stages, ensuring a balanced evaluation of basic sciences, applied medical knowledge, and clinical competence.
1. Pre-Clinical Subjects
This stage focuses on the foundational sciences that support all clinical learning. It tests conceptual understanding rather than rote memorisation. Subjects included:
Anatomy
Physiology
Biochemistry
2. Para-Clinical Subjects
Para-clinical subjects act as a bridge between theory and clinical practice. Questions in this section emphasise disease mechanisms, pharmacological principles, diagnostics, and public health relevance. Subjects included:
Pathology
Pharmacology
Microbiology
Forensic Medicine
Community Medicine
3. Clinical Subjects
This is the highest weightage section of the FMGE syllabus and focuses on real-world medical decision-making. Questions are largely application-based and aligned with common clinical scenarios seen in Indian healthcare settings. Subjects included:
The FMGE syllabus 2026 covers all subjects taught during the MBBS course, following the Indian medical education framework. Understanding subject distribution helps you plan preparation time better and identify areas that need stronger focus, especially high-yield clinical subjects.
Below is a clear subject-wise overview based on the official FMGE structure.
1. Pre-Clinical Subjects
These subjects build the foundation for all clinical understanding and are tested for conceptual clarity.
Anatomy – Gross anatomy, neuroanatomy, embryology, and histology
Physiology – General, systemic, and applied physiology
Biochemistry – Metabolism, enzymes, molecular biology, and clinical biochemistry
2. Para-Clinical Subjects
This group focuses on disease processes, diagnostics, drugs, and public health relevance.
Pathology – General and systemic pathology
Pharmacology – Drug classifications, mechanisms, adverse effects
The FMGE syllabus 2026 covers the entire MBBS curriculum, but certain subjects consistently contribute a higher number of questions and play a crucial role in clearing the exam. These subjects mainly test clinical understanding, applied knowledge, and integration across disciplines. Prioritising them during preparation can significantly improve scoring potential.
Subject
Why It Matters
Preparation Focus
Medicine
Highest weightage with clinically oriented questions
The FMGE syllabus 2026 should be the backbone of your preparation, not just a reference document. Since the exam tests your entire MBBS curriculum, a syllabus-driven approach helps you stay focused, avoid burnout, and prioritise high-yield areas.
1. Start with high-weightage clinical subjects: Begin your preparation with Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Community Medicine. These subjects contribute a significant number of questions and often integrate concepts from pathology, pharmacology, and microbiology. Strong clinical basics improve overall scoring potential.
2. Build strong foundations in pre- and para-clinical subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, and Microbiology form the base for clinical understanding. Revise these subjects with a focus on applied concepts rather than memorisation, as many FMGE questions are clinically oriented.
3. Use the syllabus to create a realistic study plan: Break the syllabus into weekly or monthly targets. Allocate more time to subjects you find difficult and revisit high-yield topics multiple times. Avoid studying random topics outside the defined syllabus.
4. Practice MCQs alongside revision: FMGE is an MCQ-based exam, so solving questions regularly is essential. After each topic, practice MCQs and analyse mistakes to identify weak areas. This reinforces concepts and improves exam temperament.
5. Revise consistently and strategically: Multiple revisions are more effective than a single intensive study cycle. Short notes, flowcharts, and tables work well for last-minute revision, especially for volatile subjects like pharmacology and microbiology.
6. Stay updated with exam patterns and guidelines: Although the core syllabus remains stable, stay informed about FMGE exam notifications, eligibility criteria, and format updates to avoid surprises.
Conclusion
The FMGE syllabus 2026 is comprehensive and demands a well-planned, syllabus-driven preparation strategy. With coverage spanning pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects, success in FMGE depends on strong conceptual clarity, consistent revision, and focused practice on high-weightage areas.
By understanding the exam structure, prioritising key subjects like Medicine, Surgery, OBG, Community Medicine, Pathology, and Microbiology, and aligning your study plan strictly with the syllabus, you can avoid unnecessary effort and improve accuracy. A disciplined approach, regular MCQ practice, and multiple revisions will go a long way in boosting confidence and clearing FMGE on your first attempt.
Yes, FMGE is expected to continue in 2026 for foreign medical graduates who are not yet covered under the NExT framework. Until NExT is officially implemented for all categories, FMGE remains the mandatory screening exam for practice in India.
What is the weightage for FMGE 2026?
FMGE does not publish official subject-wise weightage. However, past exams show that clinical subjects like Medicine, Surgery, OBG, and Community Medicine consistently carry more questions compared to pre-clinical subjects.
What is the eligibility certificate for FMGE 2026?
The eligibility certificate is issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC). It confirms that your foreign medical qualification is recognised and that you meet the criteria to appear for FMGE. Without this certificate, candidates cannot register for the exam.
Is FMGE getting replaced by NExT?
NExT is proposed as a common licensing exam for Indian and foreign medical graduates, but it has not fully replaced FMGE yet. Until official notifications confirm the transition, FMGE remains valid and candidates should prepare accordingly.
Is the FMGE syllabus different from the Indian MBBS syllabus?
No, the FMGE syllabus is aligned with the Indian MBBS curriculum. It tests the same subjects and core concepts taught in medical colleges across India, with emphasis on clinical application.
How many attempts can I take for FMGE?
There is no limit on the number of attempts for FMGE. Candidates can appear multiple times as long as they meet eligibility requirements and have a valid eligibility certificate.
Is FMGE harder than NEET PG?
FMGE is a qualifying exam focused on basic competence, while NEET PG is a competitive ranking exam. FMGE tests breadth across subjects, whereas NEET PG tests depth and speed.
How long does it realistically take to prepare for FMGE?
Most candidates require 6 to 12 months of focused preparation. The time needed depends on your clinical exposure, revision history, and familiarity with the Indian medical curriculum.
Are FMGE questions mostly theory-based or clinical?
FMGE questions are increasingly clinical and scenario-based. Many questions require application of basic sciences to real-life medical situations rather than direct recall.
Can I clear FMGE on the first attempt?
Yes, many candidates clear FMGE on their first attempt with disciplined preparation, regular MCQ practice, and multiple revisions. A syllabus-driven strategy significantly improves success chances.
Is FMGE syllabus similar to other medical licensing exams?
The FMGE syllabus overlaps with international exams like PLAB in terms of core medical concepts, though the exam structure and healthcare context differ.
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