FMGE / MCI Screening Test Introduction
The FMGE-Screening Test was introduced through the ‘Screening Test Regulations 2002’. As per the regulations, “An Indian citizen/Overseas citizen of India possessing a primary medical qualification awarded by any medical institution outside India who is desirous of getting provisional or permanent registration with Medical Council of India or any State Medical Council on or after 15.03.2002 shall have to qualify a screening test conducted by the prescribed authority for that purpose as per the provisions of section 13 of the Act.”
Many people think that FMGE is conducted by the MCI as it is also known as MCI Screening Test. However, MCI Screening Test is just an unofficial name of FMGE. As per the current schedule the Screening Test is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in June and December every year. You need to qualify FMGE in order to get permanent license in India.
FMGE will be replaced by the National Exit Test or NEXT. It will be applicable for students studying India too. There will be no cap on the number of attempts.
What will happen if I take admission in a college not recognised by MCI?
If you take admission in a medical college/institute/university outside of India which is not recognised by MCI then you won’t be allowed to sit for FMGE.
When does FMGE happens?
FMGE is conducted twice every year: June and December.
How many attempts for MCI screening test?
As per the Information Bulletin released by the National Board of Examinations in 2019, there are no restrictions on the number of attempts that can be availed by an applicant.
Which countries are exempted from FMGE?
As per the Information Bulletin released by the National Board of Examinations in 2019:
”Candidate seeking provisional or permanent registration shall not have to qualify the Screening Test if he/she holds an Under Graduate medical qualification from Australia/Canada/New Zealand/United Kingdom/United States of America and the holder thereof has also been awarded a Post Graduate medical qualification in Australia/Canada/New Zealand/ United Kingdom/United States of America and has been recognized for enrolment as medical practitioner in that country.”
However, it is stated that once NEXT is implemented, even students who graduated from these countries will have to sit for the screening test.
Is MCI exam compulsory for Indian students?
Yes, qualifying MCI Screening Test is compulsory for those Indian students who wish to practice in India. This is not required for the students who have done their medical studies from one of the exempted countries. However, once NEXT is implemented, every student has to give the screening test. Even if they studied from India or from USA, UK, Australia, Canada or New Zealand or any other country, giving NEXT will be compulsory.
How can I check college wise FMGE result?
You can check college wise FMGE result from 2012-18 on the website of Global Medical Foundation.
About NEXT
In 2019, the NEXT was bought in as the proposed test which shall be implemented in 3 years. It will be a common final year MBBS exam for all the MBBS students enrolled India. It is currently proposed under the National Medical Commission Bill (NMC). It will be the licentiate examination, clearing which will promote meritorious students for medical practise post MBBS. Here is an overview of NEXT:
- National Exit Test will implement the conceptual understanding and skills of final year MBBS students by testing their practical knowledge. It will replace the final year MBBS exams, held by respective MBBS universities in India with one common test called NEXT. Only the best aspirants will be shortlisted for higher studies in the field of medicine in India.
- NEXT will replace the Foreign Medical Graduate Exam (FMGE). Up until now, students who attained their graduate-level degree from outside of India but wanted to practice here had to appear for FMGE. Now, with the proposed implementation of NEXT, it is expected that FMGE will be replaced by NEXT.
- NEXT is proposed to become an examination equivalent to NEET PG.