New Delhi: On July 17, the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination 2024 results were released by the National Board of Education in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). Only 20.19% was reported as the FMGE 2024 pass percentage. The FMGE pass rates have fluctuated in the past few years, with 10.20% passing in the June 2023 session, 20.57% in the December 2023 session, 10.61% passing in 2022, and 23.91% passing in 2021. In 2012–13, the pass percentage reached its greatest point at 28.29%.

The Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE), a screening test for Indian citizens who have completed their medical education abroad and wish to practice in India, was held on July 6th, 2024. A total of 35,819 students took the test. Of these, 7,233 students passed, while 27,297 failed. The highest score achieved was 251 out of 300. Among the unsuccessful candidates, 2,032 scored between 145-149 marks, just below the minimum required score of 150 out of 300. Additionally, 1,211 students were absent, and the results of 78 students have been withheld pending clarification from the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the outcome of the Exam Ethics Committee.

Why Do Students Choose To Study MBBS Abroad?

Students in India need to clear the National Eligibility-Cum- Entrance Test (NEET) to get admission into a medical college in the country. However, there are only around one lakh medical seats in government and medical colleges. Every year, over 20 lakh students appear for NEET and 10-13 lakh of them pass. However, not all of them get admission in MBBS colleges due to lack of seats. Such students move abroad to pursue their education in medicine. Students of medical colleges in Armenia, Georgia and Russia etc. do not need to clear an entrance test for MBBS admissions. The fees are very reasonable due to which students end up getting admissions in foreign countries.

Why Motivates Students to Pursue MBBS Studies Abroad?

To be admitted to an Indian medical college, applicants must pass the National Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test (NEET). Nonetheless, government and medical college places are scarce, numbering only about one lakh. Over 20 lakh students take the NEET exam each year, and 10–13 lakh of them pass. But because there aren't enough places in MBBS colleges, not all of them are admitted. These students relocate overseas in order to continue their medical study. For admission to MBBS programs, students at medical schools in Armenia, Georgia, Russia, and other countries are not required to pass an entrance exam. Because the fees are so affordable, pupils are able to secure admittance to universities abroad.

Why Is It Hard To Break FMGE?

Many international MBBS students, despite their best efforts, are unsuccessful on the FMGE exam for a variety of reasons, such as:

1. No syllabus was specified There is a knowledge and preparation gap as a result of the differences in the curriculum and syllabus between medical colleges in India and abroad. There is no specified syllabus for FMGE. Furthermore, according to a candidate, NBE does not suggest any literature for exam preparation. There are knowledge gaps since foreign medical universities do not concentrate on the Indian medical curriculum. The FMGE syllabus is also extremely detailed.
2. Lack of clinical exposure: Students at foreign medical colleges may find it difficult to adjust to the practical-focused FMGE test due to the lack of clinical exposure and hands-on training. Because they are not legally permitted to handle patients, MBBS students in other nations lack the practical experience necessary to even administer an injection. In contrast, MBBS students in India are required to complete a one-year internship as part of their training.
3. Language challenges: In foreign medical colleges, English might not be the main language of instruction. This could cause language barriers and make it harder to understand exam questions.
4. Different exam style: Foreign MBBS students find it challenging to manage their time and provide thoughtful answers to questions since they are unfamiliar with the FMGE exam format and pattern. MCQs are used in the exam format.

Toppers of FMGE 2024

With a score of 244 out of 300, Dr. Dinesh Subburaj, a student of Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) Philippines, obtained an AIR 2. Dr. Ayub Mohamed achieved AIR 6 with a score of 235 out of 300, not far behind. Additionally standing out were Drs. Venkat Ammati and Preetha Murugan, who received AIR 8 and AIR 9, respectively, with scores of 233 and 232 out of 300. They are all DMSF students.
It is well recognized that the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) is challenging and has a high failure rate. In order to be allowed to practice medicine in India, Indian students who have completed their medical education overseas must pass this exam.

Because Philippine medical schools are accredited by international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the FAIMER (Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research), students who complete their MBBS from the Philippines frequently do well on the FMGE. Furthermore, a testament to the caliber of instruction they get, graduates of Philippine medical institutions have a strong record of passing international examinations such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Because of its low cost of living and accessible medical education, the nation has been a popular choice for MBBS students seeking an international education for the past 15 years, according to Kadwin Pillai, Chairman of Kings International Medical and Director of Transworld Educare.