Likhith · November 20, 2025 
Introduction
Every year, thousands of medical graduates in India and abroad face one crucial question: Which exam decides their path to practice medicine in India—FMGE or NExT?
With the National Exit Test (NExT) set to replace multiple exams, including the FMGE, the landscape of medical education in India is going through a major transformation. For foreign medical graduates (FMGs) especially, understanding these changes is not just important—it’s essential for their careers.
This blog will break down the differences between FMGE and NExT, covering key aspects like purpose, eligibility, exam structure, career impact, and future implications. By the end, you’ll know exactly where you stand and what to prepare for.
What is FMGE?
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is currently the licensing exam for medical graduates who study medicine outside India but wish to practice in India.
- Purpose: It ensures FMGs meet India’s medical practice standards.
- Conducted by: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS).
- Attempts allowed: No limit, provided eligibility criteria are met.
- Passing Marks: 50% (minimum 150 out of 300).
FMGE acts as the gateway for foreign-trained doctors to begin their careers in India.
What is NExT?
The National Exit Test (NExT) is a new exam introduced under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act. It is designed to replace multiple exams, making it a “one-nation, one-exam” system.
- Purpose: Serves as both a licensure exam for Indian and foreign graduates as well as a PG entrance exam.
- Conducted by: National Medical Commission (NMC).
- Components: NExT Step 1 (theory, knowledge-based) and NExT Step 2 (clinical/practical).
- Passing Criteria: As prescribed by NMC regulations.
In short, NExT is not just an exam—it’s a complete reform of medical licensure and PG admissions in India.
Key Differences Between FMGE and NExT
| Feature | FMGE | NExT |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Graduate licensing exam for FMGs only | Licensing + PG entrance + standardization (for all, including FMGs) |
| Eligibility | Foreign medical graduates | Both Indian medical graduates & FMGs |
| Exam Format | Single MCQ-based exam (300 Qs) | Step 1: MCQ-based; Step 2: Clinical/practical |
| Attempts | Unlimited (until eligibility criteria met) | Validity rules under NMC to be defined |
| Recognized For | License to practice in India | Licensing, PG admissions, and equivalence |
| Authority | NBEMS | NMC |
| Passing Marks | 50% minimum | Defined competency requirements, not only % |
Why is NExT Replacing FMGE?
The reason is simple—uniformity and quality assurance.
- Currently, Indian and foreign graduates follow different evaluation systems (NEET PG for Indians, FMGE for FMGs).
- With NExT, every graduate—domestic or international—will take the same exam for licensing and PG admissions.
- This creates a standardized benchmark, ensuring patient safety and medical quality across India.
What Does This Mean for Foreign Medical Graduates?
For FMGs, the shift from FMGE to NExT brings both challenges and opportunities.
Challenges
- Stricter evaluation: NExT involves both theory and clinical exams, unlike FMGE which is only theory-based.
- Greater competition: FMGs now compete directly with Indian graduates in NExT Step 1 for PG seats.
Opportunities
- Recognition parity: FMGs and Indian graduates finally face the same evaluation, improving fairness.
- Seamless career path: Clearing NExT provides both licensure and PG entrance eligibility in one go.
How Should Students Prepare Differently?
If you’re preparing now, your approach depends on whether FMGE is still applicable during your graduation timeline or whether you’ll face NExT.
- For Current FMGE Takers (2025 and before):
Focus heavily on MCQ-based preparation and revising core subjects from standard textbooks. Prioritize high-yield topics tested in FMGE. - For Future NExT Takers:
Go beyond theoretical knowledge. Strengthen clinical reasoning, case-based understanding, and hands-on practice. Preparing for both Step 1 and Step 2 will require integrated learning rather than rote memorization.
Tip from Career Plan B: Start early with competency-based learning methods. Consider test series and case-based training modules that mirror NExT’s two-tier pattern.
FAQs
1. Will FMGE be completely discontinued?
Yes, FMGE will eventually be phased out once NExT is fully implemented as the single standard exam.
2. Who needs to take NExT?
Both Indian MBBS graduates and foreign medical graduates must qualify NExT for licensure and PG admissions.
3. Is NExT tougher than FMGE?
Yes, in terms of scope. Unlike FMGE’s single MCQ test, NExT includes both theoretical and clinical evaluation.
4. When will NExT officially start?
As per current NMC plans, NExT is expected to be implemented in stages. Students graduating in the coming academic years should prepare accordingly.
5. Can FMGs use old FMGE prep material for NExT?
Partially. Standard MCQ books remain helpful for Step 1, but Step 2 requires practical and clinical learning resources as well.
Conclusion
The shift from FMGE to NExT marks a turning point in Indian medical education. For foreign medical graduates, it means adapting to a more comprehensive system that tests not just knowledge, but also clinical skills. For Indian graduates, it streamlines licensing and PG admissions.
If you’re a medical aspirant charting your path forward, the key is adaptability. Begin preparing according to the new system, build a strong clinical foundation, and remember—your journey may change, but your destination remains the same: serving patients with competence and confidence.
Call to Action: Need expert guidance for FMGE or NExT preparation? Explore structured study plans and mentorship at Career Plan B to simplify your pathway to success.
