Likhith · November 20, 2025 
Introduction
Preparing for licensing exams like the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or the National Exit Test (NEXT) can feel overwhelming. Both exams are gateways to practicing medicine in India, yet many foreign medical graduates find themselves confused about whether preparing for one also helps with the other.
Here’s the good news: there is significant syllabus overlap between FMGE and NEXT. However, the exam pattern, question style, and preparation demands differ. If you’re planning for FMGE now but NEXT is on the horizon, smart preparation can save you time, reduce stress, and improve results.
This blog explores the syllabus overlap between FMGE and NEXT, highlights differences that matter, and shares actionable prep tips to help you balance both exams effectively.
FMGE and NEXT: A Quick Overview
What is FMGE?
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is a licensing exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). Students with MBBS degrees from abroad need to clear FMGE to practice medicine in India. It is held twice a year and focuses on testing theoretical knowledge across all preclinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects.
What is NEXT?
The National Exit Test (NEXT) is designed as a single-window exam for final-year MBBS students graduating from Indian colleges as well as foreign medical graduates. Unlike FMGE, NEXT is intended to be not just a licensing exam but also a PG entrance test. NEXT is expected to be more clinically oriented, with a focus on problem-solving rather than memory-based recall.
FMGE vs NEXT: Syllabus and Exam Pattern
| Feature | FMGE | NEXT |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Foreign medical graduates | Indian MBBS graduates + FMGs |
| Nature of Exam | Licensing exam | Licensing + PG entrance |
| Exam Span | 300 questions, 5 hours, 2 parts | NEXT 1 (theory) + NEXT 2 (practical/viva) |
| Question Style | Mostly factual or recall-based | Conceptual, case-based, problem-solving |
| Scoring | Pass if ≥150/300 | Competitive ranks beyond qualifying |
| Core Syllabus | Preclinical, Para-clinical, Clinical | Same subjects, more clinical emphasis |
Where Do FMGE and NEXT Syllabus Overlap?
The syllabus for both exams is broadly based on the MBBS curriculum prescribed by the NMC. Almost 90% of the subjects overlap, but the approach and depth vary.
Pre-Clinical Subjects
- Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
These basics form the foundation of both FMGE and NEXT. FMGE asks more straightforward recall questions, while NEXT may integrate them into case-based scenarios.
Para-Clinical Subjects
- Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine
Both exams require a strong conceptual grasp. NEXT is expected to test applied knowledge (e.g., drug mechanisms in clinical cases) more than FMGE.
Clinical Subjects
- Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, ENT, Ophthalmology, Community Medicine
This is the section with the greatest overlap. For FMGE, most questions are direct. NEXT, however, will likely test participants on decision-making, diagnosis, and treatment pathways.
Key Differences Students Must Prepare For
- Exam Purpose
- FMGE = Pass/Fail Exam
- NEXT = Licensing + Ranking Exam for PG seats
- Question Orientation
- FMGE = Fact-based, straightforward MCQs
- NEXT = Clinical scenarios, problem-solving
- Preparation Timeline
- For FMGE, the last 3–6 months of targeted preparation often suffice.
- NEXT requires long-term integrated learning in MBBS years.
- Evaluation of Skills
- FMGE = Written MCQ exam only
- NEXT = NEXT 1 + NEXT 2, covering both theory and viva/practical skills.
Smart Prep Tips for Students Targeting Both Exams
1. Focus on Integration
Don’t study subjects in isolation. For NEXT especially, integrate basic sciences with clinical applications. For example, link biochemistry pathways while studying endocrinology in medicine.
2. Prioritize High-Yield Topics
In FMGE, frequently tested areas include:
- Microbial infections
- Pharmacological drug classes
- Forensic medicine basics
- Epidemiology and screening tests
For NEXT, add clinical emphasis by practicing integrated questions from NEET PG or INI-CET level banks.
3. Practice with Multiple Sources
- Use FMGE-focused MCQ banks for quick recall.
- Use NEXT-style case-based questions from AIIMS/NEET PG question banks for deeper application.
4. Build Clinical Thinking Early
For NEXT readiness, while preparing theory for FMGE, always ask: “How would this look in a clinical case?” Example → Instead of memorizing TB drug names, relate them to patient management protocols.
5. Mock Test Strategy
Allocate:
- 60% practice for FMGE-style factual tests
- 40% practice for clinical case-based NEXT questions
This balance ensures you clear FMGE while staying aligned with the future NEXT exam.
6. Use Technology Wisely
Digital platforms like FMGE test series, NEXT mock apps, and integrated prep portals (such as those promoted by Career Plan B) provide structured question banks and analytics to track strengths and weaknesses.
How Career Plan B Supports Every Step
- Personalized Counseling: In-depth one-on-one counseling to align specialization, college choices, and career goals.
- Timeline & Reminder Service: Never miss a deadline—receive timely reminders and updates about institute-wise counseling calendars.
- Document Checklist & Verification: Guidance to prepare all required documentation, reducing stress on D-day.
- Preference Analysis: Analysis of seat trends, cut-offs, and college quality to build a winning choice list.
- Mock Counseling & Strategy: Practice sessions to simulate real counseling—boosting your confidence, reducing errors.
- Support for Appeals/Technical Issues: Help in resolving portal issues, appeals, or queries with admission authorities.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
FAQs
1. Is preparing for FMGE enough for NEXT?
Not entirely. While 90% of the syllabus overlaps, NEXT requires deeper clinical reasoning beyond factual recall.
2. Should foreign medical graduates wait for NEXT instead of FMGE?
No. Attempt FMGE as per your eligibility. If NEXT fully replaces FMGE later, your preparation will still be relevant.
3. Which exam is tougher—FMGE or NEXT?
FMGE is tough because of its cut-off and wide syllabus, but NEXT will likely be tougher in terms of analytical difficulty since it also determines PG seat allocation.
4. How can I manage both exams’ prep at once?
Follow an integrated strategy: focus on fact-based study first for FMGE, then layer case-based/problem-solving practice for NEXT.
5. Do coaching classes differ for FMGE and NEXT?
Yes. FMGE coaching often emphasizes high-yield recall notes, while NEXT preparation programs focus more on clinical case-solving and practical exposure.
Conclusion
The FMGE and NEXT syllabi overlap by almost 90%, but preparation strategies differ. FMGE remains largely a recall-based exam, while NEXT is designed to test clinical application. For foreign medical graduates, the smartest strategy is to prepare for FMGE with NEXT in mind—this way, your effort pays off in both licensing and PG preparation.
If you’re looking for structured guidance or curated study resources, platforms like Career Plan B can help you tailor a study pathway that works across both exams, saving precious time and boosting confidence.
