The recent session of the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) conducted in June 2026 revealed a pass percentage of only 12.78 per cent. This troubling statistic was presented to Parliament by the government on Tuesday, highlighting that a significant proportion of those who took the exam were repeat candidates, accounting for nearly 88 per cent. This high number of repeaters is believed to have heavily impacted the overall results of the examination.

First-Time Candidates Perform Better

Despite the concerning overall pass rate, it was noted that over 35 per cent of first-time candidates successfully passed the examination. The government clarified that various factors contribute to the overall performance, such as the quality of medical education acquired abroad, the candidates’ individual knowledge levels, and their examination performance. This distinction between first-time and repeat candidates provides insight into the varying challenges these groups face.

In response to inquiries from Rajya Sabha MP IS Inbadurai, the government acknowledged reports indicating the low pass rate. The MP asked if this decline could be attributed to the quality of foreign medical education or the standards employed in the examination process. The government assured that these issues were under review, though specific links between education quality and pass rates are complicated.

The government further explained that medical curricula in various countries may not align well with those in India. For example, differences could exist in the focus on public health topics, national health programmes, and prevalent disease patterns. Such discrepancies may pose additional challenges for foreign-trained graduates attempting to meet Indian medical standards.

Future Reforms Considered

On the subject of potential reforms to improve the pass rates for future examinations, the government indicated that the National Medical Commission (NMC) routinely evaluates changes related to eligibility criteria, syllabus, and the regulatory framework for foreign medical graduates. However, no specific timeline was provided for any forthcoming changes to address the issues raised.

The government’s response reflects ongoing concerns regarding the integration of foreign medical graduates into the Indian healthcare system. Stakeholders, including institutions and students, have raised questions about the adequacy of current standards in the context of international education quality.

As the examination outcomes continue to generate discussion, the government’s focus will likely remain on finding solutions that ensure all graduates possess the competencies necessary for safe medical practice in India. Additionally, any changes proposed by the NMC will be closely monitored by relevant stakeholders to gauge their impact on future results.

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