FMGE 2026 Now Thrice A Year: What The New Schedule Means For Foreign Medical Graduates | Education and Career News
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FMGE 2026: The revised schedule is likely to reduce the waiting period between examination attempts for candidates who need another opportunity to qualify.
FMGE’s third exam will be held on October 31, 2026. (File/Representative Image)
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) will now be conducted three times a year instead of the usual two, following a decision by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). The board has announced an additional FMGE examination for October 31, 2026, giving eligible foreign medical graduates another opportunity to appear for the screening test before the next regular examination.
The additional FMGE will be conducted in computer-based test (CBT) mode at examination centres across India. NBEMS has not yet released the application schedule or detailed dates for the October examination. NBEMS has said that the bulletin will be published on its official website, natboard.edu.in.
What has changed in the FMGE 2026 schedule?
The biggest change is the addition of an FMGE examination on October 31, 2026. Until now, the screening examination was conducted twice a year. The additional attempt means eligible candidates will not have to wait until the next regular session to appear for the examination.
NBEMS has also revised the schedule of the FMGE that was earlier planned for January 9, 2027. That examination has now been postponed and will be conducted on a later date in January or February 2027. The exact date and detailed schedule will be announced separately by NBEMS.
Why is the October FMGE important for candidates?
The additional exam provides an earlier opportunity for eligible foreign medical graduates who are preparing to qualify the screening test. Candidates who were unable to clear the June 2026 examination, or those who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for the October session, will now have an opportunity to appear before the next regular examination in early 2027.
The revised schedule could also reduce the waiting period between examination attempts for candidates who need another opportunity to qualify. However, candidates should wait for the official Information Bulletin for confirmation of the eligibility criteria and application details for the October session.
FMGE 2026 schedule change follows candidate protests
The announcement comes after sustained protests by foreign medical graduates over concerns surrounding the June 2026 FMGE. The All India Medical Students Association–Foreign Medical Students Wing (AIMSA-FMSW) had raised concerns regarding several aspects of the examination, including its difficulty level, the use of video-based questions, facilities at examination centres and transparency in the evaluation process.
Candidates staged a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on August 3. Following the protest, NBEMS constituted an independent three-member committee to examine the concerns raised by candidates regarding the June examination.
The protests later resumed in Delhi, with foreign medical graduates demanding relief for candidates who had appeared in the June FMGE. The agitation continued for several days, and some candidates also went on hunger strike.
Following discussions between the protesting candidates and NBEMS officials, the board announced several measures in the interest of the candidates. AIMSA-FMSW subsequently withdrew its protest.
What should FMGE candidates do now?
Candidates planning to appear for the additional October FMGE should keep an eye on the official NBEMS website for the Information Bulletin. Since the application dates have not yet been announced, candidates should not rely on unofficial dates or information circulating on social media.
The October 31 examination will be conducted in computer-based mode, and the application process, eligibility details, examination centres, fee and other requirements will be specified in the official bulletin.
The January 9, 2027 FMGE has also been postponed, with NBEMS expected to announce a revised date in January or February 2027 separately.
Overall, the introduction of an additional FMGE session gives foreign medical graduates an earlier opportunity to take the screening examination, while the revised January/February 2027 schedule provides another regular examination window after the October session.
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Ask News18The new FMGE schedule, which includes an additional examination on October 31, 2026, is expected to reduce the waiting period for foreign medical graduates who need another opportunity to pass the screening test. This change provides an earlier chance to take the exam and offers another regular examination window after the October session.
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August 31, 2026, 11:58 IST
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