FMGE (NEET FMG) exam pattern
What public reporting agrees on, where it disagrees, and how to prepare so the exact number matters less.
We are an independent practice platform, not NBEMS. We could not open the information bulletin while writing this, so every figure comes from public reporting. Confirm each one at natboard.edu.in before you plan around it. Last checked 17 October 2026.
What the sources agree on
- 300 multiple-choice questions, computer-based.
- Two parts of 150 questions each.
- A pass mark of 150 out of 300.
- No negative marking.
What they disagree on
Duration. Some sources give two hours per part, others two and a half. One describes each part as three timed sections of 50 questions, which no other source repeats. We treat that as unverified.
The pacing is different either way. At 150 minutes for 150 questions you have about 60 seconds each. At 120 minutes it is 48 seconds. Practise at the faster pace and the slower one will feel generous.
Run your own numbers in the pacing calculator. The defaults are editable.
FMGE and NEET PG side by side
| FMGE | NEET PG | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Screening for foreign medical graduates | Ranked entrance to postgraduate seats |
| Result | Pass or fail against a cut-off | A score and rank used for counselling |
| Questions (reported) | 300 MCQs in two parts of 150 | 180 MCQs in the 2026 cycle (200 before) |
| Pass line (reported) | 150 of 300 | No pass line; rank decides |
| Negative marking (reported) | None | Minus one per wrong answer |
| Duration | Disputed between sources | Three and a half hours (reported) |
Both are reported figures. See the NEET PG pattern page for its disputes.
How to prepare either way
- 1
Open the bulletin and write your own numbers: questions, minutes, parts, marking.
- 2
Practise every subject, not just the heavy ones. With a pass line, avoiding a weak subject costs you directly.
- 3
Review every option, right and wrong. The distinctions are what the paper tests.
- 4
Sit one timed block a week and a full-length paper before the exam, at the pace you calculated.
- 5
Track your accuracy with sample sizes beside it. A pass line rewards steady coverage over brilliance in a few subjects.
Free · 25 minutes
Where do you stand right now?
20 questions, one from every subject, with the reasoning behind every option.
Common questions
What is the FMGE?
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination is the screening test conducted by NBEMS for people with a foreign medical degree who want to practise in India. It is a pass or fail screening, not a rank-based entrance like NEET PG. Check the current NBEMS information bulletin for eligibility.
How many questions and what is the pass mark?
Sources agree on 300 multiple-choice questions in two parts of 150, and a pass mark of 150 out of 300. Confirm both in the official bulletin for your cycle.
Is there negative marking?
Sources we saw report none. Confirm in the bulletin, because a change would alter how you should guess.
How long is the paper?
Sources disagree: some say two parts of two hours, others two and a half hours each. One described each part as three timed sections of 50 questions. We could not confirm any of these, so plan for both and read the bulletin.
Can I use NextPrep for FMGE?
NextPrep's questions are organised by the 20 subjects both exams draw on, each with the reasoning for every option, so the practice is useful. The app also has FMGE mocks, each in two parts of 150 questions scored +1 for a correct answer with nothing lost for a wrong one, and a tracker that adds the two parts and compares the total with the reported pass line of 150 of 300. That format is as reported by sources, not confirmed by us, so check the official bulletin.
Do you have FMGE previous year papers?
No. NBEMS does not publish the paper or an official key, so papers online are reconstructed from memory and the board has warned against circulating recalls. Everything on NextPrep is original.
How long is the exam?
Sources disagree. Some say two hours per part and others two and a half. One describes three timed sections of 50 questions per part, which we could not confirm, so plan for both and read the bulletin.
Is FMGE ranked like NEET PG?
No. It is a pass or fail screening for people with a foreign medical degree, while NEET PG is a ranked entrance. The preparation emphasis differs for that reason.
Does NextPrep have FMGE mocks?
Yes. FMGE mocks come in two parts of 150 questions, scored +1 for a correct answer with nothing lost for a wrong one, and a tracker adds the two parts and compares the total with the reported pass line of 150 of 300. That format is as reported by sources, so confirm it in the official bulletin. The questions are organised by the 20 subjects both exams draw on, each with reasoning for every option.
How should I pace the paper?
At 150 minutes for 150 questions you have about 60 seconds each, and at 120 minutes about 48. Practise at the faster pace and the slower one will feel generous.
How should I prepare for a pass line?
Cover every subject rather than only the heavy ones, review every option, sit a timed block each week and a full-length paper before the exam. Steady coverage matters more than brilliance in a few subjects.
Who is eligible for FMGE?
Eligibility rules are set by NBEMS and the NMC and can change. Read the current information bulletin and do not rely on our summary.
Is this page official?
No. NextPrep is independent. We could not open the bulletin when writing, so the figures come from public reporting and carry a last-checked date.