FMGE Results: Why Nearly 77% Candidates Failed Again
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences recently released the October screening test results. Consequently, the latest FMGE pass percentage reached 22.86%, representing a noticeable recovery from previous months. However, nearly 77% of candidates failed to secure the required passing marks. Specifically, only 9,354 foreign medical graduates qualified out of 40,923 candidates who took the examination.
Analysis of the FMGE Pass Percentage and Performance
Officials conducted this additional examination session on October 31 following persistent student protests over the June test. Moreover, the June 2026 examination had registered a dismal pass rate of approximately 12%. Medical associations noted that the October performance aligned more closely with traditional winter sessions. Furthermore, the absence of video-based questions provided substantial relief to examinees during the test. Candidates had previously criticized those visual formats for being unfamiliar and excessively time-consuming. Nevertheless, doctor associations emphasized that the examination remains exceptionally rigorous for foreign-trained graduates.
Narrow Margins and Candidate Score Distribution
A closer evaluation of the official score sheet reveals remarkable patterns among unsuccessful candidates. For instance, 14,613 candidates secured between 125 and 149 marks out of 300. Thus, they missed the mandatory qualifying threshold of 150 by narrow margins. In addition, exactly 5,365 candidates fell short by fewer than ten marks. Medical representatives highlighted that a fairer difficulty curve could have helped many competent graduates pass. NBEMS had previously formed an expert committee to review examination standards. In response, that panel recommended a balanced ratio of 30% easy, 50% moderate, and 20% difficult questions. However, candidate feedback indicated that the actual test leaned toward moderate and difficult tiers.
Administrative Protocols and Post-Exam Verification
Candidates who cleared the screening test must complete in-person identity and credential verification before receiving certificates. Meanwhile, NBEMS communicated individual explanations to 30 candidates whose results remain withheld. Examinees can download individual scorecards from November 20 through the official web portal. NBEMS clarified that these scorecards remain valid for six months. However, graduates cannot use downloadable scorecards to obtain State Medical Council registration without physical certificates. Subject experts also reviewed all questions prior to result compilation. Consequently, NBEMS awarded marks for technically erroneous questions to ensure fair evaluation for all participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the qualifying score required to pass the FMGE screening test?
Candidates must obtain at least 150 marks out of 300 to clear the examination. NBEMS does not offer reservation concessions or category-based relaxation.
Q2: Can candidates use downloadable scorecards for State Medical Council registration?
No, candidates cannot use downloadable scorecards for state council registration. Therefore, candidates must present original FMGE pass certificates after in-person biometric verification.
Q3: How many candidates qualified in the October FMGE session?
Exactly 9,354 candidates passed out of 40,923 appearing candidates, resulting in an overall pass rate of 22.86%.
References
- Nearly 77% foreign medical graduates fail FMGE; only 9,354 clear screening test - ETHealthworld
- FMGE October 2026: 9,354 Pass, 31,539 Fail, Pass Rate Nearly Doubles to 22.86% - Medical Dialogues
- FMGE Result 2026: NBEMS Releases Result PDF and Qualifying Status - Shiksha
