Nearly 77 per cent of foreign medical graduates who appeared for the October 2026 Foreign Medical Graduate Examination have failed to qualify, according to the results announced by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences. Only 9,354 candidates passed the examination, while 31,539 candidates failed to achieve the required qualifying marks.
The overall pass percentage stood at approximately 22.86 per cent, highlighting the challenges faced by foreign-trained medical graduates seeking permission to practise medicine in India. The FMGE is a mandatory screening examination for eligible Indian citizens and other candidates who obtained their primary medical qualifications from foreign institutions and wish to pursue medical registration in India.
The results were declared on Tuesday following the examination conducted on October 31, 2026. The examination was organised as an additional opportunity for candidates after concerns and protests following the June 2026 FMGE session.
FMGE October 2026 Examination Results
According to the results released by NBEMS, a total of 42,113 candidates were listed for the October examination. Of these, 1,190 candidates were absent, while the results of 30 candidates were withheld.
Among the candidates who appeared for the examination, 9,354 successfully qualified and 31,539 failed. The pass percentage was approximately 22.86 per cent.
The examination carries a total of 300 marks, and candidates are required to secure at least 150 marks to qualify. The score distribution indicates that a considerable number of candidates came close to the qualifying threshold but could not achieve the required marks.
An analysis of the results showed that 14,613 candidates scored between 125 and 149 marks but failed to qualify. Within this group, 5,365 candidates secured between 140 and 149 marks, falling just short of the minimum qualifying requirement.
These figures highlight the difficulties experienced by candidates who narrowly missed the qualifying score despite coming close to the required marks.
October Examination Conducted After June FMGE Concerns
The October 31 examination was conducted following months of protests and concerns raised by foreign medical graduates over the June 2026 FMGE results.
Following the complaints, NBEMS announced several measures based on recommendations made by an expert committee. The objective was to address concerns about question paper difficulty, examination transparency and the evaluation process.
One of the important recommendations concerned the distribution of questions according to difficulty levels. The expert committee proposed that 30 per cent of the questions should be easy, 50 per cent moderate and 20 per cent difficult.
The committee also recommended allowing candidates to access their recorded responses, correct answers and marks awarded for individual questions. Such measures were intended to improve transparency and help candidates understand their examination performance.
The October session was scheduled as an additional opportunity for candidates who wanted to qualify after the June examination.
Candidates Raise Concerns Over Question Paper Difficulty
Despite the recommendations, some foreign medical graduates have raised concerns about the difficulty level of the October question paper.
Dr Samar Kumar, National FMG In-charge of FAIMA, said that feedback received from candidates suggested that the October examination was moderate to difficult. According to him, the question paper did not appear to follow the difficulty distribution recommended by the expert committee.
He also pointed out that the October pass percentage of 22.86 per cent was comparable to the results recorded in previous December-January examination sessions.
In comparison, the June 2026 FMGE pass percentage had reportedly dropped to approximately 12 per cent.
Kumar suggested that the absence of video-based questions in the October examination might have contributed to the improved pass percentage. He explained that candidates had found video-based questions unfamiliar and time-consuming during the June session.
However, these observations were based on candidate feedback and his assessment rather than an officially confirmed explanation for the change in pass percentage.
Concerns Over Answer Keys and Examination Arrangements
Apart from the question paper difficulty, candidates have also raised concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the promised answer key.
Kumar highlighted the need for NBEMS to provide clear information about the availability of answer keys and other examination-related commitments. He also pointed to difficulties caused by distant examination centres and the late distribution of admit cards.
According to him, these issues created additional anxiety among candidates who were already preparing for an important qualifying examination.
He welcomed the reduction in examination fees but urged NBEMS to improve communication and ensure greater transparency in the examination process.
The concerns have renewed discussions about the difficulties faced by foreign medical graduates while attempting to complete the screening requirements in India.
Verification Process for Successful Candidates
Candidates who have qualified in the October 2026 FMGE must complete an in-person identity and credential verification process before receiving their pass certificates.
This verification is an important requirement for confirming the identity of successful candidates and checking the authenticity of their medical qualifications.
NBEMS has stated that the reasons for withholding the results of 30 candidates have been communicated to the concerned individuals through email.
The examination authority has also announced that individual scorecards will be available from November 20, 2026. Candidates can download their scorecards for a period of six months from the date of availability.
However, NBEMS has clarified that individual scorecards cannot be used as a substitute for FMGE pass certificates when applying for registration with State Medical Councils.
Candidates who have qualified must therefore complete the prescribed verification requirements and obtain their official pass certificates before proceeding with the registration process.
NBEMS Clarifies Evaluation and Provisional Results
NBEMS has stated that subject experts reviewed all questions included in the October 2026 examination.
According to the examination authority, marks were awarded for questions identified as technically incorrect. Marks were also awarded where more than one answer was accepted following the expert review.
The authority has clarified that the declared results are provisional. The candidature of any candidate may be cancelled if they are subsequently found to be ineligible, even if their result has already been announced or an FMGE pass certificate has been issued.
This means that qualifying the examination alone does not remove the requirement to satisfy all applicable eligibility and verification conditions.
FMGE Results Highlight Challenges for Foreign Medical Graduates
The October 2026 FMGE results have once again highlighted the challenges faced by foreign medical graduates seeking to practise in India.
With only 9,354 candidates qualifying out of 40,893 who appeared, the examination recorded a pass percentage of approximately 22.86 per cent. A significant number of candidates also missed the qualifying score by a relatively small margin.
The concerns raised over question paper difficulty, answer key transparency, examination centres and admit card arrangements have added to the discussion about improving the examination process.
For successful candidates, the next step is to complete identity and credential verification and obtain their official FMGE pass certificates. Those who did not qualify will need to prepare for another examination opportunity.
The results have brought renewed attention to the need for transparent evaluation, clear communication and effective examination arrangements for foreign medical graduates in India.
