FMGE exam 2026 reporting times, guidelines released for October 31 test

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has released the reporting times and detailed exam day guidelines for candidates appearing in the FMGE Exam 2026, scheduled for October 31, 2026. The notice, issued around October 29, 2026, details essential protocols to ensure a smooth testing process at various examination centers across the country.

This additional FMGE session on October 31, 2026, was previously slated for January 9, 2027, and marks a shift to a thrice-a-year examination model by the NBEMS, which will now conduct the FMGE in December/January, April/May, and August/September from 2026 onwards. The FMGE serves as a mandatory screening test for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) who have pursued medical courses abroad and wish to practice in India.

Exam Structure and Eligibility Criteria

The FMGE exam is conducted in two sessions on the same day, each lasting 2.5 hours. The morning session runs from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, and the afternoon session from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The examination comprises 300 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), divided equally into two parts of 150 questions each. Each 150-question session is further divided into three time-bound sections (A, B & C), with candidates allotted exactly 50 minutes to complete 50 questions per section. Movement between sections is not permitted once the time for a section expires. Each question carries one mark, and there is no negative marking. To clear the FMGE, a candidate must score a minimum of 150 out of 300, or 50%.

Applicants must be Indian citizens or OCIs and possess a primary medical qualification equivalent to an MBBS in India, verified by the Indian embassy in the country of study. For eligibility in the FMGE October 2026 session, candidates must have officially qualified the final examination for their primary medical qualification on or before August 31, 2026. Students who have completed their graduation in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada are exempt from the FMGE.

Reporting Times and Essential Documents

Candidates are required to report at the ‘Reporting Counter’ 30 minutes before their scheduled test time, as indicated on their admit card. Late entry is generally not permitted and may lead to disqualification. Recommended arrival time at the center is 60–90 minutes early to allow for necessary procedures. Mandatory documents to carry include a clear printout of the Admit Card and a valid original photo ID proof such as a Passport, Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Driving License, or Voter ID. Other allowed items include a transparent water bottle and a mask. Prohibited items include mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, calculators, notes, books, study material, wallets, bags, personal belongings, and food items, unless medically required.

Dress code rules advise avoiding full-sleeved clothes, heavy jewelry, belts, or accessories, and wearing simple, comfortable clothing. Pens are typically provided at the exam center. Candidates must cooperate during biometric verification and frisking, and follow all on-screen instructions and invigilator’s directions strictly.

Examination Fee and Syllabus

The examination fee for the FMGE October 2026 session has been reduced. The new total registration cost for FMGE October 2026 is ₹4,650, which includes a base fee of ₹3,940.68 and an 18% GST of ₹709.32. Candidates can pay the application fee through UPI, credit card, or debit card. The syllabus for the FMGE is aligned with the MBBS curriculum in India, encompassing pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects.

Further reading

• FMGE October 2026: Download admit card by October 27; exam on October 31
• FMGE October 2026 application correction deadline extended to October 23
• AIIMS INI CET November 2026 admit cards released: download now
• NEET PG 2026: Register for Round 2 by November 11; fill choices by November 12
• NEET UG 2026: Apply for private MBBS seats now; fees slashed up to 40% Applications open
• FMGE: complete exam guide

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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