FMGE 2026 Exam Date and Shift Timings released, check updates

December 30, 2025: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has scheduled the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) June 2026 exam for 17 January 2026, with the test to be conducted in two shifts on the same day. The FMGE is a mandatory screening test for foreign medical graduates seeking registration to practice medicine in India. The exam will take place in computer-based mode at designated centres nationwide. Aspirants must be aware of the exact shift timings to arrive early and complete mandatory entry procedures to avoid last-minute issues on the exam day.

FMGE 2026 Exam Date and Shift Details

The FMGE January session scheduled for 17 January 2026 will be held in the following two shifts:

• Shift 1 (Morning): 09:00 AM to 11:30 AM
• Shift 2 (Afternoon): 02:00 PM to 04:30 PM

These timings align with the typical FMGE pattern where candidates are divided into morning and afternoon sessions to manage large numbers of test-takers and ensure smooth conduct of the computer-based exam.

What FMGE Exam Entails?

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is conducted by NBEMS for Indian citizens, Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), and eligible foreign nationals who have completed their primary medical qualification outside India and seek provisional or permanent medical registration in India. The exam evaluates medical knowledge equivalent to Indian MBBS standards through a comprehensive multiple-choice format. With 300 questions divided into two sections, candidates must plan their preparation and logistics to match the two-shift schedule on 17 January 2026.

Before the Exam: Admit Card and City Allotment

NBEMS typically releases city intimation slips and admit cards well before the exam day, enabling candidates to know their test location and reporting times. The admit card release generally occurs around 14 January 2026, while test city information is usually shared earlier. Aspirants are advised to download these documents from the official FMGE/NBEMS portal as they are mandatory for entry into the exam hall.

Post-Exam: Result and Next Steps

After the FMGE exam is conducted, NBEMS announces results usually within a few weeks indicating whether a candidate has qualified the screening requirement. The result for the January 2026 session is expected to be declared by 17 February 2026. Qualified candidates can then proceed with registration processes for medical practice in India, subject to applicable regulations.