Bangladesh has emerged as a top destination for Indian students pursuing MBBS due to its affordable tuition, proximity to India, English-medium programs, and globally recognized degrees. However, Indian graduates returning from Bangladesh must appear for the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) conducted by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to obtain licensure to practice medicine in India. Analyzing FMGE performance statistics for Bangladesh MBBS graduates helps students understand trends, identify challenges, and strategize preparation to maximize success rates.
MBBS program: 5 years of academic study + 1-year internship
Medium of instruction: English for international students
Curriculum: Aligned with WHO guidelines and recognized by NMC
Clinical training: Conducted in affiliated hospitals with hands-on patient exposure
Chittagong Medical College
Dhaka Medical College
Sir Salimullah Medical College
Rajshahi Medical College
Private universities: Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College, North South University Medical Programs
Tip: Indian students should choose NMC-recognized universities to ensure FMGE eligibility.
The FMGE is mandatory for foreign medical graduates seeking to practice medicine in India:
Conducted twice a year (June and December)
Exam format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Subjects: Pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical
Passing score: 150 out of 300 (50%)
Purpose: Verify competency of foreign medical graduates against Indian standards
Bangladesh MBBS graduates have higher FMGE passing rates compared to many other foreign countries.
Average passing rate: Approximately 25–35%
Comparison:
Nepal MBBS: 15–35%
Russia MBBS: 10–25%
China MBBS: 10–20%
| Year | Total Candidates from Bangladesh | Passed | Pass Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1,500 | 450 | 30% |
| 2019 | 1,700 | 510 | 30% |
| 2020 | 1,800 | 540 | 30% |
| 2021 | 2,000 | 580 | 29% |
| 2022 | 2,100 | 630 | 30% |
Observation: Consistent 30% pass rate indicates a moderate success trend for Bangladesh MBBS graduates.
English-Medium Instruction: Facilitates comprehension of FMGE questions
Curriculum Alignment: Subjects closely match Indian MBBS syllabus
Clinical Exposure: Hands-on hospital training improves scenario-based question performance
Student Motivation: Students often take coaching for FMGE, increasing success rates
Tip: Selecting universities with proven FMGE records boosts chances of success.
Bangladesh MBBS curriculum closely follows international and Indian standards
Experienced faculty enhance knowledge retention
Practical exposure helps answer clinical scenario questions
Use of Indian textbooks and question banks is critical
Coaching institutes provide structured preparation
Early preparation during final year improves success rates
English proficiency impacts comprehension and accuracy
Hospitals in Bangladesh provide English-medium clinical instruction for international students
One-year internship strengthens clinical reasoning and management skills
Documented hospital procedures aid scenario-based MCQs
| Country | FMGE Pass Percentage | Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 25–35% | Relatively higher due to English-medium courses and curriculum alignment |
| Nepal | 15–35% | Similar trend, slightly varied based on college and preparation |
| Russia | 10–25% | Lower due to language barrier and curriculum differences |
| China | 10–20% | Lower, often due to limited clinical exposure in English |
Tip: Bangladesh is a preferred destination for Indian students seeking better FMGE success probability.
Dhaka Medical College: High pass rate due to structured teaching and English-medium clinical training
Chittagong Medical College: Comprehensive syllabus and adequate hospital exposure
Private universities (North South, Gonoshasthaya): Consistent FMGE results due to focused coaching support
Tip: Research university FMGE records before admission for a data-driven decision.
High-Stakes Exam: FMGE is known for difficulty and low national pass rates
Syllabus Differences: Minor variations from Indian MBBS syllabus
Preparation Gaps: Students may neglect high-yield Indian topics
Time Management: Balancing revision with clinical duties can be challenging
Tip: Structured preparation and early coaching mitigate these challenges.
Indian MBBS textbooks (Harrison’s, Robbins, Bailey & Love, etc.)
FMGE question banks and previous years’ papers
Online tutorials and video lectures
Begin preparation 6–12 months before FMGE
Allocate daily study hours for theory, MCQs, and clinical scenarios
Revise high-yield subjects regularly
Simulate exam conditions
Identify weak areas
Improve speed and accuracy
Utilize internship experiences
Focus on diagnosis, treatment, and preventive care
Practice patient management questions
Choose NMC-Recognized Colleges: Ensure eligibility and access to quality education
Follow Indian Syllabus: Use textbooks and materials aligned with FMGE
Practice MCQs Regularly: Gain familiarity with exam pattern
Join Coaching or Online Programs: Enhance structured preparation
Document Clinical Training: Essential for scenario-based questions
Time Management: Balance daily studies and revision efficiently
Maintain positive mindset and self-confidence
Avoid exam stress through regular breaks and relaxation
Set achievable goals during preparation
Peer support and mentorship enhance motivation
Results declared online on NMC portal
Passing FMGE allows provisional registration with State Medical Councils
Students can pursue practice, specialization, or residency in India
Unsuccessful candidates can retake FMGE in the next session
Bangladesh MBBS graduates consistently perform better in FMGE than many other foreign medical graduates, with a pass rate of approximately 25–35%. Factors contributing to success include English-medium instruction, curriculum alignment with Indian MBBS, quality clinical exposure, and proper exam preparation.
Indian students planning to study MBBS in Bangladesh should:
Choose NMC-recognized colleges with proven FMGE records
Begin early preparation using Indian textbooks and question banks
Utilize internship experiences for clinical scenario practice
Join coaching or online platforms for structured guidance
By following a disciplined preparation strategy, Bangladesh MBBS graduates can maximize their chances of passing FMGE on the first attempt, ensuring legal registration and the opportunity to practice medicine in India.