For Indian students pursuing MBBS abroad, one of the most important academic milestones after graduation is clearing the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), also called the MCI Screening Test. The exam, conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), is mandatory for students who complete their MBBS from foreign universities and wish to practice in India.
Among the top international destinations, Nepal has emerged as a popular choice for Indian MBBS aspirants, mainly because of its curriculum similarity with India, NMC recognition, and English-medium teaching. The Nepal MBBS program is designed in such a way that it covers almost all the subjects and competencies expected in the FMGE exam, making it a natural advantage for Indian students.
This article provides a detailed look at FMGE-oriented syllabus coverage in Nepal MBBS, its year-wise structure, subject alignment with FMGE requirements, clinical training, and the advantages it offers for Indian students.
Duration: 5.5 years (4.5 years academic + 1 year internship).
Medium of Instruction: English.
Recognition: NMC (India), WHO, and other global bodies.
Affiliations: Leading institutions like Tribhuvan University (TU), Kathmandu University (KU), B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), and Patan Academy of Health Sciences.
Before mapping Nepal MBBS with FMGE, let’s briefly recall the FMGE structure:
Total Marks: 300 (MCQ-based).
Sections: Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, and Clinical.
Subjects Covered: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine, ENT, Ophthalmology, Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Orthopedics, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Radiology, and Anesthesiology.
Qualifying Marks: 150/300.
Anatomy
Full coverage of gross anatomy, histology, embryology, and neuroanatomy.
Direct overlap with FMGE questions on bones, thorax, abdomen, neuroanatomy, and applied anatomy.
Physiology
Nervous system, cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, endocrine, and special senses.
FMGE relevance: Applied physiology and clinical case-based questions.
Biochemistry
Enzymes, metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, vitamins, and hormones.
FMGE weightage: Biochemical pathways and clinical correlations (diabetes, jaundice, renal failure).
FMGE Benefit: Nepal’s Year 1 syllabus covers all pre-clinical FMGE subjects in detail, giving students a strong base.
Pathology
General and systemic pathology with lab training.
FMGE relevance: Inflammation, neoplasia, hematology, kidney and liver pathology.
Pharmacology
General pharmacology, autonomic nervous system drugs, cardiovascular, respiratory, chemotherapy, antibiotics.
FMGE focus: Mechanism of action, side effects, and clinical use of drugs.
Microbiology
Bacteriology, virology, parasitology, mycology, immunology.
FMGE importance: Tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, fungal infections, vaccines.
Forensic Medicine
Medical jurisprudence, toxicology, autopsy techniques.
FMGE weightage: Poisoning cases, legal aspects, IPC sections.
FMGE Benefit: By the end of Year 2, Nepal MBBS covers major para-clinical FMGE areas with strong practical orientation.
Community Medicine (SPM)
Epidemiology, health programs, biostatistics, public health policies.
FMGE: Frequently tested for national health programs, vaccination schedules.
Medicine & Allied Specialties
General Medicine, Cardiology, Pulmonology, Nephrology, Endocrinology, Psychiatry, Dermatology.
FMGE relevance: Case-based questions on hypertension, diabetes, TB, skin diseases, depression.
Surgery & Allied Specialties
General Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Radiology, Anesthesiology.
FMGE weightage: Trauma, fractures, thyroid, hernia, cataract, otitis media.
Pediatrics
Growth & development, immunization, neonatal care, common pediatric illnesses.
FMGE: Child nutrition, vaccines, congenital disorders.
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Antenatal care, normal labor, complications, contraception, gynecological disorders.
FMGE: Case-based OBGY questions on eclampsia, PPH, contraception methods.
FMGE Benefit: The clinical years in Nepal MBBS mirror the FMGE subject divisions, ensuring students are exam-ready.
Rotations in Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OBGY, Community Medicine, Psychiatry, Dermatology, and Emergency Medicine.
Students apply theoretical knowledge in real-life clinical settings, which is crucial for FMGE case-based questions.
Internship reports and logbooks are structured according to NMC norms.
Curriculum Similarity with India: Almost identical to Indian MBBS curriculum, reducing the gap in FMGE preparation.
English Medium of Instruction: Removes language barriers that students face in Russia, China, or Central Asia.
NMC Recognition: Nepal’s medical colleges are approved by NMC, ensuring eligibility for FMGE/NEXT.
Shared Medical Practices: Disease patterns (TB, diabetes, infections) are similar to India, making clinical exposure highly relevant.
Proximity and Culture: Easy adaptation for Indian students, leading to better focus on academics.
Integrated Teaching: Nepal MBBS balances theory and practicals, directly matching FMGE requirements.
High Competition: Limited seats in top Nepal medical universities.
Cost Factor: Tuition fees are higher compared to Central Asian countries.
Self-Preparation Needed: Though syllabus aligns, FMGE requires extra revision and MCQ practice.
Exam Pressure: Passing FMGE requires consistent preparation alongside MBBS.
Parallel Preparation: Start revising FMGE subjects from 2nd year itself.
MCQ Practice: Solve previous FMGE papers for self-assessment.
Clinical Application: Use internship postings to master case-based questions.
Revision Notes: Maintain concise notes on high-yield topics.
Use Indian FMGE Guides: Standard textbooks and FMGE prep books complement Nepal MBBS lectures.
The Nepal MBBS curriculum is one of the best aligned with FMGE requirements, making it an excellent choice for Indian students. From pre-clinical subjects like Anatomy and Biochemistry to clinical exposure in Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics, the syllabus ensures that students cover all FMGE subjects in a structured and practical manner.
With its curriculum overlap, English-medium teaching, and disease patterns similar to India, Nepal MBBS offers a strategic advantage for Indian students aiming to clear FMGE/NEXT. However, consistent effort, early preparation, and dedicated MCQ practice remain essential for success.