Nepal has emerged as a popular destination for Indian students pursuing MBBS due to its proximity, English-medium programs, affordable fees, and globally recognized medical degrees. However, Indian students returning from Nepal must appear for the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE), now gradually transitioning to the National Exit Test (NExT), to obtain a license to practice medicine in India. Understanding the FMGE passing rates, factors influencing success, and preparation strategies is essential for students aiming to secure their medical career in India after completing MBBS in Nepal.
Nepal offers MBBS programs through various government and private medical colleges that attract a significant number of Indian students:
Program Duration: 5.5 years including 1-year internship
Medium of Instruction: English for international students
Global Recognition: Degrees recognized by WHO, NMC (India), and other international medical bodies
Clinical Exposure: Affiliated hospitals and teaching hospitals provide hands-on patient interaction
Proximity to India: Reduced travel time, lower living costs, and cultural familiarity
For Indian students, FMGE eligibility depends on NMC recognition:
Recognized Colleges: All major Nepali medical colleges enrolling Indian students are listed on NMC’s official website
Degree Eligibility: Only graduates from NMC-recognized colleges can appear for FMGE/NExT
Internship Requirement: Completion of one-year internship in affiliated hospitals is mandatory for FMGE eligibility
Tip: Students must verify NMC recognition before admission to avoid ineligibility for FMGE/NExT.
The FMGE is conducted by the NMC for Indian students who have completed their MBBS abroad:
Frequency: Twice a year (June and December)
Format: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects
Passing Marks: 150 out of 300 (50%)
Purpose: To ensure foreign medical graduates meet Indian medical education standards before licensure
The FMGE serves as a gatekeeper for Indian students returning from Nepal to practice medicine in India legally.
FMGE passing rates for students from Nepal generally range between 15% and 35%, slightly higher than some other foreign countries but lower than domestic graduates.
Success depends on curriculum alignment, quality of teaching, preparation, and language of instruction.
Top-performing Nepali colleges consistently report higher FMGE passing rates due to English-medium instruction and structured clinical training.
Curriculum Alignment with Indian Standards: Colleges following a curriculum similar to Indian MBBS improve student familiarity with FMGE topics.
Teaching Quality: Experienced faculty and interactive teaching methods enhance exam readiness.
English-Medium Instruction: Students studying in English find it easier to understand FMGE content and answer MCQs.
Clinical Exposure: Extensive hospital rotations help in answering clinical scenario-based questions.
Student Motivation and Preparation: Consistent study habits and early FMGE-focused preparation significantly affect passing rates.
Coaching and Study Materials: Use of Indian reference books, previous FMGE papers, and mock tests boosts success.
Tip: Students should choose colleges with proven FMGE track records to improve their chances.
Nepal vs. Russia: FMGE passing rates for Nepal MBBS graduates are slightly higher (15–35%) than many Russian universities (10–25%).
Nepal vs. China: Comparable or slightly higher passing rates due to English-medium programs in Nepal.
Nepal vs. Ukraine/Kyrgyzstan: Nepal MBBS programs tend to offer better clinical exposure and exam-aligned curriculum.
Tip: Indian students often prefer Nepal due to cultural familiarity and proximity, which also reduces adjustment challenges.
Begin FMGE-oriented preparation during the final year of MBBS
Focus on subjects emphasized in FMGE: Pharmacology, Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Indian standard reference books (Harrison’s, Bailey & Love, Robbins Pathology, etc.)
FMGE question banks and previous years’ papers
Online video lectures and mock tests
Many Indian students join coaching institutes or online classes
Mock tests simulate the FMGE exam environment
Study groups with peers enhance knowledge retention
Regularly review clinical cases encountered during hospital rotations
Practice interpreting investigations, prescriptions, and treatment protocols
Focus on Indian disease patterns, as FMGE emphasizes locally relevant knowledge
Allocate time for each subject based on weightage in FMGE
Daily revision of high-yield topics
Practice solving MCQs under timed conditions
Curriculum Differences: Some subjects may be taught differently compared to India
Language Barrier: Clinical rotations may involve interaction with patients speaking Nepali or local dialects
Limited Exam Orientation: Some colleges do not provide FMGE-oriented coaching
Stress and Anxiety: FMGE has a high failure rate, leading to pressure on students
Tip: Students should proactively adapt to differences and focus on FMGE syllabus alignment.
Certain Nepali medical colleges have produced a consistently higher number of FMGE qualifiers, often due to:
English-medium curriculum
Experienced faculty
Structured clinical training
Availability of mock exams and exam guidance
Colleges such as Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, and select private medical colleges report passing rates of 30–35%, above average for FMGE.
Tip: Indian students should review past FMGE performance of their chosen college before admission.
The one-year compulsory internship is crucial for FMGE preparation
Provides hands-on exposure to procedures, case management, and clinical scenarios
Helps students answer scenario-based FMGE questions with confidence
Completion of internship is mandatory for exam eligibility
Tip: Keep internship records and certificates carefully, as NMC requires verification before FMGE/NExT registration.
Ensure MBBS degree is from NMC-recognized Nepali university
Complete one-year internship
Create an account on NMC portal
Fill personal details, university information, and upload scanned documents
Upload MBBS degree, mark sheets, internship certificate, NEET scorecard, passport, and photographs
Pay the prescribed fee online
Keep the receipt for confirmation
Download admit card before exam date
Verify exam center details
Appear for FMGE/NExT
Check result online; successful candidates can apply for provisional registration in India
Choosing the Right College: Prefer colleges with high FMGE success records
Focused Study Plan: Follow Indian syllabus and high-yield topics
Regular Mock Tests: Familiarity with question pattern improves performance
Time Management: Balanced revision and practice of MCQs
Peer Support: Study groups enhance understanding of complex topics
Clinical Knowledge: Reinforce practical exposure from internship and rotations
Proximity to India: Easier travel and cultural adaptation
Affordable Tuition Fees: Lower compared to private Indian medical colleges
English-Medium Programs: Facilitates FMGE/NExT preparation
Global Recognition: Degrees recognized by NMC, WHO, and other international bodies
Practical Exposure: Hands-on hospital rotations in teaching hospitals
Tip: Combine academic knowledge with clinical experience for FMGE/NExT success.
Misconception: FMGE passing is guaranteed by completing MBBS in Nepal
Reality: Passing depends on preparation, clinical knowledge, and exam strategy
Misconception: English-medium MBBS ensures FMGE success
Reality: Additional exam-focused preparation is necessary
Misconception: Internship alone is sufficient
Reality: Internship helps but comprehensive revision of all subjects is essential
Nepal MBBS programs provide Indian students with high-quality medical education, English-medium instruction, and affordable costs. While the FMGE passing rate for Nepali graduates ranges from 15–35%, success depends heavily on college selection, curriculum alignment, focused preparation, and internship experience.
Indian students returning from Nepal must carefully plan their FMGE/NExT preparation, utilize appropriate study materials, attend coaching if necessary, and leverage clinical exposure gained during MBBS. By following a structured strategy and adhering to NMC guidelines, students can significantly improve their chances of clearing FMGE/NExT and securing licensure to practice medicine in India.
Nepal remains a viable and attractive destination for Indian medical aspirants seeking quality education with the opportunity to practice in India post-graduation.