Uzbekistan MBBS: Debunking Eligibility Myths Through FMGE Success Rates
Every year, thousands of Indian students explore overseas MBBS options. Uzbekistan has emerged as a popular choice thanks to low tuition fees, WHO/NMC-recognized degrees, and English-medium programs.
Despite this, myths persist—especially around FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) success rates and how they impact eligibility. This guide examines those myths using actual data, helping you navigate your decision for MBBS admission in Uzbekistan in 2025.
India mandates that foreign medical graduates clear FMGE (Screening Test) or the new NExT exam to obtain a license to practice in India. The pass rate varies dramatically by country of study.
Data shows that 834 percent of foreign graduates fail FMGE overall, pointing to quality issues in several education systems (Reddit, uzbekistanmedi.com, Select Your University, Reddit, Reddit).
Uzbekistan’s FMGE pass rate has fluctuated: 31% between 2012–2014, dipped to 28.9% during 2015–2020, and stood at around 27.5% in 2020–2023 (nix study abroad). As of January 2025, overall passing improved to approximately 28.9% (Careers360 Study Abroad).
This is inaccurate. FMGE pass rates significantly differ across universities:
Bukhara State Medical Institute – 47.83% pass rate in 2024, one of the best in Uzbekistan (uzbekistanmedi.com).
Tashkent Medical Academy – reported 100% pass, though based on a very small sample of four candidates (gmfadmission.in).
Samarkand State Medical University – only ~12.96% passed FMGE in 2024 (uzbekistanmedi.com).
Clearly, lumping all universities together is misleading. Some institutions are stronger in preparing students for FMGE/NExT, while others underperform.
Low pass rates do not necessarily mean students were unqualified. Several external factors matter:
Some universities offer limited FMGE coaching.
Language barriers can affect exam performance.
Low patient inflow at clinical sites affects practical learning (uzbekistanmedi.com, Careers360 Medicine).
Student drive and FMGE self-preparation significantly influence results.
False. MBBS degrees from NMC-listed universities in Uzbekistan are valid in India. Graduates become eligible for FMGE/NExT as long as they meet NMC's criteria (uzbekistanmedi.com).
Recognition matters more than impressions of pass rates.
Actually, university matters more. National average FMGE pass for Uzbekistan is ~28% (Reddit, uzbekistanmedi.com)—but among universities, the range is from 12.96% at Samarkand to ~48% at Bukhara. Choosing the right university greatly affects your eligibility for practicing in India.
Some universities integrate FMGE preparation into their curriculum; others leave that to the student.
Lower patient loads, especially in urban hospitals, can limit hands-on training.
Though instruction is in English, clinical interaction often happens in Uzbek or Russian—affecting communication accuracy in FMGE-style clinical questions (All About Doctor, Reddit, uzbekistanmedi.com).
Self-study, repetition, and dedication are critical. Many succeed independent of university quality.
Yes and no. Eligibility to enroll in Uzbekistan MBBS is based on academic criteria and NEET qualification—not FMGE results. FMGE only impacts your ability to register to practice in India later. You are still eligible to enroll even if average pass rates are lower.
Eligibility for Uzbekistan MBBS includes:
12th PCB marks: Minimum 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, Biology.
NEET qualification: Mandatory for Indian students to be eligible for FMGE/NExT later (uzbekistanmedi.com, gmfadmission.in).
Age criteria: At least 17 years by December 31 of admission year.
Passport and basic documents.
FMGE pass rate does not change these criteria.
| University | Appeared | Passed | FMGE Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bukhara State Medical Institute | 299 | 143 | 47.83 % |
| Tashkent Medical Academy | 4 | 4 | 100 % |
| Urgench Branch, Tashkent Academy | 108 | 35 | 32.41 % |
| Tashkent State Dental Institute | 21 | 8 | 38.10 % |
| Samarkand State Medical University | 54 | 7 | 12.96 % |
| Andijan State Medical Institute | 4 | 0 | 0 % |
(gmfadmission.in, uzbekistanmedi.com)
Selecting universities with higher FMGE rates tends to reflect stronger academic support infrastructure.
While some students report easier grading in semesters, FMGE pass rates show that outcomes depend on exam preparation, not just course completion. A Reddit user summarised:
“If you study abroad ... you won’t be forced to study and generally passing will be easy ... However you need to get really high cgpa for higher studies” (Reddit).
Self-discipline and consistent effort matter.
While January 2025 saw improvement to ~28.9%, it's uncertain if the upward trend continues. Uzbekistan’s average rose slightly from 27.5% to 28.9%, but still lags behind countries like Bangladesh (35–40%) and Russia (50%) (Careers360 Study Abroad).
Assuming drastic improvement across universities would be unwise.
Qualifying NEET is mandatory, but not a guarantee. FMGE is a separate exam. Many students with high NEET scores still fail FMGE due to differences in syllabus focus and practical preparation. Reddit commentary highlights that many foreign "degrees are not up to Indian standards" in clinical emphasis (Reddit).
Some believe universities offering scholarships or low tuition compromise quality. But Bukhara, while affordable, delivered ~48% FMGE success. Conversely, Samarkand’s low rate suggests scholarships don't always correlate with poor quality—each case matters.
While Uzbek / Russian is used clinically, instruction and syllabus for Indian students is in English. Students often enroll in mandatory language classes. Reddit insights confirm students adjusted over time by learning basic Uzbek or Russian for clinical rounds (Select Your University).
Language barrier does not disqualify eligibility, but may affect FMGE performance.
Uzbekistan requires one-year internship as part of its 6-year MBBS structure. NMC requires that internship equivalent be completed abroad for recognition. That requirement remains valid. FMGE/NExT eligibility is not blinded by where internship occurs.
While Uzbekistan is newer compared to Georgia or Nepal, it remains valid under Indian law if the university is recognized. Many students succeed if they choose right: for instance, Bukhara students did 48% pass even though overall national average was lower.
Selecting the university wisely, preparing diligently, and using FMGE coaching resources matters more than simply country reputation.
One Reddit comment summarised broader challenges:
“FMG graduates … test is damn difficult for kids studying medicine in countries where the selection criteria is not very rigorous” (All About Doctor, uzbekistanmedi.com, Reddit)
Another stated:
“Ultrarich dumb people send their kids to Ukraine or Russia … Most of them can’t score decently in FMGE … Another binge of coaching … make them pass” (Reddit).
These reflect issues of student self-discipline and quality of education, not eligibility failure.
It's essential to confirm university is listed on NMC and WDOMS. Degrees from unlisted institutions are not accepted. Always check NMC approved lists before assuming eligibility (Select Your University).
Recognition is mandatory for FMGE/NExT.
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| All Uzbek universities have low FMGE pass | Some have moderate to high rates like Bukhara (~48%) |
| Eligibility is based on FMGE success alone | Admission eligibility depends on academics & NEET; FMGE affects licensure not admission |
| NEET guarantees FMGE pass | NEET qualifies for India licensing, but FMGE exam content differs |
| Language barrier makes FMGE fail | Most Indian students adapt; some learn Uzbek/Russian |
| Scholarships equal low quality | Not always; some low‑fee colleges perform well |
| Internship abroad isn't valid | Valid if completed as per university curriculum |
| NMC recognition is optional | Must study in NMC-recognized university |
To be eligible and succeed:
Meet Indian academic eligibility: 12th PCB ≥ 50%, NEET qualified, passport, age 17+.
Choose a university with decent FMGE track record.
Prepare FMGE/NExT in India style (subject emphasis, mock tests).
Be proactive with clinical exposure, extra study, and language preparation.
Focus on recognition—only NMC/WDOMS-listed universities count.
Prioritize universities with ≥ 30% FMGE pass.
Avoid universities with persistently low pass rates (< 15%).
If sample size small (e.g. only four), understand context—some isolated small batches may distort percentage.
Factor in infrastructure, faculty quality, English-based instruction, and clinical exposure support.
Meet and document eligibility criteria (NEET, PCB marks, age).
Select university prioritizing FMGE track and academic support.
Prepare mentally for self-study and FMGE coaching if needed.
Learn basic clinical local language (Uzbek or Russian).
Build timeline to begin FMGE prep alongside academic semesters.
Network with senior alumni for insight and tips.
FMGE success rates highlight quality differences between universities, not eligibility rules. Admission eligibility remains rooted in academic documents and NEET qualification.
Admissions in Uzbekistan MBBS for Indian students remain valid and workable, provided you recognize that FMGE/NExT success depends on preparation, university support, and choosing the right institution.
If your goal is to return and practice in India, look beyond myths: pick Bukhara or well-performing institutions, work hard, and ensure eligibility documentation is complete.