MBBS in China Q&AMenuWho conducts FMGE, the NMC or NBEMS?
Unofficial · Sources checked
Under India's Screening Test Regulations 2002, the screening test (FMGE) for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India holding a primary medical qualification from outside India is conducted by the prescribed authority. NBEMS (National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences) has been entrusted with conducting it. NBEMS's role is limited to conducting the test, publishing the result and handing it over to the National Medical Commission (India) and all State Medical Councils; the State Medical Councils, not NBEMS, decide registration as a medical practitioner.
The steps that follow the test in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal are outlined on our licensing exams page.
Who conducts the test
The FMGE (Screening Test) October 2026 Information Bulletin, version 2.2, published by NBEMS, states in chapter 1 that the FMGE-Screening Test was introduced through the Screening Test Regulations 2002. An Indian citizen or Overseas Citizen of India with a primary medical qualification from a medical institution outside India who seeks provisional or permanent registration with the Medical Council of India or a State Medical Council on or after 15 March 2002 shall qualify a screening test conducted by the prescribed authority. NBEMS has been entrusted with the responsibility to conduct the Screening Test under those regulations.
The bulletin states that the role of NBEMS is limited to conduct of the test, publishing the result, and handing over the result to the National Medical Commission (India) and all State Medical Councils.
Who decides registration
Chapter 4 of the same bulletin states that the eligibility of a candidate to appear in FMGE is determined solely on the basis of the information and documents furnished by the candidate in the application form, which are treated as correct and factual per the candidate's declaration. The eligibility for registration as a medical practitioner, however, is determined by the State Medical Councils at the time of provisional or permanent registration.
Admit cards issued to candidates are provisional. If ineligibility is detected at any stage of FMGE, the candidature is cancelled even if the result has been declared and a pass certificate issued.
The National Medical Commission (India)'s Information Desk page states that candidates who qualify the screening test may apply to the National Medical Commission (India) or to any State Medical Council for provisional or permanent registration.
Who does what
| Function | Authority | Document |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct the screening test | NBEMS | FMGE (Screening Test) October 2026 Information Bulletin v2.2, NBEMS |
| Publish the result | NBEMS | FMGE bulletin chapter 1, NBEMS |
| Hand over the result to NMC (India) and all State Medical Councils | NBEMS | FMGE bulletin chapter 1, NBEMS |
| Intimate the result to candidates, NMC (India) and State Medical Councils | The prescribed authority | For Students to Study Abroad (Information Desk), National Medical Commission (India) |
| Determine eligibility to appear | The candidate's own declaration and documents | FMGE bulletin chapter 4, NBEMS |
| Determine eligibility for registration as a medical practitioner | State Medical Councils | FMGE bulletin chapter 4, NBEMS |
| Receive applications for provisional or permanent registration from qualifiers | NMC (India) or a State Medical Council | For Students to Study Abroad (Information Desk), National Medical Commission (India) |
Related questions
Does NBEMS decide whether I can register as a doctor in India?
No. Chapter 4 of the October 2026 bulletin states that eligibility for registration as a medical practitioner is determined by the State Medical Councils at the time of provisional or permanent registration. NBEMS's role is limited to conducting the test, publishing the result and handing it over.
Can I write to NBEMS to confirm my eligibility before the exam?
For the October 2026 session, the bulletin advises candidates not to canvass with NBEMS for eligibility in FMGE or for issuance of an admit card. Queries, if any, may be submitted through the Communication Web Portal only.
Sources
- FMGE (Screening Test) October 2026 Information Bulletin, version 2.2 — National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), India
- For Students to Study Abroad (Information Desk page) — National Medical Commission, India
Checked 11 October 2026.
This page is an unofficial summary, is not legal or professional-licensing advice, is not published by the bodies named, promises no admission, examination or registration outcome, and the official text and the regulator's own instructions prevail if they differ.