FMGE Exempt Countries To practice Medicine In India: Every year, thousands of Indian students travel abroad to pursue their dream of becoming doctors. Countries like Russia, Ukraine, China, and Iran are among the popular destinations. But, when these students return to India, they usually face a big challenge the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). The licensing test will be conducted by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to ensures that doctors trained overseas meet India’s medical standards.
The problem is that the pass rate in FMGE remains very low, making it tough for many to start practicing. However, there is good news that medical graduates from five specific countries are exempted from FMGE. If they complete their degree in these countries, they can directly register and practice in India.
United States of America (USA)
In U.S. country students earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree instead of MBBS. To get into the MD program, students first complete a 4-year undergraduate course, followed by 4 years of medical studies. This program is demanding, and the training is globally recognized. That’s why doctors trained in the U.S. get direct approval to practice in India.
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United Kingdom (UK)
The U.K. country offers the MBBS degree, which lasts up to 5-6 years. Students receive hands-on clinical training right from the start, mainly in NHS hospitals. Due to its high-quality training system, India accepts U.K. medical degrees for direct practice.
Canada
Canada follows a U.S.-like system. Students complete a 4-year undergraduate degree, clear the MCAT entrance test, and then enter the MD program, which includes theory and clinical training. The total duration is about 8 years. Indian authorities recognize this degree for direct practice.
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Australia has two entry routes. School graduates can join a 5-6 year Bachelor of Medical Studies/MD program, while degree holders can apply for graduate entry into the MD course. Admission often requires the GAMSAT test. The program ensures strong clinical exposure, making Australian medical degrees valid for practice in India without FMGE.
New Zealand
The medical journey in New Zealand takes about 6 years. Students complete a foundation year, followed by pre-clinical and clinical phases. The degree awarded is MBChB, equivalent to MBBS, and students gain substantial hospital training. This makes the qualification directly valid in India.
For Indian students, studying medicine abroad is a big opportunity but also comes with challenges. The FMGE exam remains a hurdle for most foreign graduates. However, completing MBBS or MD in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand allows students to skip FMGE and start practicing directly in India. While this saves time and stress, students should also consider factors like cost of education, duration of the course, and admission requirements before choosing their study destination.
