NExT, FMGE, and FET — What Every MBBS Abroad Student Must Know in 2026

If you are planning MBBS abroad in 2026 — or if your child is currently studying MBBS at a university outside India — the regulatory landscape has changed significantly in the last 12 months.

Three exam names are causing confusion among students and parents right now: NExT, FMGE, and FET. Many families researching MBBS abroad are getting contradictory information online — some sources say NExT is replacing FMGE from 2026, others say it is postponed. Some say there is a new exam called FET that students must clear before going abroad.

This post cuts through the confusion. We will explain what each exam is, what has changed, what is confirmed, and what it means for students planning MBBS abroad in 2026 and beyond.

IMPORTANT UPDATE (March 2026): NMC has officially deferred the NExT exam by 3-4 years. FMGE continues as the licensing exam for foreign medical graduates until NExT is fully implemented. A new exam called FET (Foreign Eligibility Test) has been introduced — students must clear it BEFORE going abroad for MBBS.

Quick Reference — The Three Exams Explained

Exam	What It Is	Who Takes It	Current Status
FMGE	Foreign Medical Graduate Exam — licensing test to practice in India after MBBS abroad	Students who completed MBBS from a foreign university	ACTIVE — continues until NExT is implemented
NExT	National Exit Test — will replace both FMGE and NEET-PG eventually	All MBBS graduates in India and foreign graduates	DEFERRED 3-4 years by NMC. Not yet operational.
FET	Foreign Eligibility Test — new exam students must clear BEFORE going abroad for MBBS	Students planning MBBS abroad from 2026 onwards	NEW — introduced under NMC Guidelines 2026

FMGE — What You Must Know Right Now

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is the current mandatory licensing exam for Indian students who complete MBBS from a university abroad. Until NExT is implemented, every student returning from MBBS abroad must clear FMGE to practice medicine in India.

FMGE — Key Facts

•       Conducted by: National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS).

•       Frequency: Twice a year — June and December sessions.

•       Format: 300 MCQs in two papers of 2.5 hours each. No negative marking.

•       Passing score: 150 out of 300 (50%).

•       Subjects: 19 subjects covering pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical domains.

•       Pass rate: Historically 15-25% — this is a genuinely tough exam that requires serious preparation.

The Hard Truth About FMGE Pass Rates

FMGE has a historical pass rate of 15-25%. This means 3 out of 4 students who appear for FMGE do not clear it on the first attempt. This is not meant to scare you — it is meant to prepare you. Students who choose the right university, maintain strong academics throughout their MBBS, and begin FMGE preparation from Year 3 onwards have significantly higher pass rates. This is why choosing a consultancy that stays with you through your entire MBBS — not just during admission — matters enormously.

NExT — What Has Changed and What It Means

NExT (National Exit Test) was originally planned to replace FMGE from August 2025. NMC has now officially confirmed that NExT is deferred by 3-4 years due to legal, logistical, and infrastructure challenges.

According to NMC Chairman Dr. Abhijat Sheth, NMC will conduct mock NExT tests — fully funded — before the actual rollout to ensure flawless execution. The first mock NExT may be conducted as a trial in 2026 or 2027.

What Will NExT Look Like When It Comes?

•       NExT will be a 3-day exam — significantly longer than FMGE.

•       NExT Step 1: Online MCQ exam — 540 questions assessing theoretical knowledge.

•       NExT Step 2: Clinical and practical skills assessment — after completing 12-month internship.

•       NExT will replace both FMGE (for foreign graduates) and NEET-PG (for PG admissions).

•       All students — Indian MBBS graduates and foreign graduates — will write the same NExT exam. One nation, one exit test.

What this means for students currently studying MBBS abroad: FMGE remains your licensing exam for now. Begin NExT preparation from Year 3 or 4 regardless — when NExT does come, being prepared early will give you a significant advantage.

FET — The New Exam You Must Know About Before Going Abroad

This is the most significant new development in the NMC Guidelines 2026 — and one that many families planning MBBS abroad are not yet aware of.

FET (Foreign Eligibility Test) is a new qualifying exam that students must pass BEFORE they are permitted to take admission at a foreign medical university. Think of it as a pre-departure filter — the NMC wants to ensure that students going abroad for MBBS have the academic foundation to handle a medical degree.

What We Know About FET So Far

•       Syllabus: Based on NMC's Competency-Based Medical Education curriculum — approximately first-year MBBS level.

•       Purpose: To ensure students are academically ready before going abroad — not just NEET-qualified.

•       Impact: Students with weaker NEET scores will find FET more challenging. A NEET score of 450+ gives you a stronger foundation for FET.

•       Official FET brochure: Not yet released by NMC. Students must watch the NMC website (nmc.org.in) for official updates.

Our honest take: FET is good news for serious students. It filters out candidates who are academically unprepared, which means classrooms abroad will have more committed students — improving the overall quality of MBBS abroad education and the reputation of foreign medical graduates in India.

The Complete Pathway — From NEET to Practicing Doctor

Step	Stage	What Happens
1	NEET Qualification	Qualify NEET with minimum qualifying score. Valid for 3 years.
2	FET (New)	Clear Foreign Eligibility Test — pre-departure filter introduced under NMC 2026 guidelines.
3	Admission Abroad	Enrol at NMC & WHO approved university. 54 months academic study + 12 months internship.
4	MBBS Completion	Complete MBBS degree with minimum 50% marks. Complete mandatory 12-month internship.
5	FMGE / NExT	Currently: Clear FMGE. When NExT is implemented (3-4 years): Clear NExT Step 1 & 2.
6	India Internship	Complete supervised internship in India for 12 months after clearing FMGE/NExT.
7	Medical Registration	Register with State Medical Council. Begin practicing as a doctor in India.

What Should Families Do Right Now?

Given all these changes, here is our practical advice:

•       Target a NEET score of 450+ — this gives you the strongest foundation for both FET and FMGE/NExT.

•       Watch nmc.org.in for official FET brochure release — do not rely on secondary sources alone.

•       Only choose NMC and WHO approved universities — this is non-negotiable under the new guidelines.

•       Ask your consultancy how they support FMGE preparation — not just admission. A good consultancy stays with you for 6 years, not 6 weeks.

•       Start FMGE preparation from Year 3 of your MBBS — do not leave it to the final year.

Navigate the New Regulations With Confidence

The NMC 2026 guidelines have made MBBS abroad a more regulated, more credible, and ultimately more valuable path for genuine students. But they have also made it more complex to navigate without expert guidance.

At Global Medical Admissions, we track regulatory changes in real time. We only work with universities that are fully compliant with NMC 2026 guidelines. And we stay with our students — from NEET counselling through to FMGE and NExT preparation.

If you have questions about FET, FMGE, NExT, or what the new NMC guidelines mean for your child's MBBS abroad journey — book a free strategy session with us today. We will give you honest, up-to-date answers.

The regulations are changing. Your preparation should not stop. Stay informed. Stay ahead.