What to Do if You Don't Qualify FMGE 2024?

What to Do if You Don't Qualify FMGE 2024? is a common question that comes to the mind of every aspirant. There is no need to worry if you don't qualify FMGE 2024 exam. FMGE 2024 June Session Exam is scheduled to be conducted on July 6, 2024. The FMGE Exam is conducted bi-annually and hence applicants can try to reappear for the test after 6 months. Apart from this option, there are several other options that candidates can choose if they don't qualify FMGE 2024 exam. Some of the options that candidates can choose if they do not qualify for FMGE Exam 2024 include exploring non medical careers, studying abroad, and preparing for other examinations.

The FMGE or Foreign Medical Graduates Exam is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). This exam is also known as the MCI exam or MCI screening for foreign medical graduates. The FMGE 2024 Syllabus for June session is as per the MBBS course for clinical, para-clinical, and preclinical students. The application process for FMGE 2024 is expected to begin in May 2024. Unfortunately in the past few years, the passing rate for the FMGE exam has gone down to less than 18% which includes several medical graduates from Russia, China, Ukraine, the Philippines, etc. Unless foreign medical graduates pass the FMGE, the MBBS degree earned by foreign medical graduates has no significance. 

What is the Reason Behind the Low Pass Rate in FMGE? 

The reasons behind the low pass rate in FMGE are varied. In the recent past, the global analysis of the number of foreign medical students qualifying in FMGE have indicated a rapid decrease in the pass rate. While some common reasons for the same could be identified as different medical procedures and the use of medication, some others could be defined as the language or medium of studying MBBS being different than what the candidates are comfortable with, etc. 

Mentioned below are some of the major reasons behind the low pass rate in FMGE, as recorded by the experts over the years:

Examination Difficulty Level

As we know already, FMGE is one of the most difficult examinations to crack for candidates wishing to pursue a career in the medical stream. Evidently, through the past five sessions of conducting the FMGE examination, it has been prevalent that the passing rate of candidates in the following have drastically decreased. As recorded previously, only about 25% of the candidates appearing for FMGE have successfully just managed to pass the following, in the previous five sessions. 

Thus, the difficulty level of the FMGE examination is regarded as one of the primary reasons for the rapid decrease in the passing rate of FMGE. There is no set limit of the number of attempts a candidate can pursue, therefore, a majority of the candidates appearing for the same are most likely repeaters. 

Unfamiliarity with Specific Subject Topics

Another challenge that often many candidates belonging to different countries face is the alienity of some specific topics covered in the FMGE syllabus. Depending on the geographical regions, some candidates are made to focus on some particular topics throughout their academics, which may not be the highlight or focus of discussion in other countries. This, therefore, creates an unequal discrepancy for the candidates to prepare for the unfamiliar subject topics in order to qualify FMGE. 

Examination Difficulty Level

Talking about unfamiliarity with subjects, the candidates appearing for FMGE also often report the unavailability or lack of a defined syllabus to prepare for FMGE. While 80% of the candidates struggle with securing the minimum passing percentage in the exam, the remaining 20% have opened up about the difficulty in analyzing the reason behind the absence of a defined syllabus for the FMGE. 

Moreover, the National Board of Examinations (NBE) does not quite provide the aspirants with a list of suggested books/study materials to prepare for the exam either. This not only makes it difficult for the candidates to understand the fundamentals of the topics to be covered for FMGE, but also creates a lot of confusion and disruption in the exam preparation process.

Lack of a Proper Preparation Strategy 

Owing to the previously stated reasons, many candidates fail to chart a proper preparation strategy for FMGE every year, resulting in their failure to secure a minimum passing percentage to qualify the same. While most of the time is spent calculating and understanding the syllabus of FMGE, the remaining is spent trying to chart a proper method to prepare for the exam. Without a guideline of prescribed books and notes, it becomes not only difficult but equally daunting for the candidates appearing in the FMGE Exam. 

Language Barrier

The FMGE 2024 Exam is conducted in English, which may be a second language for many students. This can pose a challenge for some students, especially if they are not proficient in English. Students may have difficulty understanding the questions or expressing their answers in English, even if they have the required medical knowledge.

Differences in Medical Curriculum

The medical curriculum in India may differ significantly from that in the student's home country. Some students may have gaps in knowledge or may not be familiar with certain topics that are covered in the FMGE exam. This can make it difficult for them to answer questions correctly and pass the exam.

Also Read:FMGE Previous Year Question Paper

Careers Options for FMGE 2024 Failed Candidates 

Evaluating Your Options: Exploring Alternative Career Paths after FMGE 2024 or Exam Options

If you don't qualify for the FMGE exam, it's important to evaluate your options and explore alternative career paths or exam options. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Assess Your Interests and Skills: The first step is to assess your interests and skills. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and explore alternative career options that align with your interests and abilities. You can also consider taking a career assessment test or consulting a career counselor for guidance.

2. Explore Other Medical Exams: If you are determined to pursue a career in medicine in India, consider exploring other medical exams that are available. For instance, you can explore the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) entrance exam, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), or state-level medical entrance exams. These exams have different eligibility criteria and exam patterns, so research them thoroughly before making a decision.

3. Consider Studying Abroad: If you are open to studying abroad, you can explore medical programs in other countries. For instance, you can consider countries like the Philippines, Russia, China, or Ukraine, which offer medical programs in English at affordable costs. However, do thorough research on the eligibility criteria, admission process, and the reputation of the university before applying.

4. Explore Non-Medical Career Options: If you are open to exploring non-medical career options, you can consider pursuing other fields that interest you. You can explore fields like public health, healthcare administration, medical writing, medical research, or medical law. These fields require different qualifications and skill sets, so research them thoroughly before making a decision.

5. Seek Guidance and Support: Finally, seek guidance and support from friends, family members, or career counselors. They can provide you with valuable insights, advice, and support during this challenging time. You can also connect with other foreign medical graduates who have faced similar challenges and learn from their experiences. Given below are some popular options for students who do not qualify FMGE 2024. Candidates can opt for a suitable choice depending on their preference, aptitude, and future plans.

Pursue a PG Degree in the UK

The best career option for FMGE 2024 failed candidates is to enrol in one or two years of post-graduation courses in the UK. There are various specializations to choose from such as:

Clinical

• Internal Medicine

• Cardiology

• Dermatology

• Oncology

• Orthopaedics

• Respiratory Medicine

Non-clinical 

• Master of Public Health

• Master of Hospital Administration 

• Bariatric Medicine

• Pharmacology

• Diabetes care

After completing a post-graduation degree in the UK, candidates can practice in India as well as 47 other countries without the need of appearing for the FMGE. PG from the UK is recognised by NMC and MCI. 

Pursue Paramedical Courses in India 

Here are some paramedical undergraduate courses that students can opt for if they fail to clear their FMGE 2024 Exam:

Study Medicine Abroad

International Medical Graduates who have completed their internships (this is especially for China Medical Graduates), can apply to various medical courses and complete them within a span of 1 to 2 years. Students will have the opportunity to receive training and guidance from world-class faculties and update their existing knowledge from some of the best universities and research institutes. To be eligible for Membership of the respective Royal College, a candidate must acquire at least 1 year of experience in the respective specialty. IMGs receive clinical training under these postgraduate courses which are up to the UK standards. It also opens many doors of opportunities such as MRCP, MRCS, MRCR, etc. 

International Medical Graduates who have not completed their internship are also eligible for completing their internship (F1 Training in the UK) in order to gain Membership in the concerned Royal College. 

International Medical Graduates can also appear for PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) which is a licensing exam for IMGs. Candidates who successfully pass PLAB 1 and PLAB 2 are eligible to apply for GMC registration. The best thing about GMC registration is it makes candidates eligible to work as doctors in the UK. GMC registration is also valid in India and one does not need to clear the FMGE exam for that. 

GMC Registration

To legally practice medicine in the UK, it is mandatory to have a license to practice. It demonstrates the type of registration a doctor has, their level of training, and other crucial information. The registration validates that doctors practicing medicine in the UK have the right skill set, training, and relevant experience required to fulfill the standard criteria that patients expect.

PLAB Test 

Students who have graduated from a medical institute outside of the UK, Switzerland, or the European Economic Area (EEA) will probably need to clear the PLAB test. The PLAB test is intended to check if students know and can perform as a doctor starting their Foundation Programme training in the second year in the UK.

Pursue a PG Degree in UK

A wise career prospect for the candidates who have failed FMGE is to simply enroll themselves into a Post Graduation course in the UK. The duration of the following is between one to two years, and they open up a lot of opportunities for future projects. Mentioned below are the various specialization courses to choose:

Clinical

Non-Clinical

Prepare Better for Retaking FMGE 

Candidates who are still willing to pass the FMGE 2024 Exam to gain a medical license in India can prepare again for the FMGE exam. Since the NBE has not put any limits on the number of attempts for FMGE, with hard work and sincerity, one can try to crack the exam again. According to the expert opinion, one must follow the NEET Syllabus 2024 diligently and practice previous years' question papers to successfully pass the FMGE. 

Reasons behind the Introduction of FMGE

It was around 1998-99 when the former NBE executive director Dr. Vipin Batra came up with the idea of setting up a screening exam. It was earlier a diplomatic window as the government nominated students for their post-graduation medical examination in the former USSR and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS countries). Later this became more of a commercial venture as more students kept joining other colleges.

According to Dr. Batra, there has always been a mismatch in terms of demand and supply in the field of medicine in India. Previously, medical education in the USSR used to be a part of a diplomatic exchange programme as the government nominated students. However, this changed in 1998 as MCI decided to derecognize foreign medical graduates in a resolution passed by the authorities.

However, on receiving a significant setback and due to the surmounting diplomatic pressure against the derecognition in the backdrop of the Pokhran nuclear test, a middle path was devised. Hence a screening test was developed. The test was met with some opposition and the Supreme Court allowed some relaxations which included the removal of the cap on the number of attempts to clear the FMGE 2024 Exam. 

To know more about FMGE 2024, stay tuned to CollegeDekho! If you have any doubts, send them to us through the Q&A Zone or call on the toll-free student helpline number 1800-572-9877.