The Centre has defended the conduct of the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) held on June 28, 2026, saying video-based questions were not introduced without notice and had already been included in the official demo test made available to candidates before the examination.
The clarification came in the Lok Sabha on Friday, August 7, in response to a question raised by MPs Kuldeep Indora and Zia Rehman over complaints from FMGE candidates about the June 2026 examination.
Candidates had reportedly raised concerns over the inclusion of video-based questions, alleged changes in the examination pattern, the difficulty and length of the paper, transparency in evaluation and the non-release of the answer key. Questions were also raised about arrangements at examination centres amid severe heatwave conditions.
Centre says video-based questions were notified beforehand
Responding to the complaints, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said the video-based questions were not a surprise addition to the June 2026 FMGE.
According to the government, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) had included such questions in the official demo test available to candidates before the examination. The purpose was to familiarise candidates with the examination interface and the pattern.
The Centre, therefore, rejected the suggestion that the video-based questions were introduced without prior information.
The FMGE is conducted by NBEMS under the Screening Test Regulations for Foreign Medical Graduates. The examination is used for foreign medical graduates seeking provisional or permanent registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the respective State Medical Councils.
FMGE June 2026 pass percentage was 12.78%
The government also clarified the pass rate reported for the June 2026 examination.
While the question raised in Parliament referred to a pass percentage of 12.40%, the Centre said the overall pass percentage for FMGE June 2026 was 12.78%.
However, the government pointed to a significant difference between first-time candidates and the overall pool. Among freshers, or candidates appearing for FMGE for the first time, the pass percentage was more than 35%.
The Ministry said the overall pass percentage cannot be attributed to the examination paper alone. It depends on several factors, including the quality of medical education received by candidates, their individual level of knowledge and their performance in the examination.
No answer key release, Centre explains confidentiality rule
One of the major demands raised by candidates was the release of the FMGE June 2026 answer key to improve transparency in the evaluation process.
The government, however, said the examination operates through a structured question bank containing a finite pool of validated questions.
It also referred to Clause 9.7 of the FMGE Information Bulletin, which states that the examination is covered by a Non-Disclosure Agreement.
According to the Ministry, making the question paper public could affect the confidentiality of the question bank and potentially compromise the integrity and future conduct of the examination.
Centre says exam centres were audited before FMGE
Candidates had also raised concerns about inadequate facilities at examination centres, particularly because the exam was conducted during a period of intense heatwave conditions in several parts of the country.
The Ministry said NBEMS had carried out audits of examination centres before the June 2026 FMGE to check their preparedness and the availability of necessary facilities.
It added that additional cooling arrangements, including coolers wherever required based on local weather conditions, were made available at examination centres.
The government also said drinking water was provided to candidates during both examination shifts.
Centre says FMGE followed notified regulations
On the wider allegation that the examination pattern or rules were changed without adequate notice, the government maintained that FMGE is conducted in accordance with the notified regulations and prescribed qualifying criteria.
The syllabus for the examination is based on subjects and knowledge areas prescribed under the competency-based undergraduate curriculum published by the NMC for the MBBS course.
The Ministry further said that any changes concerning eligibility criteria, syllabus or the regulatory framework for foreign medical graduates are considered by the NMC from time to time, based on statutory provisions and stakeholder requirements.
No decision on 20 bonus marks
Candidates had also demanded relief in the form of 20 bonus marks, along with greater transparency in the examination process.
The government's response did not announce any such concession. Instead, it reiterated that FMGE is conducted according to the existing regulations and qualifying criteria.
The Centre also did not indicate any move to release the June 2026 answer key, citing the confidentiality provisions governing the examination.
