The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has announced the results of the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) for the June 2025 session. The pass percentage has dropped sharply compared to the previous session. The overall pass rate is just 18.02%. More than 37,000 candidates registered for the exam, which took place on July 26, 2025. This low success rate raises concern among foreign medical graduates, as the FMGE is a required licensing exam for those who want to practice medicine in India after earning medical degrees abroad.

According to NBEMS, 6,707 candidates passed the exam. Meanwhile, 29,327 candidates did not meet the qualifying criteria. Additionally, 1,168 candidates were absent on test day. The results of five candidates are being withheld due to ongoing reviews by the Examination Ethics Committee, investigations into possible misconduct, or ongoing court cases. The pass percentage reflects a significant decline from the December 2024 session, where 29.19% of candidates passed, highlighting the exam’s difficulty.

The FMGE is known for its strict evaluation process, which aims to ensure that foreign medical graduates meet the standards needed to practice in India. Candidates from the June 2025 session can check their results on the official NBEMS website at natboard.edu.in. The board has stated that the scorecards will be available for download starting August 21, 2025. However, candidates should understand that the scorecard alone is not enough for medical registration with a State Medical Council (SMC). Only the official FMGE pass certificate, provided after thorough identity and credential checks, will be accepted by SMCs for registration.

NBEMS has stated that pass certificates will be distributed directly to qualified candidates. This process will follow identity and credential verification, and a detailed schedule for certificate issuance will be announced separately on the NBEMS website. This in-person verification is to prevent fraud and ensure that only eligible candidates receive the necessary certification to practice in India.

The board has also issued a formal advisory to all State Medical Councils, stating that the digitally signed result PDF available online is just for notifying candidates of their result status and is not valid for registration. For official verification, NBEMS will provide each SMC with a digitally signed result for comparison with the FMGE pass certificate presented by the candidate. This is part of the board’s efforts to maintain the integrity of the certification process and to prevent the misuse of unofficial documents.

The FMGE is seen as one of the toughest medical exams in the country, with historically low pass rates that reflect its high standards. The drop in the success rate from the last session could be due to several reasons, including the test’s complexity, variations in international medical education, and the differing levels of preparation among candidates. The exam takes place twice a year and is crucial for foreign-trained doctors wanting to work in India.

Candidates should remember that eligibility for the FMGE is strictly controlled. If a candidate is found ineligible at any point—whether during the application process, after results are declared, or even after a pass certificate is issued—their candidature will be canceled. This strict enforcement helps ensure adherence to medical education standards and public health safety by allowing only qualified professionals into the Indian healthcare system.

The NBEMS encourages candidates to rely solely on its official communication channels for any updates or clarifications regarding the FMGE results and certification process. Questions can be directed to the board through its helpline or via the communication portal on its examination website. The board has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and fairness in conducting the exam and evaluating results.

For many foreign medical graduates, the FMGE result is a critical moment in their professional journey. While the June 2025 session has been disappointing for most candidates, those who passed can now move toward obtaining their pass certificates and, eventually, their registration with State Medical Councils. The upcoming in-person verification will be the final step before they can officially start practicing in India, adding their skills to the healthcare sector.

The significant drop in the pass percentage this session highlights the FMGE’s strict standards and the high requirements for medical practice in India. It also emphasizes the need for aspiring candidates to prepare thoroughly, align their knowledge with Indian medical standards, and stay updated on NBEMS guidelines. As the board gears up to issue pass certificates in the coming weeks, the June 2025 FMGE results will continue to be discussed among medical professionals, educators, and policymakers.