FMGE Counselling

FMGE Counselling is the process for allocating internship seats to Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) who have passed the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) in India. This exam is a mandatory requirement for FMGs to practice medicine in the country. The counselling is typically conducted in multiple rounds by a designated authority, which can be a state medical council or a national body.

FMGE Counselling involves FMGs registering online, uploading required documents, and choosing their preferred internship locations based on seat availability. The counselling authority then uses a predetermined selection criteria to allot seats to candidates. This criteria may consider factors like FMGE score, nationality, and preferences.

After seat allocation, shortlisted candidates must participate in physical document verification and complete the admission formalities at the allotted medical college or healthcare institution. They are then eligible to begin their internship and gain practical medical experience in the Indian healthcare system.

Eligibility Criteria for FMGE Counselling

Criteria	Description
FMGE Qualification	You must have passed the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) in the year for which you are applying for counselling.
Nationality	You must be a citizen of India or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder.
Registration Requirement	You must possess a provisional or permanent registration certificate from a medical council of a country other than India. The medical qualification and registration must be recognized and verified by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Internship Completion (Optional)	While not mandatory, internship completion in the foreign medical school where you obtained your degree can be beneficial.
Eligibility Duration	You are generally eligible to participate in the FMGE Counselling for three years following the year you passed the FMGE exam.

FMGE Counselling Process: Navigating Your Internship Journey

Having conquered the FMGE exam, you’re now one step closer to pursuing your medical career in India. The next hurdle is FMGE Counselling, a process that allocates internship seats in government or private medical colleges. Here’s a breakdown of the key stages involved:

1. Registration for Counselling:
   • The National Board of Examinations (NBE) typically opens an online registration window for FMGE Counselling a few weeks after the exam results are declared. Stay updated on the NBE website (https://natboard.edu.in/) for the exact dates and registration link.
   • During registration, you’ll be required to enter your FMGE roll number, personal details, and choose an exam center for document verification (if applicable).
   • A registration fee needs to be paid online while registering. Make sure you have a valid debit or credit card ready.
2. Choice Filling and Locking:
   • This is a crucial stage where you express your preferences for internship colleges. A list of participating colleges with available internship slots will be provided on the online portal.
   • Carefully research colleges based on factors like location, available specialties, infrastructure, and hostel facilities. You can prioritize your choices by ranking them in your preferred order.
   • Once satisfied with your selections, lock your choices. This is a final step, and changes won’t be possible after locking.
3. Seat Allotment Results:
   • The NBE employs a merit-based ranking system to allocate internship seats. Your rank is determined by your score in the FMGE exam and other qualifying criteria (if applicable).
   • After processing all choices, the NBE announces the seat allotment results on the online portal. You’ll be able to access your allotted college details by logging in with your credentials.
4. Reporting at Allotted College:
   • If you’re happy with your allotted seat, you must report to the designated college within the stipulated timeframe mentioned in the allotment letter.
   • During reporting, you’ll need to submit the required documents (mentioned below) for verification and complete the college’s admission formalities.
   • Failing to report to the allotted college within the specified timeframe might result in the loss of your internship seat.

Documents Required for FMGE Counselling

Document	Description
FMGE Admit Card & Scorecard (Downloaded Copies)	Printouts of the admit card you used for the FMGE exam and the official scorecard reflecting your marks.
Valid Photo ID Proof	An original and photocopy of a government-issued photo identification document like your passport, Aadhaar card, PAN card, or Voter ID card.
FMGE Passing Certificate	Original and photocopy of the certificate issued by the NBE confirming you passed the FMGE exam.
Medical Degree Certificate	Original and attested photocopy of your MBBS degree certificate awarded by your foreign medical school.
Medical Council Registration Certificate	Original and attested photocopy of the provisional or permanent registration certificate from the medical council of the country where you obtained your MBBS degree.
Internship Completion Certificate (Optional)	If applicable, original and photocopy of the internship completion certificate from your foreign medical school (if you completed an internship there).
Eligibility Certificate from MCI/NMC (if applicable)	In specific cases, an original and photocopy of the eligibility certificate issued by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the National Medical Commission (NMC) verifying the recognition of your medical qualification from your home country.
Demand Draft/Payment Receipt	Original copy of the demand draft or online payment receipt for the counselling fee submitted during registration.
Recent Passport-sized Photographs	A set of recent passport-sized photographs as specified in the counselling brochure.

Tie-Breaking Criteria for FMGE Counselling (In Case of Equal Marks)

The FMGE Counselling process employs a merit-based ranking system to allocate internship seats. Your rank is primarily determined by your score in the FMGE exam. However, in instances where two or more candidates have the same FMGE score, a tie-breaking mechanism is implemented to determine their relative position for seat allotment. Here’s a breakdown of the tie-breaking criteria typically followed by the National Board of Examinations (NBE):

1. Higher Marks in Individual Subjects (Priority Order):

• The NBE first considers the marks obtained in specific subjects of the FMGE exam. Subjects are analyzed in a predetermined order of priority.
• If a candidate has higher marks in a subject prioritized for tie-breaking (e.g., Biology), they will be ranked higher compared to a candidate with equal overall marks but lower marks in that specific subject.
• The exact order of subject prioritization for tie-breaking might change occasionally. It’s advisable to consult the official FMGE Counselling brochure published by the NBE for the most recent information.

2. Lower Ratio of Negative to Positive Responses:

If candidates have the same marks in all individual subjects, the NBE considers the ratio of negative to positive responses in the FMGE exam.

• A candidate with a lower ratio of negative responses (incorrectly answered questions) to positive responses (correctly answered questions) will be ranked higher.
• This criteria rewards candidates who attempted more questions with a higher degree of accuracy, even if they made a few mistakes.

3. Random Selection (if necessary):

In the rare scenario where candidates have identical scores in all subjects and the same negative-to-positive response ratio, the NBE might resort to a random selection process to break the tie.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FMGE Counselling?

FMGE Counselling refers to the process through which candidates who have successfully cleared the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) seek guidance and assistance in various matters related to their medical career, including registration, licensing, and placement.

Who conducts FMGE Counselling?

FMGE Counselling is typically conducted by medical regulatory authorities or government bodies responsible for overseeing medical practice in the respective country. In India, counselling for FMGE passers may be facilitated by organizations such as the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the National Board of Examinations (NBE).

What is the purpose of FMGE Counselling?

The primary purpose of FMGE Counselling is to provide guidance and support to foreign medical graduates who have cleared the FMGE exam. Counselling sessions may address topics such as registration with medical councils, obtaining medical licenses, pursuing further education or specialization, and career opportunities.

When does FMGE Counselling take place?

FMGE Counselling may take place at various stages of a candidate’s medical career journey, depending on their individual needs and circumstances. It may occur shortly after passing the FMGE exam, during the process of registration with medical councils, or when seeking guidance on career advancement opportunities.

How can I participate in FMGE Counselling?

Candidates who have cleared the FMGE exam and are seeking counselling assistance can typically access counselling services provided by relevant medical regulatory authorities or organizations. They may need to register or schedule appointments to participate in counselling sessions, either in person or online.

What topics are covered in FMGE Counselling?

FMGE Counselling sessions may cover a wide range of topics relevant to foreign medical graduates, including registration procedures, licensing requirements, career pathways, postgraduate education options, residency programs, and job placement opportunities in India or abroad.

Is FMGE Counselling mandatory?

FMGE Counselling may not be mandatory for all FMGE passers, but it is highly recommended for candidates who require guidance and assistance in navigating the complexities of medical registration, licensing, and career development, especially in a foreign country.