The recently released results for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) for the June 2024 session have unveiled a troubling trend: the pass percentage remains critically low at 20.19%. With 35,819 candidates appearing for the exam, approximately 27,297 failed, resulting in a failure rate of about 79%. This figure marks a decline from the December 2023 session, where the pass rate was around 22%.
Historical Context and Recent Trends
The pass percentage for the FMGE has fluctuated significantly over the years. In 2014, it plummeted to a mere 4.93%, and since then, it has generally ranged between 10% and 20%. Although there has been a modest improvement in pass rates post-pandemic, the overall performance remains concerning. Dr. Kaushal, media coordinator for the All FMGs Association (AFA), attributed this persistent low performance to inadequate eligibility criteria. “The lack of progress in pass rates points to the deficiency of rigorous eligibility criteria. The National Medical Commission (NMC) must introduce a gateway exam similar to NEET or establish a cut-off rate for students wishing to study medicine abroad,” Dr. Kaushal remarked.
Dr. Kaushal further pointed out that many students who study medicine abroad often do so due to low NEET UG scores, which prevent them from securing seats in Indian medical colleges. This leads to a significant number of Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) not being fully committed to their education, thereby affecting their performance on the FMGE. However, Dr. Kaushal noted that the shift to online education has allowed students to rely more on digital resources and shortcut courses, which might have contributed to the improved pass percentages observed recently.
Regional Performance Overview
The FMGE pass rates vary significantly by country, reflecting differences in educational standards and preparation levels:
- Bangladesh: The average pass percentage was 27.1% from 2015 to 2018, with a rise to 36.2% in 2019 and 35.8% in 2020.
- China: The pass percentage was around 11.7% from 2015 to 2018, increased to 21.2% in 2019, and then dropped to 12.9% in 2020.
- Philippines: The pass percentage was 18.48% in 2023.
- Romania: The pass percentage was 12.50% in 2023.
- Ukraine: The pass percentage was 18.81% in 2023.
- Nepal: The pass percentage was 34.54% in 2023.
Notably, the Philippines has produced several top-ranking FMGE candidates. In the June 2024 session, graduates from the Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF) in the Philippines achieved top rankings, with Dr. Dinesh Subburaj securing AIR 2 with a score of 244 out of 300. Other top scorers included Dr. Ayub Mohamed, Dr. Bharat Reddy Ammati Venkat, and Dr. Preetha Murugan, indicating a high standard of education in Philippine medical colleges compared to other countries.
Impending Changes in Philippine Medical Education
The Philippine Medical Act of 1959 is currently under review for amendment in the Philippine lower house. If the proposed changes are approved, Indian students completing their Doctor of Medicine degrees from CHED-recognized Philippine institutions, along with a 12-month internship, will be able to register and practice medicine in the Philippines.
Dr. B Srinivas, Secretary of the NMC, stated that once the policy becomes law, the NMC will evaluate whether the curriculum of Philippine medical colleges aligns with Indian medical education standards. “Medical colleges in India are regularly inspected for compliance, a process not yet applicable to overseas institutions. Only if there is parity in the MBBS curriculum will the facilitation measures for FMGs from the Philippines be considered,” Dr. Srinivas explained.
Conclusion
The FMGE results for June 2024 highlight ongoing challenges for Foreign Medical Graduates, with more than 80% struggling to clear the exam on their first attempt. The disparity in pass rates among different countries underscores the need for more rigorous eligibility criteria and better preparation support for FMGs. As changes to educational policies and curricula are considered, they may offer new opportunities for FMGs but will require careful alignment with Indian medical education standards to be effective.
