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What Students Should Know After MBBS in Armenia For FMGE/NExT Preparation
Many Indian medical aspirants opt for MBBS in Armenia to study medicine abroad. One of the most popular medical education destinations in Armenia is the Mkhitar-Gosh Armenian-Russian International University. A lot of Indian graduates from the university who wish to practice medicine in India need to appear and clear the FMGE/NExT examination.
In this blog, we will discuss all the key points that graduates must know after completing MBBS in Armenia for FMGE preparation.
Understanding FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination)
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is a mandatory licensing exam conducted twice annually by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) in India. It is an exam for Indian and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who have completed their medical degree abroad and wish to practice in India. The FMGE exam is a tough exam with a vast syllabus.
FMGE: An Overview
The FMGE exam is a computer-based examination consisting of 300 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are required to obtain 150 marks in order to pass the exam, and there is no negative marking. The test is for 5 hours, divided into two parts - each for 2.5 hours.
The candidates are advised to follow a subject-wise study plan to prepare for the exam. The preparation needs daily MCQ practice, mock tests, etc., to get a score of 150 marks and qualify to practice in India. Consistency is the key to success in the FMGE exam.
The exam tests theoretical knowledge in around 19 medical subjects, varying from pre-clinical to clinical subjects.
FMGE Exam Pattern
The FMGE exam pattern is almost similar every year. The exam is computer-based with MCQs and is divided into two sections, with each part having 150 questions. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
The minimum qualifying percentage is 50% in aggregate. The exam includes all important MBBS subjects, including clinical and para-clinical subjects.
The table below shows the FMGE exam pattern:
|
Mode of Exam |
Computer-based Exam |
|
Structure |
Part A and Part B |
|
Total Questions |
300 MCQs |
|
Exam Duration |
5 hours |
|
Marking Scheme |
1 mark for each correct answer |
|
Negative Marking |
No negative marking |
|
Subjects Covered |
Pre-clinical, para-clinical and Clinical topics |
How To Prepare For FMGE
Preparation for the FMGE exam requires a strategic plan that includes gathering the right resources, building a study timeline, creating a subject-wise plan, following the last-month revision plan, and then finally preparing for the examination day. Let’s discuss this in more detail:
Get The Right FMGE Study Material
The foremost thing to do when planning your FMGE preparation is to gather all the right and relevant study materials. However, you must make sure that you get trusted and reliable resources, as there are thousands of books available, all of which might not be relevant.
Recommended FMGE Books for Preparation
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All India FMGE Paper Review – Dr Mujib Alam
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FMGE Solutions – Dr Deepak Marwah
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Self-Assessment Revision for FMGE – Dr Amit Ashish
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Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine
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Bailey & Love’s Short Practice of Surgery
Online Platforms To Study
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Meduhub FMGE Course – Full Video Lectures, Notes, Test Series
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Prepladder FMGE Course – Full Video Lectures, Notes, Test Series
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Marrow FMGE Edition – Question banks, and mock exam practice
Important Tip - Pick one book for each subject and 1 MCQ bank to avoid information overload.
Strategise Your Study Timeline
Creating an effective study schedule and dividing it into phases is great to prevent exhaustion and meet the deadline.
Divide Your Preparation Into 4 Phases
Stage 1 - (9-12 months before): Start with studying 20-30 MCQs per day, or just do the important topics with short notes.
Stage 2 - (6 months prior): Practice 50-70 MCQs daily, complete the first round of the syllabus while doing subject-wise mock tests.
Stage 3 - (3-5 months before): Revise all the topics, especially the important ones. Practice full-length mock tests once a week.
Stage 4 - (1 month prior) - Revise daily, take 1-2 mock tests in a week, and do only weak topics.
Important Tip - Monitor your progress using a planner or study app to make sure you are on schedule.
Study Subject-wise for Maximum Marks
You don’t have to give equal weightage to every subject. Focus on preparing subjects with more weightage to save time and score more marks.
Pre-Clinical and Para-clinical Subjects
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Use diagrams, flowcharts, and memory mnemonics to memorise a large amount of content
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Revise small sets of MCQs every week
-
Continue revising the classification of microbiology, biochemical processes, and drug actions
Clinical Subjects
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Focus on subjects that carry more weightage, like Surgery, Medicine, OBG, etc
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Study using case scenarios, as it will be important for clinical reasoning in FMGE
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Revise treatment protocols, health policy, and diagnostic standards
Create a Last-Month Revision Schedule
The last month before the FMGE exam is not meant to touch the new topics but to revise the entire syllabus that you have already learnt. This will boost your confidence in the subjects you have prepared.
Week-by-week Revision Plan
|
Week 1 |
Revise Pre and Para-Clinical subjects ( Anatomy, Pathology, Physiology, Microbiology) |
|
Week 2 |
Medicine, Surgery, OBG |
|
Week 3 |
Revise topics like ENT, Radiology, Forensics, and Ophthalmology |
|
Week 4 |
Practice mock tests daily, see your mistakes, and work on those |
Daily Study Routine
|
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
Revise all topics |
|
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM |
MCQ Practice |
|
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
Study clinical subjects |
|
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
Do last year's papers and flashcards |
Prepare for Examination Day
What you have learned matters, but how you perform is equally important. Try to stay calm and focused, avoiding any stress to give your best on the exam day.
Tips for Exam Day
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Reach the centre an hour before to avoid any last-minute panic
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Make sure you carry your admit card and photo ID
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Spend around 1 minute on each question
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Eat a light meal before the exam
Practice Self-Care in the Final Week
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Sleep for at least 7-8 hours daily to stay focused
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Avoid eating junk food, as it can cause discomfort
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Practice meditation and deep breathing to stay relaxed
Final Words
Now that you are aware of how to prepare for FMGE and have learned about how to create a study plan strategically, subject-wise, what to do last month before the exam, and how to be prepared on the day of the exam, you can follow this plan.
Engaging in a proper, well-prepared study routine is a must to clear the FMGE exam. Besides, make sure you keep revising and practising MCQs while you study new topics, with a positive attitude.
FAQs
Q.1 How many questions are there in total in the FMGE exam?
Ans. 300 questions need to be answered in 5 hours.
Q.2 What is the FMGE exam pattern?
Ans. The FMGE exam is a computer-based exam with 300 MCQs. The qualifying marks for the exam are 150, with no negative marking.
Q.3 Which subjects are most important for FMGE preparation?
Ans. Pathology, Medicine, Surgery, OBG, PSM, Pharmacology, and Microbiology should be the main focus for FMGE preparation.
Q.4 How long should you prepare for the FMGE examination?
Ans. A candidate should prepare for at least 8-10 months before the FMGE examination.
