FMGE Revision: Essential Tips for Effective Last-Minute Study

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is a vital licensing examination for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who have pursued their medical degrees from abroad.
This test is conducted biannually, and its syllabus aligns with the MBBS curriculum. The next FGME is tentatively scheduled to take place on 17th January, 2026. As you gear up for the exam, this guide offers you clear and practical tips to enhance your final revision and last-minute study.
Read more to learn about strategies to effectively manage your last-minute preparations, ensuring that you are well prepared for your exam day.
Tips to Revise All 19 Subjects for FMGE
Preparing for the FGME can become overwhelming with 19 subjects to revise, but an efficient strategy can make all the difference.
Below are important tips you can use to revise efficiently, manage time better and stay confident in the final stretch:
1. Start with a Subject You Like
Begin with a subject you enjoy—like Pharmacology, Pathology or Psychiatry.
Starting with something you like boosts your motivation and momentum. Don’t start with your weakest subject—it may slow you down or reduce confidence early on.
2. Begin with Second Year Subjects
If you’re not sure where to start, begin with second-year MBBS subjects like Pathology and Pharmacology. These subjects are the foundation of clinical knowledge and make it easier to revise related topics later.
3. Group Subjects Wisely
Instead of jumping between subjects randomly, revise in logical clusters such as:
- Pathology, Pharmacology and Physiology
- Microbiology, Medicine and PSM
- Radiology, Orthopaedics and Surgery
- ENT and Ophthalmology
This helps your brain connect the dots better.
4. Focus on High-Yield Topics
Don’t study what you feel like studying, but rather—study what matters most.
Prioritise based on:
- FMGE past year questions
- Clinical importance
- Coverage in trusted notes
So every hour you spend contributes to your score.
5. Set Time Limits for Each Subject
Time management is key. Allocate:
- 1 to 1.5 days for short subjects
- 2 to 3 days for long subjects
Avoid spending an entire week only on one subject. It’s better if you stick to your timeline and try covering everything before the examination.
6. Cover 60-70% of What Really Matters
Trying to study everything will only lead to burnout. Focus on the 60-70% of core, high-yield concepts that come in FMGE. Prioritise:
- Clinical questions and buzzwords
- Commonly repeated topics
Skip the less relevant, rarely asked topics if time is short.
Memory Hacks For FMGE Revision
Here are a few other memory-based strategies to help you with the FMGE revision:
1. Prioritise Wisely
Last-minute preparation is not the time to revise everything again; rather, it’s a time to read what is most important. Though you have already prepared all 19 subjects, devote more time at this point to scoring and high-weightage topics such as Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Preventive and Social Medicine (PSM).
Save time on low-yield pre-clinical topics such as Anatomy, Biochemistry, and ENT. Wisely prioritising revision time on important subjects will help you boost your performance.
2. Concentrate on High-Yield Topics
Revise and practice high-yield concepts that recur in FMGE. Subjects such as Medicine, Surgery, and OBGYN are of greater clinical importance and straightaway affect your score.
Refer to faculty-curated information or past FMGE exam trend analysis to determine key areas and make your revision according to actual exam patterns.
3. Practice MCQs Daily
Regular practice of MCQs enhances recall and accuracy. Try to complete 300–500 FGME-level MCQs per day.
Constant practice will help in developing pattern recognition, enhance conceptual understanding, and improve your memory recall under stress. This is essential for a challenging, time-based exam like FMGE.
4. Practice an Integrated Learning Approach
Interrelate subjects rather than studying them separately. For example, while editing Physiology, connect it to Anatomy and Pathology to create a holistic understanding.
Questions in examinations like FGME tend to assess applied concepts, and integrating theory with practical and clinical viewpoints will enable you to recall and apply information more efficiently.
5. Utilise Active Recall Methods
Passive reading does not work in the last few days. Employ active recall methods like:
- Quizzing yourself
- Reciting topics out loud
- Creating short summaries
- Employing mnemonics and visual aids
Active recall reinforces memory and makes it simpler to retrieve in the exam. Continue going over your weak points until they become familiar and automatic.
What You Should Avoid in the Last Days of FMGE?
As the FMGE exam draws near, you can’t help but feel the pressure and try to cram in every last bit of study material. But the last few days before the exam are when stability and focus are crucial.
Making smart choices now can make all the difference in your performance. Here’s what not to do in the run-up to your final FMGE revision push:
1. Don’t Waste Time on New Study Materials
This is not the time to dive into uncharted territory with new books or resources. Jumping around to unfamiliar content can really confuse you and undermine your confidence. Stick with what you know and trust – your notes, question banks and the faculty materials you’ve been using up until now.
This is about reinforcing what you already know, not cramming in even more content at the last minute just because you can.
2. Don’t Get Distracted By Multiple PDFs or Notes
Switching between several different PDFs or study guides the week before the exam is just going to scatter your focus. Choose one set of revision notes – whether they’re from your coaching institute or your own hand-written summaries – and go through them thoroughly.
Depth of understanding is way more important than variety at this stage. Consistency helps reinforce that knowledge into your long-term memory.
3. Stay Away From Social Media and Group Chats
Scrolling through FMGE discussion groups or Telegram chats in the last few days can be a nightmare for your anxiety levels. You might stumble upon something that will shake your confidence, which can set you back and hinder your revision process.
Just mute the unnecessary notifications, avoid comparing yourself to others and stick to your own study plan. In this final week, your calm, clear mind is your biggest asset.
4. Don’t Ignore the Shorter Topics
The short and easy-to-cover subjects like Dermatology, Psychiatry, Anaesthesia, and Radiology are actually high-scoring and quick to revise.
A few hours of focused study on them can get you a bunch of easy marks and improve your overall score. Don’t skip them and devote a bit of time to reviewing the key facts and clinical significance.
5. Ditch Rote Memorisation and Focus on Understanding The Concepts
FMGE exams are all about testing your ability to think critically and apply your knowledge, and not just recite facts and figures. Instead of trying to cram everything in, focus on revising the key concepts, the pathophysiology behind them and the question patterns you’re likely to encounter.
Revision should be about getting a deep understanding – not just memorising a lot of content at the last minute.
In the final week before FMGE, your goal should be clarity, focus and calm – not chaos. Stick to what you know, revise smartly and protect your peace of mind. Remember – a clear and confident mindset will almost certainly get you more marks than a last-minute cram.
Quick Last-Minute Tips to Boost Your FMGE Performance
Here are some additional tips to enhance your performance:
- Emphasis on Recall and not on New Learning: During the final push, emphasis should be placed on recalling major facts, formulas and common topics and not on new information.
- Use Flashcards or Sticky Notes: Keep sticky notes or flashcards with key points close by for quick review while on breaks or travelling.
- Take Short Slots for Short Topics: Allocate short, concentrated revision sessions to short topics daily — they are easy to revise and obtain high marks.
- Take Care of Yourself: Drink plenty of water, keep meals light and have constant energy levels. A healthy body equals a sharp mind.
High-Yield Topics to Revise Before FMGE
Focusing on high-yield subjects is the most effective method to increase your FMGE score within a short time. With 19 subjects and a lengthy syllabus, it is impossible to cover everything in detail.
Focusing on key areas helps you study effectively and do better on the exam day. High-yield subjects are those that:
- Regularly come up in past FMGE papers
- Have significant clinical and conceptual relevance
- Provide a high return on effort when updated properly
By devoting attention to these subjects, you optimise your limited revision time and maximise your chances of a higher score in the FMGE.
Top High-Yield Subjects and Topics for FMGE Revision
The following sections explain high-yield topics across the FGME syllabus. Aspiring candidates can use the following subject-wise breakdown to target the important and clinically relevant areas.
| Subject | High-Yield Topics | Revision Tip |
| Anatomy | Brachial plexus & limb nerve injuries- Thorax (heart & lungs)Cranial nerves & brainstemEmbryology (pharyngeal arches) | Use diagrams, 3D apps, cadaver images; expect image-based questions |
| Physiology | ECG & cardiac cycle- Respiration & blood gas exchangeAcid-base balance & renal clearanceEndocrine feedback loops | Focus on concepts, flowcharts, and graph-based questions |
| Pathology | Cell injury & adaptationsInflammation & healingAnemia & leukemiaRenal, liver, lung pathology | Use tables/flowcharts; study histopathology images |
| Pharmacology | ANS drugsAntibiotics & resistanceCNS & cardiovascular drugsChemotherapy & adverse reactions | Draw classification charts; use mnemonics & revision cards |
| Microbiology | Bacteriology (TB, Staph, Strep)Virology (HIV, Hepatitis)Parasitology (Malaria, Leishmania)Diagnostic tests & sterilisation | Use flashcards; revise immunology; link bugs with diseases |
| Community Medicine | Biostatistics & epidemiologyNational health programsVaccination schedulesOccupational & environmental health | Revise tables daily; focus on NMC-recommended topics |
| Medicine | Cardiovascular: MI, CHFRespiratory Tract Diseases: TB, COPD, AsthmaNeurology: Stroke, seizuresEndocrine: Diabetes, thyroid disorders | Focus on common diseases, diagnosis, and management; practice case-based questions |
| Surgery | Shock, burns, wound healingHernias, thyroid & breast surgeryOrthopaedic fractures & dislocationsUrology infections | Practice X-ray, surgical instruments, and image-based questions |
| Pediatrics | Growth milestonesNeonatal jaundice, birth asphyxiaMalnutrition & vitamin deficienciesVaccination schedule | Focus on milestones, emergencies, and practical vaccination use |
| OBG | Labour & delivery stagesEclampsia & high-risk pregnanciesPCOD, fibroids, gynaecological issuesContraception & sterilisation | Keep pregnancy charts handy; revise female reproductive anatomy; know contraceptive indications |
FMGE Exam Important Information and Dates
Staying updated on these crucial timelines enables you to manage your preparation more effectively and allocate your study time efficiently.
This section will highlight the exam details and key dates, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a successful exam experience.
FGME Exam: Key Details
| Exam Name | FMGE |
| FMGE Full Form | Foreign Medical Graduate Examination |
| Conducting Body | National Board of Examinations (NBE) |
| Official Website | https://natboard.edu.in/ |
| Exam Level | Licensing Examination |
| Frequency | Twice a year (June and December) |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Total Questions | 300 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Exam Duration | Part A – 150 minutes Part B – 150 minutes |
| Registration Fee | ₹6,195 |
| Number of Test Cities | 50 |
FGME Exam: Important Dates
Staying up to date with the FGME schedule will help candidates plan their revision schedule accordingly.
| FMGE 2025 Events | Important Dates |
| FMGE 2025 Registration Begins | November 2025 (Tentative) |
| Admit Card Release | 10 January 2026 (Tentative) |
| FMGE 2025 Exam Date | 17 January 2026 |
| FMGE 2025 Result Declaration | February 2026 |
FGME Exam Pattern
The FMGE exam is a computer-based test conducted in English. It includes a total of 300 multiple-choice questions, which are split into two parts: Pre-Clinical & Para-Clinical (Part A) and Clinical (Part B).
To pass, you need to achieve a minimum score of 50%, which is equivalent to 150 marks.
| Feature | Details |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Number of Questions | 300 |
| Question Type | MCQs |
| Language | English |
| Exam Duration | 5 hours (2 sessions) |
| Passing Criteria | Minimum 50% (150/300) |
| Session Details | Part A: 150 questions (Pre-Clinical & Para-Clinical) Part B: 150 questions (Clinical) |
FGME Subject-Wise Weightage
Understanding the marks distribution for each subject can be a game-changer for FGME exam candidates in their last-minute revision.
By knowing which subjects hold more weight, candidates can prioritise their studies effectively. Concentrating on high-yield topics helps make the most of limited time and minimises focus on less important areas.
| Subject | Marks |
| Anatomy | 17 |
| Physiology | 17 |
| Biochemistry | 17 |
| Pathology | 13 |
| Microbiology | 13 |
| Pharmacology | 13 |
| Forensic Medicine | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
Clinical Subjects (200 Marks)
| Subject | Marks |
| Medicine & Allied Subjects | |
| Medicine | 33 |
| Psychiatry | 5 |
| Dermatology & STD | 5 |
| Radiotherapy | 5 |
| General Surgery & Allied Subjects | |
| General Surgery | 32 |
| Anaesthesiology | 5 |
| Orthopaedics | 5 |
| Radiodiagnosis | 5 |
| Other Clinical Subjects | |
| Paediatrics | 15 |
| Ophthalmology | 15 |
| Otorhinolaryngology | 15 |
| Obstetrics & Gynaecology | 30 |
| Community Medicine | 30 |
| Total | 200 |
About 60% of the total marks is allocated to clinical subjects like medicine, surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Community Medicine, ENT, and Ophthalmology.
That leaves 40% for pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, and Forensic Medicine.
Knowing this breakdown lets you make an informed decision on how to focus your revision, giving more attention to the clinical-heavy areas that are going to count the most and still make sure you’re good to go with the basics.
FAQS about FGME Revision
- What are some effective last-minute revision tips for the FMGE exam?
In the last stretch of your FMGE preparation, effective last-minute revision can make all the difference. Prioritise high-yield topics, practise full-length mock exams, and use active recall instead of passive reading.
Choose one trusted source and avoid starting new books or switching between multiple PDFs. Protect your sleep and focus in these final days, and you’ll head into the exam with clarity and confidence.
- How can I manage my revision time during the final hours before FMGE?
Time management during the last few hours leading up to your FMGE exam needs to be strategic: set short blocks of study time (50–90 minutes) with breaks, start with high-yield topics, and finish with lighter active recall tasks.
Have one source of revision to prevent distraction and maintain your mental composure. To finish with a peaceful review and checklist of exam-day necessities means you will walk into the exam hall well-prepared.
- Why is revision crucial for FMGE exam preparation?
Revision is the key to FMGE success since it turns temporary study into long-term recall. Evidence demonstrates that methods such as spaced repetition and retrieval practice are more effective than passive revision.
The FMGE exam assesses applied clinical knowledge and time-limited recall, so systematic revision based on MCQs and summaries prepares you to apply knowledge under examination conditions.
- How many mock tests are enough for the revision of the FMGE exam?
When it comes to revisions and mock tests, what matters most is quality over quantity. As you go along, try to increase from one mock test a week to multiple mock tests in the last few weeks and analyse every mistake thoroughly.
Most aim to complete 15-30 full-length mocks along with rigorous review. Stick to this schedule to make the most of your FMGE study time.
- What are some active learning techniques for the FMGE exam?
Active learning techniques give you a measurable advantage in FMGE preparation. Use retrieval practice (quizzing without notes), spaced repetition (reviewing at increasing intervals), and integrated studying (mixing up subjects like medicine and microbiology) to improve recall.
Add flashcards, teach-back methods, and timed MCQ sessions to make studying dynamic, not passive.
Conclusion
Successful FMGE preparation in the last few days is all about strategic planning—focusing on high-yield areas, applying active recall, practising MCQs, and effective time management. Focus well, strategically revise, and keep a calm mind to optimise performance on the exam day.
For extra guidance, DocTutorials can be your study partner. We offer an intensive revision course for FMGE with critical points recap (C.P.R) series, live interactive classes, high-yielding Qbank and workbook, and full-length test series. We ensure students are fully prepared beforehand, unlocking their true academic potential.
Join DocTutorials and explore our FMGE course to excel in your medical exam!
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