FMGE Exam Day Guidelines – What to Do & Avoid: Your 2026 Success Blueprint
- Jan 31
- 4 min read
The FMGE Exam Day Guidelines are just as critical as your months of rigorous study. For many Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), the difference between a qualifying score of 150 and a missed opportunity isn't just medical knowledge—it’s how they handle the logistics of the D-day. As we approach the 2026 sessions, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has tightened security and procedural protocols.
This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the official FMGE Exam Day Guidelines to help you navigate the center with confidence and avoid any last-minute disqualifications.
FMGE Exam Day Guidelines: Essential Morning & Afternoon Schedule
The 2026 Foreign Medical Graduate Examination is a marathon, not a sprint. It consists of two parts conducted on the same day. Adhering to the timeline is the first rule of success.
Activity | Part A (Morning Session) | Part B (Afternoon Session) |
Entry to Exam Center Starts | 07:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
Entry Gates Close | 08:30 AM (Strict) | 01:30 PM (Strict) |
Candidate Login Access | 08:45 AM | 01:45 PM |
Exam Start Time | 09:00 AM | 02:00 PM |
Exam End Time | 11:30 AM | 04:30 PM |
Pro Tip: Aim to arrive at the center by 07:00 AM. Traffic delays or difficulty locating the exact gate can cause panic. In 2026, many centers have introduced multi-layered biometric checks that take time.
Mandatory Documents for FMGE 2026
According to the latest FMGE Exam Day Guidelines, entry is strictly document-dependent. If you miss one, you will not be allowed to sit for the exam.
1. Printed Admit Card
Ensure you have a clear, color printout of your FMGE 2026 Admit Card. It must have a recent passport-sized photograph (35x45 mm, white background) pasted in the designated space. The barcode must be scannable and not folded.
2. Original Photo ID Proof
You must carry a valid, non-expired, government-issued photo ID. Accepted IDs include:
Aadhaar Card (with photograph)
Passport
PAN Card
Voter ID
Driving License
Note: Photocopies or digital IDs on phones (DigiLocker is often not accepted at the gate) are strictly prohibited.
The 2026 FMGE Dress Code: What to Wear and Avoid
Security frisking is intensive. To ensure a smooth entry, follow the prescribed FMGE Exam Day Guidelines regarding your attire.
Do Wear: Simple, light-colored clothes with half sleeves. Choose trousers or salwars with minimal pockets.
Footwear: Wear slippers or sandals with thin soles. Avoid shoes or boots, as you may be asked to remove them.
No Jewelry: Avoid nose pins, earrings, rings, necklaces, or bracelets. In 2026, even religious threads or "tabeez" may undergo extra scrutiny.
No Accessories: Belts, caps, wallets, and handbags are not allowed inside the hall.
Items Strictly Prohibited Under FMGE Exam Day Guidelines
If found with any of the following, your candidacy may be canceled immediately under "Unfair Means" (UFM) rules:
Electronic Gadgets: Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth headsets, pagers, or calculators.
Stationery: Pens, pencils, erasers, or paper. The center will provide a pen and rough sheet.
Food & Water: Personal water bottles are usually not allowed. Transparent bottles are permitted in specific medical cases with prior approval.
Study Material: Notes, books, or even small scraps of paper.
High-Yield Concepts & Formula to Recall
While you cannot carry notes, keep these high-yield formula names and concepts fresh in your mind for quick recall during the exam. Our analysis of previous papers shows these are frequently tested:
Parkland Formula (for burn fluid resuscitation)
Rule of Nines (to calculate burn surface area)
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) (for trauma assessment)
Ranson’s Criteria (for pancreatitis severity)
Anion Gap Calculation (for acid-base balance)
Corrected Sodium/Calcium Formulas
Body Mass Index (BMI)
APGAR Score (for neonatal assessment)
Maintenance Fluid Requirements (Holliday-Segar method)
Important Strategies During the Computer-Based Test (CBT)
The 2026 exam remains a 300-question challenge (150 per part). Here is how to handle the interface:
Time-Bound Sections: Each session is divided into sections (e.g., Section A, B, C) with 50 questions each. You generally have 50 minutes per section. Once time for a section expires, you cannot go back.
No Negative Marking: Since there is no penalty for wrong answers, ensure you mark an option for every single question.
The "Mark for Review" Feature: Use this for questions where you are stuck between two options. Don't waste more than 60 seconds on a single question in the first pass.
Technical Issues: If your screen freezes, do not panic. Raise your hand immediately. The timer will usually pause, and the technical team will assist you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Exam Day
Late Arrival: Even a 5-minute delay after the gates close (08:30 AM) will lead to a lost attempt.
Arguing with Staff: Cooperation during frisking is mandatory. Any aggressive behavior can be reported to NBEMS.
Mismatched ID: If your name on the Aadhaar card differs significantly from your Admit Card (e.g., maiden vs. married name), carry a gazette notification or marriage certificate.
Over-Hydrating: Frequent washroom breaks consume precious time during the time-bound sections.
Conclusion
Success in the FMGE is a combination of your medical expertise and your ability to follow the FMGE Exam Day Guidelines to the letter. By preparing your document folder a day in advance, adhering to the dress code, and managing your time effectively between sections, you eliminate the external stressors that could hinder your performance. Stay calm, trust your preparation, and remember that 150 is the magic number to begin your medical career in India.
FAQ: FMGE Exam Day Guidelines 2026
Q1: What is the most important part of the FMGE Exam Day Guidelines for 2026?
A: The most important part is arriving at least 90 minutes before the gate closing time and carrying your original, hard-copy Admit Card and a valid Government ID.
Q2: Are we allowed to carry a pen for rough work?
A: No. Under the official FMGE Exam Day Guidelines, the examination center will provide a pen and rough paper. You are not allowed to bring any stationery into the hall.
Q3: Can I leave the exam hall during the break between Part A and Part B?
A: Yes, you can leave the hall during the scheduled break, but you must undergo the security frisking and biometric process again before entering for Part B.
Q4: What should I do if my photo on the ID is old?
A: It is recommended to carry an ID with a current, recognizable photograph. If the photo is very old, carry an additional valid ID (like a Passport) to avoid verification delays.