Comprehensive Guide to FMGE Syllabus

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences. It is a screening test for medical graduates to practice in India. Hence, it is vital for citizens/residents who have primary medical qualifications from institutions abroad. Here is a look at the FMGE syllabus, section-wise marks distribution and more. 

FMGE Highlights

Know about the FMGE exam syllabus and other vital factors. 

FMGE Syllabus

Here is a closer look at the syllabus of FMGE as per the major sections. 

1. Anatomy 

• Sectional Anatomy- Abdomen, Thorax, Neck, Head, and Brain
• Regional Anatomy- Lower Limb Thorax, including diaphragm, abdomen and pelvis, head, neck, brain, and spinal cord, Upper Limb
• General Anatomy- Terminology and Nomenclature, Basic Tissues to Body
• Elements of Anatomy- Myology, Osteology, Arthrology, Neurology, Angiology
• Histology- General Histology, Microanatomy of individual organs and systems
• Embryology- Postnatal growth and development, development of individual systems and organs
• Radiological Anatomy- Skiagrams, Special X-rays, Principles of Imaging Techniques 
• Human Genetics- Principles of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Surface Anatomy- In Cadavers, in the Living

2. Physiology 

• General Physiology
• Nerve and Muscle
• Body Fluids-Blood
• Endocrine Glands
• Gastrointestinal Tract
• Skin and Body Temperature
• Kidney
• Cardiovascular System
• Reproduction
• Central Nervous Systems
• Respiratory System
• Special Senses

3. Biochemistry 

• Cell and Sub-Cellular Structures
• Carbohydrates
• Hydrogen Ion Concentration Acid, Buffers, Bases, Handerson-Haselbach Equation Isotopes and Their Application
• Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins
• Nuclear Acids
• Lipids
• Vitamins
• Enzymes
• Biological Oxidation
• Absorption and Digestion from GI Tract
• Carbohydrate Metabolism
• Intermediary Metabolism
• Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism
• Lipid Metabolism
• Purine and Primidine Metabolism
• Biochemical Genetics and Protein Biosynthesis
• Minerals
• Liver Functions
• Tissue Biochemistry
• Nutrition and Energy Metabolism

4. Pathology

• Cell injury 
• Inflammation and Repair
• Immunopathology 
• Infectious Diseases 
• Circulatory Disturbances
• Growth Disturbances and Neoplasia 
• Nutritional and other Disorders 
• Genetic Disorder 
• Haematology 
• Cardiovascular Pathology
• Respiratory Pathology
• Pathology of Kidney and Urinary Tract 
• Hepato-Biliary Pathology
• Lymphoreticular System / Spleen Reproductive System (male & female) 
• Diseases of the Breast
• Musculoskeletal System
• Endocrine Pathology
• Neuropathology
• Dermato-Pathology 
• Ocular Pathology

5. Microbiology

• Immunology
• General Microbiology
• Bacteriology
• General Virology
• Mycology
• Systemic Virology
• Clinical/Applied Microbiology
• Parasitology

6. Pharmacology

• General Pharmacology
• Cardiovascular System
• Diuretics
• Autonomic Nervous System
• Autocoids and Related Drugs
• Drugs affecting blood formation and blood
• Respiratory System
• Endocrine Pharmacology
• Gastrointestinal System
• Psychopharmacology
• Central Nervous System
• Drugs in Anaesthetic Practice
• Toxicology
• Chemotherapy
• Clinical Pharmacology and Rational Drug Use

7. Forensic Medicine

• Definitions 
• Courts of India 
• Court Procedures 
• Medical Certifications and medico-legal reports, including dying declaration 
• Death 
• Changes after Death 
• Inquest by Police, Magistrate and Coroner 
• Identification 
• Examination of Mutilated Human Remains
• Medico-Legal Autopsies
• Mechanical injuries and Wounds 
• Examination of an Injury Case
• Injuries due to physical agents & their medico legal importance 
• Asphyxial Death 
• Death due to malnutrition, neglect battered babies 
• Dowry Death 
• Virginity, Sexual Offenses, Sexual Perversions 
• Legitimacy 
• Pregnancy and Delivery
• Infanticide 
• Biological Fluids 
• Seminal Stains 
• Forensic Psychiatry 
• Medical Jurisprudence
• Toxicology

8. General Surgery

• Hemorrhage and Shock 
• Fluid, Electrolyte and Acid Balance, Nutrition 
• Skin Tumors, Burns, Skin Grafting 
• Arterial Diseases 
• Venous Diseases 
• Lymphatic and Lymph Nodes
• Wounds Specific and Non-Specific Injections 
• Tumors & Cysts
• Diseases of Muscle, Tendons, Bursae and Fascia 
• Hernia 
• Umbilical Granuloma, Fistula, Adenoma 
• Abdominal Wall 
• Face, Teeth, Gums, Mouth, Tongue, Salivary Glands, Neck Thyroid Glands, Thyroglossal Tract and Endocrines 
• Breast 
• Sympathetic System 
• Cranio-Cerebral Injuries 
• Brain, Nerves 
• Genito-Urinary System Kidneys and Ureters
• Urinary Bladder 
• Prostrate 
• Urethra 
• Penis, Testis and Scrotum
• Vasectomy and Recanalisation
• Cardiothoracis System
• Oesophagus, Stomach and Duodenum 
• Spleen, Liver, Gallbladder and Bile Ducts 
• Pancreas 
• Peritoneum 
• Intestines, Intestinal Obstruction 
• Appendix 
• Rectum and Anal Canal

9. Anesthesia

• Anatomy of Upper Airway
•  Physiology of Respiration, O2/CO2 transport, methods of oxygen therapy
• Pre-Operative Evaluation/Pre-Medication 
• Anaesthetic Agents, Stages of Anaesthesia 
• Principles and Mechanism of Administration of General Anesthetics, balanced Anaesthesia 
• IPPV
• Endotracheal Intubations 
• Muscle Relaxants
• Spinal/Epidural Anesthesia
• Local Anesthesia 
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation basic, use of simple ventilators
• Monitoring 
• ICU, role of anesthesiologist in ICU 
• Shock 
• Blood Transfusion and Fluid Electoral Balance 
• Sites of respiratory obstruction and management of airway in an unconscious patient
• Poisoning 
• Role of anesthesiologist in acute and chronic relief

10. Orthopedics

• Cold Orthopedics
• Regional Conditions
• Injuries of the Spine, Vascular Injuries
• Injuries of Lower Extremity
• Traumatology
• Injuries of Bones and Joints
• Neuro-Muscular Disorder
• Bone and Joint Tuberculosis

11. Pediatrics

• Vital Statistics
• Nutrition 
• Growth and Development
• Neonatology
• Genetics
• Infections
• Pediatric Emergencies
• Central Nervous System
• Gastroenterology
• Endocrinology
• Nephrology
• Respiratory System

12. Radio-Diagnosis

• Respiratory System
• Cardiovascular System
• Gastrointestinal System
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Skeletal System
• Central Nervous System
• Excretory System

13. Radiotherapy

• Principles of Radiotherapy
• Principles of Chemotherapy
• Prevention and Early Diagnosis of Cancer
• Principles of Nuclear Medicine
• Common Radiation Reactions and Management 
• Radiotherapy 
• Radio-isotopes in Diagnosis and Therapy

14. Medicine

• Clinical methods in the practice of medicine
• Common symptoms of disease
• Nutrition/Exposure to Physical and Chemical Agents
• Haematology
• Infections 
• Gastro-Intestinal Tract
• Emergency Medicine
• Neurological System
• Cardiovascular System
• Respiratory System
• Nephrology and Urinary System Connected to Tissue Disorders
• Geriatrics
• Endocrine System

15. Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases

• Diagnosis and management of common ailments impacting the chest with emphasis on managing and preventing tuberculosis and national tuberculosis control programs

16. Psychiatry

• History, aspects and diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses
• Conduction of Mental Status Examination
• Behavioral Sciences
• Different Psychoses
• Clinical features, diagnosis, and management of schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, mania and depression, and hysteria
• Dementia
• Alcoholism
• Drug Abuse
• Psychiatric Emergencies
• Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Management of Psychiatric Disorders of Adolescence and Childhood
• Personality Disorder

17. Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

• Dermatological Therapy
• Diseases caused by environmental and nutritional factors
• Lichen Planus
• Infective Disorders
• Pigment metabolism and other disorders of pigmentation
• Melanocytes
• Allergic Disorders
• Vesiculobullous Diseases
• Dermatitis and Eczema
• Alopecia and Hirsutism
• Structure and function of Sebaceous glands and disease
• Leprosy
• Psoriasis
• STD

18. Ophthalmology

• Basic Sciences (Physiology, Anatomy, Pharmacology, Pathology)
• Elementary Optics
• Disease of the Eye
• Conjunctiva 
• Sclera
• Cornea
• Uveal Tract
• Vitreous
• Lens
• Glaucoma
• Optic Nerve
• Retina
• Intra-Occular Tumors
• Squint Orbit
• Refractive Errors
• Lids
• Lacrimal System
• Injuries
• Community Ophthalmology
• Ophthalmic Surgery
• Miscellaneous

19. Otorhinolaryngology

• Diseases of the Ear
• Diseases of the Nose and Para Nasal Sinuses
• Diseases of Nasopharynx
• Diseases of Trachea
• Oesophagus

20. Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Anatomy of the Female Reproductive Tract
• Physiology of Conception
• Development of Fetus and Placenta
• Diagnosis of Pregnancy
• Maternal Changes in Pregnancy
• Antenatal Care
• Abnormal Obstetrics
• Normal Labor
• Normal Puerparium
• Breastfeeding
• Care of Newborn
• Medical Termination of Pregnancy
• Family Planning 
• Operative Obstetrics
• Post cesarean pregnancy
• Pharmaco Terapeutics in Obstetrics 
• Safe Motherhood
• Maternal Morbidity and Morality
• Medico Legal Aspects
• RCH
• Vaginal Discharge
• Current Topics
• Menstrual Disorder
• Fertility, Infertility 
• Endometriosis and Allied States
• Genital Infections
• Genital Injuries and Fistulae
• Tumors
• Genital Prolapse
• Carcinomia
• Radiotherapy in Gynecology
• Chemotherapy in Gynecology
• Diseases of Breast
• Endoscopy
• Operative Gynecology

21. Community Medicine

• Evaluation of public health and concepts of health
• Health Education
• Environment and Health
• Occupational Health
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Medical Sociology and Community Mental Health
• Fundamentals of Biostatistics
• Basic Epidemiology
• Epidemiology of Specific Diseases
• Non-communicable and Communicable Diseases
• Demography 
• School Health
• Reproductive and child health
• Urban Health
• Health system in India
• Health planning and management, including disaster management 
• International Health

FMGE Exam Pattern 

The examination has 300 marks in total and comprises two parts. Candidates will pass if they get at least 150 marks out of 300 in the examination. The results will be shown on the official website without any provisions for reevaluation or re-totaling. There are no limits on the number of attempts. Here is the distribution of marks as per the sections: 

Pre and Para Clinical Subjects- 100 marks 

Clinical Subjects- 200 marks

Source: Official Website 

Best Books for FMGE 

Here are some books that can be consulted for those preparing for the FMGE examination. 

• FMGE Solutions-MCI Screening Examination (A Complete NBE Centric Approach): 3rd Edition by Deepak Marwah
• Revise Anatomy in 15 Days by K. Raviraj
• Self Assessment and Review of Anatomy by Rajesh K Kaushal
• Forensic Medicine by Dr J Magendran 
• Conceptual Review Of Pharmacology for NBE by Ranjan Kumar Patel
• Self Assessment and Review of FMGE/MCI Screening Examination: (2002-January 2023) by Kamal KV
• Review of Pathology and Genetics by Sparsh Gupta
• FMGE Question Bank by Nishant Bhushan 

Understanding the FMGE syllabus would help you to secure desirable marks and make a difference. Plan well and experience a flourishing career.