For Indian medical students who go abroad to study, two examinations are milestones towards becoming practicing doctors in India: the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) and the upcoming National Exit Test (NExT).
Georgia, a country very popular among Indian MBBS aspirants who wish to study abroad, is one of the most successful nations when it comes to FMGE/NExT passing rate. This is courtesy to its strong FMGE/NExT support systems. If you too wish to study MBBS abroad, this article will help you understand about one of the most important aspects of medical studies and how Georgia excels in it.
Table of Contents
FMGE/NExT: An Overview
The entry point is the FMGE. Held every six months (June and December), the licensing test is supposed to judge whether foreign-trained doctors are ready to practice in India. It is not just a technicality, it is a tough test of theoretical and clinical knowledge. The candidates must score minimum 50% marks in a cluster of 300 multiple-choice questions to clear.
NExT, on the other hand, is the future. India’s new license exam that will eventually substitute for FMGE and the last MBBS exam for Indian students. Its intent is to have a single common standard for all doctors, both those graduating in India and those graduating abroad. Together, these exams map the professional path of thousands of medical students, many of whom choose Georgia to study their MBBS.
Why Choose MBBS in Georgia?
Georgia has, in the last decade, become a choice destination for Indian medical students. The reasons are pragmatic as well as strategic:
- English-medium courses eliminate the language obstacle.
- Indian Medical Council-recognized Georgian universities guarantee graduates eligibility for licensure exams.
- The curricula align with FMGE and NExT standards, making learning relevant to Indian standards.
- Students are given hands-on clinical training in Indian-style hospitals.
- Indian student organizations and alumnus networks offer academic and social support.
- Integrated FMGE and NExT prep courses are offered in some of these universities.
All of these combine to make Georgia an attractive choice for students looking for a strong academic basis as well as a window through which to clear India’s challenging licensing exams.
FMGE Passing Rate Trends: Comparative Analysis Among Different Nations
Georgia, Russia, China, Philippines and Bangladesh are among the highest FMGE passing rate nations. The following is a rundown of the top performing countries in terms of FMGE passing rates:
| Country | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 34.30% | 34.78% | 26.26% | 35.65% |
| China | 19.22% | 15.50% | 9.09% | 19.45% |
| Russia | 24.78% | 26.03% | 19.43% | 29.54% |
| Philippines | 37.09% | 27.03% | 14.39% | 20.09% |
| Bangladesh | 40.13% | 45.23% | 26.79% | 32.38% |
| Nepal | 25.96% | 26.44% | 19.26% | 30.12% |
| Kazakhstan | 22.07% | 21.36% | 13.03% | 25.12% |
| Kyrgyzstan | 19.02% | 20.42% | 17.94% | 25.05% |
Comparing the 2021 to 2024 FMGE figures, Georgia has been doing better than most of the most sought-after MBBS destinations consistently. Although there are fluctuations based on natural causes every year, Georgia has managed to remain a solid choice for Indian students.
Georgia vs. China
- Georgia’s pass rate in FMGE never fell below 26%, whereas China dropped as low as 9.09% in 2023.
- Even in 2024, Georgia (35.65%) almost doubled China’s performance (19.45%).
- This indicates Georgia provides a more stable preparation ground than China, where results are uncertain.
Georgia vs. Russia
- Russia has the maximum number of Indian students, but pass percentages are usually lower compared to Georgia.
- In 2021, Georgia was at 34.30%, while Russia stood at 24.78%.
- Though Russia picked up in 2024 (29.54%), Georgia remained ahead at 35.65%, and it displayed more consistency.
Georgia vs. Philippines
- The Philippines was high in 2021 (37.09%), but then dropped quite a bit to 14.39% in 2023.
- Georgia, however, remained quite steady-even in its low year (2023: 26.26%), it was still higher than the Philippines.
- In 2024, Georgia (35.65%) once more outclassed the Philippines (20.09%).
Georgia vs. Bangladesh
- Bangladesh tends to experience higher peaks (40.13% in 2021, 45.23% in 2022).
- Yet, its scores vary abruptly-declining to 26.79% in 2023.
- Georgia’s stability is rooted in its consistent band of 26-36%, which is superior to Bangladesh, whose results are highly dependent upon which college one selects.
Georgia vs. Nepal
- Georgia (34.30%) bested Nepal (25.96%) by as much as almost 9 percentage points in 2021.
- Nepal’s high was 2024 with 30.12%, yet Georgia still had the lead at 35.65%.
- Georgia had higher success rates than Nepal over a period of four years.
Georgia vs. Kazakhstan
- Kazakhstan fell to 13.03% in 2023, while Georgia recorded 26.26% during the same year.
- In 2024, Georgia (35.65%) surpassed Kazakhstan (25.12%) by more than 10 points.
- From 2021 to 2024, Georgia had a consistent edge above Kazakhstan.
Georgia vs. Kyrgyzstan
- Kyrgyzstan registered 19.02% in 2021, which was significantly below Georgia’s 34.30%.
- In 2023, Kyrgyzstan stood at 17.94%, still behind Georgia’s 26.26%.
- By 2024, Georgia (35.65%) was over 10 points ahead of Kyrgyzstan (25.05%).
Read Also: MBBS in India vs Russia vs Georgia vs Bangadesh
Why Georgia Stands Out
- Consistency is key: While nations fluctuate wildly from year to year, Georgia remains within a stable range.
- Upward momentum: The 2024 improvement shows Georgia is aligning better with FMGE expectations.
- Balanced environment: Students in Georgia benefit from English-medium instruction, structured curricula, and growing NMC alignment-factors that reflect in exam performance.
- Reliable choice: For aspirants who want fewer risks and more predictable results, Georgia provides a stronger balance than most alternatives.
Read Also: Why MBBS in Georgia is Trending in 2025 Among Indian Students?
FMGE Pass Percentages: Top Georgian Universities
Monitoring annual FMGE results paints a good picture of how Indian students in Georgia are faring. Following is a snapshot of results from 2021 through 2024, Georgia’s overall figures being included for reference.
2024 Results
In 2024, the pool went up once more. 2,040 candidates appeared, out of which 634 cleared, making the pass percentage a total of 31.1% for Georgia.
| University | Appeared | Passed | Pass % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi State Medical University | 703 | 215 | 30.6% |
| David Tvildiani Medical University | 167 | 81 | 48.5% |
| Grigol Robakidze University Georgia(GRUNI) | 668 | 138 | 20.7% |
| Caucasus International University | 106 | 35 | 33.0% |
| Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University | 396 | 165 | 41.7% |
| New Vision University | 284 | 104 | 36.62% |
| East European University | 61 | 14 | 22.95% |
2023 Results
By 2023, the number of candidates rose drastically. 1,791 graduates took the test, but only 521 passed, lowering the pass percentage to 29.1%.
| University | Appeared | Passed | Pass % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi State Medical University | 699 | 215 | 30.8% |
| David Tvildiani Medical University | 159 | 78 | 49.1% |
| Grigol Robakidze University (GRUNI) | 619 | 108 | 17.45% |
| Caucasus International University | 115 | 36 | 31.3% |
| Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University | 199 | 84 | 42.2% |
| New Vision University | 335 | 120 | 35.82% |
| East European University | 19 | 2 | 10.53% |
2022 Results
In 2022, 1,281 graduates sat, and 479 passed, which gave Georgia’s FMGE pass rate of 37.4%.
| University | Appeared | Passed | Pass % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi State Medical University | 650 | 239 | 36.8% |
| David Tvildiani Medical University | 146 | 64 | 43.8% |
| Grigol Robakidze University (GRUNI) | 198 | 54 | 27.3% |
| Caucasus International University | 102 | 42 | 41.2% |
| Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University | 185 | 80 | 43.2% |
| New Vision University | 215 | 89 | 41.40% |
| East European University | 23 | 3 | 13.04% |
2021 Results
In 2021, 1,178 graduates from Georgia appeared for the FMGE. Of these, 431 students passed, resulting in a total pass rate of 36.6%.
| University | Appeared | Passed | Pass % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tbilisi State Medical University | 590 | 214 | 36.3% |
| David Tvildiani Medical University | 137 | 61 | 44.5% |
| Grigol Robakidze University (GRUNI) | 186 | 52 | 27.9% |
| Caucasus International University | 95 | 37 | 38.9% |
| Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University | 170 | 67 | 39.4% |
| New Vision University | 179 | 94 | 52.51% |
| East European University | 11 | 1 | 9.09% |
Read Also: Inside GRUNI FMGE Support System
FMGE vs. NExT: What Changes?
While FMGE has been the standard for years, NExT will be the center of attention in the near future.
- FMGE is held twice annually, is limited to foreign graduates alone, consists of 300 MCQs, and requires 50% to be passed.
- NExT will be an annual single test for Indian and foreign MBBS graduates. It will consist of two steps: Step 1 (theory-based multiple choice questions) and Step 2 (clinical/practical). NExT will replace FMGE, the final MBBS test in India, and will also act as a postgraduate entrance test.
- This reform means that foreign graduates would now be examined on the same level as Indian MBBS students, so it will be more challenging but fair.
Why Georgia Does Well
Georgia’s relatively high performance in FMGE is not coincidental. It is due to a curriculum aligned with Indian medical standards, full English-medium courses, sound clinical training courses, university-provided FMGE tuition, and Indian student peer groups advising them. These perks give students both the information and self-confidence to be able to handle exams like FMGE and NExT.
Preparing for FMGE and NExT in Georgia
Passing these licensure exams requires systematic preparation. Georgia students have been found to bank on choosing NMC-approved institutions with good outcomes, early exam-oriented study, routine practice through the use of simulated tests and peer study groups, total use of university guidance sessions, and regular updates about NMC releases on NExT. This routine program minimizes stress while maintaining the students in readiness for exam day.
The Future of Indian Licensing Exams
NExT is a landmark change which is brought in. In consolidating various exams into a single system, it is ensuring greater clarity in medical licensing, more uniformity in the evaluation of Indian and overseas graduates, and a simpler path to postgraduate education.
For students from India in Georgia, this means they must prepare at the same level as Indians. Fortunately, many Georgian institutions are already adjusting what they do to accommodate NExT.
Conclusion
- Georgia has turned out to be a solid hub for Indian students desiring to study medicine overseas. Offering English-medium programs, hands-on experience, and exam preparation coaching, it offers a stream which joins global exposure with preparation for India’s licensing system.
- The rates between 2021 to 2024 show differentiable trends: universities like David Tvildiani Medical University and Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University consistently perform well, while others like GRUNI continue to improve significantly with high number of candidates appearing every year from it.
- In the years ahead, the arrival of NExT will re-draw the whole map. By introducing a common benchmark for all students, it will guarantee equity and a better standard across the board. For Indian students in Georgia, it means even more focused preparation-but a level playing field to compete on.
Lastly, Georgia remains an option. Its combination of good education, strong support systems, and likeability for Indian requirements makes it a country where would-be physicians not only have the opportunity to learn medicine but can also prepare themselves for the boards that hold their fate in their hands.
Read Also: Top 6 Indian Friendly Medical Universities in Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the eligibility for Indian students in Georgia to appear for FMGE?
Indian students must complete their MBBS degree from an NMC-approved Georgian university and secure the official degree certificate. They also need eligibility documents issued by the NMC before applying for FMGE.
How do Georgian internships affect FMGE preparation?
Internships in Georgia usually provide practical, hands-on training in hospitals. While this exposure is valuable, FMGE is theory-heavy, so students often combine internships with exam-oriented coaching to balance both aspects.
How early should Georgian MBBS students start preparing for FMGE?
Experts suggest starting from the second or third year itself, alongside medical studies. Many Georgian universities integrate FMGE-style tests and review sessions, so early preparation becomes easier.
Can FMGE be cleared while staying in Georgia, or do students need to return to India first?
Students can begin online FMGE coaching classes while still in Georgia, but to sit for the actual exam, they must return to India. Many prefer returning after graduation for full-time coaching.
What common mistakes do Georgian graduates make in FMGE attempts?
Some depend solely on university teaching without taking extra FMGE-specific coaching, while others delay preparation until after graduation. Lack of mock test practice is another common mistake that lowers success rates.
