Asif Iqbal
Srinagar, Jul 15 (GNS): A delegation of Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) June 2026 aspirants from Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday sought a comprehensive review of the examination, alleging that abrupt and unannounced changes in the question pattern, coupled with inadequate facilities at examination centres, contributed to one of the lowest pass percentages recorded in the licensing test.
The delegation members, who appeared for the examination at various centres across the country, while talking to GNS, claimed that the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) introduced significant changes to the examination format without prior notice, adversely affecting the performance of thousands of aspirants.
According to the delegation, while the first paper largely followed the expected pattern, the second paper witnessed the introduction of lengthy clinical case scenarios, image-based and video-based questions, and multi-step analytical questions that substantially increased the complexity of the examination and disrupted candidates’ time management.
The aspirants contended that the revised format required interpretation of multimedia clinical content and extended reasoning beyond what candidates had prepared for under the existing examination pattern. They maintained that any major structural change in a high-stakes licensing examination should have been communicated well in advance to ensure a level playing field.
Referring to the official results announced by NBEMS, the delegation noted that only 4,635 of the 36,280 candidates who appeared in the examination qualified, resulting in a pass percentage of just 12.78 per cent. They described the figure as unprecedented, arguing that the sharp decline was indicative of systemic issues in the conduct of the examination rather than the academic ability of candidates.
The students further pointed out that a large number of candidates narrowly missed the qualifying score of 150 marks, with many falling short by just one to a few marks. “This warrants a transparent review of the examination process and evaluation methodology”, said a delegation member.
“We are not seeking dilution of academic standards. Our concern is that sweeping changes to the examination pattern were introduced without prior intimation, leaving candidates with no opportunity to align their preparation accordingly,” said another delegation member.
The delegation urged NBEMS and the National Medical Commission (NMC) to undertake an independent review of the June 2026 examination, examine whether the length and complexity of questions, inclusion of image and video-based content, and the time allotted fairly assessed candidates’ competence, and establish a review mechanism for the evaluation process. They have also sought a one-time relaxation in the qualifying criteria in view of the exceptional circumstances surrounding this year’s examination.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Health and Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, has formally taken up the issue with the Union Government. In a letter addressed to Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda, the minister forwarded a representation submitted by the FMGE aspirants and sought early intervention to address their grievances.
In her communication, Itoo highlighted the candidates’ contention that the examination pattern had been altered without prior notice. She also drew attention to complaints regarding inadequate infrastructure at several examination centres, including poor ventilation, lack of air conditioning and fans, and the absence of drinking water during the conduct of the June 2026 examination.
The minister requested the Union Health Minister to examine the students’ demand for a review of the evaluation process and to consider granting special relaxation in the qualifying percentage in light of the circumstances under which the examination was conducted.
Notably, the concerns raised by the Jammu and Kashmir aspirants have found resonance across the country, with multiple student bodies, medical associations and political leaders voicing similar apprehensions over the conduct of the June 2026 FMGE.
The Tamil Nadu Medical Students Association’s Foreign Medical Graduates (TNMSA-FMG) wing has called for a comprehensive review of the examination, contending that the sudden introduction of lengthy clinical case scenarios, image-based and video-based questions without prior notice adversely affected candidates. The association has urged the NBEMS to reassess the examination, notify candidates well in advance before introducing major changes to the examination pattern and consider a one-time relaxation in the qualifying marks.
The Association of Foreign Medical Graduates (AFA), along with the Foreign Medical Students’ Wing of the All India Medical Students’ Association (AIMSA-FMSW), has also strongly objected to the examination process. Representatives of the organisations staged demonstrations outside the NBEMS headquarters and later at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, alleging that the examination was disproportionately difficult and that candidates were subjected to inadequate facilities at several test centres. They demanded a transparent review of the examination, greater accountability in the conduct of the test and appropriate relief for affected candidates.
The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) similarly took up the issue with the examination authorities after receiving complaints from candidates across the country. The association highlighted reports of non-functional air-conditioning, poor ventilation, lack of drinking water and other infrastructural deficiencies at examination centres, while also expressing concern over the increased complexity of the examination.
Amid the growing nationwide outcry, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has constituted a three-member committee to examine grievances raised by FMGE June 2026 candidates. According to the Board, the panel will review complaints relating to the examination’s difficulty level, conditions at examination centres, operational issues and reports submitted by the test-conducting agency. NBEMS has also said it will examine CCTV footage from examination centres and coordinate with its technology partner as part of the review process. (GNS)
