FMGE or NExT After MBBS in Russia: Which Exam Matters?

FMGE or NExT After MBBS in Russia: Which Exam Will Indian Students Need?

August 04, 2026 • 7 min read Views: 2004

FMGE or NExT After MBBS in Russia: Which Exam Will Indian Students Need?

Affordability of tuition and accessibility of quality education are attractive features of medical schools in Russia, bringing thousands of Indian students to study MBBS in Russia annually. After investing time and money, a big concern for these students is whether they will need to take FMGE or NExT after their studies.

Currently, Indian Medical Association's latest regulations will determine whether students take FMGE or NExT. While planning for their MBBS in Russia, students must be well informed about the NExT eligibility criteria, licensing requirements and transition from FMGE to NExT, as it influences their admission decision.

In this article, we will discuss regulations on FMGE and NExT, admission requirements, processes and fees, universities, career opportunities, etc.

FMGE or NExT After MBBS in Russia: Which Exam is Required?

Currently, Indian students completing their MBBS in Russia will be required to take the licensing exam formulated by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Traditionally, FMGE has been the mandatory screening exam for foreign medical graduates, whereas NExT will be envisaged as the first common licensing exam in India. Students must always check the recent notifications of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and verify if their universities are in accordance with the Indian guidelines.

Understanding FMGE and NExT

What is FMGE?

The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is a licensing examination for Indian citizens who obtain their medical degree overseas. An individual is required to qualify FMGE in order to register for the practice of medicine in India.

As stated by the National Medical Commission, all foreign medical graduates must meet every eligibility requirement to register.

NExT Explained

An initiative named the National Exit Test (NExT) aims to establish a unified examination for substituting the FMGE and fulfilling the roles of:

  • A terminal year medical school exam
  • A medical licensing exam
  • A medical school postgraduate entrance exam
  • A country-wide evaluative exam for medical services

If NExT is instituted, foreign medical graduates would be expected to clear NExT to meet the NMC guidelines and would relinquish the need to take the FMGE.

MBBS In Russia and Medical Licensing in India

For students aspiring to complete an MBBS in Russia, it is crucial to know that obtaining a foreign medical degree is not sufficient to secure the right to practice medicine in India.

Students must meet the following to be eligible for medical practice:

  • Criteria set by the NMC
  • Acknowledgment of university
  • Completion of required internship
  • Pass the licensing examination

Selection of a university that is recognized is thus of utmost importance.

FMGE vs. NExT

Characteristic

FMGE

NExT

Function

A licensing examination

Licensing examination, Final MBBS, and Postgraduate entrance examination

Conducting Body

NBEMS

To be notified by NMC

Candidate Eligibility

Foreign medical graduates

Indian and foreign medical graduates (when applicable)

Examination Cycle

Twice a year

As decided by NMC

Internship

After examination

Integrated under new framework

Current Status

Active

Plannend

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS In Russia

Prospective students wishing to pursue an MBBS in Russia must fulfill the following criteria:

  • They should be at least 17 years old
  • 50 percent score in PCB (General)
  • 40 percent in qualifying subjects for SC/ST category (if applicable)
  • They should have qualified NEET (as per NMC guidelines)
  • They must possess a valid passport

NEET official website

Admission Guidelines

The following is a list of steps that students must follow to get admission into Russia for MBBS.

Step 1

They must select a university that is compliant with the NMC.

Step 2

Send academic records.

Step 3

Get the acceptance letter.

Step 4

Request the invitation letter.

Step 5

Request a student visa.

Step 6

Go to Russia and finalize enrollment.

If you want to know how to apply for mbbs in russia, you should check university recognition first.

Fee Structure

MBBS In Russia is budget friendly. Here’s how.

Expense

Approx. Cost

Tuition

₹2.5 - 6 Lakhs/year

Hostel

₹40,000 - 1,00,000/year

Medical Ins.

₹15,000 - 25,000/year

Living

₹12,000 - 20,000/month

Total

₹18 - 35 Lakhs

Check mbbs in russia for indian students and russia mbbs fees to pick the university.

Preferred Universities

mbbs in russia for indian students prefer these:

University

Approx. Annual Tuition (₹)

Hostel Fees (₹/year)

Medium

FMGE Passing rate 

Bashkir State Medical University

₹3.4–4.2 lakh

₹40,000

English

20% - 25%

Orenburg State Medical University

₹3.8–4.8 lakh

₹45,000

English

25% - 30%

Mari State University

₹3.0–4.0 lakh

₹35,000

English

30% - 35%

Altai State Medical University

₹2.8–3.8 lakh

₹40,000

English

25% - 30%

Perm State Medical University

₹4.0–5.0 lakh

₹50,000

English

25% - 30%

Kazan State Medical University

₹5.0–6.0 lakh

₹55,000

English

20% - 25%

Tver State Medical University

₹4.2–5.3 lakh

₹45,000

English

10% - 15%

Check universities:

Affordability

Tuition is cheaper than private Indian universities.

Recognition

Universities are WDOMS recognized and meet int. standards.

MBBS in English

Many universities have MBBS in fully english.

Exposure

Teaching hospitals have good practical learning.

Career

Graduates have many countries to work after fulfilling local regulations.

Many also prefer medical education in Russia for Indian medical students as there is good infrastructure.

Limitations

Students should know MBBS In Russia have many benefits. Here are its limitations.

  • Cold climate
  • Language barrier in clinical training
  • Required licensing exam in India
  • Need to meet NMC requirements
  • Adjustment to new culture

When Indian students think is mbbs in russia worth it, they should analyze the positive and challenging factors.

Career Opportunities After MBBS In Russia

Having mbbs in russia entitles them to

  • Practice Medicine in India (after passing the licensing exam)
  • Pursue Post Graduation in India
  • Post Graduation Abroad
  • Clinical Research
  • Public Health
  • Hospital Administration
  • Medical Teaching
  • Healthcare Management

Students pursuing mbbs in Russia have numerous career options after mbbs in russia depending on the local licensing rules.

How To Choose The Best University

Before taking mbbs admission in russia, check the following

  • NMC regulations
  • WDOMS registration
  • Recognition by WHO
  • Available in English
  • Have a good FMGE passing rate
  • Have sufficient hospital training

Students should compare mbbs universities in russia based on their academic standards.

Crucial Factors for Admission

Students planning to study MBBS in Russia for Indian Students should keep the following points in mind:

  • Duration of MBBS in Russia
  • Medical education in Russia
  • Study Medical in Russia
  • Study Medicine in Russia
  • MBBS Education in Russia
  • Medical Study in Russia for Indian Students
  • MBBS at Russia
  • MBBS Russia
  • Russia for MBBS
  • Russia University for MBBS
  • Admission Process for MBBS in Russia
  • MBBS in Russia 2026
  • MBBS for Russia
  • Russia in MBBS
  • MBBS in Russia for Indian Students Fees
  • Russia MBBS Fees for Indian Students

Authority Resources

Students must study official resources before making any admission decisions:

FAQs

Is FMGE still required after MBBS in Russia?

Currently, all foreign medical graduates are required to clear the licensing examination as per the NMC. Students are advised to stay updated with the official notifications regarding the FMGE and NExT.

Will NExT replace FMGE?

NExT is expected to replace FMGE in its full capacity as per the regulations of the NMC.

Is MBBS in Russia recognized in India?

Yes, if the student is admitted to an NMC-compliant university and fulfills the eligibility criteria, completes the course and internship, as well as the licensing examination.

Which Universities Are Recognized?

Many government universities such as Kazan State Medical University, Bashkir State Medical University, and Orenburg State Medical University are recognized globally. Always check recognition status in WDOMS and NMC.

Is NEET mandatory?

Yes. According to the existing guidelines of the NMC, Indian students wanting to study MBBS abroad must take NEET.

Conclusion

Indian students wanting to study medicine abroad will find studying MBBS in Russia one of the most affordable and simple options. Studying the various aspects of FMGE and NExT is important, as they will set the framework within which a medical graduate must operate to obtain a medical license in India, as per the latest directives of the National Medical Commission. Always check the recognition status of the university, complete the education cost estimation, and track the regulatory changes and admission policies prior to the application. It is possible to have a flourishing medical career in India and abroad by being a medical graduate of a Russian University with proper planning.

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