FMGE vs NExT: Which Russian Universities Are Better Prepared for the New Licensing System?

Introduction

For many Indian students choosing Russia for the MBBS, one question dominates counselling sessions and student forums. What will happen to my medical license after the FMGE is completely replaced by the National Exit Test (NExT)? If you are looking for information on mbbs in russia for indian students, we understand this frustration, especially considering it involves a huge monetary investment and six years of your life.

Here is the current situation, in mid-2026: The FMGE is still the only licensing exam for all mbbs graduates from Russia and other foreign countries. There is no planned date for the NExT to be applied to foreign medical graduates. In multiple instances, officials from the NMC have postponed this timeline. Currently, reports indicate 2027 or a later date. Nonetheless, NExT is on the way. In the near future, NExT will most likely be an integrated exam combining the licensing exam and a PG entrance exam.

This article examines the FMGE and NExT systems, explains how to apply for mbbs in russia, and, most importantly, evaluates the academic systems, curricula, and consistent pass rates of Russian universities to determine which universities best prepare students for the licensing exam in any form. If you are in the early stages of your research on russia for mbbs or are in the final stages of university selection, this guide is designed to give you the information you need to make the best decision.

What is the true distinction between FMGE and NExT?

FMGE, or the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination, is a screening exam for foreign medical graduates that is conducted biannually. It is a 300-question, single-paper, multiple-choice exam that contains questions from 19 subjects of the MBBS syllabus. It features a no-negative-marking policy. Candidates have to secure a minimum of 150 to pass, and they have three attempts.

NExT, when implemented, is going to adopt a completely different model. It is going to have a two-step structure, with the first step being a licensing-cum-competency step, and the second step being a licensing step that also determines the allocation of postgraduate (PG) seats. Essentially, NExT is going to integrate what used to be two different examinations, the FMGE and the NEET-PG, into one exam.

For students pursuing or planning to pursue medical education in russia on behalf of Indian students, this is significant because:

• Under NExT, the emphasis in the syllabus is likely going to shift to clinical reasoning and bedside skills as opposed to rote learning.
• The structure of internships and the design of clinical rotations done outside of India is going to have to align more with what is required in India.
• Universities that have already designed FMGE coaching and clinical bridge programs are already adapting to NExT because the skills required are of English clinical training, a strong foundation, and regular exam-based skills.

In effect, any university that has good outcomes in FMGE programs will likely have good outcomes in NExT programs, because the two programs are different assessments, but they assess the same clinical skills.

Why is Russia Continually a Favorable Option for MBBS Amid Exam Changes?

Even with licensing ambiguity, there are several reasons why mbbs in russia is a highly attractive option among Indian applicants:

• More Affordable: The cost for 6 years in Russia is approximately ₹21–50 lakhs. This is much lower than the cost of even one Indian private medical college MBBS program which is ₹50 lakhs to ₹1 crore.
• Easier Admissions: There is no separate entrance exam for mbbs in russia universities. The only eligibility criterion is to have qualified the NEET test. There are no significant cutoffs with regard to eligibility for mbbs in russia.
• Less Competitive: The medical colleges in Russia are some of the most recognized medical colleges in the world. Almost all of the Russian medical colleges that are approved by the NMC are included in the WHO/WDOMS. A number of them also hold affiliation standards with ECFMG and FAIMER. This is important for Indian nationals who are looking to become Russian graduates and sit for licensure examinations outside of India.
• No Language Barrier: Most of the universities teach the first 2–3 years in English, though clinical years tend to be taught in Russian, making the students more prepared for the Russian medical examinations.

Mbbs in russia programs are comparable to Indian MBBS programs in that the overall duration is 6 years that includes a 5 year long course of academic instruction and a year of clinical internship.

Understanding Fee Structure and Duration: A Practical Cost Assessment

Students shortlisting universities should consider the total attendance cost, beyond tuition alone. Here is an approximate contemplation of russia mbbs fees of the 2026-27 batch.

When looking at mbbs in russia for indian students fee structure, here are some additional factors to consider:

• Living expenses (food, transport, necessities) add an estimated $150 - $250 per month.
• At most government universities, hostels are part of the annual package.
• Some universities offer scholarships that will cover 50 % or more of the tuition, but the availability and criteria may vary, so check with the university directly, and don't just rely on a brochure that a consultant provided.

To be blunt, russia mbbs how many years and the cost are only part of the answer. When looking at long term value, the pass rate is just as important, if not more.

Which Russian Universities Are Actually Ready for the FMGE to NExT Transition?

Not all Russian universities are the same when it comes to producing graduates that can clear the Indian licensing exam. So this section is most important.

Recent data puts the FMGE pass rate for Russian medical graduates at 29.5%, meaning the vast majority (roughly 70%) of graduates do not pass on their first attempt. However, this data reflects an average, and there is variance in performance. There are some universities with pass rates at 40-60%, and other universities with pass rates under 15%. The variance in performance is generally caused by some combination of the following:

• Language continuity — When universities start switching to Russian-based instruction during the clinical years (4 to 6), they create a recall gap for students who have not had the opportunity to strengthen their medical vocabulary in Russian. This negatively impacts latter year students who could have been strong students during years 1-3.
• In-house exam coaching — Universities that score higher on the FMGE make an effort during the final years of study to weave FMGE mock and practice tests into the teaching schedule, in lieu of completely outsourcing this prep to coaching institutes in India.
• Admittance standards — Universities with slightly higher admission standards (even informally, through counseling, as opposed to a strict NEET cutoff) tend to produce students who enter the program better prepared, and this is also reflected in the outcomes.

The following universities that score consistently high are best placed to NExT and FMGE:

• Kazan Federal University — Kazan Federal University is usually one of the universities mentioned that has the best FMGE scores, with pass rates usually greater than 40%, thanks to their clinical teaching being consistently English-based, and their internal assessments being well-structured and consistent.
• Crimean Federal University - Offers solid clinical training and has stable FMGE results.
• Orenburg State Medical University - Has a well-structured curriculum and high FMGE pass rates.
• Smolensk State Medical University - Has English instruction in the clinical years for extended periods compared to peer institutions.
• Far Eastern Federal University and Mordovia State University - Consistently have pass rates between 40-60% and have a better academic core.
• North Ossetian State Medical Academy - Is a reliable option, recognized by the NMC, and has reasonable results.
• Tver State Medical University - Is also recognized for their above average FMGE results when compared to Russian universities.

Attending lower tier universities that accept candidates with low NEET scores and poor English, should also be avoided. These universities have limited to no FMGE coaching and have high failure rates.

Things to consider before Choosing a University

Before you decide where to study medicine in russia for indian students, consider the following:

• Check the NMC and WHO/WDOMS listings yourself, don't just take the agents word for it.
• Provide evidence of the university's FMGE results for the last 3-5 years, and show results by batch.
• What is the language of instruction for years 4-6 and do they offer Russian medical terminology coaching?
• Check if the structured FMGE (or future NExT) coaching is incorporated into the last years of the program and not something you'll have to manage completely on your own in India.
• Do not proceed with any payment before getting a detailed cost breakdown for Tuition, Hostel, Insurance and any other Administrative fees.
• Do not deposit Tuition Fees into the Consultant's personal account. Ensure Payments are made to the University's official bank account.
• Ensure the references you contact are actual students or alumni from the specific University and not the Consultant's conveniently chosen references.
• NExT implementation timelines may alter your graduation-related licensing issues, so ensure you track NMC and NBEMS notifications every three months.

Conclusion

Regarding the FMGE vs NExT final implementation, no one can say for sure. Nonetheless, studying medicine in Russia has advantages compared to cheaper alternatives closer to home, as long as you choose the right University. The evidence signals a disparate field among better performing Universities, for example Kazan Federal, Crimean Federal and Orenburg State, and less competitive Universities where pass rates are well below the national average. As FMGE and NExT are examinations of the same medical core competencies, a University with good FMGE results is a safe option for the licensing process, irrespective of which exam you end up taking.

The fee structure is only one factor to consider when studying with the option of studying medicine in Russia. Before you finalize your decision, cross-check the pass-rate data, confirm the language of instruction for clinical years, and consult a certified education counsellor who can inform you about the current NMC guidelines. Take the time to do this, as you owe it to yourself and your future to be diligent.