1.       Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of Indian students going abroad to pursue medical education. Earlier, all students interested in taking a medical qualification from outside India were required to get an eligibility certificate from the government before leaving for their studies. However, since 2019, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has made mandatory for the students to clear the NEET-UG (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Under Graduate) exam, which is the entry examination for undergraduate medical education in India, as a prerequisite to pursue medical education abroad.

2. Beginning 2019, only those students who appear for the NEET-UG for admission to Undergradute medical education in India will be eligible to appear for the screening test, namely, the Foreign Medical Graduates’ Exam (FMGE). This step has been an important advancement in screening of students and has been well received by the host countries as well. However, as the quality of education in various countries differs considerably; continued and systematic efforts in providing quidance to students regarding selection of course and institution to gain maximum academic esposure is needed.

3. As per the IMC (Indian Medical Council) Act, 1956, all students who acquire a medical qualification from countries outside India are required to clear the FMGE in order to practice in India. The Exam is conducted by the National Board for Examination (NBE) twice (i.e. in June and December) every year.

4. It may be noted that the number of students, having medical degrees from Institutions abroad, appearing for FMGE in 2009 was 6170, which has increased to 21,351 in 2018. However, the pass percentage of students appearing for the FMGE has been very low, and continues to be below 20%. NBE has published a list of country-wise performance of Indian candidates in FMGE for the period 2015-2018 (copy attached).

5. All Indian students desiring to undertake medical education abroad should take into account the above mentioned information. In case they need any clarification about any particular institution, they may contact Indian Mission in the country where they seek to take admission. The students are also advised to visit official website of Medical Council of India (https://www.mciindia.org) constantly to know the list of accredited foreign medical institution/universities for MBBS or equivalent courses; and other important useful information.

6. Every Indian student should register themselves in the HCI, Dhaka, website.

7. They should understand that they are in foreign land and have to be guided by local rules and College regulations. They would have to adjust themselves to the new environment, culture, food habits and learn the niceties of the language, as early as possible.

8. The students have to keep up the Indian spirit high by proving to be good students, concentrating on their studies only, leaving aside all other interests/activities (political, friendly, inimical) during their stay here. The students should stay away specifically from drugs and eve-teasing.

9. As responsible citizens, the students should strive to live up to the expectations of their family and society, back home, and therefore, think twice before taking any extreme step, in case of any unexpected downfalls or misunderstandings.

10. The first year students should give emphasis on obtaining equivalence certificate, before joining the college in Bangladesh.

11. The issue of hiring Educational Consultants before admission process and even during/after it, is absolutely the personal choice of the students, and, the High Commission should not be brought in their midst, after that.

12. The High Commission should not be made responsible, after a student decides to change the College or decides to withdraw from that College. Due care should be taken before deciding on any step of admission, or thereafter. Issue of refund of deposited money would not be the responsibility of the Mission.