No FMGE Centres in J&K, Kashmiri Medical Graduates Forced to Travel Outside, Students, Parents Appeal for Srinagar-Based Exam Centre

No FMGE Centres in J&K, Kashmiri Medical Graduates Forced to Travel Outside, Students, Parents Appeal for Srinagar-Based Exam Centre

*CNS Correspondent*

Srinagar, July 26, CNS: Medical graduates from Jammu and Kashmir, who have obtained their degrees from foreign universities, have expressed deep concern over the absence of a Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) centre in the Union Territory, forcing them to travel to other states to take the crucial licensing exam.

The FMGE, commonly known as the Screening Test, is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and is mandatory for Indian nationals with foreign medical degrees to obtain a license to practice medicine in India.

With no designated centres in J&K, students from Kashmir are being allotted exam venues in cities such as Chandigarh and Delhi. This has led to growing frustration and financial strain among the candidates and their families.

“I have to travel all the way to Chandigarh to write the exam. It is not just costly, but also exhausting, especially when we have been preparing for months,” said Shazia Bano, a medical graduate.

Nasir Ahmad, who completed his degree in Kazakhstan, echoed similar sentiments. “We don’t understand why there are no centres in Kashmir. It feels like we are being ignored.”

The issue has not only sparked anxiety among aspirants but has also placed additional stress on their families. “Our children already go through so much stress preparing for this exam. Travelling far from home adds to their pressure,” said Raqib Hussain, father of a medical graduate.

Sumaira Jan, whose daughter studied in Uzbekistan, added, “Not every family can afford to send their children to other states and manage everything on their own. This is unfair and discriminatory.”

Amid mounting appeals, a senior official in the Health and Medical Education Department acknowledged the concern and stated that the matter has been received and would be taken up for consideration shortly.

Students and parents have urged the authorities to establish an FMGE exam centre in Srinagar to reduce logistical burdens and ensure equitable treatment of aspiring doctors from the region. (CNS)