FMG Radar - Dr. Naman Choudhary
Name: Dr. Naman Choudhary
Academic Qualification: MBBS, International Higher School of Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (Graduation Year: 2023)
Can you give a short introduction of yourself?
Dr. Naman Choudhary: Hello, I am Dr. Naman Chaudhary, and I completed my MBBS from IHSM (International Higher School of Medicine), Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, in 2023. I hail from Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, India, and am passionate about contributing to the field of healthcare. During my time at IHSM, I gained a comprehensive understanding of medical sciences, clinical practices, and patient care. I am eager to begin my professional journey as a doctor, dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals in my community and beyond. My commitment to lifelong learning and my drive to provide compassionate care guide me as I embark on this exciting career path.
Can you share your journey of becoming a foreign medical graduate and deciding to take the FMGE?
Dr. Naman Choudhary: My journey to becoming a foreign medical graduate began with my decision to pursue medical education outside of India, which allowed me to experience a diverse learning environment. After completing my medical degree from the IHSM Institute, I chose to take the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) because it is an essential step for foreign graduates like me to practice medicine in India. The FMGE ensures that I meet the required standards and am fully prepared to provide quality healthcare to patients. This decision was driven by my passion for medicine and my desire to contribute to the healthcare system in India, where I can apply my skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact.
I took my FMG exam on January 12, 2025, and scored 180 out of 300.
When did you start preparing for the FMGE Exam?
Dr. Naman Choudhary: I usually dedicated an hour or a little more daily to my preparation, but in the last year of my graduation, I increased my efforts and devoted more time to studying for the FMGE exam.
How did you structure your FMGE preparation, and what study materials or resources helped you the most?
Dr. Naman Choudhary: For my FMGE preparation, I focused on one main source and made sure to revise it thoroughly. I didn’t spread myself across multiple resources to avoid confusion. In addition to that, I relied on my college notes, which were extremely helpful for clearing concepts. I also took a test series to assess my progress and improve my time management. This approach helped me stay focused and organized throughout my preparation.
Did you follow a specific timetable or strategy while preparing for FMGE?
Dr. Naman Choudhary: Yes, I primarily followed my coaching notes and timetable, focusing on one main source to avoid confusion "Kum Padho baar baar padho" and I regularly participated in Test and Discussion (TND) sessions and relied on my college notes to clear concepts. Additionally, I took a test series to track my progress and improve my time management. This structured approach helped me stay focused and organized throughout my preparation.
How did you manage stress and stay motivated during your FMGE preparation?
Dr. Naman Choudhary: To manage stress and stay motivated during my FMGE preparation, I followed a systematic approach. I made sure to revise each subject within the given time frame according to my Test and Discussion (TND) schedule. Whenever I made mistakes in the TND sessions, I would review my notes for that specific topic to strengthen my understanding. Additionally, I used retrograde techniques to help reinforce my learning and keep the information fresh in my mind. This routine helped me stay focused, motivated, and reduced stress throughout my preparation.
What were the biggest challenges you faced while preparing for the FMGE?
Dr. Naman Choudhary: The biggest challenges I faced during my FMGE preparation were managing time effectively and maintaining consistency. Balancing revision with taking regular test series sometimes felt overwhelming, but sticking to a structured routine helped me stay on track. Additionally, overcoming difficult topics and staying motivated during intense study sessions were challenging, but I kept pushing through by revisiting my notes and using targeted study techniques.
How did you handle the vast syllabus and manage revision effectively?
Dr. Naman Choudhary: I handled the vast syllabus by breaking it down into manageable sections and following a structured timetable. I focused on regular revisions and used my coaching notes to stay focused on key concepts, ensuring I covered everything efficiently without feeling overwhelmed.
Did you attend any coaching classes or rely on self-study? How did that impact your preparation?
Dr. Naman Choudhary: I attended coaching classes for my FMGE preparation, which had a significant impact on my studies. The structured approach and expert guidance provided by the coaching helped me understand difficult concepts better and stay on track with my preparation. It also kept me motivated and focused, ensuring I was well-prepared for the exam.
Were there any subjects or topics that you found particularly difficult, and how did you overcome them?
Dr. Naman Choudhary:I found microbiology and physiology less interesting, so I focused on high-yield topics, past-year questions (PYQs), and rapid revision to maximize my score. Instead of skipping them entirely, I concentrated on key areas to make sure I scored something rather than nothing.
What role did mock tests and previous year's question papers play in your preparation?
Dr. Naman Choudhary: Mock tests and previous year's question papers played a crucial role in my preparation. They helped me familiarize myself with the exam pattern, improve my time management, and identify areas that needed more attention. By regularly practicing with these resources, I was able to assess my progress, build confidence, and refine my exam-taking strategies.
Can you walk us through your exam day experience? How did you feel before, during, and after the exam?
Dr. Naman Choudhary: On the day of the exam, I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement, but I reminded myself to stay calm and trust the preparation I had put in. Before the exam, I made sure to have a good breakfast and arrived early at the center to avoid any unnecessary stress. During the exam, I stayed focused and managed my time carefully, applying the strategies I practiced with mock tests. After the exam, I felt a sense of relief and accomplishment, knowing I had given my best effort. It was a moment of both exhaustion and hope, as I awaited the results.
What strategies did you use for time management during the FMGE?
Dr. Naman Choudhary: For time management during the FMGE, I used time-bound techniques. Whenever I took a grand test or custom module, I set a timer to simulate exam conditions. This helped me get used to managing time effectively and ensured I stayed on track during the actual exam.
Were there any unexpected challenges during the exam, and how did you handle them?
Dr. Naman Choudhary: Yes, there were a few unexpected challenges during the exam. One of the main difficulties I faced was managing time effectively, as the exam required quick thinking and decision-making under pressure. To handle this, I practiced timed mock tests regularly to improve my speed and accuracy. Additionally, some questions were more complex than anticipated, but I stayed calm and focused on applying my knowledge to eliminate options and make educated guesses when necessary. By maintaining a positive mindset and staying prepared, I was able to navigate these challenges effectively.
How did you approach tricky or confusing questions during the exam?
Dr. Naman Choudhary: For tricky questions, I stayed calm, eliminated incorrect options, and focused on key details. If unsure, I marked the question and moved on, coming back to it later with a clearer mind.
How did you feel after seeing your FMGE result? What was your reaction?
Dr. Naman Choudhary: I felt incredibly relieved and happy after seeing my FMGE result. All the hard work paid off, and I couldn’t help but smile with pride and joy. It was a truly exciting moment, knowing that I had achieved my goal!
How did you approach the internship process in India after qualifying for FMGE?
Dr. Naman Choudhary: After qualifying for the FMGE, I followed a structured approach to begin my internship process in India. Once the exam was completed, the result was typically announced within a month. After that, I downloaded the entry slip and filled it out as required. Following this, I received a notification in my email about the collection of my passing certificate. From the time the results were declared, it took around 3 to 4 months to complete all the necessary formalities and finally join a college for my internship.
What advice would you give to FMGE aspirants to increase their chances of success?
Dr. Naman Choudhary: My advice to FMGE aspirants would be to stay consistent, follow a structured study plan, and focus on understanding key concepts. Stick to one reliable source and revise regularly. Practice with mock tests and previous year's papers to build confidence and improve time management. Most importantly, stay positive, manage stress, and believe in your preparation.