For Indian students planning to pursue an MBBS in Kazakhstan, one of the most critical concerns is passing the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), which is mandatory to practice medicine in India after completing MBBS abroad. To succeed in FMGE, students must understand which subjects are taught in each year of Kazakhstan MBBS and how the syllabus aligns with the FMGE pattern.
Kazakhstan has emerged as a popular destination due to affordable tuition, globally recognized degrees, English-medium instruction, and structured medical curricula. This article provides a year-wise breakdown of FMGE subjects, helping students strategically plan their studies and maximize their exam readiness.
Duration: MBBS in Kazakhstan typically lasts 5 years (for students with science background).
Medium: English, with optional local language classes for patient communication.
Structure: Divided into pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical phases.
FMGE Focus: FMGE tests knowledge of subjects taught during MBBS years in India and abroad. Kazakhstan MBBS aligns its curriculum to cover FMGE subjects systematically.
The first year in Kazakhstan MBBS emphasizes the basic sciences, which form the foundation for later FMGE subjects.
Subjects Covered:
Anatomy – Gross anatomy, histology, embryology, surface anatomy.
Physiology – Functions of organ systems, homeostasis, basic lab experiments.
Biochemistry – Biomolecules, enzymes, metabolism, molecular biology basics.
Medical Terminology – Introduction to medical terms used in clinical practice.
FMGE Relevance:
Anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry form a significant portion of pre-clinical FMGE questions.
Students learn basic principles needed for clinical reasoning.
Practical Exposure:
Cadaver dissection in anatomy.
Lab experiments in physiology and biochemistry.
The second year moves towards para-clinical subjects, bridging basic sciences and clinical applications.
Subjects Covered:
Anatomy (continued) – Neuroanatomy, cardiovascular system, respiratory system.
Physiology (continued) – Endocrinology, reproductive physiology, renal and gastrointestinal systems.
Biochemistry (advanced) – Genetic coding, DNA, protein synthesis, clinical biochemistry applications.
Pathology (introduction) – Cellular pathology, inflammation, necrosis, repair mechanisms.
Microbiology (introductory) – Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasitology basics.
Pharmacology (introductory) – Principles of drug action, classifications, dose calculation.
FMGE Relevance:
Pathology, microbiology, and pharmacology are important FMGE subjects.
Students begin connecting theory to diseases, laying the groundwork for clinical years.
Practical Exposure:
Pathology lab work: tissue slides, histopathology.
Microbiology lab experiments: culture techniques and staining.
The third year introduces more clinical concepts and applied medical knowledge.
Subjects Covered:
General Pathology – Systemic diseases, hematology, inflammation, tumors.
Pharmacology (advanced) – Drug therapy for organ systems, side effects, contraindications.
Microbiology (advanced) – Clinical pathogens, infection mechanisms, diagnostic techniques.
Forensic Medicine – Medico-legal aspects, autopsy, medical jurisprudence.
Community Medicine – Epidemiology, biostatistics, preventive health programs.
Introduction to Clinical Medicine – Case-taking, examination, diagnosis basics.
FMGE Relevance:
Most para-clinical FMGE questions are from pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, and forensic medicine.
Early exposure to patient cases helps understand the application of these subjects.
Practical Exposure:
Lab and case study-based learning.
Basic clinical rotations in hospitals to observe doctors in practice.
From the fourth year onwards, full clinical subjects are introduced, which make up the majority of FMGE questions.
Subjects Covered:
General Medicine – Cardiology, neurology, respiratory diseases, infectious diseases.
General Surgery – Basic surgical procedures, trauma management, pre/postoperative care.
Obstetrics & Gynecology – Antenatal care, labor, delivery, gynecological disorders.
Pediatrics – Growth and development, common pediatric illnesses, vaccination.
Psychiatry – Mental health, counseling, psychiatric disorders.
ENT – Ear, nose, throat diseases.
Ophthalmology – Eye disorders and vision correction.
Community Medicine (advanced) – Rural health programs, public health policies.
FMGE Relevance:
Clinical subjects form 60–70% of FMGE questions.
Medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and OBGYN are heavily tested.
Practical Exposure:
Hospital ward rounds, case discussions, minor procedures.
Exposure to diagnostic equipment and lab investigations.
The fifth year is focused on intensive clinical exposure and internship readiness.
Subjects Covered:
Advanced Medicine – Critical care, emergency medicine, complex case management.
Advanced Surgery – Operations, surgical techniques, post-op care.
Pediatrics (advanced) – Neonatal care, pediatric emergencies.
Obstetrics & Gynecology (advanced) – High-risk pregnancy, operative procedures.
Orthopedics – Fractures, trauma care.
Dermatology – Skin diseases, sexually transmitted infections.
Radiology – Imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, MRI basics.
Anesthesiology – Basics of anesthesia and perioperative care.
FMGE Relevance:
Students revise and strengthen clinical knowledge.
Subjects like medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and OBGYN are directly tested in FMGE.
Practical Exposure:
Intensive ward postings.
Participation in operations and emergency cases.
Many universities include a 6th year as internship, although some programs integrate it into the 5th year.
Students rotate through all major departments under supervision.
Provides hands-on practice in medicine, surgery, pediatrics, OBGYN, orthopedics, psychiatry, and rural health.
FMGE Relevance:
Internship ensures students are practically confident and can answer application-based questions in FMGE.
1st Year: Focus on strong fundamentals in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry.
2nd Year: Pay attention to pathology, microbiology, and pharmacology concepts.
3rd Year: Begin solving applied case studies and clinical scenario questions.
4th Year: Revise all clinical subjects systematically; practice hospital case discussions.
5th Year: Focus on advanced clinical cases, diagnostic reasoning, and patient management.
Internship: Gain hands-on experience to strengthen practical knowledge for FMGE.
Q1. In which year is anatomy covered in Kazakhstan MBBS?
A1. Anatomy is mainly taught in the 1st and 2nd years, including gross anatomy, histology, and embryology, and is part of FMGE pre-clinical questions.
Q2. When do students study pathology and microbiology?
A2. Pathology and microbiology are covered from the 2nd to 3rd years, aligning with FMGE para-clinical subjects.
Q3. Are clinical subjects covered before the 4th year?
A3. Introductory clinical concepts begin in the 3rd year, but full clinical subjects are taught in the 4th and 5th years.
Q4. Does pharmacology start in the 2nd year?
A4. Yes, basic pharmacology starts in the 2nd year, with advanced drug actions and treatments taught in the 3rd year.
Q5. When is pediatrics included in the MBBS syllabus?
A5. Pediatrics begins in the 4th year and continues with advanced pediatric care in the 5th year.
Q6. Are forensic medicine and community medicine FMGE subjects?
A6. Yes, they are taught in the 3rd year and are tested under para-clinical FMGE topics.
Q7. What subjects form the major portion of FMGE?
A7. Clinical subjects—medicine, surgery, pediatrics, OBGYN—comprise around 60–70% of FMGE questions.
Q8. How does internship help in FMGE preparation?
A8. Internship provides practical exposure to cases and improves diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills required for FMGE.
Q9. Are subjects like psychiatry, dermatology, and orthopedics included in FMGE?
A9. Yes, these are included as clinical subjects and are usually taught in 4th and 5th years.
Q10. Is year-wise planning essential for FMGE success?
A10. Absolutely. Following the year-wise breakdown ensures students systematically cover all FMGE subjects and practice applied clinical questions.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
English