Some of my batchmates are preparing for these exams, which made me wonder—how many students actually clear them based solely on their performance in theory and clinical exams? In other words, are strong clinical skills enough, or is it essential to have a standout CV with extracurriculars, research involvement, and top grades in professional exams?
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To put it simply: yes, strong theory and clinical exam performance can be enough—especially for exams like NEET PG, INI-CET, and FMGE. These exams are MCQ-based, and your rank purely depends on your performance in the exam, not on your CV, extracurriculars, or research work.
However, if your goals include:
Joining premier institutes like AIIMS, PGI, or JIPMER,
Applying abroad (like for USMLE, PLAB, or Canadian exams),
Research-oriented or academic medicine,
Then having a strong CV definitely helps. This includes:
Research publications,
Conference presentations,
Internships or observerships,
Leadership roles or teaching experience.
In India, for most PG seats, your rank is everything. A standout CV is not required to get into a good branch—but it might help later in your career (for fellowships, jobs, or competitive posts).
In short:
For NEET PG/INI-CET: Strong clinical and theory knowledge is enough.
For long-term growth or international goals: A strong CV adds value.
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Taking account into the “soft skills” like confidence, communication and adaptability… Extracurricular activities like internships or any hobbies are definately important.
While studying sharpens our theoretical knowledge, hobbies and activities sharpen our confidence. 
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I saw many of students who are giving these exams
I saw almost everyone is sacrificing their college life for this like they don’t have friends they don’t have time for themselves nor doing any sports or extracurricular activities they are just studying studying and studying
But one thing I want to is it easy for them to do so
For PLAB, strong clinical knowledge and communication skills are enough to clear the exam.
A standout CV or extracurriculars aren’t necessary
However, for USMLE, while passing the exams is essential, matching into a U.S. residency also requires a strong CV — including high Step 2 CK scores, U.S. clinical experience, good letters of recommendation, and preferably some research or academic achievements.
In short, PLAB is exam-oriented, while USMLE is competitive and holistic. If aiming for the U.S., building your profile with some extracurriculars or research during MBBS is highly recommended to strengthen your application.
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Wonderfully explained @Samreen12356807 
Great explanation
Yes, same situation is present in my college too. But i feel USA demands CV to get to know what other then clinical knowledge you can add on their medical system. And also other than exams, i feel CV is equally important to become a “GOOD DOCTOR”. It give you advance training in practising aetcom and adapt your value and behaviors being in a clinic. In short, working on CV practically (not for just to type out on paper) is the stimulation of your field experience after mbbs.
Though for PLAB, CV is not that necessary, but for USMLE it does matters. Even if that students are just preparing for exams - without cv it’s highly difficult to get match in usa.
I do agree with what you’ve said, you’ve made it more easier to understand.