Why Do So Many Indian Students Go Abroad to Study Medicine — And Why Iran?

Introduction: A Spotlight in Crisis

The recent Iran–Israel conflict and India's subsequent evacuation efforts have brought renewed attention to an enduring question:
Why are so many Indian — especially Kashmiri — students studying medicine in Iran?

In 2022, over 2,000 Indian students, most of them medical aspirants, were studying in Iran. For many, Iran is not just an economical choice, but a culturally resonant one.

A Familiar Pattern: Medical Exodus from India

The Ukraine Connection

This isn’t the first time that geopolitical instability has exposed the vulnerabilities of Indian students abroad.
Recall Operation Ganga in 2022, during the Russia–Ukraine war, when India had to airlift thousands of students stranded in war zones.

Despite a consistent push by the Indian government to increase domestic medical seats (from 51,000 in 2014 to 1.18 lakh in 2024), the outbound rush hasn’t slowed.

Competitive Exams vs. Cost: The Twin Drivers

NEET: A Numbers Game

India's single medical entrance exam — NEET-UG — had a record-breaking 22.7 lakh candidates in 2024 competing for just over 1 lakh MBBS seats.
Of these, only 50% are in government colleges, where fees are relatively affordable.

A student scoring a mid-level rank (e.g., 50,000) may have to choose a private college, where fees can run into ₹1–2 crore.

🔍 Dr. Pawanindra Lal, former executive director of the National Board of Examinations, states:
"It’s simple economics. You can get a foreign MBBS degree for one-tenth the cost."

The Rising FMGE Numbers: A Clear Trend

To practice in India, foreign medical graduates must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE).

·         2022: ~52,000

·         2023: 61,616

·         2024: ~79,000

This trend clearly reflects the growing number of Indians opting for medical studies abroad, especially in countries like Iran, Ukraine, Russia, China, and the Philippines.

Why Iran? Understanding the Kashmiri Connection

Cultural and Historical Ties

Iran holds a special place in the cultural imagination of Kashmir. It’s often called "Iran-e-Sagheer" or "Little Iran" due to:

·         Shared topography and climate

·         Common Persian linguistic and cultural roots

·         Influences from 13th-century Iranian Sufi saints, like Mir Sayyed Ali Hamadani, who brought artisanship and industries like carpet weaving, papier-mâché, and dry fruit cultivation.

Religious Affinity

Iran is predominantly Shia Muslim, and Kashmir has a significant Shia population as well.

Prof. Syed Akhtar Hussain of JNU notes:
"Iran holds a special emotional space in Kashmir’s heart. There is a mutual religious affinity."

The ‘Pargees Quota’: A Tailored Pathway

Iran makes special provisions for Kashmiri students, easing both:

·         Admission processes

·         Cost of education

Many Kashmiri students pursue MBBS in Tehran, while others opt for Islamic theology in holy cities like Qom and Mashhad.

These concessions — sometimes called the “pargees quota” — ensure:

·         Lower costs

·         Swift admissions

·         Favorable visa policies

The Academic Catch: Two-Tier Medical Systems

While getting admission into foreign universities is relatively easy, it comes with important caveats.

Dr. Lal warns:
"Some universities run two tracks — one for domestic students and another, less rigorous, for international students."

The Consequences?

·         Foreign MBBS graduates may not be eligible to practice even in the country they studied in.

·         In India, eligibility now requires that the student should be:

o    Allowed to practice in the country of study, and

o    Have completed a 54-month-long course + 1-year internship at the same university.

This aims to prevent half-baked medical degrees that only exist to attract foreign students.

Transparency Issues: Students Left in the Dark

Another major concern is the lack of publicly accessible, reliable data.

Dr. Lal suggests:
"There’s no credible list of foreign colleges approved by the Indian medical regulator. This leaves students vulnerable."

He advocates for either:

·         A vetted list of approved universities, or

·         An official list of top 100 medical institutions per country.

The Return Journey: Not So Smooth

A Degree, But at What Cost?

Upon returning to India, students often struggle with recognition, quality of training, and most crucially — clearing FMGE.

Case in Point: The Philippines

Many students from the Philippines found themselves in limbo because their 48-month course didn’t meet India’s 54-month requirement.

The FMGE Hurdle: A Gateway to Practice

Despite earning a medical degree, only those who clear FMGE can practice in India.

FMGE Pass Rates:

·         2022: 23.35%

·         2023: 16.65%

·         2024: 25.8%

These figures suggest a troubling reality — a large number of students aren’t equipped with the practical knowledge needed to pass even a moderate-level test.

Dr. Lal explains:
“Many of these students lack adequate patient exposure or hospital training, especially during internships.”

Employment Struggles: The Final Frontier

Even those who clear FMGE often face:

·         Skepticism from hospitals

·         Limited internship opportunities

·         Stigma around foreign medical degrees

Many employers assume these students lack rigorous, hands-on clinical experience, making their job market entry more challenging.

Conclusion: A Complex Web of Hope, Culture & Hard Reality

Iran — especially for Kashmiri students — represents a blend of affordability, accessibility, and identity.
But the journey from Tehran to a licensed doctor in India is far from easy.

This trend reflects deeper issues:

·         The imbalance between demand and supply of medical education in India

·         The economic barriers in private colleges

·         The lack of reliable guidance for aspirants going abroad

While medical dreams push students across borders, structural reforms, transparent advisories, and better screening of institutions are needed — so these students don’t return with degrees but no direction.

📚 MCQs for Practice

1. What is the primary reason Indian students go abroad to study medicine?

A. Better climate abroad
B. Lack of NEET exams abroad
C. High competition and cost of medical education in India
D. Scholarships in foreign countries
✅ Answer: C

2. What is the name of the operation launched by India to rescue students from Ukraine in 2022?

A. Operation Vande Bharat
B. Operation Samudra Setu
C. Operation Ganga
D. Operation Shakti
✅ Answer: C

3. What is the name of the mandatory exam for Indian students with foreign medical degrees?

A. NEET-PG
B. MCI-Exam
C. FMGE
D. USMLE
✅ Answer: C

4. What is a cultural reason for Kashmiri students choosing Iran for studies?

A. Language similarity with Hindi
B. Iran’s tropical climate
C. Shared Shia Muslim heritage and historical ties
D. High-paying jobs in Iran
✅ Answer: C

5. What recent change has the National Medical Commission implemented?

A. English language test for all students
B. Students must be eligible to practice in the country where they studied
C. Mandatory rural service for all students
D. Free registration for foreign graduates
✅ Answer: B