Iran’s affordable education and cultural proximity draw hundreds of aspiring doctors from Kashmir each year. Photo Credit: X/MEA
In recent years, an increasing number of Indian students—particularly from Kashmir—have been enrolling in universities in Iran for higher education, especially in the field of medicine. This growing trend has prompted many to ask: why are more Indian Kashmiris choosing Iran for medical education?
According to 2022 data from the Ministry of External Affairs, over 2,000 Indian students were studying in Iran, with a significant share coming from Jammu and Kashmir. Most of them are pursuing MBBS or other health-related degrees at institutions such as the Tehran University of Medical Sciences and Shiraz University.
Cost-Effective and Accessible Medical Education
One of the main reasons why Indian Kashmiris are choosing Iran for medical education is affordability. Private medical colleges in India often charge exorbitant fees—ranging from ₹50 lakh to over ₹1 crore for a full MBBS course. In contrast, Iranian universities offer similar programs at a fraction of the cost, often under ₹20 lakh, including tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.
In addition to cost, the admission process is considered more accessible. For students who clear NEET but don’t secure a government seat, studying abroad becomes the only viable option. Iran’s relatively simple admission process, limited language barriers, and government scholarships make it an attractive destination.
Shared Cultural and Religious Ties
Another reason why Indian Kashmiris are choosing Iran for medical education is the cultural connection. Iran, with its Shia-majority population, shares a deep cultural and religious affinity with Kashmir, where a significant portion of the population follows Shia Islam. This affinity provides a sense of comfort and familiarity, particularly for students moving abroad for the first time.
Persian influence on Kashmiri language, literature, and architecture has been historically strong. Many families feel reassured by sending their children to a place where cultural norms, food, language, and religious practices are more aligned with their own.
Stable Bilateral Relations Between India and Iran
India and Iran have maintained generally cordial diplomatic relations, despite the broader global complexities. The partnership has endured through various geopolitical shifts, including Western sanctions on Iran and changing equations in the Middle East. Key projects like the Chabahar Port development have kept India-Iran ties on a cooperative track.
Iran has occasionally commented on developments in Jammu and Kashmir, including after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. However, Tehran’s official line has largely encouraged peaceful resolution through dialogue, rather than taking a confrontational stance. This restrained tone adds to the sense of security for Indian students studying in Iran.
Geopolitical Risks and Evacuation History
Despite the benefits, Indian students in Iran do face some level of risk. The country’s volatile political landscape, its tensions with Western powers, and regional instability can affect daily life and university operations. In early 2020, following US-Iran military tensions, India launched “Operation Namaste” to bring back hundreds of students from cities like Qom and Tehran.
Parents of Kashmiri students remain watchful but largely continue to send their children due to the overall safety, academic focus, and affordability Iran offers. Indian embassies in Tehran and consular services are often in regular contact with student communities, issuing advisories and offering assistance when needed.
Medical Degree Recognition and Career Prospects
Medical degrees from Iranian universities are generally recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India, provided students meet the necessary eligibility criteria and clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). Many students who return after completing their education in Iran have successfully established practices in India or pursued further studies.
The pathway may be more challenging than a domestic degree, but the opportunity to obtain a medical education—when otherwise inaccessible—remains a strong motivator.
Academic Exodus Highlights Domestic Gaps
The trend also points to a larger issue: the shortage of affordable and accessible medical seats within Jammu and Kashmir. Students turning to countries like Iran, Bangladesh, or Kyrgyzstan underscores the urgent need to expand medical education infrastructure within the Union Territory.
While Indian Kashmiris continue to choose Iran for their medical studies, driven by a mix of economic logic, cultural comfort, and geopolitical pragmatism, their migration reflects a broader academic and policy gap waiting to be addressed.
