Social IssuesGS2-Social Justice
Why Indian Students, Especially from Kashmir, Study in Iran
A significant number of Indian students, particularly from Kashmir, pursue medical studies in Iran due to factors like affordability and cultural ties.
June 24, 2025
Key Points
- 1In 2022, about 2,050 Indian students were enrolled in Iran, mostly for medical studies, at institutions like Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
- 2The trend is visible in the rising number of candidates appearing for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), which is mandatory for practising medicine in India after studying abroad.
- 3More than 22.7 lakh candidates appeared for NEET-UG in 2024 for just over 1 lakh MBBS seats, with only around half of these seats in government colleges.
- 4For Kashmiri students, the choice is shaped not just by economics, but by cultural and historical ties.
- 5Iran gives some concessions to Kashmiri students to study there. By virtue of being Shia, they get admission very quickly and easily. for Kashmiris in Iran, it's less expensive.
Important Terms
Indian StudentsKashmirIranMedical EducationFMGE
UPSC Current Affairs
Last Updated: 7/16/2025