For Indian medical students in Iran amid escalating tensions, it’s matter of life or exam

NEW DELHI: Following the Centre's advisory asking Indian nationals to leave Iran amid escalating tensions and the possibility of a US strike, hundreds of Indian medical students find themselves torn between returning home for safety and facing academic setbacks if they miss crucial examinations scheduled in early March, mandatory for the continuation of their degrees.

Estimates from student groups suggest that 1,000-1,500 Indian students are currently in Iran for medical education, with a significant number at key institutions like Tehran University of Medical Sciences.


According to several students, the basic sciences (Olum-e-Paye) examination and pre-internship test — both mandatory govt assessments in Iran's medical education system — are set for March 5. These exams determine whether students can progress from pre-clinical study to clinical training and hospital postings, and are held only twice a year. Missing them could mean losing up to six months of academic progress, as the next cycle will only take place in the second half of the year, significantly delaying their five-and-a-half-year medical degree.

The students have also highlighted that this is the second time they are grappling with such uncertainty. Many faced disruptions when the Israel-Iran conflict flared last year, leaving them in an increasingly anxious academic environment. Students have urged the Indian govt to intervene and take up the matter with Iranian authorities to explore the possibility of postponing the exams or offering alternative arrangements.

For many, the decision to leave has been fraught with anxiety over the impact on their careers. Faizan Nabi, a medical student who returned to India a few days ago, said he left due to growing apprehensions over safety but remains deeply concerned about his academic future.

"I returned a few days ago because of the fear and uncertainty around the escalating situation. But right now, semester exams are going on in universities. Plus, there are the Olum-e-Paye — the comprehensive basic sciences exam — and the pre-internship exam. These are nationwide, central assessments. Missing them means losing six months of study," he told TOI, highlighting the career-related stress students are facing.

Dismissing reports of countrywide protests, Rashid, a first-year MBBS student enrolled with Iran University of Medical Sciences located in Tehran, said, "There are no protests in the area where I am residing and the situation is peaceful."

Bilal Ahmed Bhatt, a student at Yasuj University of Medical Sciences who is currently in Iran, said students are caught in a difficult situation. "While the embassy has asked us to leave the country, we are facing issues with the university because exams are scheduled. We are requesting the govt to take up this matter so that our exams are postponed and we are able to leave the country safely," he said in a video posted on X.

Md Azeem, enrolled at Iran University of Medical Sciences, echoed similar concerns. "Our exams are scheduled for March. If we leave, our careers will be destroyed. It is an appeal to the govt to contact the universities and assure us that exams will be postponed so that we are able to leave the country," he said.

Various other students currently in Iran have taken to social media to appeal for clarity and help from the Indian govt. Many posted that while they understand the security concerns, returning home now without academic concessions could derail their medical careers. One student wrote that flights are available, but without assurance on exam postponement, they feel forced to remain in Iran despite family worries.

The All India Medical Students' Association has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging intervention. In its letter, the association asked the govt "to direct the embassy in Iran to urgently coordinate with Iranian universities and authorities to postpone all scheduled examinations for Indian students", noting that remaining in Iran solely to sit exams under the present tense geopolitical environment is "neither safe nor feasible". It also demanded facilitation for safe evacuation and repatriation and that no student should suffer academic loss due to circumstances beyond their control.

The Indian embassy in Tehran has reiterated the advisory, urging all Indian nationals to leave the country by available means of transport, including commercial flights, given the evolving situation.