Indian students studying in Iran have voiced growing anxiety following a government advisory urging nationals to consider returning home amid rising regional tensions, saying an abrupt departure could
cost them an entire academic year.
Many of the affected students, a significant number of whom are from Jammu and Kashmir, are enrolled in medical programmes at universities across Iran.
With examinations scheduled for March and no announcements on postponement so far, students say they are caught between concerns for their safety and the fear of jeopardising their studies.
According to the students, universities have continued with their academic calendars despite the uncertain security environment.
“We have our exams scheduled in March, and if we leave now, we risk losing our entire academic year. I sincerely request the authorities to contact our university and give us an assurance that our exams will not be affected. Only then can we safely return to India,” said Mohammad Azeem, an Indian student in Iran.
“We want to return home, but our exams are due in March and there is no clarity on whether they will be deferred,” said Bilal Bhat, an Indian medical student in Iran, speaking over a video call.
“If we miss these exams, it could set us back by a year. That uncertainty is causing a lot of stress for students and families alike.”
The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) has taken up the issue with the Centre, writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking immediate intervention.
The association has urged the government to engage diplomatically with Iranian authorities and universities to explore the possibility of rescheduling examinations, allowing students who wish to return to India to do so without academic loss.
Another student, Musafid, said while daily life remains largely normal and flights are still operating, the unpredictability of the situation is unsettling.
“We are constantly monitoring developments. Flights are available for now, but we don’t know how quickly things could change. Our priority is safety, but our education is equally important,” he said.
From Jammu and Kashmir, Mohammad Momin Khan, president of J&K AIMSA, said the association has formally approached the Prime Minister’s Office, stressing that students are not seeking evacuation at this stage.
“Our request is for timely diplomatic engagement so that academic schedules can be adjusted if the situation worsens,” he said.
Families of students back in India are also closely tracking developments, hoping for clearer guidance in the days ahead.
For now, students remain in a wait-and-watch mode, weighing academic commitments against safety concerns as uncertainty continues to loom over their future.
