Indian students studying in Iran have appealed to the Government of India for diplomatic intervention after a recent advisory from the Indian Embassy in Tehran urged all Indian nationals to leave the country amid rising regional tensions. The advisory, issued on February 23, has placed many students—particularly medical students—in a difficult position, as crucial university examinations scheduled for March have not been postponed.
Hundreds of Indian nationals are currently enrolled in Iranian universities, a significant number of them medical students from Jammu and Kashmir. While many students say they are concerned about safety and wish to return home, they fear that leaving immediately could jeopardise their academic progress. Missing examinations may delay graduation timelines or affect professional recognition of their medical degrees.
Students reported that universities in Iran have so far not announced any changes to examination schedules despite growing uncertainty linked to escalating tensions involving the United States and Iran. As a result, they find themselves balancing safety concerns against academic obligations.
Bilal Bhat, an Indian medical student in Tehran, said families back home are anxious about the situation, but students are unable to depart because examinations scheduled for early and late March are critical for their academic year. According to students, the lack of clarity regarding postponement or alternative arrangements has created significant uncertainty.
Rather than immediate evacuation, many students are seeking diplomatic engagement between Indian authorities and Iranian institutions to request rescheduling of exams. They argue that revised timelines would allow those wishing to leave temporarily to do so without risking academic penalties or delays in completing their degrees.
The All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) has formally written to the Prime Minister’s Office requesting urgent intervention. The organisation has asked the government to raise the issue with Iranian authorities and university administrations so that examination schedules can be adjusted if the security situation worsens. AIMSA’s Jammu and Kashmir president, Mohammad Momin Khan, described the situation as unprecedented, stating that the appeal is preventive in nature and aimed at avoiding disruption to students’ education should travel conditions suddenly deteriorate.
The concerns come amid reports of renewed anti-government protests and clashes at several Iranian universities, alongside heightened geopolitical tensions linked to Iran’s nuclear programme and an increased US military presence in the region. Iranian officials have warned of possible retaliation if their interests in West Asia are targeted, further intensifying uncertainty for foreign students.
While the Indian Embassy has advised nationals to leave using available commercial transport, it has not announced evacuation operations. Students continue to await clarity on whether diplomatic discussions may help balance safety considerations with academic commitments as the regional situation evolves.
