Hundreds of medical students from Jammu and Kashmir remain stranded in Iran as the ongoing conflict in the region disrupts flights, communication and academic schedules, leaving families deeply worried about their safety and future.

Estimates suggest that between 1,100 and 1,500 students from the Union Territory are still in Iran, out of roughly 2,000 students originally studying there.

Many of them stayed back to appear for crucial national-level examinations, including the Uloompaya exams scheduled around March 5, despite an earlier advisory from the Ministry of External Affairs (India) urging Indian citizens to leave the country.

Exams delayed as war intensifies

The examinations were reportedly postponed at the last moment following strikes linked to the escalating conflict involving United States and Israel.

With Iranian airspace partially closed and international travel severely disrupted, many students have been unable to leave the country.

Parents in Srinagar have expressed anxiety and appealed to authorities to arrange safe evacuation for their children.

One parent said her son had planned to return home immediately after his exam.

“My son’s exam ended on March 4 and he had a ticket for March 5, but the war broke out before he could leave,” she said.

Students shifted to safer locations

Some parents said they were grateful that Indian authorities had helped move students to relatively safer cities such as Qom.

However, communication disruptions and uncertainty about the security situation continue to worry families.

In Srinagar, security was heightened in areas such as Ghanta Ghar, Srinagar following protests related to developments in the conflict.

Academic future remains uncertain

Students who managed to return to India say the situation has created uncertainty around their education.

Izaam Hussain, a first-year MBBS student at Tehran University, had returned home earlier after advisories were issued.

“I had just joined my course and spent only a month there. Now everything is uncertain,” he said.

Others who returned during holidays fear their studies may be delayed for months.

Education consultants estimate that academic disruption could last three to six months, depending on how long the conflict continues.

Calls for evacuation and academic support

Student organisations and parents are now urging the government to prioritise safe evacuation of those still in Iran.

Representatives from the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association said the crisis marks the third major disruption in less than a year affecting Indian students in Iran.

They said once students return safely, the government should explore solutions such as academic migration to other countries or temporary arrangements in Indian medical colleges, though existing regulations under the National Medical Commission currently require students to complete their degree abroad.

For families waiting anxiously in Kashmir, the immediate concern remains the safe return of their children.