International University of Kyrgyzstan's Srinagar interaction highlights MBBS Scholarships, career guidance and student welfare

• Dr. G.N. Var urges educationists to look beyond marks and prioritise students’ welfare and career development; J&K-PSA calls for informed counselling amid limited medical seats

SRINAGAR: Medical aspirants and their parents received information on MBBS admissions, scholarships, fee arrangements and academic support at an interaction programme organised in Srinagar by the International University of Kyrgyzstan (IUK). The event brought together educationists, school leaders, doctors, students, civil society representatives and other stakeholders to discuss opportunities for studying medicine abroad—and the importance of checking university recognition, eligibility and regulatory requirements before making a decision.

Veteran educationist, founding president of the Private Schools Association J&K (PSAJK) and Chief Patron Dr. G.N. Var attended as Chief Guest. Noor Nawaz, Managing Director of Hind Guru Academy, Delhi; IUK representatives Dr. Ritik Swami and Dr. Mursalin Panwar; Director of Life Education; and J&K-PSA State President Bilal Ahmad Bhat were among the Guests of Honour.

Other attendees included Mohammad Syed Wani, General Secretary (Organisation), J&K-PSA; Raja Shehzad, President, J&K-PSA Poonch; Mir Fayaz, former trade union leader and social activist; Mohammad Sulaiman Bhat, Executive Member of the J&K Civil Society Forum; Rifat Khan and Nahida Bilal of the J&K-PSA Women’s Wing; and B.A. Shah, PRO, J&K-PSA.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Var cautioned against choosing a course without reliable information, saying students can feel confused by the focus on marks and competitive-exam rankings. He called for education to be viewed as a continuing journey—from school through higher education, research and professional development—and stressed that student welfare and career development must be given due priority.

He also highlighted the need to strengthen medical services and the availability of healthcare professionals in Jammu and Kashmir. Students, he said, should receive accurate guidance on career options, eligibility and future prospects so they can make choices suited to their abilities and aspirations.

J&K-PSA President Bilal Ahmad Bhat said limited medical seats and changing education trends make timely counselling and awareness especially important. Students who qualify NEET but do not secure a seat in India may consider other options if they meet the prescribed requirements, he said, urging families to assess universities, academic standards and regulations carefully.

“Medical education is becoming increasingly competitive and the availability of seats remains a major concern for many aspiring students. Those who qualify NEET but are unable to secure a seat in India should be aware of alternative opportunities, provided they meet the prescribed eligibility requirements. Our priority should be to ensure that students receive proper guidance and make informed decisions about their future,” Bhat said.

Dr. Mursalin Panwar, an IUK representative, said the interaction aimed to give students and parents direct access to information about admissions, scholarships, fees and related arrangements. He said eligible students could explore scholarships under different categories. According to Panwar, the university would also facilitate visa and ticket arrangements, with a representative accompanying students on their journey; admission and registration formalities would be completed at the university, followed by applicable fee payment.

Panwar referred to the university’s international links, recognition and certification, and said similarities in climate and cultural setting could help students from Kashmir adjust to life in Kyrgyzstan. He urged families to independently verify recognition, scholarship eligibility, admission conditions, fee arrangements and applicable regulations before deciding.

Dr. Ritik Swami spoke about the academic environment and facilities available to students in Kyrgyzstan, including similarities in weather, food and aspects of local life. He also discussed additional coaching support for relevant medical examinations, including preparation for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), alongside the regular curriculum.

Swami cautioned students against choosing a university solely on the basis of its fees or an admission offer. He said families should examine recognition, academic standards, eligibility and the requirements for practising medicine in the country where a graduate intends to work. Students planning to return to India, he added, should understand the applicable regulatory and licensing requirements.

Social activist Mir Fayaz welcomed the initiative, saying students need greater awareness and reliable guidance when planning their careers. He urged organisers to continue making admission information accessible and transparent, and called for efforts to make medical education more affordable for students from economically weaker backgrounds.

Mohammad Syed Wani, General Secretary (Organisation), J&K-PSA, said the association wanted to connect students with wider academic opportunities and explore collaborations and support mechanisms for deserving students facing financial barriers.

“Our endeavour is to ensure that financial difficulties do not become a barrier to a student’s aspirations. By exploring scholarship opportunities, institutional collaborations and meaningful support mechanisms, we hope to help deserving students access quality education, expand their horizons and build a brighter future. Every student with the potential and determination to succeed deserves an opportunity to move forward,” Wani said.

Mohammad Sulaiman Bhat of the J&K Civil Society Forum stressed the need for transparent information on foreign admissions. He said families should understand an institution’s recognition, the full cost of education, scholarship conditions, accommodation and future requirements before committing.

The programme gave students and parents an opportunity to speak directly with IUK representatives and ask about admissions, scholarships, accommodation, fee payments and academic support. Participants also discussed the role of career counselling in helping students understand both the opportunities and responsibilities involved in studying medicine abroad.

For information about MBBS admissions, scholarship eligibility, fee structure and procedures, interested students and parents may contact 9210582838 or 7534004848.

The event concluded with speakers calling for student welfare, transparent admissions and informed career planning. They emphasised that students and families should verify a university’s recognition, course duration, internship requirements, degree validity and applicable regulations before making a final decision about medical education overseas.