Author: admin

Advisory/Information for students desirous of Pursuing Medical Studies abroad

Advisory/Information for Students Desirous of Pursuing Medical Studies Abroad

Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of Indian students going abroad to pursue medical education.Earlier, all students interested in taking a medical qualification from outside India were required to get an eligibility certificate from the government before leaving for their studies. However, since 2019, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has made it mandatory for students to clear the NEET-UG (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test – Under Graduate) exam, which is the entry examination for undergraduate medical education in India, as a prerequisite to pursue medical education abroad.

Beginning 2019, only those students who appear for the NEET-UG for admission to undergraduate medical education in India will be eligible to appear for the screening test, namely, the Foreign Medical Graduates’ Exam (FMGE). This step has been an important advancement in screening of students and has been well received by the host countries as well. However, as the quality of education in various countries differs considerably, continued and systematic efforts in providing guidance to students regarding selection of course and institution to gain maximum academic exposure is needed.

As per the IMC (Indian Medical Council) Act, 1956, all students who acquire a medical qualification from countries outside India are required to clear the FMGE in order to practice in India. The exam is conducted by the National Board for Examination (NBE) twice every year (i.e., in June and December).

It may be noted that the number of students having medical degrees from institutions abroad, appearing for FMGE in 2009 was 6,170, which has increased to 21,351 in 2018. However, the pass percentage of students appearing for the FMGE has been very low, and continues to be below 20%. NBE has published a list of country-wise performance of Indian candidates in FMGE for the period 2015–2018 (copy attached).

Important Advisory for Prospective Students

  • Only students who clear NEET-UG are eligible to take FMGE.
  • FMGE is mandatory to practice in India after obtaining a foreign medical degree.
  • The exam is held twice a year by the National Board of Examination (NBE).
  • Students must carefully select recognized institutions abroad with good academic standards.
  • Pass percentage in FMGE has been low; thorough preparation and awareness are crucial.
  • Students may consult the Indian Mission in the country of interest for guidance.
  • Regularly check the Medical Council of India (MCI) website for:
    • List of accredited foreign medical institutions/universities for MBBS or equivalent courses
    • Latest updates and useful resources for aspiring medical students

Information for Students seeking admission in Uzbek medical institutions

Information for Students Seeking Admission in Uzbek Medical Institutions

The Indian students applying for the admission in Uzbek medical institutes are advised to carefully check the following:

1. Registration in Universities in Uzbekistan

Medical universities of Uzbekistan registered with Medical Council of India (MCI) may be found at:

2. Research on Universities

Visit university websites to find rankings, academic records, faculty, infrastructure, etc. Consult alumni to choose institutions offering quality education.

3. Know Admission and Transfer Rules

Understand the rules regarding admission, transfer, withdrawal, etc., directly from the institutions. Note: The Embassy does not play any role in these matters.

4. Language of Instruction

Confirm whether the university offers courses in English. Teaching quality in English may not be on par with Indian standards.

5. Avoid Educational Consultants (ECs)

Students are encouraged to deal directly with universities and avoid agents or ECs where possible.

6. If Using ECs, Verify Background

Check EC reputation. Consult students who have used their services. Avoid those with poor feedback.

7. Documentation is Crucial

Ensure the contract is in English or bilingual (English + Uzbek/Russian). Do not sign documents only in Uzbek/Russian unless you fully understand them.

8. Understand All Fees

Clarify tuition, hostel, other university fees, and EC charges. These should be clearly stated in the admission letter and contract.

9. EC Service Details

Review services provided by ECs and read terms, especially any escalation clauses in charges.

10. Avoid Paying Cash to ECs

Use banking transactions and collect receipts that include the university and EC company names. Keep university fee receipts for bank loans and future proof.

11. Hostel and Facilities

Confirm the availability and quality of hostel, food, and related facilities before admission.

12. Get Medical Insurance

Secure medical insurance upon arrival. Take official receipts and policy papers to ensure access to healthcare services.

13. Be Prepared for Winters

Uzbekistan has harsh winters. Bring proper warm clothing, shoes, and other gear to manage the climate.

14. Number of Indian Students in Uzbekistan

Currently, 6,112 Indian students are studying in Uzbekistan (6,100 in bachelor’s programs, 9 in master’s, and 3 in clinical residency).

15. Institutes with Indian Students

Indian students are enrolled in the following Uzbek institutions:

  • Tashkent International University of Financial Management and Technologies
  • “Silk Road” International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage
  • Andijan, Bukhara, Samarkand State Medical Institutes
  • Tashkent Medical Academy (including Urganch and Termez branches)
  • Ferghana Medical Institute
  • Tashkent Dental Institute
  • Pharmaceutical Education and Scientific Research Institute
  • Impuls Medical Institute
  • Tashkent State University of Economics
  • Tashkent Paediatric Medical Institute
  • Tashkent State Technical University
  • Tashkent International Westminster University
  • Turin Polytechnic University in Tashkent
  • Amity University in Tashkent

AYUSH scholarship scheme

AYUSH Scholarship Scheme

The Government of India, through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) offers scholarships to foreign nationals to pursue various Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy (AYUSH) courses in India. Acceptance of AYUSH at the international level has resulted in growing demand from foreign students to study in Indian Institutions. The Ministry of AYUSH under its ‘International Fellowship Programme extends financial support to the eligible foreign nationals for undertaking AYUSH degree courses in premier Institutes in India. Detailed guidelines on the process of applying for ICCR Scholarships online on the A2A Portal and the procedure and norms governing the same are given on the portal: Study Scholarships

Applicants should be 18 years old at the time of admission in Indian Universities/Institutes.

For Academic Year 2019-20, the A2A portal would accept the applications for AYUSH Scholarship Scheme up to
17 July 2019.

Courses and Eligibility

Under-Graduate Courses

  • Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS): 5.5-year degree course including one-year mandatory clinical training (internship).
    Eligibility: 12 years of schooling with science subjects (Physics, Chemistry & Biology)
  • Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS): 5.5-year degree course including one-year mandatory clinical training (internship).
    Eligibility: 12 years of schooling with science subjects (Physics, Chemistry & Biology)
  • Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS): 5.5-year degree course including one-year mandatory clinical training (internship).
    Eligibility: 12 years of schooling with science subjects (Physics, Chemistry & Biology)
  • Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS): 5.5-year degree course including one-year mandatory clinical training (internship).
    Eligibility: 12 years of schooling with science subjects (Physics, Chemistry & Biology)
  • B.Sc in Yoga: 3-year course.
    Eligibility: 12 years of schooling
  • B.A. (Yoga Shastra): 3-year course.
    Eligibility: 12 years of schooling

Post-Graduate Courses

  • M.D. Ayurveda: 3-year course.
    Eligibility: BAMS degree recognized by Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM)
  • MD Siddha: 3-year course.
    Eligibility: BSMS degree recognized by Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM)
  • MD Unani: 3-year course.
    Eligibility: BUMS degree recognized by Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM)
  • MD Homoeopathy: 3-year course.
    Eligibility: BHMS degree recognized by Central Council of Homoeopathy (CCH)

Ph.D. Courses

  • Ph.D in Ayurveda: 3-year course.
    Eligibility: MD (Ayurveda) degree recognized by CCIM

Additional Information

Brief on Indian Community in Uzbekistan

Brief on Indian Community in Uzbekistan

Embassy of India, Tashkent
(Consular Section)
Brief – Indian community in Uzbekistan

(i) General Overview

The Indian community in Uzbekistan numbers about 15,000, almost all of them citizens of India, and only 58 are Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).

Approximately 800 people live in Tashkent and are engaged in:

  • Export and import (mostly pharmaceuticals)
  • White-collar jobs in local or Indian-owned companies
  • Healthcare sector as doctors or medical professionals

Most community members in Tashkent are in the pharmaceutical sector, reflecting India’s sizeable contribution to Uzbekistan’s pharmaceutical imports. Medical tourism to India is also popular, increasing healthcare-related employment.

There are also Indian professors teaching in universities across Tashkent, Samarkand, Andijan, Bukhara, and other cities.

In 2023, around 104 English teachers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu joined government schools through the NORKA department of the Kerala Government.

Indian blue-collar workers are found in Samarkand, Kokand, and Karshi, employed in engineering and construction projects. Around 6,000 semi-skilled Indian workers joined M/S Enter Engineering since late 2022 at sites in Almalyk (Tashkent region), Boysun (Kashkadarya region), and other locations.

(ii) Indian Students in Uzbekistan

There are approximately 7,000 Indian students studying medicine at various government-run universities across Uzbekistan, including:

  • Tashkent
  • Samarkand
  • Bukhara
  • Urgench
  • Fergana
  • Andijan
  • Termez
  • Namangan

This number increased after the Russia–Ukraine conflict. A few students are also enrolled in private universities.

The Embassy maintains close liaison with university authorities to ensure the well-being of Indian students. In 2022 and 2023, the Embassy organized ‘Welcome Ceremonies’ in Fergana, Tashkent, Samarkand, and Urgench to reach out to the student community.

(iii) Diaspora Engagement

The activities of the Indian diaspora in Uzbekistan have become more vibrant and organized in recent years. They actively participate in:

  • Pravasi Bhartiya Divas
  • Government of India’s campaigns
  • Academic collaborations with Uzbek universities (promotion of Hindi and India studies)
  • Tashkent International Film Festival (highlighting Bollywood’s popularity)
  • Promotion of cricket in collaboration with the Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan

(iv) Communication Platform

A Telegram channel titled ‘Pravasi Bhartiya’ has been created to disseminate information efficiently and enhance community outreach. Diaspora members are encouraged to join the channel for regular updates from the Embassy.