Ukraine-returned medical students cannot pursue education in Indian Institutes

Response of Central Government to the Supreme Court

New Delhi – The Central Government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court on 16^th September that the students pursuing medical education in Ukraine who have returned to India due to war cannot be admitted to prime Indian universities or institutes. An estimated 20,000 Indian students have been forced to abandon their studies and return home due to war-like conditions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February.

Can’t give MBBS students from Ukraine seats in India: Govt https://t.co/j4Hf4Ejlpn pic.twitter.com/Uq1yJ9Ijbw

— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) September 15, 2022

1. The Centre clarified in the affidavit that there is no such provision in the National Medical Commission Act. It further said all these students either got low marks in the NEET exam (the exam for admission to medical colleges) or went abroad for the affordability of education there. Therefore, admitting them would undermine the medical education norms in the country. Similarly, these students will not be able to pay the fees here.  The Centre clarified its position in these words.

2. However, these students are encouraged by Russian universities to complete their medical education. A special help desk was set up, during the Russian educational gathering in New Delhi. Indian students were offered special concessions on tuition fees and hostel stay