In a shocking move, Russia’s Bashkir State Medical University has expelled over 200 Indian students, citing reasons like low attendance, subject backlogs, and poor academic performance. Now, many students are returning to India with shattered dreams and limited options. Students and their parents allege that the university acted out of financial greed.
Students Allege Deliberate Targeting
On June 9, the university issued a notice in Russian stating that foreign students would not be allowed to appear for an exam due to “failure to fulfill their obligations to seriously master the education program and complete the curriculum.” The list included over 234 students, most of whom were Indian.
Under the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines, Indian students must complete their entire medical education, including internships, from the same foreign university where they enrolled in the first year. Students claim the university is targeting Indians, knowing they cannot transfer.
The All Foreign Medical Graduates Association (AFA) posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Indian students, especially those in the second and third years, are being deliberately expelled. “They know, as per NMC rules, these students cannot transfer anywhere else,” the post said.
It is also alleged that the university admitted nearly 1,000 students—far beyond its capacity—and is now expelling them over minor issues.
Students and Parents Share Their Plight
The expulsion notice has left students and their parents anxious. Many have already spent lakhs on education and now face the possibility of starting again from the first year. That means their money, time, and several years of life may be wasted.
Some students said they were expelled for low attendance, even after informing the university that they had family emergencies or medical appointments.
One student from Maharashtra shared, “I was forced to sign a self-expulsion notice and threatened that I would lose my return option if I did not.” Another notice accused a student of not clearing a backlog in biochemistry.
Students also described experiences of racism, psychological harassment, and inconsistent academic decisions.
“Some teachers mock our Indian identity, speak derogatorily, and mark us absent even when we’re present. We live 15 km away and are marked absent for being five minutes late in freezing temperatures,” one student said.
They also alleged being forced to clean hostels and hospitals without any pay, despite already paying for those services. Even their basic dignity, they say, was not respected.
Parents told The Hindu that many consultants recommended Russian universities after the Ukraine-Russia war. They sent their children there with high hopes, often after taking loans. “We’ve spent ₹25 lakh already. If we have to admit our daughter again, that’s another ₹15 lakh,” one parent said. Many students chose this university because its annual fees were much lower than Indian private colleges.
No Response From Indian Embassy Yet
Students have emailed the Indian government and the Indian Embassy in Russia, but have not received any response. One email to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said the university had over-admitted students and then expelled many under false pretenses. It also mentioned that the university had promised teaching in English but switched to Russian from the third year onward.
The Indian Embassy had visited the university in June, but students allege they were threatened and expelled even during the official visit. Attempts to reach officials again were ignored.
The AFA has urged the NMC to take immediate action and reconsider its policies.
We urge the NMC to allow transfers for students facing extreme exploitation. Without flexibility, students remain trapped.All Foreign Medical Graduates Association (AFA)
Uncertain Paths Ahead
The mass expulsions have left hundreds of Indian students distressed and uncertain about their future. With current NMC policies preventing them from transferring to other universities, many may have to start their medical education from scratch, triggering both emotional and financial setbacks.
(Rh/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)