Education Must Go Beyond Academic Scores to Prioritise Student Welfare & Career Development”:Dr.G.N.Var
25/10/2026
Srinagar, October 25 (KIP)- In an effort to promote career choices and improve awareness about opportunities in medical education, a special interaction programme was organized by the International University of Kyrgyzstan in Srinagar, bringing together medical aspirants, educationists, school leaders, civil society representatives, doctors, students, parents and other stakeholders to discuss MBBS admissions, scholarship opportunities, fee structures and the academic facilities available for students seeking to pursue medical education abroad.
The programme provided a platform for participants to seek clarity on admission procedures, educational requirements, financial and other aspects of studying medicine in Kyrgyzstan. The interaction also highlighted the importance of proper career guidance, transparent admission processes and careful verification of university recognition, course eligibility and regulatory requirements before making decisions about medical education abroad.
Veteran Educationist, Founding President Private Schools Association J&K (PSAJK) and Chief Patron Dr. G.N. Var, attended the programme as Chief Guest. Noor Nawaz, Managing Director of Hind Guru Academy Delhi; Dr. Ritik Swami and Dr. Mursalin Panwar official representatives of the International University of Kyrgyzstan & Director Life Education and Bilal Ahmad Bhat, State President of the (Regd) Jammu and Kashmir Private Schools Association (J&K-PSA), were among the prominent participants and Guests of Honour.
Other distinguished 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, Nahida Bilal J&K-PSA Women’s Wing and B.A. Shah, PRO of J&K-PSA. Several other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. G.N. Var emphasised the importance of proper career guidance and cautioned students against making educational choices without adequate information. He observed that students often face confusion while selecting professional courses because of a lack of reliable guidance and an excessive focus on marks and rankings on competitive examinations.
Dr. Var highlighted the need to view education as a continuous process extending from school to higher education, research and professional development. He also drew attention to the importance of strengthening the availability of medical professionals and healthcare services in Jammu and Kashmir.
He stressed that students should receive accurate information about their educational career options, eligibility requirements and future career prospects so that they can make decisions based on their abilities and aspirations rather than misconceptions or outside pressure.
J&K-PSA State President Bilal Ahmad Bhat said that changing educational trends and the limited availability of medical seats had made it important to students with legitimate opportunities beyond their immediate options.
“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.
He stressed that international medical education could be an option for eligible students who could not secure admission to their preferred institutions in India, while emphasising the need to carefully assess universities, academic standards and regulatory requirements before taking admission.
Dr. Mursalin Panwar, official representative of the International University of Kyrgyzstan, said the initiative was aimed at establishing direct communication between the university and medical aspirants, enabling students and parents to obtain first-hand information about admissions, scholarships, fees and other arrangements.
“We want to connect directly with medical aspirants and their parents, address their concerns transparently and make the admission process easier to understand. Eligible students can explore scholarship opportunities under different categories. We will also facilitate visa and ticket arrangements and our representative will accompany the students during their journey. As explained during the interaction, students can complete the prescribed admission and registration formalities upon reaching the university and make the applicable fee payment thereafter,” Dr. Panwar said.
He also highlighted the university’s international exposure and its links with institutions in different countries, while referring to its recognition and certification. Dr. Panwar said that the university’s environment, climate and cultural setting share several similarities with Kashmir, which could help Kashmiri students feel more comfortable and adapt more easily to life and studies abroad.
Dr. Panwar urged students and parents to verify the university’s recognition, scholarship eligibility, admission conditions, fee arrangements and applicable regulatory requirements before making a final decision about pursuing medical education overseas.
Dr. Ritik Swami, another official representative of the International University of Kyrgyzstan, spoke about the academic environment in Kyrgyzstan and the facilities that, according to him, could help Kashmiri students adjust to life abroad. He referred to similarities in weather, food and aspects of the local environment, describing these as potentially favourable factors for students from the region.
Dr. Swami also discussed the importance of academic preparation for students who intend to return to India after completing their medical degrees. He said the university provides additional coaching support for relevant medical examinations, including preparation for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), alongside the regular academic curriculum.
He emphasised that students and parents must carefully examine the recognition status of a foreign medical institution, the validity of its degree in the country concerned, admission eligibility and the applicable requirements for practising medicine after graduation.
“Students should not select a medical university solely on the basis of its fee structure or admission offer. They must carefully examine the institution’s recognition, academic standards, eligibility conditions and the requirements for practising medicine in the country where they intend to work. Those planning to return to India must also understand and fulfil the applicable regulatory and licensing requirements,” Dr. Swami said.
He added that early preparation and appropriate academic support could help students prepare for the examinations required for their future professional practice.
Renowned Social Activist Mir Fayaz appreciated the initiative, saying that students needed greater awareness of educational opportunities and reliable guidance while planning their careers. Referring to the challenges faced by aspiring medical students, he encouraged the organisers to continue supporting students through accessible and transparent admission procedures.
He also stressed the importance of making medical education financially accessible and urged the International University of Kyrgyzstan representatives to explore opportunities for students from economically weaker backgrounds.
Mohammad Syed Wani, General Secretary (Organisation) J&K-PSA, emphasised the need to broaden students’ educational horizons by connecting them with wider academic opportunities and international learning platforms. He said the association was keen to explore collaborations that could make quality higher education more accessible, particularly for deserving students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
“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, Executive Member of the J&K Civil Society Forum, also underscored the importance of responsible educational guidance and transparency in foreign admissions.
“Students and parents should have clear and correct information before deciding to study MBBS abroad. Recognition of the institution, the total cost of education, scholarship conditions, accommodation and future requirements are all important considerations. Such interactions can help families understand their options and make decisions with greater confidence,” Bhat said.
The programme provided students and parents with an opportunity to interact with the directly with International University of Kyrgyzstan representatives and seek information about MBBS admissions, scholarships, accommodation, fee payments and academic support. The participants also discussed the importance of career counselling in helping students understand the opportunities available to them and the responsibilities associated with pursuing medical education overseas.
For further information regarding MBBS admissions, scholarship eligibility, fee structure and admission procedures, interested students and parents may contact 9210582838, 7534004848 for details and guidance.
The programme concluded with an emphasis on student welfare, transparent admission practices and informed career planning. The speakers underscored that while international medical education may offer an alternative pathway for eligible students, aspirants and their parents must carefully verify the university’s recognition status, course duration, internship requirements, degree validity and applicable regulatory guidelines before making a final decision. They stressed that informed choices, proper verification and a clear understanding of admission requirements are essential to safeguarding students’ academic interests and future medical careers.