The Indian embassy in Beijing has taken a proactive step to assist Indian students returning from Chinese universities by releasing a comprehensive FAQ guide on its website. Aimed at students from the 2016, 2017, and 2018 batches who are completing their studies and returning to India in June and July, the FAQ addresses crucial queries regarding the attestation of their degrees and other necessary documentation.
Key points covered in the FAQ include:
Document Attestation Process : The FAQ outlines the procedures for attesting degrees obtained from Chinese colleges. It clarifies the fees charged by the embassy and Indian consulates in Shanghai and Guangzhou for document attestation, as well as the timeframes involved, including options for fast-tracking.
Necessity of Embassy Attestation: It addresses whether attestation from the Indian Embassy is essential for these documents to be accepted in India, providing clarity on the verification process required by various Indian medical councils.
Interactive Session and Grievances: The initiative follows the embassy’s recent interactive session with Indian students, facilitated by Ambassador Pradeep Kumar Rawat and Counsellor Nitinjeet Singh. During this session, students shared their challenges and experiences, particularly exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent visa bans.
Support and Guidance: Amit Sharma, Second Secretary (Education) at the Embassy, delivered a presentation during the session on the range of services offered by the Embassy and provided practical advice for students regarding their stay and studies in China.
Background on Indian Students in China: Historically, Chinese medical universities have been popular among Indian students due to competitive admissions and lower costs compared to private medical colleges in India. Upon graduation, these students must pass the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination in India to practice.
Impact of Covid-19: The Covid-19 pandemic severely disrupted the academic journeys of Indian students in China, with many forced to return home during lockdowns and facing prolonged delays in their studies due to China’s visa restrictions.
Embassy’s Advocacy: The Indian Embassy, backed by persistent media coverage highlighting student hardships, successfully advocated for the return of stranded students. China began allowing their return in 2023, enabling them to resume and complete their studies.
As Indian students prepare to return home after their academic pursuits in China, the release of this FAQ by the Indian Embassy aims to streamline the documentation process and provide clarity on essential procedures. This initiative underscores the Embassy’s commitment to supporting Indian students abroad during challenging times.
