The one-year compulsory rotating internship is the final phase of MBBS, where students work full-time in hospitals. In return, they receive a monthly MBBS Internship Stipend. However, there is no uniform national stipend in India — the amount is decided by individual states or institutions.
Current Stipend Range (2026)
Government medical colleges generally pay higher than private ones:
- Highest: West Bengal – up to ₹43,000
- Delhi (central colleges) – ₹30,000–₹34,300
- Assam – around ₹31,500
- Karnataka – around ₹30,000
- Kerala – around ₹27,300
- Recent hikes:
- Uttar Pradesh: ₹25,000 (doubled from ₹12,000)
- Bihar: ₹27,000
- Uttarakhand: ₹25,000
- Madhya Pradesh: ₹21,500
Many private colleges pay significantly less — sometimes between ₹5,000 and ₹15,000, and in rare cases even lower.
Key Facts
- The National Medical Commission (NMC) mandates that every intern must be paid a stipend, but the amount is fixed by the state or college.
- “One Nation, One Stipend” is not currently possible due to different state budgets.
- Government colleges usually pay more regularly and higher amounts than private colleges.
- Interns work long hours, including night duties and emergency postings, so the stipend helps cover basic living expenses.
Quick Tips
- Check the stipend of a college before finalising it during counselling.
- Keep records of payments.
- Report non-payment or major delays to the college or state authorities.
Bottom line: While the stipend varies widely across India, recent increases in several states show positive change. The internship year is mainly about clinical learning, but a fair stipend reduces financial pressure during this demanding period.