Internships in MBBS and BDS programs are an essential part of training before full professional registration in India. Interns work in hospitals, handle clinical duties, and often work long hours. They are supposed to receive a monthly stipend from their institution or state government, but the reality varies widely.
1. Government Colleges: Expectations and Variations
Government medical colleges are expected to pay interns a stipend. Many states have fixed amounts ranging broadly, with some recent state decisions increasing stipend levels—for example, government medical interns in Maharashtra receive ₹18,000 per month following a 2024 resolution.
However, data submitted to the National Medical Commission (NMC) in 2024–25 shows that, out of 555 reporting colleges, 33 government institutions were not paying any stipend at all. There are also reports of delays in stipend payments, which strains interns who depend on these funds for basic expenses.
2. Private Colleges: Lower Pay & No Pay Situations
In private medical and dental colleges, stipends are far more inconsistent:
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Multiple RTI findings show 27 private colleges among the 60 that did not pay any stipend to interns.
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Around 50 other colleges paid very low stipends (often < ₹5,000 per month) or nominal amounts, despite interns working full hospital duty hours.
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Some states (like Maharashtra) have issued circulars fixing private college intern stipends at ₹18,000 per month, matching government levels—but this is not yet universal.
These disparities have led professional bodies and the Health Ministry to push NMC to enforce equal stipend standards, a move that could help reduce private–government gaps.
3. Hours of Work & Regulations
Interns typically work 8–12+ hours daily, including emergency duties and night shifts integrated into hospital service rotations. Regulatory frameworks like the CRMI Regulations, 2021 and Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023 provide a basis for stipend payment but lack strong enforcement mechanisms currently.
Supreme Court cases in 2025 have highlighted the failure of institutions and regulators to ensure stipends are paid, pushing for compliance within strict timelines.
4. The Role of Pro-Bono Work
While some aspects of internship involve service to patients without direct fees—similar to community health obligations—this pro-bono element should not replace fair stipend payment. Interns deliver essential clinical care in emergency rooms, wards, and outreach clinics, which justifies compensation. Adequate stipends are crucial for covering living expenses, travel, food, and mental well-being, especially for interns posted in high-cost or rural areas.
Summary
| Sector | Stipend Reality (2025) |
|---|---|
| Government Colleges | Often moderate (~₹18,000+) but many non-compliant |
| Private Colleges | Often low (₹0–₹5,000) or variable; some states fixing parity |
| Regulatory Support | Exists in NMC rules but weak enforcement |
| Practical Hours | Long clinical duties; often >10 hours/day |
Conclusion: Although stipends are mandated, many interns in both government and private institutions face inconsistent, delayed, or missing payments. Strong enforcement of existing regulations and standardized pay across institutions would help make internships fair and sustainable for future doctors and dentists in India.
MBH/PS