MBBS Stipend 2026: State-Wise Intern Pay Explained

MBBS stipend amounts in India range roughly from ₹15,000 to over ₹40,000 a month during the compulsory 12-month internship, depending entirely on which state and which type of college you're posted at — the National Medical Commission doesn't fix a national rate; each state's medical education authority does. This guide breaks down what interns actually report earning in 2025-26, why the gap is so wide, and what to do if your stipend is delayed.

Key Takeaways

• MBBS stipend rates are set by each state's medical education department, not by the NMC — which is why AIIMS, Delhi government colleges, and Kerala all pay differently.

• Reported 2025-26 monthly stipends range from about ₹15,000 (Bihar government colleges) to ₹35,000–42,000 (Kerala government colleges, reportedly the highest among states).

• Private medical colleges generally pay less than government colleges, since management sets the rate rather than a state pay scale.

• Non-payment or delayed stipends should be raised in writing with your college administration or the state directorate of medical education.

• Stipend is paid during the CRMI internship year only — see our companion post on the MBBS internship structure for how that year is organized.

How Much Is the MBBS Stipend in India?

The MBBS stipend in India during the compulsory internship year typically runs between ₹15,000 and ₹42,000 a month, with the exact figure depending on your state and whether you're at a government, central, or private institution. There is no single NMC-mandated number — the regulation only requires that interns "are entitled to a monthly stipend as fixed by the state medical authority where the college is located."

That single sentence explains almost every stipend question interns ask. Because each state health department sets its own rate, two interns doing identical rotations in neighboring states can take home very different pay for the same 12 months of work.

What Do Interns Actually Report Earning by State?

Reported 2025-26 monthly stipend figures (compiled from education-platform surveys of state and institutional notifications, not a single official NMC schedule) show Kerala's government colleges paying the most and Bihar's the least among the states commonly cited. Always confirm the current rate directly with your own college or state directorate before budgeting around it.

Why Does the MBBS Stipend Vary So Much by State?

The MBBS stipend varies by state because each state government funds and sets pay for its own medical colleges, the same way it sets pay scales for other state health department staff — richer state health budgets and higher local living costs generally translate into higher intern stipends. Central government institutes like AIIMS follow a separate central pay structure, which is why they often sit at the higher end.

This isn't a loophole or an oversight — it's how the regulation is written. The NMC's role is to mandate that a stipend exists and that the internship happens; the amount is deliberately left to the funding authority closest to the institution. Low, uneven pay for early-career health workers isn't unique to India either — the WHO tracks health workforce investment gaps as a global policy issue, not an isolated one.

What Should You Do If Your Stipend Is Delayed?

If your MBBS stipend is delayed or unpaid, the NMC and state authorities treat this as a serious administrative issue — the correct first step is a written complaint to your college administration, followed by an escalation to the state directorate of medical education if it isn't resolved. Keep a written record of every rotation and submission date; it strengthens your case if the delay drags on.

1. Document the delay — note the department, expected payment date, and how long it's been overdue.

2. File a written complaint with your college's administrative office first.

3. Escalate in writing to the state directorate of medical education if the college doesn't respond.

4. Involve your resident doctors' association, if your college has one — they often have institutional leverage on stipend issues.

5. Keep copies of everything you submit, in case the issue needs further escalation.

Does the Stipend Continue After Internship?

No — the MBBS stipend is specific to the 12-month CRMI internship year; once you register as a full doctor, you move to a salaried position or independent practice, and pay structures change substantially with specialization and experience. Our companion post on post-MBBS career growth covers what typically comes next professionally.

For a broader look at what doctors earn after this stage, our existing post on doctor salaries in India tracks that separately — stipend and post-qualification salary are two very different numbers, and mixing them up leads to unrealistic expectations either way.