Uttar Pradesh Government Doubles MBBS and BDS Intern Stipend to Rs 25,000
LUCKNOW – In a move aimed at alleviating the financial burden on medical trainees, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a significant increase in the monthly stipend for MBBS and BDS graduates currently undergoing their mandatory rotatory internships.
The decision, which was formally approved by the state Cabinet on August 25, 2026, during a meeting presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, will see the monthly stipend jump from Rs 12,000 to Rs 25,000. This represents a substantial 108% hike, providing much-needed relief to approximately 3,928 clinical interns stationed across the state.
Impact on Medical Education
The revised stipend structure applies to all eligible interns working within 48 government-run medical colleges, state-led medical institutions, and autonomous medical universities across Uttar Pradesh. These interns play a critical role in the state’s healthcare infrastructure, shouldering significant responsibilities in outpatient departments (OPD), emergency wards, patient care, and nighttime clinical duties.
While the policy marks a victory for government-sector trainees, it is important to note that private medical and dental colleges remain under separate stipend regulations as mandated by the National Medical Commission.
A History of Revisions
This latest update marks the second such revision under the current administration. Before 2021, the stipend stood at Rs 7,500; it was subsequently raised to Rs 12,000. The latest hike is the culmination of months of advocacy by student bodies. Students, including those at the prestigious King George’s Medical University in Lucknow, had previously held demonstrations and hunger strikes, arguing that the previous Rs 12,000 monthly allowance—amounting to roughly Rs 400 per day—was insufficient to cover the costs of food, transportation, and living expenses, particularly for those posted at remote healthcare centres.
Comparative Outlook
Despite the positive change, student representatives noted that the new figure remains slightly lower than that of several other states. For instance, interns in Bihar currently receive Rs 27,000, while those in West Bengal and Karnataka receive Rs 28,000 and Rs 30,000, respectively. Central government institutions, such as AIIMS, offer a stipend of Rs 30,070, though this rate has remained stagnant since 2022.
The state’s move to bolster its MBBS and BDS intern stipend was just one of 24 major proposals passed during the August 25 Cabinet session. Other welfare measures approved included the distribution of 25 lakh free digital tablets to higher-education students under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme and the introduction of lifelong free bus travel for women over the age of 60 on UPSRTC buses.
As the state continues to expand its medical education footprint, this financial adjustment is seen as a vital step toward recognizing the contributions of young doctors to the public health system.
(With inputs from agencies)
