Jammu and Kashmir Doubles MBBS and BDS Interns’ Monthly Stipend to Rs 25,000
The Jammu and Kashmir government has increased the monthly stipend for MBBS and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) interns from Rs 12,300 to Rs 25,000. The decision follows protests by medical and dental interns seeking better compensation for their clinical duties and rising living expenses.
The Health and Medical Education Department issued a formal government order on October 21, 2026, confirming the revised stipend. According to the order, Government Order No. 747-JK(HME) of 2026, the revised payment will take effect from October 1, 2026. The increase also covers foreign medical graduates undergoing internships in the Union Territory.
The decision raises the monthly amount by Rs 12,700, representing an increase of approximately 103 per cent over the previous stipend.
Revised stipend for medical and dental interns
Under the revised arrangement, eligible MBBS and BDS interns will receive Rs 25,000 per month instead of the earlier Rs 12,300. Foreign medical graduates completing their required internships in Jammu and Kashmir are also included in the order.
The revised amount is intended for eligible interns covered by the government notification. Medical college administrations and the relevant departments will need to follow the instructions for implementing the increase.
The order was issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department after the required financial concurrence. It was circulated to the concerned authorities and institutions for information and necessary action.
The revision marks a significant change in the monthly financial support provided to medical and dental graduates during their internship period. However, individual payment arrangements will remain subject to the applicable government instructions and administrative procedures.
Why did interns protest?
Medical and dental interns in Jammu and Kashmir had been demanding an increase in their monthly stipend. They argued that the earlier payment of Rs 12,300 had not kept pace with rising living expenses and the responsibilities associated with hospital work.
Interns had also raised concerns about long working hours, night duties and responsibilities during emergency services. They sought an increase to Rs 30,000 per month and called for the government to formally implement a revised payment structure.
The issue led to protests and strike action. Earlier assurances from the authorities had not immediately resulted in a formal order, prompting interns to renew their agitation in October.
According to reports published on October 21, the government issued the formal notification after the protests intensified. The order provided official confirmation of the revised stipend and specified the date from which the increase would apply.
The revised amount is lower than the Rs 30,000 sought by the interns, but it is more than double the previous monthly stipend.
Effective date and financial impact
The government order states that the new stipend rate applies from October 1, 2026. This means the revision is effective from the beginning of October rather than only from the date on which the order was issued.
At the revised rate, an eligible intern would receive Rs 25,000 per month, compared with Rs 12,300 previously. The difference is Rs 12,700 each month.
For a full 12-month period at the new rate, the stipend would total Rs 3 lakh, compared with Rs 1,47,600 at the previous rate. The actual amount payable to an individual will depend on eligibility, the period covered and the implementation of the government order.
Since the revision has a specified effective date, eligible interns should check with their respective institutions about payment implementation and any applicable arrears.
What the decision means for medical colleges
Government medical colleges and dental colleges across Jammu and Kashmir will need to follow the revised instructions for interns covered by the order. The relevant administrative and financial authorities are responsible for processing payments in accordance with the notification.
The revised stipend may provide additional financial support to interns during a demanding stage of their professional training. Internship involves supervised clinical experience and exposure to patient care in hospital settings. The stipend increase addresses the specific demand for improved monthly compensation, although it does not by itself resolve every concern raised by interns regarding working conditions.
Medical students and graduates should refer to their institutions for clarification about eligibility, payment schedules and implementation procedures. Any further changes to the stipend or related service conditions should be confirmed through official government notifications.
What happens next?
The formal order establishes the revised monthly stipend at Rs 25,000 for eligible MBBS and BDS interns, including foreign medical graduates undergoing internships in Jammu and Kashmir. Reports from The Tribune stated that the interns called off their strike following the announcement of the order.
Interns should continue to monitor communications from their medical colleges and the Health and Medical Education Department for updates about payment processing and related administrative requirements.
The increase is a major revision to the stipend structure for medical and dental interns in the Union Territory. While the government has approved an amount below the Rs 30,000 sought by the protesting interns, the new rate represents an increase of Rs 12,700 per month over the previous payment.
For confirmation of the applicable rules, effective date and implementation details, candidates should refer to the formal government order and official departmental communications.
