₹30K for Interns, ₹1.4L for PGs: RML Hospital Leads in Fair Medical Stipends

The recent announcement from Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS) and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML Hospital), New Delhi has brought much needed clarity and reassurance for medical students and residents across India. Dated early March 2026, the circular covering stipend payments up to February 2026 and processed in March confirms full compliance with the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines on stipend disbursement.  

This update comes at a crucial time when the NMC has intensified its focus on transparency and timely payments. Strict actions, including penalties of up to ₹1 crore have been imposed on institutions failing to disclose or properly disburse stipends.  

What the Circular States  

In alignment with NMC directives (including earlier communications from 2024 and updates in 2025–26), ABVIMS & RML Hospital has clearly outlined the stipend structure:  

MBBS Interns  

•₹30,070 per month   

This amount is competitive among central government institutions in Delhi where stipends typically range between ₹28,000 and ₹32,000.  

Postgraduate (PG) Residents  

•First Year (JR1):Approximately ₹1.34 lakh per month  

•Second Year (JR2):Around ₹1.38 lakh per month  

•Third Year (JR3):About ₹1.42 lakh per month  

These payments correspond to the financial year 2025–26 up to February with disbursements completed in March 2026. The hospital also included an annexure listing exact figures, confirming that stipends and salaries for interns, PG residents, and senior residents have been released in full compliance.  

Why This Matters  

The NMC has significantly strengthened enforcement in recent years. Key regulations include:  

•CRMI Regulations, 2021 (for MBBS interns):Mandates stipend payments as fixed by the appropriate authority (state, university, or institution), with transparency requirements.  

•PGMER 2023:Requires PG stipends to be at par with state or central government institutions in the same region.  

•Recent NMC Directives (2025–2026):All medical colleges must publicly disclose stipend details. Non compliance has resulted in show cause notices, heavy fines, and even threats to institutional recognition.  

In this context, RML Hospital’s proactive approach sets a strong example. It is not only ensuring timely payments but also publicly affirming compliance something that remains an issue in many institutions, especially private colleges where stipends are often delayed, underpaid, or not paid at all.  

Comparison Across India (2026)  

Stipend structures vary significantly across institutions:  

•Central Government / Delhi Institutions (e.g., RML, AIIMS):  

•Interns: ₹28,000–₹32,000  

•PG Residents: ₹1.3–1.4 lakh+  

•State Government Colleges (e.g., West Bengal):  

•Interns: Around ₹30,000–₹31,000  

•Private Colleges:  

•Often ₹2,000–₹15,000 (though NMC is pushing for parity with government institutions)  

The push for uniform stipends especially by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare may lead to significant improvements in the near future.  

Final Thoughts  

For MBBS graduates and PG aspirants, this development highlights the importance of checking stipend disclosures before choosing an institution. Reliable stipend payments not only provide financial support but also reflect an institution’s commitment to valuing its trainees.  

ABVIMS & RML Hospital’s transparent and compliant approach is commendable and sets a benchmark for others to follow. Hopefully, more institutions will adopt similar practices without requiring regulatory pressure.  

If you are based in Maharashtra or West Bengal government institutions also offer competitive stipends (around ₹30,000 for interns). However, always verify the latest figures from official sources.  

Stay informed, stay aware, and choose wisely your training years deserve both respect and fair compensation.