NMC Cracks Down on MBBS Stipend Payment Non-Compliance

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has taken stringent action against several medical colleges for failing to adhere to its directives regarding the disclosure and payment of stipends to MBBS interns and postgraduate residents. Consequently, the NMC has imposed a monetary penalty of Rupees One Crore each on seven institutions, highlighting the serious nature of this non-compliance. This significant step underscores the Commission's commitment to ensuring fair MBBS stipend payment across all medical colleges in India.

Why Strict Action on Stipend Payment is Crucial

The NMC's notice, dated March 13, 2026, references a public notice issued on March 12, 2026, by the Under-Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB). That notice detailed violations of NMC regulations and Hon'ble Court orders, specifically citing cases such as State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors. vs. Miss Bhavna Tiwari & Ors (SLP (C) No. 9298 of 2018) and Abhishek Yadav & Ors vs. Army College of Medical Sciences & Ors (WPC No. 730 of 2022). These legal precedents emphasize the mandatory nature of stipend payments. Therefore, ensuring adherence to these orders is vital for the welfare of young medical professionals. Historically, stipend disparities across institutions have created inequality and hardship for many, as some private and deemed colleges have paid very low stipends or none at all.

Mandatory Disclosure and Transparency

The National Medical Commission (NMC) previously issued a Public Notice dated July 11, 2025. This notice directed all medical colleges and institutions nationwide to publicly disclose the stipend paid to MBBS interns and postgraduate medical residents on their official websites. This initiative aimed to enhance transparency and ensure uniformity in stipend payments, aligning with applicable regulations. Despite adequate time and repeated reminders, some medical institutions failed to comply with these essential directions. Consequently, this failure represents a serious breach of regulatory obligations under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, and its associated Regulations.

Penalties for Non-Compliance: What Colleges Face

After a thorough review of the submitted data, seven medical colleges were identified for not furnishing the required stipend information for medical interns. Such non-compliance triggers regulatory actions outlined in Clause 30 and 31 of the Establishment of Medical Institutions, Assessment and Rating Regulations, 2023; Clause 9.2 of the PGMER, 2023; and Clause 8 of the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023. Therefore, the NMC imposed a penalty of ₹1,00,00,000 (Rupees One Crore) on each defaulting college. The Commission views this continued non-compliance as a serious and material breach, especially given the Hon'ble Supreme Court's mandate for fair stipend payment. Furthermore, ongoing non-compliance could lead to further regulatory and penal actions, including restrictions on admissions, suspension of permissions, or other disciplinary measures.

Ensuring Equitable MBBS Stipend Payment

The Supreme Court of India has consistently reinforced the principle of equal pay for equal work, directing that foreign medical graduates (FMGs) and Indian medical graduates (IMGs) receive comparable stipends. This judicial oversight has been instrumental in pushing the NMC to enforce its regulations more rigorously. The current action against these seven colleges demonstrates a clear intent to ensure all medical trainees receive their rightful remuneration. Additionally, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has directed the NMC to examine the stipend provisions in the CRMI Regulations, 2021, and consider similar, clearer norms found in the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER), 2023, to establish more uniform pay across all institutions. This ongoing effort aims to eliminate exploitation and ensure financial stability for young doctors. Learn more about medical education reforms in India.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional consultation. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. National Medical Commission. (2026, March 13). NOTICE: Non-Compliance with Directions of the National Medical Commission regarding Disclosure and Payment of stipend to MBBS Interns and Postgraduate Residents-reg. No. U-22370-Legal-UGMEB (e-8327699).
2. NMC Imposes Penalty Of Rs One Crore Each On Seven Medical Colleges - ETV Bharat. (2026, March 14).
3. NMC Stipend Rules 2025: Mandatory Stipend for MBBS Interns and Resident Doctors. (2025, November 06).