Medical Interns' Stipend Doubled Amidst Strikes in J&K; Now Set at ₹25,00

Medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir had been consistently demanding an increase in their stipends. In response, the government has now raised the medical internship stipend for MBBS and BDS interns—including foreign medical graduates—in the Union Territory.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has provided a significant boost to medical interns. Following persistent demands for a stipend hike, the government has increased the monthly allowance for MBBS and BDS interns, including foreign medical graduates, across the Union Territory. According to an official order issued by the Health and Medical Education Department at the Civil Secretariat, the monthly stipend for these interns has been more than doubled.

How much has the stipend been increased?

As per the order issued by the Health and Medical Education Department, MBBS and BDS interns—including foreign medical graduates—in Jammu and Kashmir will now receive a monthly stipend of ₹25,000, up from the previous ₹12,300. The government has stated that this increase will be effective from October 1st. This order has been issued in accordance with the Finance Department’s U.O. No. FD-Code/69/2026-AO-1068 (dated October 20, 2026) and the directives of the Jammu and Kashmir government.

A Long-Standing Demand

Medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir had been calling for an increase in their stipends for a long time. In September, they even went on strike to press for this demand. Following this, on September 8th, the government requested that they call off their agitation, promising to consider their demands within a month. Following a month-long interval, medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir resumed their strike on Tuesday. They had stated that their indefinite strike would continue until a formal government order was issued to increase their stipends. Consequently, today—October 21—the government accepted the interns' demands and issued an order for the stipend hike.

Hundreds of candidates to benefit

This decision by the Jammu and Kashmir government will benefit hundreds of MBBS and BDS interns currently undergoing internships at government medical colleges and their associated hospitals in the region. Foreign medical graduates will also benefit from this increase. Previously, medical interns received a stipend of ₹12,300; this has now been increased by ₹12,700—an increment of approximately 103.25 percent over the existing amount. With this hike, medical interns in Jammu and Kashmir will now receive a monthly stipend of ₹25,000.