Likhith · November 21, 2025 
Introduction
How much can you really expect to earn during your postgraduate (PG) medical residency in India? For thousands of MBBS graduates stepping into MD/MS programs, stipend is more than just a paycheck — it’s the backbone of survival during three intense years of training.
With long duty hours, sleepless nights, and heavy academic workloads, PG residents often count on stipends for basic living expenses, loan repayments, and family support. Yet, the reality is that stipend amounts differ drastically across states and institutions. Some states offer highly competitive financial support, while others leave residents struggling to make ends meet.
This blog provides a detailed state-wise guide to PG stipends in India (2025), explores the reasons for variations, and helps future residents manage expectations. If you’re planning your MD or MS journey, understanding stipend dynamics is crucial before making admission choices.
Why Do PG Stipends Vary Across States?
Stipend structures are influenced by multiple factors:
- Type of Institution: AIIMS, central institutes, state government colleges, and private colleges all have different pay structures.
- State Budgets: States with higher healthcare allocations often provide better stipends.
- Cost of Living Adjustments: Metropolitan states like Delhi or Maharashtra may offer higher pay to offset living expenses.
- Policy Decisions: Health departments revise stipends irregularly, causing gaps in parity.
This variation means students with similar workloads receive very different financial compensation depending on where they study.
State-wise Stipend Guide for PG Residents (2025)
The following table offers an updated snapshot of average monthly stipend amounts for government medical colleges across different states and central institutes:
| State/Institute | 1st Year (₹/month) | 2nd Year (₹/month) | 3rd Year (₹/month) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIIMS (Central Inst.) | 90,000 | 92,000 | 95,000 | Uniform across AIIMS |
| Delhi Gov. Colleges | 80,000 | 82,000 | 85,000 | Includes allowances |
| Maharashtra | 65,000 | 67,000 | 70,000 | Higher in Mumbai due to local HRA |
| Karnataka | 55,000 | 57,000 | 60,000 | Widely cited as moderate stipend |
| Kerala | 62,000 | 64,000 | 66,000 | Periodic revisions possible |
| Tamil Nadu | 55,000 | 57,000 | 59,000 | Paid regularly, but lower than southern peers |
| Uttar Pradesh | 42,000 | 44,000 | 46,000 | Notably among the lowest |
| Rajasthan | 60,000 | 62,000 | 65,000 | Increment-linked yearly revisions |
| West Bengal | 55,000 | 57,000 | 60,000 | Revision awaited since 2022 |
| Gujarat | 84,000 | 86,000 | 88,000 | Competitively high |
| Andhra Pradesh | 50,000 | 52,000 | 54,000 | Increment may vary across colleges |
| Telangana | 55,000 | 57,000 | 59,000 | Similar to Andhra Pradesh |
| Punjab | 55,000 | 57,000 | 60,000 | Reportedly facing irregular disbursal |
| Madhya Pradesh | 65,000 | 67,000 | 70,000 | Increasingly closer to metro averages |
| Bihar | 45,000 | 47,000 | 49,000 | Remains among the lowest |
| Odisha | 52,000 | 54,000 | 56,000 | Steady structure, no major updates |
| Haryana | 70,000 | 72,000 | 75,000 | Higher than northern peers |
| Himachal Pradesh | 50,000 | 52,000 | 55,000 | Increment is modest |
| Assam | 52,000 | 54,000 | 56,000 | Similar to other eastern states |
| Chhattisgarh | 52,000 | 54,000 | 56,000 | Consistent, modest increments |
Note: Figures are rounded averages as stipend amounts can vary by institution policy within each state.
How Do These Stipends Compare to Workloads?
PG residents typically work between 70–100 hours per week, covering OPD duties, emergency calls, ward rounds, and night shifts. When calculated hourly, stipends in low-paying states sometimes come down to less than ₹100 per hour – a figure far below even minimum wage jobs.
For example:
- A resident in Delhi earning ₹80,000 monthly works ~90 hours per week → Hourly wage ≈ ₹200.
- A resident in UP earning ₹42,000 monthly with similar hours → Hourly wage ≈ ₹105.
This mismatch has often sparked protests and demands for revision across states.
Key Insights for Aspiring PG Students
- Central Institutes Pay Best: AIIMS and central PGIs lead in stipend structures.
- South India Shows Moderate Pay: Although prestigious academically, many southern states offer modest stipends.
- North India Varies Drastically: From Haryana’s high to UP’s low stipends, disparity remains stark.
- Budget Revisions Are Slow: Even after demands, many states don’t revise stipends regularly.
- Private Colleges Pay Less or None: Residents in private institutions may receive much lower stipends, often under ₹30,000, and sometimes none.
How Career Plan B Supports Every Step
- Personalized Counseling: In-depth one-on-one counseling to align specialization, college choices, and career goals.
- Timeline & Reminder Service: Never miss a deadline—receive timely reminders and updates about institute-wise counseling calendars.
- Document Checklist & Verification: Guidance to prepare all required documentation, reducing stress on D-day.
- Preference Analysis: Analysis of seat trends, cut-offs, and college quality to build a winning choice list.
- Mock Counseling & Strategy: Practice sessions to simulate real counseling—boosting your confidence, reducing errors.
- Support for Appeals/Technical Issues: Help in resolving portal issues, appeals, or queries with admission authorities.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
FAQs
1. Do PG residents get stipends in all colleges?
Mostly yes in government institutions, but many private colleges either pay very low stipends or none at all.
2. Is stipend amount the same across all PG branches?
Generally, yes within the same institution, though surgical branches sometimes receive duty-based allowances.
3. Are stipends taxable?
Yes, stipends are considered taxable income under Indian law.
4. Can students demand higher stipends?
PG residents in several states have organized movements leading to revisions, though policy responses vary.
5. Which state currently offers the best stipend?
As of 2025, AIIMS and Gujarat are among the highest-paying.
Conclusion
For an MBBS graduate stepping into PG life, stipend matters not just for financial comfort but also for morale amidst hectic schedules. The stark state-wise variations highlight deeper policy gaps in India’s healthcare workforce management.
If you’re choosing where to pursue your MD or MS, weigh stipend structures along with academics and location costs. A well-paying state could ease your financial burdens significantly, allowing you to focus fully on training.
At Career Plan B, we guide aspiring doctors in making smart, informed choices about medical education and residency pathways. Whether it’s understanding stipend variations or exploring admission strategies, planning ahead can make your medical journey smoother and more rewarding.
Final Thought: Your PG years are not just about specialization — they’re about survival, growth, and carving a sustainable career. Choose wisely, prepare thoroughly, and let your hard work pay off beyond just stipends.
