Foreign medical graduates (FMGs) who complete their MBBS abroad and intern in India received encouraging news from the Supreme Court. At a hearing on September 17, 2026, the court said clearly that there should be no disparity between Indian and foreign medical graduates when it comes to the internship stipend.

The court said it will pass comprehensive directions so that all undergraduate medical interns, whether they studied in India or abroad, receive a stipend.

Both Are Doctors: Equal Respect for FMGE-Qualified Medical Graduates 

The bench, led by Justice Aravind Kumar, framed the issue in simple terms. In the court's words, "Both are doctors; the only thing is that he has studied abroad." The court also said it intends to protect the interests of all undergraduate medical students in the country, not only the petitioners before it. For FMGs, this is a strong endorsement of what many have long argued: interns do the same work regardless of where they earned their degree, so they should be paid on the same basis.

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What the Court Did at the Hearing

  • It sought a response from the NMC. The Supreme Court asked the National Medical Commission to explain the delays in stipend payment to FMGs in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat and Jharkhand.
  • It set deadlines. Rajasthan was asked to release the stipend within two weeks. The court said the state's Health Secretary could be summoned if the order is not followed.
  • States made commitments. Counsel for Rajasthan and Gujarat told the court that funds would be released to interns.
  • It asked for a corrected record. The petitioners' chart of unpaid stipends differed from the NMC's affidavit, so the court asked the NMC's counsel to verify the facts and file a final affidavit.
  • It is considering a monitoring mechanism. The court will examine whether states should appoint a retired judge or another authority to handle stipend non-payment complaints.

Why This Matters for Your FMG Internship

1. Parity is already NMC policy. The petitioners' counsel pointed out that an National Medical Commission (NMC) circular itself provides for parity between Indian and foreign medical graduates. The court's remarks reinforce a principle that is already on paper.

2. The Jharkhand example shows the gap that could close. Indian medical graduates there reportedly receive Rs 30,000 per month, while FMGs receive Rs 17,500. Stipend disparity like this is now under the court's scrutiny, and the relevant petition was tagged with the current batch of cases.

3. It could benefit interns nationwide. The petitioners' counsel noted that the issue extends to undergraduate interns across the country, and the court has said it will pass comprehensive directions rather than case-by-case relief.

4. Accountability is increasing. The Supreme Court has repeatedly pressed the NMC on stipend compliance. According to the NMC, non-payment now persists in only 7 of 756 medical colleges, and it says those colleges began paying once penalties were imposed. Petitioners dispute how complete that picture is, which is why the court wants a verified affidavit.

What FMGs Can Do Now

  • Keep proper records. Save your internship joining letter, attendance records and stipend statements.
  • Know the NMC's position. Familiarise yourself with the NMC's stipulations on FMG internships and the circular on parity.
  • Follow the case. The court has asked for further affidavits, and final directions are still to come.
  • Seek legal advice for individual disputes. If your stipend is unpaid or lower than that of your Indian-graduate peers, a qualified lawyer can advise you on your options.

The Road Ahead

The court has not yet issued its final order, so the details of the eventual directions remain to be seen. But the direction of travel is encouraging for the thousands of FMGs who return to India after clearing the FMGE and complete their compulsory internship. A ruling that ensures equal treatment would be a meaningful step toward recognising FMGs as full members of India's medical workforce.

FAQs

Q1. Are foreign medical graduates entitled to an internship stipend in India?

The Supreme Court has said it will ensure all undergraduate medical interns, Indian or foreign-trained, are paid a stipend. The court has not yet issued its final order.

Q2. Which states are involved in the current case?

The court sought the NMC's response on delays affecting FMGs from Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat and Jharkhand.

Q3. Is there an NMC rule on stipend parity?

The petitioners' counsel told the court that an NMC circular provides for parity between Indian and foreign medical graduates.

Q4. What happens if a state doesn't pay?

The court warned that Rajasthan's Health Secretary could be summoned and contempt proceedings considered if the stipend is not paid as ordered.


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