Karnataka Health Department Issues Notices to MBBS Graduates

Background on Compulsory Rural Service

The Karnataka Health Department has sent notices to 208 MBBS graduates who have not registered for the mandatory rural service in the state. Each graduate now faces a penalty of Rs 15 lakh if they do not comply with this requirement. A notice from the health and family welfare department, issued on January 30, outlines that the candidates have 30 days to pay the penalty. Failure to do so will result in legal consequences.

Regulations Surrounding Rural Service

According to Karnataka’s compulsory rural service regulations, MBBS graduates who have completed their studies through government quota seats are obligated to serve in rural regions for one year. This year, the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) provided a merit list of 8,171 students graduating in 2025 for 1,772 available rural service positions.

Vacancies and Exemptions

The health department announced the vacancies and welcomed applications for the positions. All 1,772 posts were filled through an online counselling process. However, 6,119 candidates were exempted from the rural service based on their preferences, due to the surplus of graduates compared to the available posts.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Out of the 8,171 graduates, 208 candidates failed to log in or select a posting location during counselling. As per the established rules, those who do not accept the rural postings are required to pay a penalty of Rs 15 lakh to the government. Medic Helpline previously reported that under the new Karnataka Compulsory Service by Candidates Completed Medical Courses (Counselling, Allotment and Certification) (Amendment) Rules, 2024, penalties have been set at Rs 15 lakh for MBBS graduates, Rs 20 lakh for Diploma students, Rs 25 lakh for MD/MS graduates, and Rs 30 lakh for super specialists.

Stakeholder Perspectives

The government has issued notices to the 208 MBBS graduates for their failure to fulfill the one-year compulsory service requirement. Stakeholders have commented on the situation, noting that some students may be opting out of rural postings to prepare for the NEET-PG examination for specialization and to acquire additional skills. An MBBS degree without a postgraduate specialty may not be financially lucrative.

A senior resident doctor remarked that students who can afford the penalty may choose to pay it and focus on NEET PG preparation, especially as the monthly stipend for rural service has decreased from Rs 75,000 to Rs 60,000.

Additionally, a founder of an educational academy noted that many students believe it is more advantageous to pursue postgraduate studies immediately rather than spend a year in rural service, especially given the rising costs of education. Many students prioritize preparing for entrance exams over patient care, which is why some are willing to pay the penalty instead of fulfilling the rural service obligation.

Related Updates

In a related note, violations of compulsory rural service agreements in West Bengal have led to 34 doctors being fined Rs 20 lakh each.