Doctors to Serve in Government Hospitals; Penalties Up to ₹50 Lakh for Non-Compliance
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has made it mandatory for postgraduate medical students to serve in government hospitals after completing their courses, as per the new bond service rules outlined in the Karnataka Examinations Authority’s (KEA) e-Information Bulletin for PG Medical/Dental Admissions 2025.
One-Year Compulsory Rural Service
According to KEA, all candidates admitted to PG medical degree or diploma courses in government, private, or deemed colleges—under government quota, private quota, NRI quota, or management quota—will have to undergo one year of compulsory service in a government hospital.
This rule excludes candidates who have already completed compulsory rural service after MBBS. During this period, candidates will be granted only temporary registration until the service requirement is fulfilled.
Three-Year Service for Government Seat Holders
Candidates who secure government seats (including All India quota seats) in PG courses must serve the state government for a minimum of three years after completing their course, if directed by the government.
Failure to comply will attract steep penalties—₹50 lakh for a postgraduate degree and ₹25 lakh for a postgraduate diploma. Original certificates will be withheld until the penalty is paid.
Rules for In-Service Candidates
In-service candidates will be required to submit a bond at the time of admission, committing to serve in government facilities for at least ten years.
Legal Backing
The KEA bulletin clarified that the service obligations are in line with the Karnataka Compulsory Service Training by Candidates Completed Medical Courses Act, 2012, and its subsequent amendments.
