MBBS Salary in India – Real Numbers You Need to Know

If you’ve just cleared MBBS, the first question on your mind is likely “how much will I earn?” The answer isn’t a single figure – it shifts with the type of job, city, and experience you bring. Below you’ll see the most common salary ranges, what drives those numbers, and how you can push your earnings higher.

Starting Salary and What Affects It

Fresh MBBS graduates usually start as house officers (interns) in hospitals. In government medical colleges, the stipend is about ₹30,000‑₹40,000 per month. Private hospitals in metro cities pay a bit more, often ranging from ₹45,000 to ₹60,000 for the same role. The gap comes from higher patient volumes, private insurance payouts, and the cost of living in big cities.

Once you clear your one‑year internship and get a full registration, you can apply for a junior resident position. In a government setup, the salary jumps to roughly ₹60,000‑₹80,000 per month, plus pension and housing allowances. Private hospitals may offer ₹80,000‑₹1,20,000, especially if you join a super‑specialty department like cardiology or neurosurgery.

Location matters a lot. Doctors in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad typically earn 20‑30% more than those in Tier‑2 or Tier‑3 towns. This isn’t just about paychecks – it’s also about the number of patients you see, which directly influences your income.

Specialisation is another salary driver. General practitioners earn the base range, but once you pursue a post‑graduation (MD/MS), your earning potential rises sharply. An MD in internal medicine can start at ₹1,20,000‑₹1,80,000 per month in a private hospital, while a surgical specialist can easily cross ₹2,00,000 after a few years of experience.

Ways to Boost Your Earnings After MBBS

While the basic salary is set by the institution, there are several ways to add extra income. Doing private consultations after hospital hours is a common practice. Even a few evening appointments can bump your monthly earnings by ₹20,000‑₹40,000.

Telemedicine is booming in India. Signing up with a reputable tele‑health platform lets you see patients online and earn per‑consultation fees that rival in‑person visits. This is especially useful if you live in a smaller city but want to tap into metro‑city rates.

Teaching can also supplement your income. Many colleges hire practicing doctors as part‑time faculty. A few lecture hours can bring in an additional ₹10,000‑₹25,000 each month, plus the credibility boost for your CV.

Research grants and clinical trials offer another revenue stream. If you get involved in a study, you may receive stipends, publication bonuses, or even profit‑sharing from new drug trials. While competitive, the payout can be significant for a motivated doctor.

Finally, consider government schemes like the National Health Mission’s rural postings. Though the base pay is modest, the housing and travel allowances often make the total compensation comparable to private sector offers, plus you gain valuable experience that pays off later.

Bottom line: Your MBBS salary starts modestly, but with the right choices—specialisation, private practice, telemedicine, teaching, or research—you can turn a basic paycheck into a comfortable living. Keep an eye on emerging opportunities, upgrade your skills, and negotiate wisely. Your earnings will grow as your experience does.