Punjab Govt Introduces Bond Policy for MBBS, BDS Students

Policy that comes into force from upcoming session mandates MBBS passouts either to serve in govt facilities for 2 years or pay bond of ₹20 lakh

- Karam Prakash

PATIALA: In a move aimed at addressing shortage of doctors in government health institutions, the Punjab government has introduced a new bond policy for students enrolling in MBBS and BDS courses in state-run medical and dental colleges.

The policy, which will come into effect from the academic session 2025-26, mandates that students either serve in government healthcare facilities for two years after completing their degrees or pay a bond of ₹20 lakh.

The policy also applies to students admitted under the "All India quota", but their mandatory service period will be limited to one year.

"A service bond of ₹20,00,000 shall be applicable to students admitted under both state and All India quotas. The duration of the bond is one year for All India Quota students and two years for state quota students. The service period may be extended at the discretion of the government," according to an order from the Punjab medical education department.