Maharashtra Scraps Compulsory One-Year MBBS Bond Service Amid Posting Delays | Education and Career News
Last Updated:
Over time, the government found that the system had created delays for many graduates because available postings did not match the growing number of medical students.
Under the new rule, doctors who were eligible for bond service but never received postings will be exempted. (File Photo)
Maharashtra has become the first state to remove the compulsory one-year ‘social responsibility’ service for MBBS graduates from government, municipal, aided, and private unaided medical colleges. However, the bond service rule will continue for postgraduate and superspeciality medical courses.
The policy, known as bond service, was introduced to ensure that doctors who received publicly funded medical education would serve in government hospitals, local bodies, or rural areas. Over time, the government found that the system had created delays for many graduates because available postings did not match the growing number of medical students.
A Government Resolution (GR) issued on Thursday said the rapid expansion of medical education was not supported by a similar increase in government vacancies, reported Times of India. As a result, many eligible doctors were left waiting for allotments, sometimes unable to complete the bond despite being willing to serve. Since bond completion was linked to eligibility for postgraduate education, the delay also affected their academic plans.
The government also noted that many doctors joined bond service only because it was a mandatory step before higher studies. Some graduates were unable to contribute fully during their postings, while fresh MBBS doctors were not always prepared to independently handle emergency medical services.
The decision followed a review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on July 4, 2025. Under the new rule, doctors who were eligible for bond service but never received postings will be exempted. Those who started their service but could not complete it will not have to serve the remaining period.
Meanwhile, doctors already working at assigned institutions must complete their tenure, while those who received allotment orders but have not joined will be exempted. No fresh bond postings will be issued, and the online allotment portal run by the Directorate of Medical Education and Research will be closed.
The 2006 bond policy was introduced mainly to address rural doctor shortages. Since then, Maharashtra’s MBBS seats have increased from 4,555 in 2006 to 11,795 in 2025, while the government’s plan to establish medical colleges across districts has improved doctor availability.
Maharashtra has removed the compulsory one-year bond service for MBBS graduates, a policy introduced to address rural doctor shortages. The government found the system created delays due to a mismatch between available postings and the growing number of graduates.
About the Author
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, …Read More
Read More