Karnataka Implements Mandatory Service Policy for DNB and Diploma Doctors

The Karnataka state government has officially expanded its mandatory rural service policy to include doctors completing Diplomate of National Board (DNB) and various postgraduate diploma courses. Previously, this rule primarily applied to MBBS and MD/MS graduates. As of March 15, 2026, all specialists completing their advanced training in the state must serve for one year in public healthcare facilities. This decision is part of a strategic effort by the Department of Health and Family Welfare to address the shortage of specialist doctors in rural areas and small towns. By including DNB and diploma holders, the state expects to deploy hundreds of additional experts to community health centers and district hospitals.

The policy change follows an amendment to the Karnataka Compulsory Service Training by Candidates Completed Medical Courses Act. Government officials state that this move is essential to ensure that the rural population receives specialized medical attention without traveling long distances to major cities. The Karnataka Examinations Authority will manage the counseling and allocation process for these service postings. Doctors who fail to comply with this mandatory requirement will face heavy penalties and the withholding of their permanent registration.

New Service Requirements for Specialists

The implementation of this policy brings a new set of rules that all graduating specialists must follow. The health department has released a detailed set of guidelines to ensure a smooth transition for the affected doctors.

• Specialists will be posted based on the current vacancies in government hospitals located in rural or semi-urban districts.
• The mandatory service period is fixed at twelve months, during which doctors will receive a monthly stipend equivalent to government specialist salaries.
• Doctors can choose their preferred districts through an online counseling system based on their merit and specialization.
• Those who have already completed a rural service bond after their undergraduate (MBBS) degree are not exempt from this postgraduate service requirement.
• Special consideration may be given to doctors with serious health conditions or those who have secured immediate employment in government-run medical colleges.
• The Directorate of Medical Education will oversee the verification of completion certificates before releasing the original academic documents.

Impact on Rural Healthcare and Medical Professionals

The inclusion of DNB and Diploma doctors is expected to significantly improve the quality of healthcare in Karnataka’s underserved regions. This move ensures that specialized services like pediatrics, anesthesia, and radiology are available at the grassroots level.

• Hospitals in remote areas will now have access to trained specialists who can handle complex medical cases locally.
• The policy provides young specialists with valuable clinical experience in diverse and challenging environments.
• Rural service helps in reducing the burden on tertiary care hospitals in cities like Bengaluru and Mysuru by treating patients at local centers.
• The state government is also working on improving the living conditions and infrastructure at rural housing quarters to support the relocated doctors.
• Any doctor attempting to skip the service by paying a penalty will still be required to complete the term later to gain eligibility for state government jobs.
• The National Board of Examinations has been informed of these state-level changes to coordinate the registration process for DNB graduates.

Karnataka Mandatory Service Overview

The following table summarizes the key details of the mandatory service policy for the 2026 academic year.

Conclusion

The decision to make rural service mandatory for DNB and Diploma doctors reflects Karnataka’s commitment to achieving healthcare equity. While the policy has seen some debate among the medical community, the government remains firm on its implementation to serve the public interest. As the new academic session concludes, graduating doctors should prepare for the upcoming counseling sessions to select their service locations. This systemic change will likely serve as a model for other states facing similar specialist shortages in rural sectors. For official updates on the counseling dates and vacancy lists, doctors are encouraged to visit the Department of Health and Family Welfare portal regularly.