1 yr Fellowship after DNB/MD - getting stipend..is it taxable?

[Guest]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I finished my DNB (Equivalent of MD) training during which I was getting stipend and it was non-taxable for 3 years

I subsequently then joined as a consultant and worked for 3 years at NH Hospitals where I paid my taxes regularly

Now I have joined a one year fellowship program in New Delhi and my stipend is 97000/- per month (TDS at source not deducted unlike when i was working it was done at source). I have been told by half of the Chartered accountants I know that its taxable while the other half tell me its not. Some others tell me its terms of engagement!!! in this forum and elsewhere also they have referred to clause 10(16) of IT act and also a Karnataka High court judgement

 

Could someone guide me clearly:

1. Its a one year fellowship training program with a stipend of ₹ 97000 after my DNB training: I work as a resident/student now

is it taxable? What should I tell my CA? under what clause? please clarify

 

Warm Regards

Dr KRH

 

AI Summary

Taxability of fellowship stipend questioned after postgraduate training; clarification sought on applicable exemption and reporting. Issue: Whether a one year post DNB fellowship stipend, paid without TDS, is taxable. The taxpayer previously received a non taxable stipend during training, later worked as a taxable consultant, and now receives a fellowship stipend with conflicting advice from practitioners; parties reference an exemption provision and a Karnataka High Court decision. The key operative question is the proper tax characterisation of the stipend and the corresponding reporting and TDS obligations.