Whether Stipend paid to Post Graduate(MD) trainee is taxable

[Dr Aveek Mukherjee]

Hi all!

I have just started training as an MD in IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital,Kolkata.

I will be paid a stipend of Rs 24741 in the 1st yr, abt Rs 25500 in the 2nd and abt Rs 28500 in the 3rd.

I wanted to know whether I'll have to pay income tax for the stipendiary income.

AI Summary

Stipend taxation: whether postgraduate stipends are treated as scholarship exempt from income tax or taxable.
The core issue is whether postgraduate and fellowship stipends are characterised as scholarship (non taxable) or as taxable remuneration. One view cites an ITAT precedent supporting non taxability for MD/DNB stipends; another reports mixed professional advice and references to an income tax exemption provision and a High Court judgment, noting uncertainties over withholding (TDS) and higher fellowship amounts.