As we all know, the BHMS (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery) course spans 5.5 years — comprising 4.5 years of academic study followed by one year of compulsory rotatory internship.
However, many students and parents remain confused about how this internship actually works. Let’s simplify everything and understand it step by step.
What is the BHMS Internship?
The BHMS internship is a mandatory one-year practical training programme undertaken after successfully completing the final professional examinations. During this period, a graduate transitions from being a student to an intern homoeopathic doctor, gaining hands-on clinical experience under supervision.
The internship is usually conducted in hospitals or clinics affiliated with the college from which the student graduated.
Duration:
- 12 months (including weekly offs and national holidays)
This internship is compulsory to obtain:
- The BHMS degree
- A valid registration certificate from the State Homoeopathic Medical Council
Eligibility Criteria for BHMS Internship
To begin your internship, you must:
- Successfully complete all four professional BHMS years
- Pass all subjects in the final examination
- Obtain a provisional degree certificate from the university
That’s it — no additional academic requirements.
After this, either the college or the student can apply for temporary/provisional registration with the State Medical Council of Homoeopathy before starting the internship.
Internship Start Dates
- Regular Batch Students: Internship usually begins on the first working day of April
- Supplementary Batch Students: Internship typically starts on the first working day of September
Objectives of the BHMS Internship Programme
The internship is designed to:
- Provide exposure to real-time clinical and homoeopathic practice
- Develop competence to function independently in rural and urban settings
- Improve patient sensitivity and professional behavior
- Strengthen diagnostic skills and case documentation
- Build communication skills and ethical attitude
- Enhance clinical judgment and decision-making
- Integrate theoretical knowledge into practical case management
- Familiarize interns with national health programmes and community healthcare systems
Attendance Rules During Internship
Attendance is one of the most important aspects of internship.
- Minimum 80% attendance on working days is mandatory
- Daily duty hours generally range from 6–8 hours
Many interns simultaneously prepare for competitive exams like AIAPGET, manage personal responsibilities, or plan their future careers. Despite all this, maintaining attendance is crucial.
Leave Rules During Internship
During the one-year compulsory rotatory internship:
- 12 days of leave are permitted
- Any leave beyond 12 days results in an extension of internship duration
- Leave must be approved by the concerned Head of Department (HOD)
If there is any delay in starting the internship or any break due to unavoidable circumstances, the internship must be completed within 24 months from the date of passing the Final BHMS examination.
Stipend During BHMS Internship
Interns in:
- Central Government institutions
- State Government institutions
- Union Territory institutions
- Private Homoeopathy medical colleges
Should receive a stipend equivalent to interns of other medical systems under the respective government.
However, in reality, stipend policies vary — especially in private institutions. Officially, parity in stipend across medical systems is recommended.
How Is Internship Considered Complete?
Internship completion requires:
Case Record Requirements
- 40 acute cases and 25 chronic cases (Practice of Medicine)
- 5 antenatal cases, 3 deliveries attended, and 3 gynaecological cases (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
- 5 surgical cases
All cases must be properly documented in the logbook.
At the end of the internship:
- A dissertation/project must be submitted
- Case records must be submitted
- Final signatures of all HODs must be obtained
Only then is the internship considered successfully completed.
Project Work / Dissertation Guidelines
Each intern must undertake a research-based project using the knowledge of Research Methodology and Biostatistics learned in the IV BHMS year.
Project Phases:
- Planning – 3 months
- Data Collection – 3 months
- Writing & Finalization – 3 months
Requirements:
- Minimum 1500 words
- Typewritten format
- Spiral binding + electronic submission
- At least two hard copies
- Topic must be approved by the HOD
- Submission at least one month before internship completion
- Presentation at the end
Evaluation Criteria:
- Originality
- Scientific methodology
- Data analysis
- Results & conclusions
- Quality of writing
Evaluation & Grading
Internship performance is evaluated based on skills developed and procedures performed.
Grades:
- A – 70% and above
- B – 60–70%
- C – 50–60%
- D – Below 50%
Upon successful completion, the intern receives a certificate mentioning the project title and grade.
Migration During Internship
Yes, migration is possible during internship under specific conditions.
Scenario 1: Between Two Different Universities
- Consent from both colleges
- Approval from both universities
Scenario 2: Within the Same University
- Consent from both colleges required
Documents required:
- Character/Bonafide Certificate
- Application forwarded by the college and university
- No Objection Certificate (if applicable)
As per guidelines issued by the National Commission for Homoeopathy, migration is allowed subject to regulatory approval.
The BHMS internship is not just a formality — it is the foundation of your professional career as a homoeopathic physician. It is the period where classroom knowledge transforms into clinical confidence.
If you are about to begin your internship, prepare yourself mentally and academically. Stay disciplined, maintain proper records, complete your project sincerely, and focus on learning rather than just finishing the year.
If you still have questions regarding BHMS internship rules and regulations, feel free to ask in the comments. I’ll be happy to guide you.