AFMC Pune PG Medical Bond: 57.5 lakh Penalty, 5 Years Service
AFMC: In a significant move reinforcing the dedication required from postgraduate medical students, Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, has implemented a bond agreement for candidates admitted to its MD/MS/DNB programs. This agreement requires candidates to serve as Medical Officers in the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) for five years upon successful course completion.
This policy aims to meet the specialist requirements of AFMS while fostering a sense of responsibility toward national service. The terms apply to civilian candidates admitted under the Priority-V category for the academic session 2024-27, ensuring a mutually beneficial arrangement for the candidates and the nation.
Bond Obligations and Penalty
Upon admission, candidates must execute a bond agreement committing to serve AFMS for five years post-completion of their postgraduate course. If a candidate declines the offered commission or fails to meet the eligibility criteria, they are liable to pay a penalty of ₹57.5 lakhs.
Candidates crossing 35 years of age before completing the course are deemed ineligible for commission and categorized as Non-Service Liability (NSL). These candidates must also fulfill the bond repayment obligations.
Eligibility and Conditions for Priority-V Candidates
The Priority-V category includes civilian candidates willing to serve in the Armed Forces. Key eligibility criteria for these candidates include:
- Medical Fitness: Candidates must meet stringent health standards required for commissioning in the AFMS.
- Age Limit: Applicants must be under 30 years of age as of December 31, 2024.
- Service Agreement: Candidates must commit to serve as Short Service Commission (SSC) officers for five years, aligning with Army Instruction 75/78 and subsequent amendments.
Provisional Admissions and Final Commissioning
The allotment of seats during MCC counselling is provisional. Final admissions depend on the candidate meeting age and medical fitness requirements. After completing their PG degree, candidates must report for commissioning as directed by the Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS).
AFMS PG Bond Recovery for Early Resignation
Post-commissioning, candidates seeking release from service before completing their five-year tenure are required to repay the bond money at a pro-rata rate of ₹11.5 lakhs per incomplete year of service. This ensures accountability and reinforces the commitment to serving in the Armed Forces.
It further specifies that if a postgraduate student departs from the institution without finishing the course for any reason after the deadline for admission to the postgraduate programs, a fee of Rs. 19,16,667/- will be charged per year or any portion thereof for the education at the institution, in accordance with existing regulations, contingent upon the stipulations outlined in the following paragraphs.
