After completing the academic portion of the MBBS course, which typically lasts 4.5 years, students must complete a compulsory rotating internship of 12 months in a recognized medical institution. During this internship, students work in various hospital departments such as medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and community medicine. The internship provides practical clinical training and hands-on experience under supervision. Only after successfully completing this internship can a graduate apply for permanent registration with the State Medical Council or the National Medical Commission to practice as a licensed doctor in India.