Medical License in India: Types, Requirements and Application Process

Last updated: 12 October, 2026

Your medical license confirms your professional registration to practise medicine under applicable rules. The National Medical Commission (NMC) oversees medical education and professional regulation, while State Medical Councils handle important registration and disciplinary functions.

• Qualification: An MBBS course generally takes 5.5 years, including a one-year compulsory rotating internship.
• Registration: Your requirements depend on your qualification and registration category.
• Medical license price: Fees vary by service and authority. Check the official fee schedule before applying.
• Renewal: Follow the validity and renewal conditions applicable to your registration.
• Other permissions: A license for a medical store and registration for a clinic are separate from your professional registration.

Planning to expand your medical practice or invest in professional needs? Explore the Bajaj Finance Doctor Loan and check your eligibility to review available funding options, subject to eligibility, verification and applicable terms and conditions.

A medical license is an official authorisation that allows a qualified individual to practise medicine in India. The National Medical Commission (NMC) regulates medical education and professional standards, while registration with the relevant State Medical Council or other applicable authority is required to practise in accordance with Indian regulations.

Obtaining a medical license generally involves completing a recognised medical degree, completing the required internship and fulfilling the applicable registration requirements.

Doctors pursuing advanced fellowship courses after MBBS may also need to invest in medical equipment to support their practice. Medical Equipment Finance can help eligible applicants fund equipment purchases, subject to applicable terms and conditions. Doctors can check their eligibility before applying. Professionals such as a health economist also contribute to healthcare planning and resource management.

A medical license is essential because it legally authorises you to practise medicine and helps protect both you and your patients. It confirms your professional qualifications, supports ethical care and helps you comply with Indian medical regulations.

The medical license or registration you need in India depends on your professional qualifications and intended activity. Medical practitioner registration authorises eligible doctors to practise medicine, while separate permissions may be required to sell medicines or operate a healthcare facility.

These registrations and licences serve different purposes and cannot replace one another. Your medical practitioner registration does not automatically authorise you to sell medicines or operate a healthcare facility. The requirements depend on your professional role, location and applicable laws.

To obtain a medical license in India, you must meet the applicable medical qualification, internship, examination and registration requirements. The process differs for graduates of Indian medical colleges and foreign medical institutions.

1. Complete a recognised medical qualification

Obtain an MBBS degree from a recognised medical institution. Foreign medical graduates must also meet the applicable requirements for their qualification to be recognised for registration in India.

2. Complete the required internship

Complete the compulsory rotating medical internship (CRMI) if required under the applicable regulations. Indian medical graduates generally complete a one-year internship as part of their MBBS training.

3. Meet the applicable examination requirements

Indian medical graduates must follow the examination and registration rules currently in force. The National Exit Test (NExT) has been deferred and should not be described as a compulsory examination for all graduates at present.

Indian citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) with foreign medical qualifications generally need to pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), subject to the applicable rules. Check the current requirements before proceeding.

4. Identify the correct registration authority

Visit the National Medical Commission (NMC) registration portal and select the relevant registration service. You may need to apply through the appropriate State Medical Council.

5. Prepare the required documents

Gather your medical degree certificate, internship completion certificate, identity documents and other records specified by the registration authority. Foreign medical graduates may need additional documents relating to their qualification and training.

6. Submit the registration application

Complete the prescribed application form, upload the required documents and pay the applicable registration fee. Keep the acknowledgement for future reference.

7. Complete document verification

The relevant authority will review your qualifications and supporting documents. Provide any additional information requested during verification.

8. Check your registration status

Once registration is approved, verify your details with the relevant State Medical Council and the National Medical Register, where applicable.

Important: The required examinations, internship duration and registration process depend on your qualification and the rules applicable to your case. Check the latest NMC and State Medical Council guidance before applying.

Your document checklist depends on your qualification and registration category. Check the latest instructions issued by the relevant authority before submitting your application.

Check that your name, dates and qualification details match across your documents. Missing or inconsistent information may delay verification.

Your medical license price depends on the registration service and the authority processing your application. Initial registration, provisional registration, renewal, transfer and certificate services may have different fees.

The NMC's published fee schedule lists charges for specific registration services, including permanent and provisional registration. However, the page states that its fees were revised with effect from 1 June 2007. Treat it as a published reference, not confirmation of the current fee.

Before paying, check the latest fee schedule of the relevant State Medical Council or registration authority. You may also incur separate expenses for obtaining certificates, document verification or other required records.

Keep your registration details accurate and follow the renewal or update process that applies to your registration. Your validity period, renewal procedure and professional development requirements depend on the relevant rules.

To maintain your registration:

• Check your registration certificate and official council records.
• Confirm whether you need to renew or update your registration.
• Review the applicable fee and document checklist.
• Complete any required professional development or other formalities.
• Retain your application acknowledgement and updated registration details.

Check the relevant authority's instructions for your renewal deadline. You can also refer to the medical license renewal guide for related information and read about continuing medical education.

If you plan to establish a medical practice or open a medical store, compare the requirements before proceeding. Each registration serves a different purpose.

The Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 applies in states and Union Territories that have adopted it. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare publishes the official list of adopting states and Union Territories. Your clinic may be subject to other state or local requirements depending on its location and services.

Before opening a clinic or medical store, check the applicable professional, establishment, drug and local requirements with the relevant authorities.

If you practise medicine without the required registration, you may face legal or regulatory consequences. The applicable outcome depends on your qualifications, conduct, registration status and the law governing your situation.

Possible consequences may include restrictions on practice, disciplinary proceedings or prosecution where the relevant law provides for it. A complaint or suspected breach may also lead to an investigation by the appropriate authority.

If your registration has expired, been suspended or is under review, contact the relevant council to confirm your status and legal position before continuing to practise. The consequences of different registration issues should be assessed under the applicable rules rather than treated as identical.

Setting up or expanding a medical practice may involve equipment, premises and operating expenses. If you are assessing funding options, review your expected costs, available funds and repayment capacity before borrowing. Check your eligibility for a Doctor Loan to explore your funding options.

You can explore the Bajaj Finance Doctor Loan for eligible professional needs, subject to eligibility, verification and applicable terms. Review the Doctor Loan eligibility and documents and Doctor Loan fees and charges before making a decision.

You can also explore information about medical equipment, medical equipment finance, CT scan machines, autoclave machines and nano machines when planning your facility requirements.