The surrogacy landscape in India has been redefined by the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, and its 2024 amendments. This legislation prioritizes altruistic surrogacy and strictly regulates the entire process to prevent exploitation. This guide offers a comprehensive and updated overview for 2025, detailing eligibility, costs, key clinics, and the step-by-step process.
Current Surrogacy Laws in India (2025 Update) ⚖️
Surrogacy in India is now exclusively altruistic, meaning the surrogate is not financially compensated beyond her medical expenses and insurance.
✅ Who is Eligible?
- Indian married couples who have been married for at least five years. The wife must be 23-50 years old and the husband 26-55 years old, with a medical certificate of infertility.
- Indian single women who are widowed or divorced, aged 35-45, and have a medical indication for surrogacy.
- NRIs and OCIs are eligible to pursue surrogacy in India, provided they meet all other legal criteria.
❌ Who is Banned?
- Foreigners without Indian citizenship.
- LGBTQ+ couples and single men.
- Commercial surrogacy is strictly prohibited.
Surrogate Mother Criteria
- The surrogate must be a close relative of the intending couple.
- She must be a married woman with at least one biological child and must be between 25-35 years old.
- A woman can act as a surrogate only once in her lifetime.
Surrogacy Cost in India 2025: Detailed Breakdown 💰
The total cost of a legally compliant surrogacy journey in India typically ranges from ₹12 lakhs to ₹30 lakhs, varying significantly by city and clinic.
| City | Cost Range (₹) | Key Advantage |
| Delhi-NCR | 12-25 lakhs | Top-tier medical facilities and a wide choice of clinics. |
| Mumbai | 15-25 lakhs | Highly experienced doctors and a mix of budget and premium options. |
| Bangalore | 9-14 lakhs | Renowned for technology-enabled labs and fertility experts. |
| Hyderabad | 8-12 lakhs | Offers some of the most affordable options without compromising on quality. |
| Chennai | 7-11 lakhs | Known for lower legal and administrative costs. |
The Cost Breakdown Includes:
- Medical Procedures: ₹3.5-5 lakhs (IVF, medications, embryo transfer).
- Surrogate Support: ₹2.5-4 lakhs (mandatory insurance, medical, and living expenses).
- Legal & Administrative Fees: ₹4-6 lakhs (court approvals, contracts).
- Hospital Delivery: ₹2-5 lakhs.
Top Surrogacy Clinics in India (2025)
It is crucial to choose an ICMR-approved clinic with a transparent process and high success rates. Working with a reputable agency like SheIVF can help you find the right clinic that aligns with your needs and budget.
- Delhi-NCR: Elixir Fertility Center, Delhi IVF and Fertility Research Centre, SCI IVF Centre.
- Mumbai: Nova IVF Fertility, IVF Spring Fertility Clinic.
- Bangalore: Cloudnine, Indira IVF.
- Hyderabad: Kiran Infertility Centre.
Step-by-Step Surrogacy Process in India ⚙️
The journey, which typically takes 18-24 months, is a carefully regulated sequence of legal and medical steps.
- Eligibility Certification: Obtain medical proof of infertility, police verification, and other essential documents.
- Surrogate Matching: Find a close relative who meets all legal and medical criteria. This stage, including screening, can take 3-6 months.
- Legal Process: This is the most time-consuming stage, often taking 4-6 months. It involves drafting a contract and obtaining a mandatory approval from the District Magistrate.
- Medical Procedures: The IVF cycle begins, and the embryo is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus.
- Pregnancy & Birth: The surrogate is monitored closely. After birth, a birth certificate is issued in the names of the genetic parents.
Key Challenges & FAQs
- Legal Complexities: The legal approval process can be lengthy (6-12 months) and varies by district.
- Surrogate Availability: The “close relative” requirement has drastically reduced the number of available surrogates.
“After 7 failed IVFs, my cousin became our surrogate. The legal process was lengthy, but the medical team was incredibly supportive. Our daughter was born last year, and every challenge was worth it for the joy she brings us!”
— Rahul & Priya, Delhi