AERB Registration in India: Meaning, Process, Documents & Fees

Running an X-ray, CT scan, mammography, C-arm, or other radiation-based diagnostic facility involves more than buying equipment and installing it. The facility must meet radiation safety requirements before the equipment can be used for patient diagnosis. In India, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board oversees this area, and medical diagnostic X-ray users must obtain the required regulatory consent through the AERB system. AERB states that medical diagnostic X-ray equipment must not be operated for patient diagnosis without the required licence or registration. For support with documentation, eLORA filing, and regulatory coordination, consult LegalRaasta for professional assistance with AERB Registration.

Quick Answer: AERB Registration at a Glance

This table gives a quick view of the main requirements before you start the application.

What Is AERB Registration in India?

AERB Registration in India refers to the regulatory consent required for operating certain radiation-generating equipment and radiation facilities. For diagnostic radiology, AERB issues a licence in the form of registration for medical diagnostic X-ray equipment.

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) was constituted in 1983 and performs regulatory and safety functions relating to ionising radiation and nuclear energy. Its regulatory authority comes from the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, related rules, and environmental legislation.

For a diagnostic facility, AERB registration is not simply a certificate for the machine. The regulator looks at the installation, radiation protection measures, personnel, equipment details, and quality assurance arrangements.

A facility therefore needs to prepare before filing. Room layout, shielding, equipment information, radiation workers, safety tools, and other details can all affect the application.

What Is AERB? Full Form, Role and Functions

The role of AERB goes beyond issuing a licence. It checks whether radiation facilities are designed and operated in a manner that protects patients, workers, and members of the public.

Its major functions include:

The official AERB framework identifies medical diagnostic X-ray equipment as a category requiring registration, while different radiation activities may require a licence, authorisation, or another form of consent.

AERB also operates eLORA, its online regulatory system for radiation applications.

Who Needs AERB Registration in India?

The requirement depends on the radiation source, equipment, and activity involved. For diagnostic radiology, users of medical diagnostic X-ray equipment need the applicable AERB licence or registration before operation.

Common users include:

• Hospitals with diagnostic imaging departments
• Diagnostic centres
• Clinics using dental X-ray equipment
• Imaging centres with CT scanners
• Facilities using mammography equipment
• Centres using C-arm or interventional X-ray systems
• Other institutions using regulated diagnostic X-ray equipment

Manufacturers, suppliers, and service agencies have separate AERB requirements. Type approval and supplier-related permissions are different from an end-user operating licence.

Types of Medical Equipment Covered Under AERB Regulations

AERB regulations cover several radiation-generating devices used in medical diagnosis and treatment. The exact consent depends on the equipment and the activity.

AERB provides separate layout and quality assurance guidance for CT, interventional radiology, radiography, mammography, BMD, and dental X-ray equipment.

AERB Registration Process in India

The AERB Registration process in India is completed online, but the application still depends on physical radiation safety arrangements at the facility. The basic flow starts with institute registration and moves through equipment declaration, safety requirements, application, review, and grant of consent.

Step 1: Register the Institute

Create the institute profile on eLORA with the required institutional and employer details. AERB reviews the institute registration before creating the eLORA account.

Step 2: Add Employees and Radiation Professionals

Add relevant employees and radiation professionals to the institute profile. Their role must match the equipment and work they perform.

Step 3: Add Safety Tools

The required radiation protection and monitoring tools must be entered into the eLORA profile.

Step 4: Add the Equipment

Enter equipment details such as type, model, and serial number. For new equipment, procurement permission may be required before purchase or installation.

Step 5: Prepare Layout and Shielding

The X-ray room must meet AERB shielding requirements. The layout should consider staff movement, patient positioning, workload, room dimensions, and radiation protection.

Step 6: Complete QA and Other Requirements

Quality assurance, radiation survey records, safety records, and applicable RSO requirements must be completed before final licensing.

Step 7: Submit the Application

Submit the relevant licence or registration application through eLORA with the required details and attachments.

Step 8: AERB Review and Grant

AERB reviews the submission and supporting information. Once the requirements are satisfied, the licence or registration is issued electronically.

Applications can be filed through eLORA, while the official diagnostic radiology guidance provides equipment-specific requirements.

AERB eLORA Registration: How Does It Work?

eLORA means Electronic Licensing of Radiation Applications. It is the main online system used to submit regulatory applications and manage radiation-related approvals.

The system allows institutes to handle activities such as:

• Institute registration
• Equipment declaration
• Licence applications
• Renewal applications
• Employee and radiation professional records
• QA submissions
• Safety status reports
• Application tracking
• Compliance-related communication

AERB also provides a Quick Help section covering application status, non-compliance responses, RSO approval, renewal, and other eLORA issues.

The portal is useful, but the difficult part is often knowing what information belongs in each application and whether the facility is ready before submission.

Documents Required for AERB Registration

The documents vary according to equipment and facility type. For diagnostic radiology, the following records are commonly relevant.

For CT and interventional radiology facilities, AERB guidance specifically requires an approved RSO to be available.

AERB Registration Fees in India

One important point is often missed when people search for AERB Registration fees in India.

AERB currently states that it does not charge a licence fee or processing fee for its regulatory consents, including licence or registration. This position is clearly mentioned in its diagnostic radiology guidance.

That does not mean the entire compliance exercise is free.

The business may still spend money on:

• Radiation shielding work
• Quality assurance testing
• Radiation survey
• Dosimetry services
• Safety equipment
• Equipment installation
• Consultant or professional assistance

Therefore, an online advertisement quoting a fixed AERB government fee should be checked against current AERB information before payment.

AERB Registration Eligibility and Requirements

Eligibility is closely linked to the facility, equipment, personnel, and radiation safety arrangements. A business cannot simply submit a form and begin operating.

The facility should generally have:

• Suitable premises for the equipment
• Required structural shielding
• Appropriate radiation protection devices
• Qualified radiation workers
• Required RSO arrangement
• Type-approved or otherwise appropriately approved equipment
• Periodic quality assurance
• Personnel monitoring
• Required records and safety procedures

AERB states that radiation protection devices such as barriers, aprons, goggles, and thyroid shields must be used as applicable, while personnel monitoring services must be provided to radiation workers.

How Long Does AERB Registration Take?

There is no universal guaranteed timeline for every facility. The time depends on the application type, equipment, document quality, readiness of the facility, QA status, and whether AERB raises a query.

A clean application can move more smoothly because the facility is already prepared before filing. Delays commonly arise when equipment details do not match, room shielding is incomplete, or required personnel and QA information is missing.

It is better to plan the compliance work first rather than work backward from a desired approval date.

AERB Licence Renewal Process

An AERB Licence for operation of diagnostic X-ray equipment is generally valid for five years from the date of issue. Renewal must be completed before expiry.

The renewal process is available through eLORA.

Renewal Steps

1. Log in to the institute eLORA account.
2. Open the medical diagnostic radiology licence section.
3. Select renewal for the relevant equipment.
4. Enter the AERB licence number and equipment details.
5. Confirm maintenance of required safety and QA records.
6. Submit the renewal application.

AERB’s guidelines specifically provide a renewal option through the medical diagnostic radiology module.

Common Reasons for AERB Application Queries or Rejection

Most application problems arise from incomplete information or a mismatch between the facility and the documents submitted.

Common issues include:

AERB maintains a Quick Help section for application status, non-compliance responses, and other eLORA issues.

AERB Compliance Requirements After Registration

Getting the approval is not the final step. The licence holder must continue meeting radiation safety requirements throughout the operating period.

Key responsibilities include:

• Maintain radiation worker monitoring records.
• Maintain servicing and maintenance records.
• Complete periodic QA through authorised agencies.
• Carry out QA at least once every two years and after repairs having radiation safety implications.
• Maintain required radiation protection devices.
• Submit periodic safety status reports where required.
• Renew the licence before expiry.
• Follow authorised procedures for servicing and decommissioning.

AERB’s published requirements state that periodic QA should be carried out at least once every two years.

AERB Registration vs AERB Licence vs AERB Approval

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they do not always refer to the same regulatory action.

AERB itself explains that different radiation activities may receive a licence, authorisation, registration, or consent depending on the activity.

For a diagnostic centre, using the right term matters less than identifying the exact regulatory consent required for the equipment and activity.

Recent AERB Regulatory Update for 2026

The broader nuclear regulatory framework changed with the SHANTI Act, 2025, which received presidential assent in December 2025 and gave statutory recognition to AERB. The Department of Atomic Energy lists the Act as part of the current legal framework.

The change is significant for AERB’s statutory position. However, medical diagnostic X-ray operators should still follow the current AERB safety codes, eLORA requirements, and equipment-specific guidance applicable to their facility. The day-to-day registration pathway should not be replaced by assumptions based only on the broader nuclear law update.

Benefits of AERB Registration

A valid AERB Registration supports both legal operation and practical radiation safety. It gives the facility a documented regulatory status and creates a clear compliance framework for the equipment.

The main benefits include:

• Legal operation of covered X-ray equipment
• Better radiation safety for patients and workers
• Clear documentation of equipment and facility details
• Easier licence renewal and compliance tracking
• Greater confidence among hospitals, patients, and business partners
• Reduced risk of regulatory action
• Better control over QA and radiation protection records

AERB has warned that unauthorised use of medical diagnostic X-ray equipment can lead to regulatory action, including sealing of facilities.

Why Choose a Professional AERB Registration Consultant?

The eLORA process is online, but online filing does not remove the technical work behind the application. A consultant can help identify gaps before the application reaches the regulator.

Professional support can be useful for:

• Checking the facility and equipment profile
• Mapping documents to the correct application
• Reviewing layout and shielding records
• Coordinating QA and related documents
• Preparing eLORA submissions
• Following up on application queries
• Supporting renewal and ongoing compliance

If the same business also needs broader medical regulatory support, its radiation approval may sit alongside other requirements. For example, a medical device business may separately need Medical Device Registration depending on the product and activity.

How LegalRaasta Can Help With AERB Registration

LegalRaasta can assist businesses through the practical side of AERB Registration, from understanding the applicable requirements to preparing documents and managing the online application.

The support can cover:

Businesses also need a proper legal structure before operating a healthcare facility. Where necessary, founders can review LegalRaasta’s Company Registration services alongside their sector-specific registrations.

Conclusion: Complete Your AERB Registration With Professional Assistance

AERB Registration in India is a regulatory requirement for covered medical diagnostic X-ray facilities, and the process involves much more than submitting an online form. The facility, equipment, room shielding, personnel, RSO requirements, QA records, and safety systems all need to match the applicable AERB requirements.

AERB currently does not charge a licence or processing fee for its regulatory consents, but businesses still need to budget for technical compliance, QA, shielding, safety equipment, and professional support. The five-year validity of diagnostic X-ray operating licences also makes renewal planning important.

LegalRaasta can help you manage AERB Registration, eLORA documentation, application filing, queries, and renewal requirements with a structured compliance approach. Consult LegalRaasta to start your AERB application with the right documents and requirements in place.

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Frequently Asked Questions About AERB Registration

1. What is AERB Registration and why is it required?

AERB Registration is the regulatory registration used for certain radiation facilities, including medical diagnostic X-ray equipment. It is required to ensure that the installation meets radiation safety requirements before the equipment is used for patient diagnosis.

2. Who needs AERB Registration or an AERB Licence in India?

Hospitals, diagnostic centres, clinics, and other facilities using covered medical diagnostic X-ray equipment need the applicable licence or registration. Requirements vary based on the equipment and radiation activity.

3. What documents are required for AERB Registration?

Common requirements include institute details, equipment information, room layout, shielding details, employee records, RSO details where applicable, QA records, and radiation safety information. Exact documents depend on the equipment and application type.

4. How can I apply for AERB Registration through eLORA?

Create and register the institute on eLORA, add relevant personnel and equipment, complete applicable safety and QA requirements, and submit the appropriate regulatory application online. AERB then reviews the submission.

5. How much does AERB Registration cost in India?

AERB currently states that it does not charge a licence or processing fee for regulatory consents. However, businesses may incur separate costs for shielding, QA testing, radiation surveys, safety equipment, dosimetry, and professional assistance.

6. How long is an AERB Licence valid?

A diagnostic X-ray operating licence is generally valid for five years from the date of issue. Renewal should be completed before expiry to maintain continuous regulatory compliance.

7. Is AERB approval required before using an X-ray machine?

Yes. A diagnostic X-ray machine must not be operated for patient diagnosis unless the required regulatory licence or registration has been obtained from the competent authority.

8. Is AERB approval required for a CT scan machine?

Yes. CT units fall within AERB’s regulated diagnostic radiation framework. The facility must meet applicable layout, shielding, personnel, RSO, QA, and licensing requirements before clinical operation.

9. Is periodic QA required after getting AERB Registration?

Yes. Periodic quality assurance of diagnostic X-ray equipment is required at least once every two years and also after repairs that have radiation safety implications.

10. Can LegalRaasta help with AERB eLORA filing?

Yes. LegalRaasta can assist with requirement assessment, document preparation, eLORA application support, query handling, and renewal coordination for businesses seeking the applicable regulatory consent.