Medical License in India: Registration Process, Eligibility & Online Application

The medical license is a core document to legally practice medicine in India. To ensure that a patient will be cared for by an authorised provider, each license holder must have the required documents to go through the registration process. In short, before starting any medical practice, the person must have a valid medical certificate from either a specified government-approved professional association or a government agency. However, something to consider is that before they can obtain this very important legal document, an individual must meet the minimum qualifications. This page will help you find out what you must do to meet the minimum qualifications to register for a medical license in India and determine which documents you must prepare for the registration process, as well as review the procedures for renewing your license and the penalties that may apply if you do not conform to the requirements. 

1. What is a Medical License in India?

The legal ability to operate a medical practice in India is provided to individuals by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and State Medical Councils. In order to have the legal authority to practice medicine, it is mandatory that an individual obtain an MBBS degree, complete their internship, and pass their licensing examinations. In India, the Medical License is the primary documentation of authority for medical doctors who are going to work within hospitals as well as practice medicine on their own. Therefore, this document serves as the official recognition by the Government of India that an individual has received their legal authority to provide medical care, treat patients, and prescribe medications.

2. Why Is a Medical License Mandatory in India?

The medical license is a primary document to safeguard the health of the public. It further ensures that only qualified, competent, and trusted professionals take care of the illnesses of patients. Here are the key reasons why the medical license registration is compulsory:

• Public Safety: Having a valid medical certification signals to the patients that practitioners align with all the required minimum educational standards. It further ensures that they are fit for the role. In detail, it protects the patient’s life from unprofessional or unqualified individuals. 
• Professional Accountability: Through the medical license registration, the serving authority, like the State Medical Councils, gets access to monitor practices and discipline across the practitioners. The major purpose of licensing is to foster the responsibility to make a sustainable environment. 
• Adherence to Law: Securing a valid medical certificate clarifies that the practitioners have the specified degree. Trying to operate a medical practice without a license is marked as illegal in India. It can result in a strict penalty against the offender. 
• Boost Patients’ Trust: The valid license ensures that the healthcare clinic is legally registered and goes through all established standards. It gives confidence to patients so that they can get a consultation from a practitioner. 

3. Who Needs a Medical License in India?

The medical license does not apply to all, but it has become important for those to operate a medical practice in India. The qualification guidelines have been set under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Meanwhile, securing the medical license from the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the State Medical Council is important to those individuals who practice modern medicine or modern scientific medicine. Well, the medical license registration is mandatory for:

• Individual Doctors: To legally practice medicine, perform surgeries, or provide specialised care. 
• Hospitals & Clinics: Under the Clinical Establishment Act, they are legally eligible for basic safety, infrastructure, and operational standards. 
• Pharmacies or Drug Businesses: Mandatory for all chemists and online pharmacies. Manufacturer of drugs, cosmetics, etc. Including distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and importers who are dealing with these products. 
• Hospital License: Compulsory for monitoring and operating hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities across India.

In conclusion, the medical certification is the core document in India for managing healthcare delivery safely and ethically. 

4. Types of Medical Licenses in India

To become a registered medical practitioner in India, the individual is required to meet all the standards and requirements. Meanwhile, the different licenses work for the different purposes. But all medical registrations are important for the legal operation. Each specific license focuses on the practitioner’s scope and facility license. The major types of medical licenses are:

4.1 For Medical Practitioners

• A permanent license is required for the continuous practice in a particular state after qualifying for education/exam. 
• A temporary license is required for the short-term practice in a specific state. 
• A Locum Tenens License is required for temporary practitioners who often want to operate across multiple states.
• A faculty license is required for a doctor who also provides the education. 

4.2 For Healthcare Facilities & Operations

• Clinical Establishment Act Registration is compulsory for all medical facilities. 
• A drug license is required for pharmacies or manufacturers.
• Bio-Medical Waste Management Authorization is compulsory for complete waste disposal. 
• Fire Safety Certificate & Building Plan Approval for accurate infrastructure safety.
• AERB approval is required if the healthcare industry wants to use radiology/radiation equipment. 
• PNDT Act registration is required if healthcare providers desire to maintain the ultrasound facility.
• Import/manufacturing license to operate to get the medical devices (Class A, B, C, and D). 

5. Eligibility Criteria for Medical License Registration

Before navigating the medical license registration process, the practitioner is required to meet all specific standards set by the serving authority. To secure a medical license in India, the individual is first required to get the MBBS degree from a recognized institution. With it, a one-year mandate internship in the relevant field is required, as is registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Council. Well, a one-year internship is required after completing the MBBS degree from any recognized university. Often, the passing of the National Exit Test (NExt) is required for foreign graduates who hold foreign medical qualifications. For the medical license registration, the key requirements include:

• MBBS degree certificate
• Internship completion certificate
• Identify proof 
• Screening Test
• Ownership proof for opening a clinic

6. Documents Required for Medical License Registration

A variety of documents are necessary to prove ownership and qualify for your medical license registration. Some of these documents are:

• MBBS degree/provisional certificate and educational marksheet, which act as proof of education
• An internship completion certificate (this proves that your internship is complete, and it is what is provided to you after the completion of your internship)
• Aadhaar card, passport, and PAN card, which serve as identity proof
• If you currently have an existing state medical council registration, you will be required to provide your registration details (i.e., registration number and date). 
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Prescribed application form
• Applicant’s identity proof (Aadhaar card, Voter ID, DL)
• Attested copies of the degree/qualification certificate for education/competency. 
• For proof of premises ownership, you will have to submit either a sale deed, a rental agreement, or property tax receipts. 
• You will also need to provide a copy of your full shop layout plan(s), and, depending on the requirements of the state you live in for your medical license, 
• You may be asked for a cover letter, an affidavit, a valid electricity/water bill, and a shop photo fee challan. 

7. Step-by-Step Medical License Registration Process in India

Once you have gathered all of your documents, you can begin the registration process for your medical license through a step-by-step process in India. Follow these steps for faster and error-free registration:

Step 1: Get an MBBS Degree & Complete Internship

To qualify for the medical license requirements, finishing the MBBS degree from a recognized university is mandatory. After it, complete a one-year internship for experience in the relevant field.

Step 2: Provisional State Registration

To start the internship, complete the provisional registration in the relevant State Medical Council (SMC). 

Step 3: Make an NMC Account & Fill Out the Application

Navigate the National Medical Commission (NMC) portal and make an account on it. Fill out the application with personal and educational details. This will give you a complete application file.

Step 4: Attach Supporting Documents and Pay Fees

You must attach all the necessary supporting documents to complete the application. You will also need to pay your registration fee using an accepted payment method.

Step 5: NMC Verification and Access Login

Once you submit your application, the NMC will review your documentation. After they have reviewed your application and approved it, they will send you the login information for your NMC online account, which will contain your username and password.

Step 6: Download IMR Certificate via NMC Online Account

After you receive the IMR online certification from the NMC, you can download it from the NMC’s online portal.

Step 7: Begin Procedure for Permanent Registration

Contact your State Medical Council to obtain evidence of your NMC registration and to obtain additional information pertaining to your permanent medical registration.

Step 8: Verification and License Approval

After qualifying for the verification process by SMC, you will get the final license to practice medicine in a specific state.

Note: NMC, or National Medical Commission, is responsible for managing the national registrations; meanwhile, the State Medical Councils operate the state-specific licensing and renewal 

8. Medical License Registration Online in India

The medical license registration online has become an advantageous mode for new applicants. The days are gone when applicants were required to wait several weeks for approval. The offline registration mode was too time-consuming and a waste of money. But now the medical certification process can be completed online. Well, the online application process can be completed via State Medical Council (SMC) portals, like in Delhi and Punjab. Otherwise, use the National Medical Commission (NMC) portal. On the other hand, the key authorities involved are

• State Medical Councils (SMCs): If the applicant is looking for permanent registration in India, graduates, e.g., from Delhi and Punjab.
• National Medical Commission (NMC): It manages the eligibility certificates for studying abroad and manages the Indian Medical Register. 

9. Validity and Renewal of Medical License

To keep the medical registration license active, the holders need to renew it every period. Talking about the medical license validity, its validity is for 5 years in India. Renewal of a medical license is required to continue legal practices. A valid and renewed medical license ensures that the professional doctors are following the most current medical advancements. It further avoids unauthorized practices and enhances governance and weeds out fake practitioners.

10. Penalties for Practising Without a Medical License

Trying to operate any pharmacy or medical clinic in India without a valid license can be challenging and raise legal issues. Yes, it carries severe penalties. It majorly includes the criminal penalties, civil penalties & liabilities, professional & reputational consequences, and regulatory actions. 

• Criminal Penalties:- Non-compliance with the law of medical authority can lead to criminal penalties, which include imprisonment for a short duration. The monetary penalties may be up to thousands or lakhs. The criminal penalty left a permanent mark on the business records, which can be challenging for future employment. 
• Civil Penalties & Liability:  Patients have the right to sue for damages against the doctors. If the doctor is found guilty of a similar offense, the court can order repayment to the victims. 
• Professional & Reputational Consequences: Non-compliance can lead to the loss of any other professional license. It directly impacts the relationship with patients. Ultimately, it will become the reason for a career-ending reason. 
• Authority Actions:- The relevant regulatory authority will impose a fine with imprisonment. It can be up to 1 year or more, depending on the type of offense. Non-compliance with the Medical Practice Act leads to a fine of up to Rs 5 lakhs. 

11. Why Choose LegalRaasta for Medical License Registration?

The advice of a professional helps to avoid unnecessary errors. For the online, quick, and cost-effective process, you can choose LegalRaasta. In India, Delhi, LegalRaasta is a recognised consultancy company that helps individuals with medical/drug license registration.

LegalRaasta is staffed by a highly skilled and experienced team of professionals. Their lifetime free consultation attracts the new applicants’ attention. The key reasons why you need to choose us for your medical license registration:

• Trained professionals handle the complex legal requirements for a medical license. Their expertise helps throughout the process.
• Adopting the digital mode makes the registration process paperless and quick. It directly saves applicants’ valuable time so that they can get market access faster.
• They provide the consultancy and registration service at a very low cost, such as 30% off on drug licensing.
• Their end-to-end support is valuable to complete the registration process error-free. 
• They ensure that the businesses or the new doctor meet all the regulatory requirements. 
• LegalRaasta company helps in drug licensing, CDSCO registration, cosmetic licensing, and other related services such as GST, MSME, etc. 

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you apply for the medical license without an MBBS degree?

Ans. You must have an MBBS degree from an accredited institution in order to be eligible to receive your medical license. This is for individuals who would like to be an allopathic practitioner within India.

How can you apply for a medical license in India?

Ans. For medical license registration, you need to register with the National Medical Commission (NMC) and your State Medical Council (SMC).

What if the medical license expires?

Ans. The doctor will not be legally eligible for practice if their medical license expires. It can lead to reputation damage, legal fines, liability risks, and potential chances of criminal charges.

What is the medical license renewal schedule?

Ans: The period when your medical license needs to be renewed will vary from one state or jurisdiction to another. Many states require a medical license renewal application to be submitted to the appropriate state licensing authority at least three to six months before the expiration date of your medical license.

What is the minimum qualification required for a medical license? 

Ans: To be eligible for a license, you need a recognized medical degree (like MBBS in India), including mandatory internship certification. Also, prove that you have primary medical qualifications and ethical standing. 

13. Conclusion | Apply for Medical License Registration with LegalRaasta

In conclusion, you need to obtain an MBBS degree from a medical college recognized by the Medical Council of India to obtain a medical license. After that, it needs to complete a one-year internship and pass the NEXT exam (applicable for new grads). Since the registration process turned online, applicants apply through the National Medical Commission (NMC) website. Make the registration journey faster and hassle-free with LegalRaasta professionals. To find out more information regarding the application process to renew your medical license, visit LegalRaasta.