Wondering if you are eligible to adopt a baby in India? Here's all that you need to know about the pre-requisites and eligibility criteria for adopting in India.

Indians, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Foreign Residents can adopt a child from India. But, there are specific guidelines and documentation processes for each of these groups of adoptive parents. Generally, a married couple or a single woman can adopt a child in India.

According to Indian law, a single man is not eligible to become an adoptive parent, and even if he is allowed to adopt as an exception, he can adopt only a male child.

The Eligibility Criteria - for Adoptive Parents
To adopt a Child in India, the adoptive parent should be

• Medically Fit - proof of which, in the form of medical certificates, need to be provided at the time of registering for adoption
• Financially Stable - and competent enough to care for the child
• Above 21 years of age - and though there is no upper age limit, most adoption agencies have their own benchmark. Generally, for a child who is less than a year old, the parents should be below 45 years of age
• But with the adoption of older children or those with special needs, the age of the adoptive parents will be relaxed accordingly. However, in all cases, the age of the adoptive parent cannot exceed 55 years.

Laws for Adoption
Indian citizens who are Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, or Buddhists are allowed to formally adopt under the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956.

Indian nationals who are Muslims, Parsis, Christians or Jews are subject to the Guardian and Wards Act of 1890.

Foreign citizens and NRIs are supposed to formally adopt their child according to the adoption laws and procedures in the country of their residence. This must be carried out within two years of the individual becoming a child's guardian.

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