Surrogacy Cost in India (2026)

Under the altruistic surrogacy model, the total cost ranges from ₹15 to ₹25 lakhs, with some complex cases reaching up to ₹30 lakhs in metro cities.

Legal Framework – Surrogacy Act 2021

India’s surrogacy landscape is governed by the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, which brought sweeping changes:

Only altruistic surrogacy is permitted: The surrogate cannot receive any monetary compensation beyond medical and pregnancy-related expenses.

Only gestational surrogacy allowed: The surrogate has no genetic connection to the child. Traditional surrogacy (using the surrogate’s own eggs) is banned.

Eligible intended parents: Married Indian couples (wife aged 23–50, husband aged 26–55), or divorced/widowed Indian women with medical need. Foreigners (except OCIs) cannot pursue surrogacy in India.

Surrogate eligibility: Must be a married woman aged 25–35 with at least one living child. She must be a close relative of the intended parents. A woman can act as a surrogate only once.

Mandatory approvals: Intended parents must obtain a Certificate of Essentiality and Certificate of Eligibility from the appropriate authority. A court parentage order is required before embryo transfer.

Insurance: The surrogate must be covered by insurance for 36 months from the date of embryo transfer.

Who Is Eligible for Surrogacy in India?

Medical conditions: Women who cannot carry a pregnancy due to absence of uterus, severe uterine abnormalities, repeated IVF failures, or medical contraindications to pregnancy.

Married couples: The couple must have been married and must provide an infertility certificate from a government-approved medical board.

Age limits: Wife should be between 23–50 years, husband between 26–55 years.

No existing child: The couple should not have any surviving child (biological, adopted, or born through surrogacy), except in cases of a child with physical or mental disability.

Single women: Divorced or widowed Indian women with medical need are eligible under certain conditions.

Surrogacy Process – Step by Step

Step 1: Legal Compliance & Approvals (2–6 months)

Obtain infertility certificate, prepare legal documents, file application for Certificate of Essentiality and Eligibility, and get court parentage order.

Step 2: Surrogate Selection & Screening

Identify a willing surrogate (close relative), who undergoes comprehensive medical, psychological, and social screening.

Step 3: IVF & Embryo Transfer (1–2 months)

The intended mother (or egg donor) undergoes ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval. Eggs are fertilized with the intended father’s sperm. Embryos are transferred to the surrogate’s prepared uterus.

Step 4: Pregnancy & Monitoring (9 months)

Regular antenatal care, monitoring, and support for the surrogate throughout pregnancy.

Step 5: Delivery & Legal Formalities

Hospital delivery, followed by legal documentation including birth certificate with intended parents’ names.

Total timeline: 12–18 months from initial consultation to bringing your child home.

City-Wise Surrogacy Cost

Surrogacy Success Rates

Surrogacy success rates in India range from 50% to 80% per embryo transfer, depending on embryo quality, surrogate health, and the clinic’s expertise. Using tested, high-quality embryos (especially PGT-screened blastocysts) maximizes success rates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)