Adoption Process in India – Legal Steps & Cost

Introduction to Adoption in India

Adoption is a noble act that gives a child a new life, a loving home, and a secure future. In India, adoption is legally governed to ensure the welfare of the child and to protect the rights of adoptive parents.

Whether you are a childless couple, a single parent, or someone with a strong desire to provide a home to an orphaned child, the Indian legal system has clear procedures and laws for adoption.

• Secure and Legal: Governed by CARA and relevant Acts
• Open to All: Both married couples and single individuals can adopt
• Structured Process: From registration to post-adoption follow-up

Key Adoption Laws in India

In India, adoption is regulated by three main legal frameworks, depending on the religion of the adoptive parents:

• Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act (HAMA), 1956: Applicable to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.
• Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: Applies to all Indian citizens irrespective of religion, particularly when adopting through an agency.
• Guardians and Wards Act (GWA), 1890: Used by Non-Hindus (Muslims, Christians, Parsis) to become legal guardians, not full adoptive parents under personal law.

The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is the nodal body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development that regulates and monitors adoptions in India.

Note: All inter-country adoptions must be processed through CARA as per the Hague Convention.

Eligibility to Adopt a Child in India

Not everyone can adopt a child in India. The eligibility rules are framed to ensure the best interests of the child:

• Age: The minimum age difference between the child and the adoptive parent should be at least 25 years
• Marital Status: Both single and married individuals are eligible
• Gender: Single men cannot adopt girl children
• Health & Financial Stability: Applicants must be physically, mentally, and financially stable
• Married Couples: Must have at least two years of stable marital relationship

Foreign nationals and NRIs are also allowed to adopt under specific guidelines and home study procedures.

Step-by-Step Adoption Process

The legal adoption process in India generally follows these steps:

The whole process may take anywhere from 2 to 6 months, depending on documentation, availability, and location.

Cost of Adoption in India

Adoption is not a commercial transaction, but there are legitimate costs involved, especially for documentation and services provided by authorized agencies. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:

• Registration Fees: ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 at the time of online application through CARA
• Home Study Fees: ₹6,000 – ₹10,000 depending on the location and social worker availability
• Legal and Court Fees: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000, includes advocate charges and filing petitions
• Agency Service Charges: As per CARA guidelines – around ₹40,000 for in-country adoption

There are no hidden costs if adoption is done legally through CARA. Private or unregistered adoption sources must be strictly avoided.

Tip: Always ask for official receipts and adhere to CARA-regulated agencies for a transparent process.

Legal Rights & Responsibilities of Adoptive Parents

Once adoption is legally finalized by court order, the child is considered at par with a biological child. Adoptive parents enjoy full rights—and also carry full responsibilities.

• Inheritance Rights: The adopted child has equal rights in property as a biological child
• Parental Authority: Full legal guardianship including education, health, and residence decisions
• Change of Name: Parents can legally give the child a new name and update all documents
• Passport & Aadhar: Issued afresh in the new legal name and parental details

Important: The adoption is irreversible once finalized. Hence, parents must adopt with full awareness and commitment.

Real-Life Adoption Stories in India

Adoption in India is gaining acceptance, with many heartwarming stories setting examples for others. Here are a few:

• Sushmita Sen: The Bollywood actress adopted two daughters as a single mother, breaking stereotypes and showing that love builds families.
• Dr. Subhashini: A Tamil Nadu doctor who adopted a baby girl abandoned outside her hospital and raised her with pride.
• Common Indian Families: Thousands of middle-class couples adopt children with disabilities, proving that empathy and responsibility go beyond bloodlines.

These stories inspire prospective parents to see adoption as a celebration of humanity and not just a legal procedure.

Challenges Faced During Adoption & How to Overcome

Adopting a child in India comes with its own emotional, legal, and social challenges. Here’s how to address them:

• Delays in Process: Ensure all paperwork is complete and verified on CARA portal
• Social Stigma: Educate family and society about legal legitimacy and emotional beauty of adoption
• Post-Adoption Bonding: Seek counseling if emotional adjustment with the child takes time
• Legal Complications: Always adopt through licensed CARA agencies and get a court order

Remember: Every challenge has a solution when the intent is pure and the process is legal.

CARA Adoption

CARA Adoption refers to the legal adoption process in India regulated by the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). CARA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of India. Every in-country and inter-country adoption of orphan, abandoned, and surrendered children must go through the CARA portal (cara.nic.in) for transparency and legality.

• CARA ensures that adoption is ethical, legal, and in the best interest of the child.
• It maintains a centralized database of adoptable children and prospective adoptive parents (PAPs).
• All recognized adoption agencies (SAA) must be registered with CARA and follow its procedures.
• International (inter-country) adoptions by NRIs and foreigners are strictly regulated by CARA and governed by the Hague Convention.

Choosing the CARA Adoption route gives you legal protection, ensures the child’s rights, and eliminates the risks of future disputes. Always verify agency credentials on the CARA website before starting any process.

Private Adoption in India

Private Adoption in India refers to adoption arrangements made directly between biological and adoptive parents, or through informal channels, without going through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA). While private adoption in India might seem quicker or more convenient, it comes with serious legal risks and is not recognized as valid unless all due legal processes are followed.

• Direct adoptions from relatives, acquaintances, or unregistered sources are not automatically legal under Indian law.
• All private adoption in India must be validated by a court order to ensure the child’s welfare and protect against trafficking.
• Private arrangements that bypass CARA can be challenged in court, and the child’s rights may remain unprotected.
• The safest path is to legalize any private adoption in India by filing a petition before the competent court and completing all documentation as per law.

For adoptive parents, taking shortcuts with private adoption in India can lead to emotional, legal, and financial problems later. Always consult a qualified adoption lawyer and, if possible, go through the CARA-regulated system for secure, dispute-free adoption.

Conclusion: Adoption is a Bond of Heart & Law

Adoption is a life-changing journey—for the child and the parents. In India, it is now safer, more regulated, and open to people from all walks of life.

Whether you’re dreaming of parenting or simply want to give a child a better life, adoption is the legal and moral path to do so. With CARA at the helm and proper court validation, you don’t just gain a child—you gain purpose, legacy, and unconditional love.

Every child deserves a home. Every home deserves the joy of a child.