⚡ Quick Answer
Altruistic surrogacy in India is legal only for eligible Indian married couples (5+ years, with infertility) or widows/divorcees aged 35–45, using a willing close blood-relative surrogate. It is regulated by the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, costs approximately ₹12–25 Lakhs for eligible candidates, and takes 18–24 months end to end.
| Legal Status | Legal (altruistic only) — Surrogacy Act, 2021 |
| Who is Eligible | Indian married couples (5+ yrs) or widow/divorcee 35–45 |
| Surrogate | Willing close blood-relative, married, 25–35, once in lifetime |
| Typical Cost | ₹12–25 Lakhs (for eligible candidates) |
| Timeline | 18–24 months |
| Insurance | 36-month surrogate insurance mandatory |