Disclaimer
The sample of the Adoption Certificate provided is only for illustrative and reference purposes and has been taken from Delhi-based adoption-related documentation to help applicants understand the general nature of information required during the adoption process.
Adoption in India is governed through a centralised legal framework under the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) and is not based on state-wise application formats like other civil certificates.
Each State/UT follows the same central process.
What Is an Adoption Certificate
An Adoption Certificate is an official legal document certifying that a child has been lawfully adopted and is the legal child of the adoptive parents with all rights, duties, and inheritance entitlements.
In India, adoption is not a casual paperwork exercise. It is a regulated legal process governed through a centralised system, with courts and district authorities playing a role.
The final Adoption Certificate is issued only after a court order.
Who Regulates Adoption
Adoption in India is governed centrally through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) under the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.
- Central Portal (Pan-India): https://cara.wcd.gov.in
- Applies uniformly across all States and Union Territories.
- State governments act through District Magistrates / Child Welfare Committees / Courts
Unlike birth, caste, or income certificates, adoption does not follow a purely state-based format.
How Adoption Certificates are Issued
Online Process
- Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) must register on
CARA portal: https://cara.wcd.gov.in
- Home study Report is conducted by a Specialized Adoption Agency (SAA).
- Child referral and acceptance are done online.
- Adoption petition is filed before the District Magistrate / Court
- Based on the court order, the Adoption Certificate is issued.
This process is uniform across all states.
Offline Involvement (State/District level)
- Physical verification by adoption agency
- Court proceedings before District Magistrate / competent court
- Issuance of certified adoption order
- Entry in local records
State-Wise Role
| State / UT | Adoption Portal | Online | Offline | Fee | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All States & UTs | https://cara.wcd.gov.in | Yes | Yes (Court & Agency) | No govt fee | 6–12 months |
| Delhi | Through CARA + District Magistrate | Yes | Yes | Free | Varies |
| Maharashtra | Through CARA + DM/Court | Yes | Yes | Free | Varies |
| Tamil Nadu | Through CARA + DM/Court | Yes | Yes | Free | Varies |
| Other States | Same central process | Yes | Yes | Free | Varies |
There is no separate state adoption application portal. All adoptions run through CARA, irrespective of state.
Documents Commonly Required
- Identity and address proof of adoptive parents
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Income proof
- Medical certificates
- Photographs
- Consent and declarations
- Court adoption order (final authority)
FAQs – Adoption Certificate
1. Is the adoption certificate issued by the state government?
No. It is issued only after a court adoption order, under the CARA framework.
2. Can adoption be done offline only?
No. Online registration on CARA is mandatory.
3. Is there a different process for different states?
No. The adoption process is uniform across India.
4. Is the adoption certificate valid across India and abroad?
Yes. It is a legally binding document, nationally and internationally recognised.
5. Can a single person adopt a child?
Yes, subject to eligibility conditions verified through CARA.
6. Is a digital adoption order valid?
Yes. Certified digital orders issued by competent authorities are legally valid.
📁 Downloads & Resources
Access related documents and legal forms
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Sample: Adoption Certificate (Delhi) (82.65 KB) | 82.65 KB |
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