A commissioning couple is a term used in the surrogacy framework for a couple who intend to have a child through a gestational surrogate. The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 sets out who may act as a commissioning couple, the certificates they must obtain before starting the surrogacy process, and their responsibilities toward the surrogate and the child. The exact eligibility conditions — including age and medical criteria — are set out in the Act and Rules and have been amended since 2021, so patients should check the National ART & Surrogacy Portal for the current position rather than relying on an earlier summary. This is general information about India's ART and surrogacy framework and is not personalised legal advice. India legal information last reviewed: 9 September 2026.
Also known as: intending couple (surrogacy)
Related India guides
Sources
- Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, with the ART (Regulation) Rules and subsequent amendments and notifications (indiacode.nic.in; artsurrogacy.gov.in)
- National ART & Surrogacy Portal, Department of Health Research (artsurrogacy.gov.in)
Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.