How Do I Know If a Psychiatrist in India Is Qualified and Registered?

Anyone can call themselves a "counsellor" or "mental health coach" in India - those terms are not legally regulated. "Psychiatrist" is different: it is a protected medical qualification, and claiming it without the right degree and registration is illegal. Most patients simply do not know what to check.

Here is exactly what qualifies someone to practise as a psychiatrist in India, and how to verify it in a few minutes.

The Minimum Qualification: MBBS + MD/DNB Psychiatry

A psychiatrist in India must first complete MBBS - the basic medical degree - and then a postgraduate specialisation in psychiatry: either an MD (Doctor of Medicine) in Psychiatry or a DNB (Diplomate of National Board) in Psychiatry, both roughly three years of supervised residency after MBBS. A DPM (Diploma in Psychiatric Medicine) is a shorter, lower postgraduate qualification that also permits practice, though MD/DNB is the more comprehensive training. Without at least MBBS, a person cannot legally diagnose or prescribe as a psychiatrist, regardless of what other certifications they hold.

Registration With the National Medical Commission

Completing the qualification is not enough on its own - a psychiatrist must also be registered with a State Medical Council, operating under the National Medical Commission (NMC), which replaced the Medical Council of India in 2020. This registration is what legally permits them to practise medicine, prescribe controlled substances, and use the title "Doctor." Every registered doctor has a registration number, and this is checkable.

How to Actually Verify a Psychiatrist's Registration

1. Ask for their registration number directly

   A legitimate practising doctor will have no hesitation sharing this. It is usually listed on their clinic signage, prescription pad, or professional profile.

2. Check the relevant State Medical Council's online register

   Most State Medical Councils maintain a searchable register of registered practitioners. The National Medical Register, maintained centrally by the NMC, is also increasingly used to verify registrations across states.

3. Verify the specific postgraduate qualification

   Confirm the MD or DNB is specifically in Psychiatry (not a different specialisation) and note the institution and year, which you can independently cross-check.

4. Be cautious of titles that sound clinical but are not regulated

   "Clinical psychologist," "psychotherapist," "counsellor," and "mental health coach" all describe real and useful roles, but none of them permit diagnosing psychiatric conditions or prescribing medication the way a registered psychiatrist can.

Why This Actually Matters for Your Care

This is not just a formality. A registered psychiatrist is legally accountable to a medical council, bound by the same ethical and clinical standards as any other doctor, and reachable through a formal grievance process if something goes wrong. Someone without this registration who is nonetheless diagnosing conditions or suggesting medication changes is operating outside any such accountability - whatever their confidence or online following suggests.

What This Looks Like in Practice

At Healthy Minds India, Dr. Saurabh Kumar, a psychiatry doctor in India trained at AIIMS, New Delhi, with a verifiable MD in Psychiatry and active medical registration, alongside 15+ years of clinical practice and 60+ published research studies. If you are still working out how to choose between practitioners, this checklist on how to choose the best psychiatrist doctor in India goes through it step by step.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What degree does a psychiatrist need in India?

  MBBS followed by an MD or DNB in Psychiatry (or, at minimum, a DPM), plus active registration with a State Medical Council under the National Medical Commission.

• Is "psychiatrist" a legally protected title in India?

  Yes. Only someone with the required medical qualification and registration can legally use the title and practise as one.

• Can a psychologist prescribe medication in India?

  No. Psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication; only a registered psychiatrist can.

• How do I check a doctor's registration number?

  Ask for it directly, or search the relevant State Medical Council's online register or the National Medical Register.

• Is a DNB in Psychiatry as good as an MD?

  Both are recognised, roughly equivalent postgraduate qualifications in psychiatry; the difference is mainly in the awarding body, not the scope of practice.

• What should I do if I suspect someone is practising without registration?

  You can verify their claimed registration independently through the State Medical Council, and report concerns to the council if something does not check out.

Conclusion: Verify the Registration, Not Just the Confidence

A psychiatrist's qualifications and registration in India are a matter of public record, not something you have to take on faith. Checking them takes a few minutes and tells you far more about the safety of your care than reviews, marketing, or how confidently someone speaks.