Indian MBBS Graduates Clearing DHA Without Experience 2026: Eligibility Rules & Exam Conditions
- Vaishnavi Mestry
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
The dream of practicing medicine in the luxury and tax-free environment of Dubai is a major goal for many healthcare professionals in India. However, the path to obtaining a license from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is governed by strict regulatory frameworks that evolve every year. As we step into 2026, many young doctors are asking the same critical question: Is Indian MBBS graduates clearing DHA without experience a realistic possibility?
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the latest 2026 eligibility rules, the non-negotiable experience requirements, and the specific conditions of the DHA Prometric exam to help you plan your international medical career with precision.
Indian MBBS Graduates Clearing DHA Without Experience: The Hard Truth in 2026
For Indian MBBS graduates clearing DHA without experience, the regulatory landscape in 2026 remains firm. Under the standard General Practitioner (GP) pathway, it is generally not possible to obtain a full independent license without post-internship clinical experience.
The Dubai Health Authority prioritizes patient safety and clinical competence, which they believe is honed through active practice in a graduate's home country. While other healthcare roles (like certain nursing or allied health categories) may have more flexible entry points, physicians must meet the 2-year clinical mandate.
Why Experience is "Non-Negotiable"
The DHA Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) for 2026 clearly state that clinical experience must be:
Post-Internship:
Experience gained during your rotating internship does not count toward the two-year requirement.
Continuous:
The DHA looks for "active practice." If you have a gap in clinical practice exceeding two years, you must provide a formal justification or undergo additional training.
Relevant:
The experience must be in a clinical setting related to general practice or the specialty for which you are applying.
1. Eligibility Rules for Indian MBBS Graduates in 2026
If you are an Indian doctor planning your move to the UAE, you must satisfy four primary pillars of eligibility. Failure to meet even one can lead to a rejection during the DataFlow (Primary Source Verification) stage.
Mandatory Clinical Experience
To apply as a General Practitioner (GP), you must have a minimum of 2 years of post-internship clinical experience.
Total Time:
From the date of your permanent registration with the NMC/State Medical Council, you need 24 months of active clinical work.
Internship Rule:
You must have completed a 1-year supervised internship. If your medical program did not include an internship, the DHA requires a total of 4 years of clinical experience.
Academic Accreditation
Your MBBS degree must be awarded by an institution recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India and must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDMS). In 2026, the DHA uses automated cross-referencing to ensure all degrees meet international accreditation standards.
Home Country Licensing
You must hold a valid, active license to practice in India. This means being registered with either the National Medical Commission (NMC) or a State Medical Council (SMC). You will also need a Certificate of Good Standing (CGS) issued within the last 6 months, proving you have no disciplinary actions against you.
2. Potential 2026 Exceptions: Is There a Loophole?
While the 2-year rule is the standard, 2026 sees a few specific pathways where the experience requirement is handled differently.
UAE Medical Graduates
If an Indian national completes their medical degree within a UAE-based medical school accredited by the Ministry of Education, they are exempt from the experience requirement. However, they must still complete one year of clinical training (Residency/Internship) within the UAE after graduation.
The Trainee License Category
DHA offers a Trainee License for those enrolled in recognized residency programs within Dubai. This is a popular route for fresh Indian graduates who wish to pursue their post-graduation (MD/MS equivalent) in the UAE.
Note: A Trainee License does not allow for independent general practice. You must work under the supervision of a licensed consultant or specialist.
3. DHA Exam Conditions 2026: What to Expect
Once your documents are verified by DataFlow, the next hurdle is the DHA Prometric Exam. This is a high-stakes, computer-based test (CBT) that assesses your clinical knowledge and decision-making skills.
Feature | 2026 Condition |
|---|---|
Exam Provider | Prometric (Global Centers) |
Question Format | 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
Duration | 165 - 180 Minutes |
Passing Score | 60% (for Physicians/GP) |
Negative Marking | None |
Validity | Eligibility Letter is valid for 2 years |
Attempt Limits
In 2026, the "Unified License" agreement across the UAE remains in effect. You are allowed a maximum of 3 attempts across all UAE health authorities (DHA, DOH, and MOHAP). If you fail three times, you may be barred from reapplying for a significant period or required to show proof of additional clinical training.
Result Delivery
Results are typically uploaded to your Sheryan account within 2 to 5 working days. The result will simply state "Pass" or "Fail"; the DHA does not usually release the specific numerical score to the candidate.
Steps to Apply for the DHA License in 2026
Self-Assessment:
Use the DHA Sheryan portal’s self-assessment tool to check if your qualification and experience match the GP title.
DataFlow PSV:
Submit your degree, license, and experience certificates for Primary Source Verification. This process can take 4–8 weeks.
Exam Booking:
Once you receive a "Qualified" status from the initial review, book your Prometric exam slot.
Eligibility Letter:
After passing the exam, you receive an Eligibility Letter. This is your "golden ticket" to start applying for jobs in Dubai.
License Activation:
Once you secure a job offer, your employer (hospital or clinic) will apply to activate your professional license.
Conclusion: Planning Your Journey to Dubai
The prospect of Indian MBBS graduates clearing DHA without experience remains a regulatory challenge in 2026. The most reliable path is to complete two years of solid clinical practice in India while simultaneously preparing for the Prometric exam. This not only ensures you meet the legal requirements but also gives you the clinical confidence needed to excel in Dubai’s world-class healthcare system.
FAQs
Q1: Can I apply for the DHA exam immediately after my internship in India?
Answer: While you can technically create a Sheryan account, you will not be granted "Eligible" status for a General Practitioner license. Indian MBBS graduates clearing DHA without experience will find that the system requires a minimum of 2 years of post-internship work to proceed with the full licensing process.
Q2: Does clinical experience in a private clinic in India count?
Answer: Yes, provided the clinic is registered with the local health authorities and you can provide an official experience certificate on the facility's letterhead, detailing your role and dates of employment.
Q3: What is the passing score for the DHA exam in 2026?
Answer: For General Practitioners, the passing threshold is 60%. There is no negative marking, so it is highly recommended to answer all 150 questions.
Q4: How long is the DHA Eligibility Letter valid?
Answer: Once you pass the exam, your Eligibility Letter is valid for 2 years. You must find employment and activate your license within this window, or you may need to re-sit the exam.
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