DHA exam for Indian doctor

The medical profession in the UAE, particularly Dubai, offers great career prospects for Indian doctors and healthcare professionals. Among the most important steps to begin practicing in Dubai is clearing the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) licensing exam. This exam ensures that only qualified and competent professionals serve in the emirate’s healthcare sector. Blogs

In this blog, we will break down everything Indian doctors and healthcare workers need to know about the DHA exam, from eligibility requirements to syllabus, and even sample questions.

DHA Exam Requirements for Doctors

Before applying for the DHA exam, Indian doctors must meet certain eligibility criteria. These requirements ensure that applicants are professionally qualified and capable of handling medical responsibilities in Dubai.

Basic Eligibility Criteria:

1. Educational Qualification:

   • A recognized MBBS/MD degree from a medical college listed in the WHO or IMED directories.

   • For specialists, a post-graduation (MD/MS or equivalent) recognized by the Indian Medical Council and listed by the Dubai Health Authority.

2. Experience:

   • General Practitioners: Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience after internship.

   • Specialists: Minimum of 3 years of experience post-specialization.

3. Good Standing Certificate (GSC):

   • Issued by the Medical Council of India or respective State Medical Councils.

   • Should not be older than 6 months at the time of application.

4. Passport and Identification:

   • A valid Indian passport.

   • Passport-sized photos and scanned signatures.

5. DataFlow Primary Source Verification (PSV):

   • All credentials (education, experience, license) must be verified through the DataFlow Group, which the DHA mandates to prevent fraud.

6. Prometric Exam:

   • This is the main computerized assessment of knowledge and competence. Candidates must pass it to proceed further.

7. Malpractice Insurance & Health Clearance:

   • Required before issuing the final license to practice in Dubai.

DHA Exam for Doctors in India

Doctors in India who wish to take the DHA exam can now apply online without traveling to Dubai initially. The DHA has authorized several Prometric test centers across India, making the process smoother and more accessible.

Key Steps for Indian Applicants:

1. Create a Sheryan Account:

   • This is DHA’s official portal for all healthcare licensing services.

2. Submit Application Online:

   • Fill in the details, upload required documents, and pay fees through the Sheryan system.

3. Undergo DataFlow Verification:

   • You’ll be guided to initiate DataFlow background checks for educational and professional credentials.

4. Schedule the Prometric Exam:

   • Once eligible, you can choose a date and nearby test center in India to take the DHA exam.

5. DHA Assessment Result:

   • Results are usually declared within 2–5 working days.

6. Eligibility Letter:

   • If you pass, you’ll be issued an eligibility letter, valid for one year. You can then seek a job in Dubai or convert it to a full license once you get a job offer.

DHA Exam for Doctors Syllabus

The syllabus of the DHA exam varies depending on your specialization. However, for General Practitioners, the following subjects are typically covered:

Common Topics:

• Internal Medicine

• General Surgery

• Pediatrics

• Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Psychiatry

• Dermatology

• ENT

• Emergency Medicine

Other Areas:

• Basic clinical skills

• Pharmacology

• Preventive medicine

• Diagnostic reasoning

• Patient safety and ethics

Important Notes:

• The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

• It is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted via Prometric.

• Duration: 2 hours

• No negative marking

• Passing score: Approximately 60–70%, but can vary depending on category and updates by DHA.

License Exam for Doctors in India

While Indian medical professionals are well-acquainted with entrance tests like NEET-PG and FMGE, the DHA exam is part of a different class of international licensing exams.

Here’s how DHA compares with other similar international exams:

The DHA license is job-dependent, meaning you can only get the full license once you’ve secured a job in a DHA-approved facility in Dubai.

DHA Exam for X-Ray Technician

Not just doctors—paramedical professionals like X-ray technicians also require DHA licensing to work in Dubai.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Radiology or Medical Imaging Technology.

• Minimum 2 years of clinical experience post-qualification.

• Valid registration from the Paramedical Council of India or equivalent.

Exam Details:

• Syllabus includes radiation physics, anatomy, radiographic positioning, safety protocols, and patient care.

• The test pattern is also MCQ-based with a duration of 2 hours.

• DataFlow verification is mandatory.

• Must pass the Prometric exam to get the eligibility letter.

DHA Exam Sample Questions for Doctors

To give you an idea of what to expect, here are some sample DHA exam questions for General Practitioners:

1. A 56-year-old man presents with sudden chest pain radiating to his left arm. What is the next immediate step in management?

A. Administer aspirin
B. Get an ECG
C. Order chest X-ray
D. Measure blood pressure

Correct Answer: A. Administer aspirin

2. A child presents with barking cough and stridor. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Asthma
B. Croup
C. Bronchiolitis
D. Epiglottitis

Correct Answer: B. Croup

3. What is the most common complication of untreated hypertension?

A. Stroke
B. Renal failure
C. Retinopathy
D. Heart failure

Correct Answer: A. Stroke

4. Which of the following is most indicative of bacterial meningitis in CSF analysis?

A. Clear fluid, low WBC
B. Cloudy fluid, high neutrophils
C. High glucose, low protein
D. High lymphocytes, normal glucose

Correct Answer: B. Cloudy fluid, high neutrophils

For Indian doctors, the DHA exam is a gateway to a highly rewarding medical career in Dubai. With rising demand for healthcare professionals in the UAE, now is a great time to take the next step.

Make sure to gather all required documents, prepare systematically for the Prometric test, and follow through with the licensing process. Whether you’re a doctor, dentist, or technician, a DHA license opens doors to a world-class medical environment, tax-free income, and global exposure.

If you’re seriously considering Dubai as your next destination, start your preparation today.

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Frequently Ask Questions

1. Can I give the DHA exam from India?

Yes. Indian doctors can take the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam from India through authorized Prometric test centers. You do not need to travel to Dubai to appear for the exam. Once you pass the exam and complete the credential verification, you can seek job opportunities in Dubai.

2. Who is eligible for the DHA exam for doctors?

To be eligible for the DHA exam, a doctor must meet the following criteria:

• Hold an MBBS/MD degree from a recognized institution

• Have minimum 2 years of clinical experience after internship (for general practitioners)

• Possess a valid medical license or registration in India

• Submit a Good Standing Certificate from the Indian Medical Council

• Complete DataFlow verification for educational and work credentials

3. How do I go to Dubai as a doctor from India?

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Create a Sheryan account on the DHA website

2. Apply for the DHA exam and undergo DataFlow verification

3. Appear for the Prometric exam in India

4. Once you pass, you’ll receive an Eligibility Letter

5. Apply for jobs in Dubai using that letter

6. Once hired, your employer will help you convert eligibility into a full DHA license

7. Complete your visa, health check, and licensing formalities before starting work in Dubai

4. How much does a DHA exam cost in India?

The total cost of the DHA exam process for Indian doctors includes:

• DataFlow Verification Fee: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 (varies by document and profession)

• Prometric Exam Fee: Around $110 USD (approx. ₹9,000)

• DHA Application & Registration Fees: ₹6,000 – ₹10,000 depending on profession

Overall, the full process may cost between ₹25,000 and ₹45,000 on average.

5. Is Indian MBBS valid in Dubai?

Yes, an Indian MBBS degree is valid in Dubai, provided it is from a recognized institution and supported by:

• Relevant clinical experience

• Successful DataFlow verification

• Passing the DHA Prometric exam
  You must also register and get licensed with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to legally practice in Dubai.

6. Which doctor is in demand in Dubai?

Dubai has growing demand for various medical specialties. Some of the most in-demand doctors include:

• General Practitioners

• Family Physicians

• Internal Medicine Specialists

• Dermatologists

• Pediatricians

• Gynecologists

• Orthopedic Surgeons

• Radiologists

• Anesthesiologists

• Emergency Medicine Doctors

The demand also extends to allied health professionals like dentists, physiotherapists, and radiology technicians.