Are you a healthcare professional in India dreaming of working in Dubai’s thriving medical sector? One of the first steps toward realizing that dream is clearing the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exam. The DHA license is mandatory for professionals who wish to practice in Dubai’s healthcare system legally and independently. Fortunately, you don’t have to fly to Dubai to take this exam anymore — you can write the DHA exam right here in India.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from eligibility to application process, fees, and testing centers.
Can We Write DHA Exam in India?
Yes, you can write the DHA exam in India. DHA has partnered with Prometric, a globally recognized testing and assessment provider, to conduct these exams across several cities in India. This move has made it easier and more cost-effective for Indian nurses, doctors, pharmacists, lab technicians, and other healthcare professionals to pursue their career dreams abroad.
This means you no longer need to travel to Dubai just to appear for the test. Instead, you can write it at an authorized Prometric test center in your own country.
How to Apply for DHA Exam in India
Applying for the DHA exam involves a few steps, but it’s a fairly streamlined online process. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: DataFlow Verification
Before you can even think about the exam, you need to get your educational qualifications, experience certificates, and license verified through the DataFlow Group. This is a mandatory Primary Source Verification (PSV) process.
Documents Required:
-
Passport-size photo and valid passport
-
Academic certificates
-
Professional license
-
Work experience letters
-
Good Standing Certificate from your medical council
The DataFlow report usually takes 30–45 working days, so plan accordingly.
Step 2: Create Sheryan Account
Go to the DHA Sheryan portal and create your account. Sheryan is DHA’s official online licensing platform.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
After DataFlow verification, log into your Sheryan account and submit your application for eligibility assessment. This involves uploading your documents, paying the initial fees, and choosing your profession/specialization.
Step 4: Book the Exam
Once your application is approved and you’re deemed eligible, you’ll get an email notification. Then, you can schedule your exam through the Prometric website, choosing a test center in India that’s convenient for you.
DHA Exam in India Fees
Here’s a rough estimate of the fees involved in the DHA licensing process for Indian applicants:
| Stage | Approx. Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| DataFlow Verification | ₹12,000 – ₹18,000 |
| DHA Application Fee | ₹7,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Prometric Exam Fee | ₹8,500 – ₹10,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹27,000 – ₹38,000 |
Note: Fees may vary slightly depending on the category (nurse, doctor, pharmacist, etc.), specialization, and fluctuations in exchange rates.
DHA Prometric Exam Center in India
Prometric has authorized centers all over India where you can take the DHA exam. Some of the major cities include:
-
Delhi
-
Mumbai
-
Bangalore
-
Chennai
-
Hyderabad
-
Kolkata
-
Ahmedabad
-
Kochi
-
Trivandrum
-
Pune
You can check the real-time availability of test centers and dates on the Prometric website. Make sure to book early, especially during peak periods like after nursing and MBBS results.
DHA Exam Pattern & Preparation Tips
The DHA exam is a computer-based test (CBT) and includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) related to your specific medical field. The number of questions and duration vary by profession:
| Profession | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Nurses | 70 | 2 hours |
| General Physicians | 100 | 2.5 hours |
| Pharmacists | 70 | 2 hours |
| Lab Technicians | 70 | 2 hours |
Tips to Prepare:
-
Refer to the DHA Exam Blueprint available on their official site.
-
Use standard textbooks and online question banks.
-
Take mock tests to build time management skills.
-
Join online coaching classes or telegram groups for peer support.
DHA Exam Agency in Dubai
Several authorized consultants and recruitment agencies based in Dubai and India can help you with the end-to-end process. However, you need to be cautious about fraud. Always choose a licensed and experienced agency.
Trusted Agencies Include:
-
DataFlow Group (for verification)
-
Prometric (for testing)
-
TrueProfile.io
-
Wizejob HR Consultancy (Dubai-based)
-
Oasis India (Chennai, Kochi) – Indian DHA consultants
If you’re handling the process yourself, make sure all payments and documents are uploaded through official websites only:
Clearing the DHA exam from India is now more accessible than ever, thanks to Prometric centers across the country. With the right preparation and documentation, you can easily take the first big step toward a rewarding healthcare career in Dubai.
Whether you’re a fresh graduate or an experienced medical professional, start early, gather your documents, and commit to your preparation. Dubai awaits! Contact Montgo Health
Frequently Ask Questions
Q. Can I write the DHA exam in India?
A. Yes, you can take the DHA exam in India through authorized Prometric test centers available in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and more.
Q. What is the eligibility for the DHA exam?
A. To be eligible, you must have a recognized medical degree, valid professional license, relevant work experience, and pass the DataFlow verification process.
Q. How do I apply for the DHA exam from India?
A. You need to complete DataFlow verification, create a Sheryan account on the DHA portal, apply for eligibility, and then schedule the exam through Prometric.
Q. How much does the DHA exam cost in India?
A. The total cost ranges between ₹27,000 to ₹38,000, including DataFlow verification, DHA application fee, and Prometric exam fee.
Q. How many times can I attempt the DHA exam?
A. You can attempt the DHA exam up to three times. After three unsuccessful attempts, you may need to undergo further review or training.
Q. What is the exam pattern for DHA?
A. The exam is computer-based with multiple-choice questions. The number of questions and duration varies by profession (e.g., 70–100 questions in 2–2.5 hours).