Citizenship by Birth / Descent

How Indian citizenship arises by being born in India (within conditions) or by descent from an Indian-citizen parent born abroad.

Who it is for

• Persons born in India meeting the statutory conditions
• Persons born outside India to an Indian-citizen parent

Key requirements

• Birth in India within the conditions and dates set by Section 3
• For descent: a qualifying Indian-citizen parent and registration of the birth at an Indian consulate where required (Section 4)

Governing law

Citizenship Act, 1955 — Section 3 (citizenship by birth), Section 4 (citizenship by descent).

• {'abbr': 'A1522', 'section_no': '3', 'label': 'Citizenship Act §3 — by birth'}
• {'abbr': 'A1522', 'section_no': '4', 'label': 'Citizenship Act §4 — by descent'}

The conditions for citizenship by birth depend on the date of birth and the parents' status — read Section 3 carefully.