Indian Council of Medical Research — Clinical Trials Registry of India

Overview

The ICMR is the Indian government's apex body for the formulation, coordination, and promotion of biomedical research. Clinics conducting clinical trials in India must register the trial with the Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI), maintained by ICMR. ICMR Registration in a clinical-tourism context typically refers to a clinic's enrolment of active research protocols in the CTRI.

Founded: 1911 · Headquarters: New Delhi, India

What It Covers

CTRI registration covers protocol details, primary investigator, sponsor, study design, and ongoing patient enrolment status. Patients considering experimental or clinical-trial-based treatment in India should verify the trial is registered with CTRI and review the published protocol before consenting.

Limitations

ICMR Registration is specific to research activity — it does not certify routine clinical practice. A clinic with an ICMR-registered trial may have routine surgical outcomes that are unrelated to the trial's quality. ICMR also does not handle individual practitioner licensing, which is the National Medical Commission's role.

Renewal and Validity

Trial registration is per-protocol with continuing reporting requirements. Trials must be amended in the registry when protocols change.

How to Verify

Verify any claim of ICMR Registration accreditation directly at: ctri.nic.in

If a clinic claims this accreditation but does not appear in the public register, ask for the certificate number and expiry date. Contact the accrediting body directly to confirm.