DHA Exam Dates 2026 in India: When & How to Schedule?

The DHA exam does not have fixed dates, and major exam centres are located in tier-1/tier-2 cities like Mumbai and Delhi.

Here are the details about DHA exam dates and centres in India:

• Exam availability (dates): The DHA exam is conducted all year round. You can book your preferred date anytime after getting eligibility approval, depending on available slots.
• Main exam centres in India: The exam is conducted through Prometric centres in major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kochi.
• Slot availability: Exam dates depend on seat availability at your selected centre, so early booking is recommended in high-demand cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
• Rescheduling the Exam: Candidates can reschedule their DHA exam through the Prometric portal, but it must be done at least 5 days before the scheduled date.

Peak Testing Periods

You can choose your DHA exam date based on your preparation timeline and personal schedule. However, popular testing periods can have higher demand, so booking early can give you a better choice of dates and test centres.

Peak testing periods for DHA exams typically include:

• January: Higher demand as candidates begin their licensing plans for the year.
• April: Popular among candidates targeting mid-year licensing.
• July: Testing demand can increase as candidates who recently completed their qualifications move towards licensing.
• October: Many candidates prefer this period to complete their licensing plans before the year ends.

To book your DHA Exam date, you need to register on the Sheryan portal to receive a DHA Unique ID and obtain DataFlow Primary Source Verification. Here is a step-by-step guide on DHA exam registration.

Step 1: Create Your Sheryan Account

Create an account on the Sheryan portal and enter your personal and professional details. Upload the required documents and complete your application to obtain your DHA Unique ID.

Step 2: Complete DataFlow Verification

Submit your educational and professional documents for DataFlow Primary Source Verification. DataFlow verifies your credentials directly with the relevant institutions before DHA processes your eligibility.

Step 3: Check Your DHA Eligibility

Wait for DHA to review your application and confirm your eligibility. You need this approval before you can proceed with your Prometric exam booking.

Step 4: Find Your DHA Exam on Prometric

Visit the Prometric website and search for the DHA examination applicable to your healthcare profession. Use the details linked to your DHA application when you proceed with the booking.

Step 5: Choose Your Test Centre and Slot

Select an available test centre, exam date and time that suit you. Prometric offers DHA computer-based testing at authorised centres across India, subject to slot availability.

Step 6: Pay and Confirm Your Booking

Pay the applicable exam fee and complete your booking. Save your confirmation details and carry the required identification and booking documents when you appear for the DHA exam.

The DHA exam registration process takes around 2- 4 months, depending on how quickly your DataFlow verification is completed. Start the DHA exam registration process at least 4 months before your planned exam date to allow enough time for DataFlow verification, DHA eligibility approval, and Prometric booking. Here is the typical timeline for DHA exam registration.

The DHA exam is conducted through Prometric centres in major Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities across India. Test centre availability can change as slots in popular locations such as Mumbai and Delhi NCR fill up quickly. So book your DHA exam date as soon as your DHA eligibility is approved to get your preferred centre and date.

Here are the popular cities with DHA exam test centres in India:

• Delhi NCR
• Mumbai
• Bengaluru
• Chennai
• Hyderabad
• Kochi
• Ahmedabad
• Kolkata

You can reschedule or cancel your DHA Prometric exam through the Prometric Scheduling Tool before your scheduled test date. If you cancel or miss your exam, you may lose the full exam fee. 

• Rescheduling: You can change your test date/time online via the Prometric portal up to 5 days before your appointment. 
• Cancellation: If you cancel or miss your exam, DHA will forfeit the full exam fee.
• Refund: Once your payment to Prometric and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has been processed, it is entirely non-refundable under any circumstances. 

The ideal time to book your DHA exam is at least four months before your intended test date. You should plan backwards from your preferred exam date, considering your DataFlow verification timeline, preparation period, and Prometric seat availability.

• Allow 8 to 12 weeks for preparation: You can use this time to cover the clinical syllabus for your healthcare profession.
• Start DataFlow verification 8 weeks in advance: DataFlow Primary Source Verification can take up to 25 working days on average and may take longer if you need to clarify or resubmit any documents. Starting early gives you enough buffer to account for administrative delays.
• Book your Prometric slot as soon as you become eligible: Once your DHA Eligibility Number is issued, book your preferred slot promptly to secure your choice of exam date and centre.

To take the DHA exam, you need to meet the DHA professional licensing requirements for your healthcare category and receive eligibility approval through the Sheryan portal. Your exact eligibility criteria vary by profession, so you should check the DHA requirements for your specific category before starting the application.

Here are the common eligibility criteria for the DHA exam:

• Educational qualification: A valid degree or diploma in your healthcare field from a recognised university, such as MBBS, BDS, B.Sc Nursing or B.Pharm.
• Post-qualification work experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant experience after completing your qualification. Doctors may need around 3 years, specialists 3+ years, consultants 5+ years, and nurses, pharmacists and lab staff at least 2 years.
• Valid professional registration: An active registration or licence from the relevant Indian professional authority, such as the NMC or State Nursing Council.
• Good Standing Certificate: A recent certificate confirming that you have no disciplinary issues and remain in good professional standing.
• DataFlow Primary Source Verification (PSV): All your documents (degree, license, experience letters) must be verified through DataFlow.

The biggest planning mistake you can make when booking your DHA exam is to focus only on finding a Prometric slot while underestimating the time you need for eligibility approval and document verification. You should also leave enough time to prepare properly for your specific healthcare category before choosing your DHA exam date. 

Yocket Premium connects you with experts who give you structured guidance on licensing exams, documentation, and applications. This can help you avoid last-minute delays and move through the process with greater confidence.