Birthactive
Citizenship at birth through an Indian parent
After 1987, birth in India creates citizenship only with a qualifying Indian parent (or later rules for both parents). Birth in India alone to two foreign parents is not general jus soli.
Citizenship routes
Ancestryreviewed
Naturalizationreviewed
Birthreviewed
Investmentreviewed
Naturalizationactive
Naturalization as the spouse of a citizen
A spouse of an Indian may register as a citizen after seven years of ordinary residence, instead of twelve.
Ancestryactive
Indian citizenship through an Indian parent
A child of an Indian citizen parent may be Indian under the Citizenship Act date rules. Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) is a separate status for persons of Indian origin abroad — not dual nationality.
Sources: India Constitution (Constitute Project) · India MEA — Overseas Citizenship of India Scheme
Naturalizationactive
Naturalization after long residence
Ordinary naturalization generally requires about twelve years residence (eleven of the prior fourteen plus twelve months immediately before applying), renunciation of prior nationality, and character conditions. Grant is discretionary.