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Who is The First Test Tube Baby in India?

Dr. Vishwa Rao
Reviewed by Dr. Vishwa Rao ,
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This information has been reviewed and approved by an experienced fertility specialist at Indira IVF to provide accurate and up-to-date guidance for our readers.

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Last updated: October 14, 2025

Overview

In reproductive medicine, the concept of a test tube baby extends beyond technical terminology, representing optimism and opportunity for infertile couples. Through in vitro fertilisation (IVF), countless families have been able to welcome children into their lives. The birth of the first test tube baby in India marked a turning point, opening doors for millions who once thought parenthood was impossible. This article revisits that historic moment and its influence on the future of fertility care, while answering the question: Who is the first test tube baby in India?

The First Test Tube Baby in India

October 3, 1978, is a milestone date in the field of reproductive medicine. This was the birth date of Kanupriya Agarwal. Lovingly known as Durga, she was born through an IVF procedure, making her the first test tube baby in India.

Months after Louise Brown’s birth in the UK, India too made history. Its hero was Dr. Subhash Mukhopadhyay, a visionary scientist who fought against odds to give the nation global recognition in medicine.

Once overlooked, Dr. Mukhopadhyay is now honoured as India’s IVF pioneer. The birth of Durga captured hearts nationwide, offering infertile couples a glimmer of hope and demonstrating that India could deliver medical breakthroughs of global standards, even with constrained resources.

Significance Of India’s First Test Tube Baby

When the first test tube baby in India was born, it was a big win in the field of medicine. However, more than that, thousands of people across the country looked at it as their last hope to have a child of their own. This innovation signalled the beginning of a new era. Let’s reflect on its importance.

1. India Among The Pioneers In Ivf Success

Early triumphs of IVF in India gave hope to countless families. When the country successfully carried out one of the world’s first procedures, it proved just how committed it is to science and medical innovation.

2. Hope for childless couples

The achievement turned despair into possibility, assuring childless couples that science could open doors to parenthood even when they had health issues.

3. A Boost To Reproductive Health Research

This success story ignited hope within the medical community, urging Indian doctors and researchers to dedicate themselves to improving reproductive health and fertility care.

4. Inspiration For Future IVF Advancements

What began as one bold success quickly became the foundation for progress. This achievement in ART marked a turning point, making IVF a more reliable and attainable option, and reshaping the possibilities for families everywhere.

How IVF Has Evolved since Then

What began as one bold success quickly became the foundation for progress. This achievement in ART marked a turning point, making IVF a more reliable and attainable option, and reshaping the possibilities for families everywhere.

Modern IVF in India is safer. It’s more effective. It’s within reach. And today, it has already made parenthood possible for millions across the country.

  • Modern breakthroughs in science and lab precision have raised success rates to new heights, transforming once-distant dreams into realistic hopes.
  • Another important advancement is better embryo selection. Today, doctors can use genetic screening methods to identify and select the healthiest embryos, which dramatically improves the likelihood of a successful pregnancy while reducing the risk of complications.
  • Another important advancement is the introduction of Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET). It lets couples freeze embryos for later use, giving them freedom and peace of mind in their journey to have a test tube baby.
  • ICSI is a breakthrough for male infertility. Even with low sperm count or poor sperm quality, men can still become fathers.
  • One encouraging change in IVF is comfort. Newer techniques use fewer injections, making the process less painful and far easier to handle.

IVF in India has advanced greatly, evolving from a bold medical step to a reliable and hopeful way for couples to become parents.

Conclusion

In 1978, Kolkata witnessed history. A little girl named Durga (Kanupriya Agarwal) came into the world as the first test tube baby in India. This was made possible by the brilliant work of Dr. Subhash Mukhopadhyay. His achievement changed the way infertility was treated in India. Now, decades later, millions of couples have IVF to thank for giving them the chance to start families of their own.

Common Questions Asked

Who is India's second test tube baby?

 

India’s second test tube baby, named Harsha Chavda, was born in 1986 through the work of Dr. Indira Hinduja in Mumbai.

What is the difference between IVF and a test tube baby?

 

There is no difference. A test tube baby is a layman’s term for a child conceived through IVF, where fertilisation occurs outside the body.

Who is the first test tube baby in India, male?

 

The first IVF baby in India, a male, was Harsha Chawda, who was born on August 3, 1986.

Who started IVF in India?

 

Dr. Subhash Mukhopadhyay is credited with India’s first successful IVF treatment in 1978, though recognition came years later.

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