Voluntary body donation is a programme wherein the general population can donate their bodies to serve the purpose of medical education and scientific research. Cadavers (dead bodies) help students in anatomical studies, surgeons in experimenting surgical skills, and research purposes.

Whole body donation can only be made to colleges/hospitals that have been authorized by the state government to accept such donations. Any adult can donate their body to the medical colleges for anatomical studies, scientific research and education. Registration of the wish to be a body donor after death is possible at the Anatomy Department of all Government Medical Colleges. However a parent can decide to donate the body of their child.

This donation is to be made to the authorised medical colleges. The college may be attached to a tertiary hospital (a facility that provides medical care that requires highly specialized skills, technology and supportive services) or a teaching hospital where it will be used solely for the purpose of research or training of students.

A few famous Indians have motivated and supported by becoming voluntary body donors.