How does a hospital get NABH accreditation?

Choose the programme, implement its standards for at least three months, then apply online with a self-assessment toolkit and the fee. NABH runs an optional pre-assessment and a final assessment, the Accreditation Committee decides, and a hospital is accredited for four years.

Which programme fits your organisation

NABH accredits hospitals with more than 50 sanctioned beds against its 6th Edition standards, and small healthcare organisations of 50 beds or fewer against the SHCO 3rd Edition. Its Entry Level certification is a stepping stone for hospitals up to 300 beds.¹⁴ To apply, an organisation must have been running for at least six months, with average bed occupancy of at least 30% over the last six months, and must include every service at the location.²

The steps and their timelines

NABH's own timeline sets the pace. The application, self-assessment toolkit and documents go in within 30 days of activating registration, and NABH acknowledges them within 4 days. Each assessment is followed by two cycles of corrective action within 100 days, and the Accreditation Committee reviews the case within 30 days of their closure.³

1. Choose the programme. HCO for more than 50 sanctioned beds, SHCO for 50 or fewer, or Entry Level as a first step.
2. Buy the standards and train. Get the standards and guidebook, and attend NABH's Programme on Implementation.
3. Nominate a coordinator. One person who knows the hospital's services and owns the plan.
4. Implement for at least three months. Across every department and service, because NABH accredits all or none.
5. Self-assess and apply online. Score every objective element, then submit the application, toolkit, documents and fee.
6. Take the pre-assessment, if you choose. Then close its non-conformities in two cycles of corrective action.
7. Take the final assessment. Close its non-conformities, and the Accreditation Committee decides.

1. Programme ______ Sanctioned beds ______
2. Coordinator ______ Standards implemented from ______
3. Self-assessment completed on ______ Core elements below 4 ______
4. Application submitted on ______ Reference number ______
5. Pre-assessment on ______ Corrective actions closed on ______
6. Final assessment on ______ Committee date ______

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What it costs

GST at 18% is added to every fee, and the annual fees apply from 1 April 2024.¹⁵ The first annual fee is paid before the final assessment is scheduled.² The hospital also meets the assessment team's travel and lodging.²

Questions

Can part of a hospital be accredited?

No, NABH accredits the whole organisation, and every service offered at the location must be included.

Is the pre-assessment compulsory?

No, it is optional, and a hospital may ask NABH in writing to go straight to the final assessment.

When does the accreditation start?

On the date of the Accreditation Committee meeting that approves it, for four years under the hospital programme.

Sources

1. 1NABH, 2026Hospitals Accreditation Programme (HCO)Read source
2. 2NABH, 2025Policies and Procedures for Assessment, Surveillance and Re-assessment of HCO, Issue 5Read source
3. 3NABH, 2025NABH Accreditation and Certification Timeline, Issue 4Read source
4. 4NABH, 2026Entry Level Hospitals Certification Programme, 2nd EditionRead source
5. 5NABH, 2026Small Healthcare Organisation (SHCO) Accreditation ProgrammeRead source

Written by the wai team from National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers guidance, checked on 16 October 2026. This is guidance, not legal advice. NABH does not endorse wai or any software.