NABH Entry Level
Entry Level certification is the most affordable way for small and mid-size hospitals to start with NABH.
- Hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and dental
- Entry Level to full accreditation
- Gap analysis, documents, training, assessment support
NABH guide: all topics
What is NABH Entry Level certification?
The NABH Entry Level (HOPE) certification was introduced in 2014 for hospitals, especially smaller facilities with limited resources, to start their quality and patient-safety journey. NABH reports more than 13,000 hospitals have taken part. It is a certification, not full accreditation, and is often a stepping stone to SHCO or hospital accreditation.
2nd edition standards from 2026
NABH released the 2nd edition Entry Level standards on 17 September 2025. They apply to all new and re-certification applications with the application fee paid on or after 1 January 2026, and assessments under the 2nd edition started on that date. Certification is valid for two years.
Fees (from 1 June 2025)
| Sanctioned beds | Fee for the 2-year cycle (paid upfront) |
|---|---|
| Up to 5 | Rs 21,000 |
| 6 to 20 | Rs 40,000 |
| 21 to 50 | Rs 80,000 |
| 51 to 100 | Rs 1,60,000 |
| 101 to 300 | Rs 2,00,000 |
| More than 300 | Not available from 1 October 2026; use Hospital Accreditation |
The fee covers the 2-year cycle and is paid upfront. An introductory rebate on these fees ended on 30 September 2026.
300-bed limit: from 1 October 2026 NABH does not accept fresh or renewal Entry Level applications from hospitals with more than 300 beds. They should apply for Hospital Accreditation.
Free help from NABH: E-Mitra
NABH runs E-Mitra, a step-by-step online guide for Entry Level certification. NABH notes that following its templates alone does not guarantee certification; each hospital must adapt and implement them.
How Medasus helps with Entry Level
- Gap analysis against the 2nd edition standards
- Hospital-specific documents built from your actual processes
- Training and a mock assessment
- Support through the online application and NABH assessment
Ready to go further? Compare SHCO accreditation and full hospital accreditation (6th edition).
Get a free NABH readiness check
Tell us your facility type, number of beds and city. We will suggest the right NABH programme, estimate the effort and fees, and list the gaps to close first.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NABH Entry Level certification fee?
How long is NABH Entry Level certification valid?
Which edition of the Entry Level standards applies?
Can a 400-bed hospital take Entry Level certification?
Is NABH Entry Level the same as accreditation?
Planning NABH?
Talk to the Medasus quality team in Bengaluru. We handle gap analysis, documentation, staff training and assessment preparation.
Last reviewed on 2 November 2026 against: NABH official website; NABH FAQs for hospitals; NABH accreditation, certification and empanelment programmes; NABH notification NABH/Gen/2025/3798: Entry Level certification rationalised fee from 1 June 2025; NABH notification NABH/Gen/2025/10805: 2nd edition Entry Level certification standards. Medasus Healthcare Pvt Ltd is an independent consultancy and is not part of NABH or the Quality Council of India. Accreditation and certification are granted only by NABH after its own assessment; Medasus cannot guarantee results or timelines. Fees and rules change, so check nabh.co before applying.
