Key takeaways
- Bronze (5%): hospitals with 10+ beds not yet NABH/NQAS certified; desktop plus on-site assessment; ₹30,000–₹35,000 + GST.
- Silver (10%): PM-JAY empanelled hospitals with NABH entry-level certification; desktop only; ₹2,000 + GST.
- Gold (15%): PM-JAY empanelled hospitals with NABH or NQAS accreditation; desktop only; ₹2,000 + GST.
- Bronze is valid for 2 years; Silver and Gold last as long as the underlying NABH or NQAS certificate.
The three levels at a glance
| Bronze | Silver | Gold | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who qualifies | 10+ operational beds; empanelled or not; not NABH/NQAS certified | PM-JAY empanelled + NABH entry-level certification | PM-JAY empanelled + NABH or NQAS accreditation |
| Incentive on packages | 5% | 10% | 15% |
| Assessment | Desktop + on-site | Desktop only | Desktop only |
| Fee (+GST) | ₹30,000 (≤100 beds) / ₹35,000 (>100 beds); +₹2,500 if not empanelled | ₹2,000 | ₹2,000 |
| Validity | 2 years | Same as NABH entry-level certificate | Same as NABH/NQAS accreditation |
How each level is assessed
Bronze has two mandatory stages: a desktop assessment and then an on-site assessment.
Silver and Gold are desktop-only. You submit a questionnaire of 25 AB PM-JAY questions and 20 quality audit questions with evidence through the HEM portal; hard copies are not accepted. Up to two rounds of non-compliance closure are allowed, with 30 days for each.
Upgrades are also desktop-only: Bronze to Silver once you hold NABH entry-level certification, and Bronze or Silver to Gold once you hold NABH full accreditation (or NQAS).
What it is worth
Because the incentive applies to health benefit package payments, its value scales with your PM-JAY volume. For a hospital with ₹50 lakh a year in PM-JAY package payments:
| Level | Incentive | Approximate extra a year |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 5% | ₹2.5 lakh |
| Silver | 10% | ₹5 lakh |
| Gold | 15% | ₹7.5 lakh |
Compare that with NABH's fees — ₹80,000 + GST for two years of entry-level certification for a 21–50 bed hospital, or ₹25,000 + ₹1,50,000 a year for SHCO — and the case for accreditation usually makes itself.
Licences checked
NABH's programme page lists the licences reviewed: fire department clearance, pollution control board NOC, lift licence where applicable, hospital registration, biomedical waste management, PC-PNDT registration, AERB, pharmacy and narcotics licences where applicable, and ambulance registration, insurance and driver's licence. Gaps here are the commonest reason for delay — see licences.
Renewal rules
Renewal applications are accepted 3 to 6 months before expiry, with a one-month grace period after expiry. Once a certificate lapses you must apply afresh — for Bronze, with the full assessment fee again.
The route we recommend
- Get PM-JAY empanelment with your State Health Agency.
- If you are not yet NABH certified, consider Bronze for an early 5% — or go straight for NABH entry-level and apply for Silver.
- Plan SHCO or hospital accreditation and upgrade to Gold.
See our PM-JAY empanelment page or talk to us about the fastest route for your hospital.
Frequently asked questions
What is AB-PMJAY quality certification?
It is a certification launched in 2019 by the National Health Authority and the Quality Council of India, run with NABH, that recognises the quality of hospitals — mainly those empanelled under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY — at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, with financial incentives on health benefit packages.
How much incentive do Gold hospitals get under PMJAY?
Bronze, Silver and Gold certified hospitals receive additional financial incentives of 5%, 10% and 15% respectively under the health benefit packages.
Do Silver and Gold require an on-site inspection?
No. Silver and Gold are assessed by desktop review only: the hospital submits a questionnaire of 25 AB PM-JAY questions and 20 quality audit questions with evidence. Bronze requires a desktop assessment followed by an on-site assessment.
Can a non-empanelled hospital get Bronze?
Yes. Bronze is open to hospitals with at least 10 operational beds whether or not they are empanelled under PM-JAY, provided they are not already NABH or NQAS certified. Non-empanelled hospitals pay an additional ₹2,500.
Official sources
Fees and rules change. Always confirm on the official page before you apply.
Get a free gap assessment for your facility
Tell us your facility type, bed or chair count and city. Dr. Ashutosh Sharma will tell you which NABH programme fits, what it will cost and how long it will realistically take — before you commit to anything.
Read next
- NABH Entry-Level vs Full Accreditation: Which Should Your Hospital Choose?NABH entry-level vs SHCO vs full accreditation: eligibility, standards, NABH fees, validity, PMJAY incentives and a simple decision guide.
- CGHS Empanelment Through NABH: Eligibility, Fees, ECE Portal and 2025 RatesCGHS empanelment through NABH's ECE portal: who can apply, bed minimums, lab rules, NABH fees, inspections and the October 2025 rates.
- PMJAY empanelment & quality certificationAyushman Bharat PM-JAY empanelment and the NABH-run quality certification: Bronze, Silver, Gold levels, 5–15% incentives, fees and upgrades.
- Entry-level certification (hospitals)NABH Entry-Level Certification (2nd Edition) for allopathic hospitals: eligibility, occupancy norms, 2-year fees by beds and the PMJAY Silver incentive.