- Quality certification
- AB-PMJAY Quality Certification by NHA and QCI, launched 2019, run with NABH
- Levels and incentives
- Bronze 5%, Silver 10%, Gold 15% additional incentive on health benefit packages
- Bronze fee
- ₹30,000 (up to 100 beds) or ₹35,000 (above 100 beds) + GST; ₹2,500 extra if not empanelled
- Silver / Gold fee
- ₹2,000 + GST per application, renewal or upgrade
- Applications
- Online through the HEM portal
Two separate things: empanelment and quality certification
Empanelment lets your hospital treat Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY beneficiaries cashless. It is granted by the State Health Agency of your state against its criteria, and applications run through the National Health Authority's Hospital Empanelment Module (HEM).
Quality certification is optional and rewards quality. Launched in 2019 by the National Health Authority and the Quality Council of India and run with NABH, it recognises hospitals at three levels:
| Level | Who qualifies | Incentive on packages |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Empanelled or non-empanelled hospitals with 10+ operational beds, not already NABH or NQAS certified | 5% |
| Silver | PM-JAY empanelled hospitals with NABH entry-level certification | 10% |
| Gold | PM-JAY empanelled hospitals with NABH or NQAS accreditation | 15% |
How each level is assessed
- Bronze: a desktop assessment followed by an on-site assessment.
- Silver and Gold: desktop only — a questionnaire of 25 AB PM-JAY questions and 20 quality audit questions with evidence. Hard copies are not accepted.
- Non-compliances: up to two rounds to close them, with 30 days per round.
- Upgrades: Bronze to Silver needs NABH entry-level certification; Bronze or Silver to Gold needs NABH full accreditation (SHCO or hospital). Upgrades are by desktop assessment.
Mandatory licences
NABH's programme page lists the licences checked: 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. See licences and registrations.
Fees and validity
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Bronze, up to 100 beds | ₹30,000 + GST |
| Bronze, above 100 beds | ₹35,000 + GST |
| Bronze, non-empanelled hospital | ₹2,500 extra |
| Silver or Gold application, renewal or upgrade | ₹2,000 + GST |
Bronze is valid for two years. Silver and Gold last as long as the underlying NABH entry-level certificate or NABH/NQAS accreditation. Renewals open three to six months before expiry, with a one-month grace period; a lapsed certificate means a fresh application.
The practical route most hospitals take
- Get empanelled with your State Health Agency.
- Achieve NABH entry-level certification and apply for Silver (10%).
- Move to SHCO or full hospital accreditation and upgrade to Gold (15%).
We plan the sequence around your PM-JAY claim volume so the incentive starts flowing as early as possible. Read our explainer on AB-PMJAY Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Frequently asked questions
What are Bronze, Silver and Gold in AB-PMJAY?
They are levels of the AB-PMJAY Quality Certification run by the National Health Authority and the Quality Council of India with NABH. Bronze is for hospitals with at least 10 beds that are not NABH or NQAS certified; Silver is for PM-JAY empanelled hospitals with NABH entry-level certification; Gold is for PM-JAY empanelled hospitals with NABH or NQAS accreditation.
How much extra do NABH hospitals get under PMJAY?
Under the AB-PMJAY quality certification, Bronze, Silver and Gold certified hospitals receive additional financial incentives of 5%, 10% and 15% respectively on health benefit packages.
Is NABH mandatory for PMJAY empanelment?
No. PM-JAY empanelment is handled by State Health Agencies against their own criteria. NABH status determines your quality certification level and the incentive you earn, not whether you can be empanelled at all.
How is Silver or Gold certification assessed?
Silver and Gold are assessed by desktop review only, with no on-site visit. Hospitals submit 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.
How long is the AB-PMJAY quality certificate valid?
Bronze is valid for two years from the date of issue. Silver lasts as long as your NABH entry-level certificate and Gold as long as your NABH or NQAS accreditation. Renewal applications are accepted three to six months before expiry, with a one-month grace period.
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.
Related
- 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.
- Small hospitals up to 50 beds (SHCO)NABH SHCO accreditation for hospitals and nursing homes up to 50 beds: 3rd Edition eligibility, 2026 occupancy norms, NABH fees, process and common gaps.
- AB-PMJAY Quality Certification Explained: Bronze, Silver and GoldAB-PMJAY quality certification: Bronze, Silver and Gold eligibility, 5/10/15% incentives, NABH's role, fees, assessment, validity, upgrades.