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 In order to strengthen the quality and safety framework of India’s healthcare system, the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) has announced that all assessments under its Entry Level Certification Programme for Hospitals will be conducted as per the newly released second edition standards starting January 1, 2026.
Confirming the transition, Dr. Atul Mohan Kochhar, CEO of NABH said, “The rollout of the revised standards stands as a testament to NABH’s continuous commitment towards elevating the quality and safety of healthcare services across the nation,”
He further explained that the updated edition provides hospitals with a refined roadmap to deliver safer, more effective, and patient-centred care. The upgraded standards have been meticulously designed to reflect contemporary healthcare challenges and evolving patient needs.
NABH has issued a detailed implementation schedule to ensure a smooth transition for hospitals currently certified under the first edition and those seeking new certification.
NABH has made it clear that after December 31, 2025, no fresh or renewal application will be accepted under the first edition standards, marking a complete shift to the second edition from January 1, 2026 onward.
Dr. Kochhar emphasized that the revised standards are more than a procedural update. They represent a forward-looking vision aligned with global best practices. As India’s healthcare sector continues to expand and evolve, the second edition standards aim to equip hospitals with a reliable framework to strengthen clinical processes, ensure patient safety, and enhance overall service delivery.
He further added that the upcoming transition signals a crucial milestone for healthcare facilities, urging them to prepare for compliance with the updated requirements well before the January 2026 cutoff.
Under the newly announced implementation plan, NABH has outlined precise timelines for determining whether hospitals will be assessed under the first or second edition entry level certification standards.
For new applications, any hospital that submits a completed application along with the application fee on or before December 31, 2025 will continue to be assessed under the first edition standards, and the resulting certification will remain valid for two years. However, new applications submitted on or after January 1, 2026, with the application fee paid from that date onward, will fall strictly under the second edition standards, also carrying a two-year certification cycle.
Similarly, for re-certification applications, hospitals that pay the re-certification fee on or before December 31, 2025 will be evaluated as per the first edition standards, with a two-year validity attached to the renewed certification. Those submitting re-certification applications on or after January 1, 2026 will automatically transition to the second edition standards, again with a two-year validity period.
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