Content Curator | Updated on - Mar 30, 2026

The Post Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing (DPN) at IHBAS, New Delhi is a 1-year full-time diploma programme recognised by the Delhi Nursing Council and affiliated to the University of Delhi. With an intake of 20 seats, it is one of the most accessible and affordable specialised psychiatric nursing programmes in India, offered at a premier government-run mental health institution. The total fees for the programme are approximately Rs. 12,700 for the entire 1-year duration. Admission is based on an institutional entrance examination conducted by IHBAS. The programme is popular for its focused clinical training in psychiatric nursing, government-backed stipend of Rs. 2,000 per month, and its strong emphasis on practical skills in mental health care.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session are yet to be announced. Based on the 2025-26 cycle, applications were invited from late April 2025, with the last date to apply being 30th May 2025. The entrance exam was held in the first week of July 2025. A revised admission schedule was also issued in November 2025 for the DPN programme. For 2026, the admission season is expected to open tentatively in April-May 2026.

Key Points

One of the very few government institutions in India offering a dedicated Post Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing.
Larger intake of 20 seats compared to the M.Sc. Psychiatric Nursing programme (8 seats), making it relatively more accessible.
Students (except in-service candidates) receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 2,000 throughout the 1-year programme.
The programme is recognised by the Delhi Nursing Council and affiliated to the University of Delhi.
IHBAS operates a 346-bed tertiary care facility, providing students with intensive clinical exposure in psychiatry and mental health.
The 1-year duration makes it a quick and focused specialisation for working nurses seeking to upskill in psychiatric nursing.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

IHBAS Latest Updates and News

09 Apr, 2026 Delhi University Admissions 2026 are likely to begin in mid-May via the CSAS portal based on CUET UG and CUET PG scores. Read news.

IHBAS DPN Fees

The Post Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing at IHBAS is heavily subsidised by the government, making it one of the most affordable diploma nursing programmes in India. The total fees for the entire 1-year course amount to approximately Rs. 12,700. Additionally, students are eligible for a monthly stipend of Rs. 2,000 (except in-service candidates). Hostel accommodation is available on campus at a nominal charge of approximately Rs. 5,000 per annum and is not mandatory.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount (Total for 1 Year)
Tuition Fee	Included in total
Examination / Registration Fee	Included in total
Other Charges	Included in total
Total Fees	Rs. 12,700

Hostel Fees

Hostel Fees (Optional)	Amount
Hostel Charges (approx.)	Rs. 5,000 per annum

Application fee: Rs. 500 for UR/OBC/EWS candidates; Rs. 250 for SC/ST candidates (non-refundable).
Monthly stipend of Rs. 2,000 is provided to all selected candidates except in-service candidates.
Hostel accommodation is available on campus at nominal rates and is not mandatory.
No EMI or instalment options are typically offered given the low fee structure.

IHBAS DPN Admission 2026

Admissions to the Post Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing at IHBAS are conducted annually through an institutional entrance examination. The process is competitive given the limited number of seats (20 seats). Based on the 2025-26 cycle, the admission process typically begins in late April and the course commences in August. A revised admission schedule was issued in November 2025 for the DPN programme. For the 2026-27 session, the admission notification is expected to be released tentatively in April 2026.

Important Dates

Event	Date (2025-26 Actual / 2026 Tentative)
Release of Admission Notification	April 28, 2025 (Actual) / April 2026 (Tentative)
Application Start Date	April 28, 2025 (Actual) / April 2026 (Tentative)
Last Date to Apply	May 30, 2025 (Actual) / May 2026 (Tentative)
List of Eligible Candidates	June 14, 2025 (Actual) / June 2026 (Tentative)
Entrance Examination	First week of July 2025 (Actual) / First week of July 2026 (Tentative)
Declaration of Results	Within one week of exam
Counselling and Document Verification	July 2025 (Actual) / July 2026 (Tentative)
Course Commencement	August 2025 (Actual) / August 2026 (Tentative)

IHBAS conducts its own institutional entrance examination for the Post Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing. This is not linked to any national-level exam. A revised admission schedule may be issued if required; candidates should regularly check the official IHBAS website (ihbas.delhi.gov.in).

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must hold a GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) or B.Sc. Nursing or Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing degree from a recognised institution with a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates).
Must be a Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife (RN & RM) with a valid registration from a State Nursing Registration Council.
Minimum one year of post-registration work experience is mandatory.

Admission Process

IHBAS releases an official admission notification on its website (ihbas.delhi.gov.in) with the application form and prospectus.
Candidates must submit the application form (offline) along with the application fee within the stipulated deadline.
Eligible candidates are shortlisted and called for the institutional entrance examination held in New Delhi.
Based on entrance exam merit, candidates are called for counselling and document verification.
Final selection is based on entrance exam performance, subject to verification of eligibility documents.
Selected candidates must report for course commencement as per the schedule.

IHBAS DPN Scholarships 2026

IHBAS provides a government-backed monthly stipend to all selected Post Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing students. While the stipend amount is modest (Rs. 2,000 per month), it is a direct financial benefit provided throughout the 1-year programme. In-service candidates (those already employed in a government/private institution) are not eligible for the stipend.

Financial Benefits

Scholarship / Financial Benefit	Amount	Eligibility	Duration
Monthly Stipend (IHBAS / Govt. of NCT Delhi)	Rs. 2,000 per month	All selected candidates except in-service candidates	Throughout the 1-year programme
SC/ST Application Fee Concession	Rs. 250 (vs. Rs. 500 for General/OBC/EWS)	SC/ST candidates	At the time of application

The stipend is provided by IHBAS / Government of NCT, Delhi and is not a loan or scholarship requiring repayment.
In-service candidates (those deputed by their employer) are not eligible for the monthly stipend.
No separate scholarship application is required; the stipend is automatically provided to eligible admitted students.
Students may also apply for central government scholarships such as the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) schemes for SC/ST/OBC/Minority/EWS categories independently.

IHBAS DPN FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between the Post Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing (DPN) and M.Sc. Psychiatric Nursing at IHBAS?

Ans. The DPN is a 1-year programme with 20 seats, open to GNM/B.Sc. Nursing graduates, and carries a stipend of Rs. 2,000 per month. The M.Sc. Psychiatric Nursing is a 2-year programme with only 8 seats, requires B.Sc. Nursing or Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing, and carries a higher stipend of Rs. 15,000 per month. The M.Sc. is a higher academic qualification, while the DPN is a focused clinical specialisation.

Ques. Can a GNM-qualified nurse apply for the Post Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing at IHBAS?

Ans. Yes. Unlike the M.Sc. Psychiatric Nursing programme, the DPN at IHBAS is open to GNM-qualified nurses, provided they have a minimum of 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC), valid RN and RM registration, and at least one year of post-registration work experience.

Ques. Is the Post Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing from IHBAS recognised by the Nursing Council?

Ans. Yes, the Post Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing at IHBAS is recognised by the Delhi Nursing Council and affiliated to the University of Delhi, making it a credible and valued qualification in the nursing field.

Ques. How many seats are available for the DPN programme at IHBAS?

Ans. IHBAS offers 20 seats for the Post Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing per academic session. This is significantly more than the 8 seats available for M.Sc. Psychiatric Nursing, making the DPN relatively more accessible.

Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing the Post Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing from IHBAS?

Ans. Graduates of the DPN from IHBAS can work as psychiatric nursing specialists in government hospitals, private psychiatric facilities, de-addiction centres, NGOs, and community mental health programmes. The IHBAS brand and Delhi Nursing Council recognition add significant value to the diploma. Graduates can also pursue further studies such as B.Sc. Nursing or M.Sc. Psychiatric Nursing.

Ques. Is there a revised admission schedule for the DPN programme, and how can I stay updated?

Ans. Yes, IHBAS has issued revised admission schedules for the DPN programme in the past (for example, a revised schedule was issued in November 2025 for the 2025-26 session). Candidates are advised to regularly check the official IHBAS website (ihbas.delhi.gov.in) under the Notifications section for the latest updates on admission schedules and any revisions.