DNB Psychiatry:
Diplomate of National Board (DNB) is a medical qualification awarded by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). The DNB Psychiatry course is approved by the Government of India and is considered equivalent to the postgraduate and post-doctoral programs offered by the Medical Colleges, institute & hospital in India.
Duration of both MD & DNB courses is 3 years, run in both government and private set up with the similar quality standard of the host institute, similar academic activities, compulsory thesis work of 1-year duration under a qualified thesis guide with external review process (exposure to research methodology), and academic activities (library and journal facility, presentation in national and international conferences, research article publication, training program, workshop, and CME).
Clinical activity in both the courses is similar to emergency case handling, surgical exposure, clinical case discussion, case exposure, availability of equipment and diagnostic tool, patient load to be handled, duty hour, night duty, leave entitled including maternity leave and other facilities.
Psychiatry as a medical specialty has seen a growing demand in recent years due to the rising awareness of mental health in India. Diplomate of National Board (DNB) Psychiatry is a recognized and prestigious postgraduate qualification, equivalent to MD Psychiatry, awarded by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). Several reputed hospitals across India offer DNB Psychiatry programs that provide excellent clinical exposure and academic training.
In this detailed guide, we present the top DNB Psychiatry hospitals in India, along with updated course fees and expected NEET PG cutoff ranks for the 2025 admission cycle.
DNB Psychiatry Course Overview
- Course Duration: 3 Years
- Eligibility: MBBS + NEET PG qualification
- Awarding Body: National Board of Examinations (NBE)
- Recognition: Equivalent to MD Psychiatry
- Admission Process: Centralized counseling via MCC/DNB Board
Top DNB Psychiatry Hospitals in India (2025)
1. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
- Type: Private
- Tuition Fees: ₹1,25,000 (entire course)
- Cutoff Rank (NEET PG): Between 12,000 – 18,000
- Highlights: One of India’s premier private hospitals offering advanced psychiatric care and structured academic training. The hospital sees a wide range of psychiatric cases, ensuring deep clinical exposure.
2. Masina Hospital, Mumbai
- Type: Private
- Tuition Fees: ₹1,25,000
- Cutoff Rank: 15,000 – 20,000
- Highlights: Known for its established psychiatric department, Masina Hospital offers high-quality training in adult, child, and community psychiatry.
3. Asha Hospital, Hyderabad
- Type: Private
- Tuition Fees: ₹1,25,000
- Cutoff Rank: 14,000 – 19,000
- Highlights: Specialized mental health institution with an emphasis on psychotherapy, addiction psychiatry, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
4. Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (VIMHANS), New Delhi
- Type: Private
- Tuition Fees: ₹1,25,000
- Cutoff Rank: 13,000 – 17,000
- Highlights: Offers an academic environment with focus on child and adolescent psychiatry, community psychiatry, and de-addiction services.
5. Indlas Vijayawada Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (IVIMHANS), Andhra Pradesh
- Type: Private
- Tuition Fees: ₹1,25,000
- Cutoff Rank: 18,000 – 22,000
- Highlights: Known for neuropsychiatric research and psychotherapy-based interventions. Emphasis on research methodologies.
6. Institute of Mental Health, Chennai
- Type: Government
- Tuition Fees: ₹1,25,000
- Cutoff Rank: 8,000 – 12,000
- Highlights: One of the oldest psychiatric hospitals in South India. Huge patient inflow, giving students exposure to acute and chronic mental health conditions.
7. Institute of Psychiatry, Kolkata (IPGMER)
- Type: Government
- Tuition Fees: ₹1,25,000
- Cutoff Rank: 7,000 – 11,000
- Highlights: Affiliated with IPGMER, this institute has extensive training modules in general psychiatry, neurology interface, and psychometrics.
8. Bapuji Hospital and Chigateri General Hospital, Davangere (Karnataka)
- Type: Government-aided
- Tuition Fees: ₹1,25,000
- Cutoff Rank: 14,000 – 18,000
- Highlights: Associated with JJM Medical College, the psychiatry department provides a structured residency program with OPD, IPD, and forensic exposure.
9. Sancheti Institute for Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation, Pune (with Psychiatry Department)
- Type: Private
- Tuition Fees: ₹1,25,000
- Cutoff Rank: 16,000 – 20,000
- Highlights: Although primarily known for orthopaedics, its integrated approach includes mental health training with emphasis on rehabilitation psychiatry.
10. Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), Chennai
- Type: Private
- Tuition Fees: ₹1,25,000
- Cutoff Rank: 13,000 – 17,000
- Highlights: A research-based institute known for work in schizophrenia, mood disorders, and psychopharmacology. Offers community mental health training.
11. Spandan Nursing Home, Bangalore
- Type: Private
- Tuition Fees: ₹1,25,000
- Cutoff Rank: 15,000 – 20,000
- Highlights: Offers immersive training in psychological therapies and neurosis management. Regular academic sessions and case presentations.
12. Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Thiruvalla (Kerala)
- Type: Private
- Tuition Fees: ₹1,25,000
- Cutoff Rank: 14,000 – 19,000
- Highlights: A Christian mission hospital known for holistic and community-based psychiatric treatment models.
13. St. John’s Medical College Hospital, Bengaluru
- Type: Private/Religious Trust
- Tuition Fees: ₹1,25,000
- Cutoff Rank: 8,000 – 12,000
- Highlights: Strong academic foundation with emphasis on psychosocial rehabilitation, psychiatry-neurology interface, and multidisciplinary case handling.
14. Government Medical College, Kozhikode (Calicut)
- Type: Government
- Tuition Fees: ₹1,25,000
- Cutoff Rank: 6,000 – 10,000
- Highlights: Offers premier government setup exposure with access to vast number of psychiatric cases across demographics.
DNB Psychiatry Fees (2025 Overview)
| Hospital/Institute | Tuition Fee (INR) | Fee Type |
|---|---|---|
| Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi | ₹1,25,000 | One-time |
| Masina Hospital, Mumbai | ₹1,25,000 | One-time |
| Asha Hospital, Hyderabad | ₹1,25,000 | One-time |
| IVIMHANS, Vijayawada | ₹1,25,000 | One-time |
| SCARF, Chennai | ₹1,25,000 | One-time |
| Government Medical Colleges (TN, WB, Kerala) | ₹1,25,000 | One-time |
Regarding the exit examination, in the MD course, theory and practical examination are conducted in the host institute. In practical examination, both internal (high chance of bias in the evaluation process) and external examiners are present. Furthermore, passing theory examination is not an essential criterion of eligibility to appear in the practical examination.
While DNB exit examination is an unbiased, extremely tough evaluation process both in theory and practical (conducted in the different centers without the presence of internal examiner). Passing theory examination is an essential criterion to appear in practical examination.
Top DNB Psychiatry Hospitals:
| Sr.No | Preference wise Top Institutes/Hospitals offering DNB Psychiatry Courses | City | State | Fees |
| 1 | Dr. R N Cooper Municipal GeneralHospital | Mumbai | Maharashtra | 1,25,000 |
| 2 | K.J. Somaiya Medical College | Mumbai | Maharashtra | 1,25,000 |
| 3 | Sir Ganga Ram Hospital | Delhi | Delhi | 1,25,000 |
| 4 | Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health | Delhi | Delhi | 1,25,000 |
| 5 | Lourdes Hospital | Kochi | Kerala | 1,25,000 |
| 6 | Mental Health Centre | Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala | 1,25,000 |
| 7 | Schizophrenia Research | Chennai | Tamil Nadu | 1,25,000 |
| 8 | Government Mental HealthKeralaCentre | Kozhikode | Kerala | 1,25,000 |
| 9 | Vijayawada Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (VIMHANS) | Vijaywada | Andhra Pradesh | 1,25,000 |
| 10 | Spandan Nursing Home | Bangalore | Karnataka | 1,25,000 |
| 11 | Asha Hospital | Hyderabad | Telangana | 1,25,000 |
| 12 | Bhabha Atomic Research Centre &Hospital | Mumbai | Maharashtra | 1,25,000 |
| 13 | Gujarat Institute of Mental HealthHospital | Delhi | Delhi | 1,25,000 |
| 14 | Masina Hospital | Mumbai | Maharashtra | 1,25,000 |
| 15 | Institute of Mental Health, Govt. MentalPunjabHospital | Amritsar | Punjab | 1,25,000 |
| 16 | Hospital for Mental Health | Vadodara | Gujarat | 1,25,000 |
Top DNB General Medicine Hospitals In India NEET PG
NEET PG 2025 Cutoff Trends for DNB Psychiatry
| Institute Type | Expected NEET PG Rank Range |
|---|---|
| Top Private | 12,000 – 18,000 |
| Government | 6,000 – 12,000 |
| Moderate Private | 15,000 – 22,000 |
Cutoff ranks are influenced by the number of DNB seats, NEET PG difficulty level, and demand for psychiatry specialization. In general, government institutions have lower cutoffs due to high preference and subsidized fees.
Admission Process
- Qualify NEET PG 2025
- Register for DNB Centralized Counseling via NBE/MCC
- Choice Filling for DNB Psychiatry seats
- Seat Allotment based on merit and preferences
- Document Verification & Fee Payment
- Joining the allotted institute/hospital
Why Choose DNB Psychiatry?
- Equal recognition as MD Psychiatry by NMC
- Advanced clinical exposure in reputed mental health institutions
- Standardized curriculum
- High demand for psychiatrists across India
- Multiple career avenues: Clinical practice, research, teaching, and government roles
Conclusion
Choosing a top DNB Psychiatry hospital is crucial for building a strong foundation in mental health. The institutions listed above not only offer clinical excellence but also robust academic and research opportunities. With a NEET PG score above 450, aspirants stand a good chance of securing admission in reputed centers.
The future of psychiatry is promising, and a DNB degree from a top Indian hospital ensures both career satisfaction and societal impact. Ensure early preparation, aim for a strong NEET PG rank, and explore these esteemed hospitals to begin your psychiatric journey.