Master of Science [M.Sc] (Psychiatric Nursing)
About Master of Science [M.Sc] (Psychiatric Nursing)
The M.Sc. Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing at IHBAS, New Delhi is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme spread across 4 semesters, affiliated to the University of Delhi and approved by the Delhi Nursing Council. With an intake of 8 seats, the programme is among the most specialised and sought-after psychiatric nursing courses in India, offered at one of the country's premier government-run mental health institutions. The total fees for the programme are approximately Rs. 25,400 for the entire 2-year duration, making it highly affordable. Admission is based on an institutional entrance examination conducted by IHBAS, and the course is offered in full-time on-campus mode. The programme is popular for its intensive clinical exposure, government-backed stipend of Rs. 15,000 per month, and its strong focus on mental health and psychiatric 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, and the course commenced on 1st August 2025. For 2026, the admission season is expected to open tentatively in April-May 2026, with the course likely commencing in August 2026.
Key Points
- One of the very few government institutions in India offering a specialised M.Sc. in Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing.
- Students (except in-service candidates) receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000 throughout the 2-year programme.
- The programme is affiliated to the University of Delhi and recognised by the Delhi Nursing Council.
- IHBAS is an autonomous body under the Government of NCT, Delhi, jointly funded by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and GNCT Delhi.
- The institute operates a 346-bed tertiary care facility, providing students with rich and diverse clinical exposure in psychiatry and neurosciences.
- Seats are extremely limited (8 seats), making admission highly competitive.
IHBAS M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing Fees
The M.Sc. Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing programme at IHBAS is heavily subsidised by the government, making it one of the most affordable postgraduate nursing programmes in India. The total tuition and examination fees for the entire 2-year course amount to approximately Rs. 25,400. Additionally, students are eligible for a monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000 (except in-service candidates), which effectively offsets most living and educational expenses. 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 2 Years) |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | Included in total |
| Examination Fee | Included in total |
| Registration / Other Charges | Included in total |
| Total Fees | Rs. 25,400 |
Hostel Fees
| Hostel Fees (Optional) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hostel Charges (approx.) | Rs. 5,000 per annum |
- Application fee: Rs. 2,000 for UR/OBC/EWS candidates; Rs. 1,000 for SC/ST candidates (non-refundable).
- Monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000 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 M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing Admission 2026
Admissions to the M.Sc. Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing programme at IHBAS are conducted annually through an institutional entrance examination. The process is highly competitive given the limited number of seats (8 seats). Based on the 2025-26 cycle, the admission process typically begins in late April and the course commences in August. 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 15-25, 2025 (Actual) / July 2026 (Tentative) |
| Course Commencement | August 1, 2025 (Actual) / August 1, 2026 (Tentative) |
IHBAS conducts its own institutional entrance examination for M.Sc. Psychiatric Nursing. This is not linked to NEET PG or any other national-level exam.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must hold a B.Sc. Nursing or Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing degree from a recognised university 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 (online/offline as specified) 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 M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing Scholarships 2026
IHBAS offers a government-backed monthly stipend to all selected M.Sc. Psychiatric Nursing students, which is a significant financial benefit. This stipend is provided throughout the 2-year duration of the programme and effectively covers a substantial portion of living and educational expenses. 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. 15,000 per month | All selected candidates except in-service candidates | Throughout the 2-year programme |
| SC/ST Application Fee Concession | Rs. 1,000 (vs. Rs. 2,000 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 M.Sc Psychiatric Nursing FAQs
Ques. Does IHBAS conduct its own entrance exam for M.Sc. Psychiatric Nursing, or is NEET PG required?
Ans. IHBAS conducts its own institutional entrance examination for M.Sc. Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing. NEET PG is not required for this programme. The entrance exam is held in New Delhi, typically in the first week of July each year.
Ques. What is the stipend amount for M.Sc. Psychiatric Nursing students at IHBAS, and who is not eligible for it?
Ans. Selected candidates receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000 throughout the 2-year programme. However, in-service candidates (those who are already employed and are being deputed by their employer) are not eligible for the stipend.
Ques. Is hostel accommodation available at IHBAS for M.Sc. Nursing students?
Ans. Yes, IHBAS provides separate hostel facilities for male and female students on campus at a very nominal charge of approximately Rs. 5,000 per annum. Hostel accommodation is not mandatory.
Ques. What is the total number of seats for M.Sc. Psychiatric Nursing at IHBAS, and how competitive is the admission?
Ans. IHBAS offers only 8 seats for M.Sc. Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing per academic session. Given the institute's reputation as one of India's premier mental health institutions and the very limited number of seats, admission is extremely competitive. Candidates with strong academic records and relevant nursing experience have a better chance.
Ques. What career opportunities are available after completing M.Sc. Psychiatric Nursing from IHBAS?
Ans. Graduates of M.Sc. Psychiatric Nursing from IHBAS are well-positioned for careers as psychiatric nurse specialists, mental health counsellors, nursing educators, and clinical nurse managers in government hospitals, private psychiatric facilities, NGOs, and research institutions. The IHBAS brand and the University of Delhi affiliation add significant value to the degree. Graduates can also pursue Ph.D. programmes or apply for faculty positions in nursing colleges.
Ques. Can a GNM-qualified nurse apply for M.Sc. Psychiatric Nursing at IHBAS?
Ans. No. The minimum eligibility for M.Sc. Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing at IHBAS is a B.Sc. Nursing or Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing degree with at least 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC), along with RN and RM registration and one year of post-registration work experience. GNM qualification alone does not meet the eligibility criteria for this programme.