Central Institute of Psychiatry is one of the premier training centres in India for mental health professionals. The erstwhile Hospital for Mental Diseases was recognized for Diploma in Psychological Medicine (DPM) course in England as far back as 1923 when postgraduate courses in Psychiatry were unheard of in India. In 1962, a postgraduate training centre was added to the Institute, with DPM. and DM&SP courses. Other courses were added in due course of time.

The Institute is affiliated to Ranchi University. The admission for M.D (Psychiatry) and Diploma in Psychological Medicine is through NEET-PG examinations whereas the admission for the other courses is through a national level entrance examination conducted by the Institute. The advertisements for admission are published between the months of October - November every year and the examination is conducted in February preferably on a third Sunday. The session for all the courses commences from 1st May every year. The candidates are selected for admission by a Selection Committee constituted by the Director General of Health Services, New Delhi.