Depression is common in patients with chronic heart failure. The current study attempts to study the prevalence of depression in chronic heart failure patients with normal cognitive abilities, using standard scales and structured psychiatric interview schedule. The sample consists of 100 in patients with chronic heart failure of more than one year duration. A diagnosis was established using Framingham’s criteria for heart failure and severity was assessed using the New York Heart Association functional class. Subjects were assessed using Montgomery Asberg’s Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) Depressive symptoms. Descriptive Statistics, Chi square tests were used for data analysis. Common Depressive symptoms were lassitude, concentration difficulty, inner tension, reduced appetite and reduced sleep on MADRS. Screening instruments are useful but a structured interview diagnostic clinical interview is essential to confirm the diagnosis before treatment intervention.