Updated on May 30, 2022 05:47 IST
Bhavya Jain

Bhavya JainContent Author

Nursing is one of the most sought after courses in Medical and allied sciences. Nursing courses offer students the skills and training to assist doctors and patients during various medical procedures. Nursing as a subject is offered across undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate levels. Apart from full-time degree courses in Nursing, Certificate and Diploma courses are also offered. The duration of the undergraduate courses ranges from three to four years, while that of the postgraduate courses is one to two years. Although the general notion is that Nursing courses are meant for female students, there are a few colleges which accept applications from male students as well. Know all about Nursing courses including eligibility criteria, duration, admission process and more here on this page.

Nursing Courses Offered at UG Level

The Nursing courses offered at undergraduate levels can be divided into degree, diploma and certificate courses. Let us take a look at the types of undergraduate Nursing courses along with the related information.

Nursing Degree Courses

The following table brings the list of Nursing courses offered at the degree level, along with their duration.

Course Name

Duration

BSc Nursing

4 Years

BSc (Hons.) Nursing

2 Years

Post Basic BSc Nursing

2 Years

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Nursing Diploma Courses

Take a look at the diploma courses in Nursing that are offered in India along with their duration.

Course Name

Duration

ANM

2 Years

GNM

3 years - 3.5 years

Advanced Diploma in Ophthalmic Care Management

2 Years

Diploma in Home Nursing

1 Year

Diploma in Emergency and Trauma Care Technician

2 Years

Diploma in Nursing Administration

3 Years

Diploma in Neuro Nursing

2 Years

Diploma in Health Assistant (DHA)

1 Year

Nursing Certificate Courses

The certificate courses in Nursing are generally conducted for six months to one year. The list of programmes is given in the table below.

Course Name

Duration

Certificate course in Ayurvedic Nursing

1 Year

Certificate in Home Nursing

1 Year

Certificate in Maternal and Child Health Care (CMCHC)

6 Months

Certificate in Care Waste Management (CHCWM)

6 Months

Certificate in Primary Nursing Management (CPNM)

1 Year

Nursing Courses Offered at PG Level

The Nursing postgraduate courses are offered at degree, diploma, MPhil and PhD levels. In the following sections, we bring the list of Nursing courses offered at the PG level.

Postgraduate Degree Courses in Nursing

The table below carries a list of PG degree courses in Nursing along with their duration. 

Course Name

Duration

MSc Nursing

2 Years

MSc in Child Health Nursing

2 Years

MSc in Community Health Nursing

2 Years

MSc in Medical-Surgical Nursing

2 Years

MSc in Maternity Nursing

2 Years

MSc in Paediatric Nursing

2 Years

MSc in Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing

2 Years

MSc in Psychiatric Nursing

2 Years

MPhil

1 Year

PhD

3-5 Years

Postgraduate Diploma Courses in Nursing

The postgraduate diploma courses in Nursing along with their duration are listed in the below table.

Course Name

Duration

Post Basic Diploma in Critical Care Nursing

1 Year

Post Basic Diploma in Orthopedic & Rehabilitation Nursing

1 Year

Post Basic Diploma in Cardio-Thoraic Nursing

1 Year

Post Basic Diploma in Neurology Nursing

1 Year

Post Basic Diploma in Operation Room Nursing

1 Year

Post Basic Diploma in Paediatric Critical Care Nursing

1 Year

Post Basic Diploma in Midwifery Nursing

1 Year

Post Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing

1 Year

Post Basic Diploma in Ontological Nursing and Rehabilitation Nursing

1 Year

Post Basic Diploma in Neo-Natal Nursing

1 Year

Post Basic Diploma in Emergency & Disaster Nursing

1 Year

Post Basic Diploma in Oncology Nursing

1 Year

Post Basic Diploma in Geriatric Nursing

1 Year

Post Basic Diploma in Forensic Nursing

1 Year

Post Basic Diploma in Haematology Nursing Residency Programme

1 Year

Post Basic Diploma in Burn & Reconstructive Surgery – Residency Programme

1 Year

Specialisations Offered in Nursing Courses

Specialisations are offered in the following subjects or areas in the Nursing courses:

Eligibility Criteria for Nursing Courses

The eligibility criteria for Nursing courses vary from programme to programme. The course-wise eligibility criteria stated by the Indian Nursing Council are presented below.

BSc Nursing Course Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates should have passed or appeared for the Class 12 Board exam in Science stream (PCB) and English as a core/elective subject with minimum 45 per cent aggregate.

  • Candidates should be of minimum 17 years of age and maximum 35 years of age as on December 31 of the year of taking admission.

  • Students should be medically fit.

Post Basic Nursing Course Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates should have passed the Class 12 Board exam.

  • They should have a certificate in General Nursing and Midwifery and be registered as R.N.R.M. with the State Nurses Registration Council. A male nurse, trained before the implementation of the new integrated course besides being registered as a nurse with the State Nurses Registration Council, shall produce evidence of training approved by the Indian Nursing Council.

  • Applicants should be medically fit.

MSc Nursing Course Eligibility Criteria

  • The candidate should be a Registered Nurse and Registered midwife or equivalent with any State Nursing Registration Council. 

  • They should have completed BSc Nursing/BSc (H) Nursing/Post Basic BSc Nursing with a minimum 55 per cent aggregate.

  • They should have at least one year of work experience after BSc Nursing or prior or after Post Basic BSc Nursing.

ANM Nursing Course Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates should pass Class 12 Board exam in Science/HealthCare Science/Arts with English as a compulsory subject.

  • The minimum and maximum age limit is 17 years and 35 years respectively as on December 31 of the year of admission.

  • They should be medically fit.

GNM Nursing Course Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates should pass Class 12 Board exam in English in a minimum 40 per cent aggregate.

  • They should have a minimum 40 per cent aggregate in vocational ANM course from the school recognised by the Indian Nursing Council, or in Vocational Stream-Health care Science from a recognised CBSE board/Centre.

  • They should be registered ANM with a pass mark.

Nursing Courses Admission process

Admission to Nursing courses at top colleges take place through entrance exams. Since 2021, NEET UG scores are also accepted for Nursing admission. The qualifying candidates will have to participate in the counselling processes conducted by the centre or state admission authorities or by the institutes.

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Table of contents
  • Popular Nursing Colleges in India
  • Popular Private Nursing Colleges in India
  • Popular Exams
  • Popular Nursing Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses
  • Popular Nursing UG Courses
  • Popular Nursing PG Courses
View More

Popular Nursing Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Nursing Colleges in India. Learn more about these Nursing colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
₹6.04 L
4.3
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Nursing Applications open. Apply Now

12 Courses
₹50 K - 9.64 L
4.5
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Nursing Applications open. Apply Now

₹35 K - 8.4 L
4.5
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₹200 - 1.4 K
₹20 - 50 LPA
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8 Courses
₹1.12 L - 7.52 L
₹3.6 - 4 LPA
─

Nursing Applications open. Apply Now

7 Courses
₹48 K
₹5 - 8.4 LPA
─

Popular Private Nursing Colleges in India

₹1.68 L - 4.32 L
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6 Courses
₹1.8 L - 5.6 L
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11 Courses
₹60 K - 5 L
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3 Courses
─
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₹4 L
─
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₹50 K - 6.4 L
₹5.4 - 14.4 LPA
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Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Nursing. Students interested in pursuing a career on Nursing, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

21 Sep ' 26 - 25 Sep ' 26

UP CNET 2026 Special Stray Round Counselling Regi...

24 Aug ' 26 - 28 Aug ' 26

UP CNET 2026 Stray Round Couselling Start

24 Aug ' 26 - 29 Aug ' 26

AIIMS Nursing Counselling Round 2 Seat Acceptance

22 Aug ' 26

AIIMS Nursing Counselling Round 2 Seat Allocation...

Sep '26

Indian Army Bsc Nursing Exam Date

TENTATIVE

Aug '26

Indian Army BSc Nursing Result 2026

TENTATIVE

24 Aug ' 26 - 30 Aug ' 26

JENPAS UG Round 3 Counselling

18 Aug ' 26 - 23 Aug ' 26

JENPAS UG Round 2 Counselling

Popular Nursing Specializations

Following are the most popular Nursing Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Nursing UG Courses

Following are the most popular Nursing UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Nursing PG Courses

Following are the most popular Nursing PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered 3 days ago

A Diploma in nursing builds practical healthcare knowledge by combining focused classroom instruction with supervised clinical practice and hands-on skill training in real medical settings.

S

Swati Pandey

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, Indian nursing degrees are accepted in many countries after clearing local licensing exams. Countries like the UK, US, Australia, and Gulf nations actively hire Indian-trained nurses. Colleges with strong clinical training usually produce more abroad-ready graduates. Foreign salaries are often

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

No, Lucknow colleges offer a few different specialisations within BSc Nursing. Nursing and Midwifery is the most common one. Some colleges also offer Alternative Medicine and Emerging Medical Technology. But the top-ranked college mainly focuses on Nursing and Midwifery. Check each college's course

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Yes, some private colleges give direct admission just based on Class 12 marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. This helps students who didn't take or didn't clear NEET or KCET. But these colleges may charge higher fees than exam-based ones. Always check the college's recognition and accreditation

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

KCET is the most accepting entrance exam in the top Nursing colleges in Karnataka. Listed below are some colleges with their fees.

Top CollegesTuition Fee
ESIC Medical College, GulbargaINR 81,800
Acharya Institute of Health SciencesINR 2.85 lakh
Bangalore Medical College and Research InstituteINR 50,600
St. John's National Academy of Health SciencesINR 5.6 lakh
East Point Group of InstitutionsINR 5.6 lakh

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Many top private colleges have strong placement records through hospital tie-ups. Placement quality depends on the hospital network each college is connected to. Colleges with their own hospitals tend to do better here. Always ask for real placement data before joining any college. Check the table b

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

As per the popularity basis by shiksha.com, listed below are some of the top Nursing college in Karnataka, along with their tuition fees.

Top CollegesTuition Fee
East Point Group of InstitutionsINR 4.92 Lacs - INR 5.6 lakh
St. John's National Academy of Health SciencesINR 1.92 Lacs - INR 5.6 lakh
Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute
INR 50,600
DSU - Dayananda Sagar UniversityINR 1.84 Lacs - INR 7.28 lakh
Manipal Academy of Higher EducationINR 1.68 Lacs - INR 8.48 lakh

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

Not always. While NEET is common, several Karnataka colleges also accept KCET scores, and some even offer direct admission based on 12th marks. This is different from MBBS, where NEET is compulsory everywhere. So if you missed NEET or didn't score well, you still have other routes into a good nursin

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

Yes, many nurses from Hyderabad colleges apply for government hospital jobs. Exams like state nursing recruitment tests or AIIMS nursing exams are common paths. Competition is high, so a strong academic record helps. Government jobs offer better job security and pension benefits. Many graduates also

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

B.Sc Nursing eligibility requirements:

Qualifying exam: 12th with PCB and English from a recognised board ( CBSE, ICSC, state boards or NIOS).

Minimum marks: 45-50% in aggregate in PCB for general, 40% for SC/ST/OBC.

108681400
pradeep kumar

Scholar-Level 18

Answered a week ago

The top nursing colleges in Bangalore for 2026 include prominent government institutions and premier private medical-hospital academies known for clinical exposure and placement outcomes.

The top nursing colleges in Bangalore for 2026 include prominent government institutions and premier private medi

...Read more

S

Swati Pandey

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

KGMU stands out here because of its massive, busy attached hospital that handles huge patient volumes daily. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University also offers strong clinical exposure through its network. Private colleges like Era University and TS Mishra University are linked to their own hospita

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, nursing remains one of the most stable career paths in healthcare today. Lucknow's strong hospital network gives students real exposure during their course itself. Graduates can work in government hospitals, private hospitals, or even move abroad later. Demand for trained nurses keeps growing e

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Government colleges like KGMU and Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University offer nursing courses at very low fees compared to private options. Some fees are as low as under a Lacs for the entire programme. These seats are limited and based on merit, usually through NEET scores. Competition for these

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Most B.Sc Nursing programmes in Uttar Pradesh do require a NEET UG score for admission. Some diploma-level or Post Basic Nursing programmes may accept students through separate state entrance tests instead. Private colleges sometimes have their own entrance criteria too. It's best to check each coll

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Possibly yes, if your college accepts the separate MH B.Sc Nursing CET exam. Not every student needs to clear NEET to get a nursing seat in Maharashtra. Some private institutes rely purely on this state-level test. So a weak NEET score doesn't automatically close the door on nursing.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Almost every nursing college in the state, government or private, is affiliated to Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, based in Nashik. This university sets the syllabus, conducts exams, and issues the final degree. So no matter which city you study in, your certificate ultimately comes from

...Read more

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Reviews help, but take them with a pinch of salt since some are exaggerated in both directions. It's better to combine online reviews with a personal campus visit and a direct conversation with current students if possible. Ask about actual clinical training hours, hostel conditions, and faculty ava

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Recognition status varies, and this is honestly the single most important thing to verify before admission. A college needs approval from the State Nursing Council and alignment with Indian Nursing Council norms for your degree to count later. Some smaller institutes cut corners here, which can crea

...Read more

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Many of them do, mainly through their own attached hospitals, which absorb a chunk of fresh graduates directly. But don't expect guaranteed placement like an engineering college brochure promises. Nursing placement really depends on how well you perform in your internship year. Colleges with bigger

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Private Nursing colleges in Ghaziabad are somewhat expensive than government colleges as they are managed by private entities. Check the table below for the top private colleges.

Top Private Nursing Colleges in GhaziabadTuition Fee
Santosh Institute of Allied Health Sciences Nursing CoursesINR 1.92 Lacs - INR 6.15 lakh
SDGI Global University, Ghaziabad Nursing CoursesINR 1.2 Lacs - INR 5.2 lakh
Santosh Medical College and Hospital Nursing CoursesINR 2.35 Lacs - INR 6.15 lakh
D.S. Institute of Paramedical Science and Hospital Nursing CoursesINR 1.6 Lacs - INR 1.7 lakh
HLM Group of Institutions Nursing CoursesINR 2 Lacs - INR 3 lakh
D.S. Institute of Paramedical Science and Hospital Nursing CoursesINR 1.6 Lacs - INR 1.7 lakh

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, many private colleges here take students through direct merit-based admission using your 12th marks. Some do ask for a basic entrance or interview round though. It totally depends on the specific college and course you're applying for. GNM Diploma admissions are usually simpler than B.Sc Nursin

...Read more

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

As per the popularity basis by shiksha.com, listed below are some of the top colleges for Nursing in Ghaziabad, along with their tuition fees.

Top CollegesTuition Fee
Santosh Institute of Allied Health SciencesINR 1.92 Lacs - INR 6.15 lakh
SDGI Global University, GhaziabadINR 1.2 Lacs - INR 5.12 lakh
Santosh Medical College and HospitalINR 2.35 Lacs - INR 6.15 lakh
D.S. Institute of Paramedical Science and HospitalINR 1.6 Lacs - INR 1.7 lakh
HLM Group of InstitutionsINR 2 lakjh - INR 3 lakh

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

There are about 10 Nursing colleges in Ghaziabad, including only private colleges. Santosh Institute of Allied Health Sciences, SDGI Global University Ghaziabad, Santosh Medical College and Hospital, and D.S. Institute of Paramedical Science and Hospital are some of the top colleges and admission to

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, many students get help through MahaDBT, the state scholarship portal. The amount depends on your category and family income. Students say they pay the fees first, and the money comes back after approval. Apply on time and keep your documents ready. The college does not give this scholarship, th

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Some do, but many do not promise jobs. Nursing students often get jobs through hospital tie-ups and internship contacts. Students in reviews rate placements lower than infrastructure or campus life. Ask the college which hospitals took its last batch. Ask for real numbers, not just big claims.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The cutoff changes every year. It depends on how many students apply and how many seats are open. Government colleges close at higher scores than private ones. Category and gender quotas also change the cutoff. Check last year's CAP round cutoffs to get a rough idea, then aim a little higher.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

There are around 44 Nursing colleges in Nashik, with a mix of both private and government colleges. Some of the top colleges are MUHS, M.V.P Samaj's Institute of Nursing Education, K.K. Wagh College of Nursing, SMBT Group of Institutions, S.N.D. College of Nursing, and Matoshri College of B.Sc. Nurs

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

As per the popularity basis by Shiksha.com, check the table below for some of the top Nursing colleges in Nashik, along with their tuition fees.

Top CollegesTuition Fee
MUHSINR 32,000 - INRv 1 lakh
M.V.P Samaj's Institute of Nursing EducationINR 1.05 Lacs - INR 2.84 lakh
K.K. Wagh College of NursingINR 2.68 lakh
S.N.D. College of NursingINR 1.72 Lacs - INR 3.43 lakh
Matoshri College of B.Sc. NursingINR 3.43 lakh

 

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, you can get admission to Raspun School of Nursing-Shillong after passing class 2th. You need to pass class 12th from a recognized board such as CBSE, ISC, or MBOSE HSSLC with an aggregate score of at least 40%. 

S

Swati Pandey

Contributor-Level 10

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