Updated on Oct 26, 2022 05:49 IST
Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaAssistant Manager

Nursing plays a vital role in the health care system. Nursing involves identifying the health needs of people, planning, and providing quality care to achieve national health goals. Candidates can pursue a Bachelor's degree in Nursing after Class 12. There are also diploma and postgraduate courses available in various colleges for interested candidates.

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Nursing Syllabus - List of Subjects

The following table brings the list of core subjects taught under the Nursing syllabus. 

Subject Title

Subject Details

Microbiology

This course allows students to understand the basics of microbiology and the methods for identifying various microorganisms. It further dives deep into the process of infection control alongside control measures for hospital and community settings.

 

The students will gain in-depth knowledge of the following:

 

  • Understand the importance of medical microbiology and its role in nursing.

 

  • Know about the various branches of medical microbiology. You shall also learn about the source and mode of infection for most diseases found in human beings.

 

  • Methods of infection control such as sterilisation and disinfection.

Nutrition

Optimum nutrition is very important for maintaining good health and performance. Students pursuing this course will gain first hand information about the different stages of nutrition and the role of nursing.

 

Students will get to learn the following concepts:

 

  • History and concepts related to nutrition. The course will give students a 360-degree overview of factors affecting food and nutrition.

 

  • Different types of nutrients and the importance of a balanced diet.

Physiology

This course will help you understand the physiology of human systems, apart from understanding the alterations owing to the physiology of various diseases and the role of nursing in the same.

 

Students will learn about the following:

 

  • Cell physiology - its applications and implications in the field of nursing.

 

  • Structure, formation and movement of the human skeletal system.

 

  • Blood formation, blood groups and the functions of your heart.

 

English

English is a prerequisite to professional success in all fields right now. As a nursing graduate, you must have basic English skills.

 

This subject covers the following topics:

 

  • Tenses, active and passive voice

  • Letter and paragraph writing

  • Prepositions and Articles

  • Direct and indirect speech

Nursing Foundations

As is evident, this subject explores the foundational concepts associated with nursing. The students will gain first-hand knowledge of the philosophy, objectives, and theories of nursing.

 

Students will get to know about the following topics:

 

  • Definition and Concept of Health and Wellness

  • Types, organisation and functions of hospitals

  • Categories of nursing personnel

Typical Elective Subjects for Nursing

Subject Title

Subject Detail

Child Health Nursing

This course deals with providing nursing care for sick and normal children. Also sometimes referred to as paediatric nursing, it requires the students (nurses) to tend to the unique healthcare needs of neonates and adolescents.

 

You shall learn about the process of child development alongside inculcating additional qualities like communication skills, among others.

 

The curriculum covers the following aspects:

 

  • The historical significance of child health

  • The modern concept of child healthcare

  • Difference between response to illness: Adults and children

  • Factors affecting the growth and development of children

 

Mental Health Nursing

Mental health is quickly emerging as one of the most crucial aspects of medical care. It also dives deep into the modern framework for mental health care alongside the role of a mental health nurse in various settings.

 

Concepts taught as part of the syllabus include:

 

  • Evolution of mental health services

  • Concept of normal and abnormal behaviour

  • Classification of mental disorders

  • Mental status examination

  • Psycho-pharmacology

Midwifery and Obstetrical Nursing

Through this course, students will learn about the importance of midwifery and obstetrical nursing. They’ll get to understand the concepts associated with caregiving for normal and high-risk pregnant women. One can even participate in family welfare programmes after completing this course.

 

Students get hands-on knowledge about the following:

 

  • Trends and issues in midwifery and obstetrical nursing

  • Physiology and stages of labour

  • Management and diagnosis of women during the antenatal, postnatal and antenatal period

  • Physiology of puerperium

 

Pharmacology

Students pursuing this course will understand concepts like pharmacodynamics and principles related to therapeutics and its implications in nursing.

 

As a student, you’ll be able to:

 

  • Understand the basics of pharmacology

  • Understand the different types of antiseptics, disinfectants and insecticides

  • Identify the impact of various drug-acting systems in the body

Detailed Syllabus for Nursing

Semester

Core/Elective

Course Title

Subject Description

1

Anatomy

Human Anatomy

As the title says the subject of human anatomy basically deals with the workings of the human body.

 

From understanding the structure of the different parts of our body to the impact of different diseases this subject gives students a complete overview of how we function.

 

The students are going to learn about the following:

 

  • The cell structure

  • Membranes and glands - their structure and classification

  • Types of tissues

  • Nervous and sensory systems

  • Skeletal system and bones

  • Structure and classification of human joints

2

Sociology

Sociology

Introducing students to concepts associated with Sociology, the subject deals with the role of community and social institutions in the country.

 

 

Common topics covered here are:

 

  • Nature and Evolution of Culture

  • Meaning and classification of groups

  • Malthusian theory of population

  • Population explosion in India.

3

Pathology

Pathology

A rather popular subject in medical science and nursing, Pathology deals with the causes and origins of common diseases.

 

Exploring concepts such as body tissues, fluids, and organs, the candidates will learn a lot about the study and diagnosis of a disease.

 

The subject is also concerned about the disruptions in the structure and functions of the body owing to diseases.

 

Some common topics covered here include:

 

  • Importance of studying pathology

  • Infiltration and Regeneration

  • Nature and Growth of Cancer Cells - Benign and Malignant

  • Different types of blood cells

  • Methods of collecting blood specimens.

 

 

4

Genetics

Genetics

Human genealogy is an interesting phenomenon. The concept of genes and inheritance are widely discussed among people, and this subject dives deeper into the scientific aspects associated with the same.

 

Students will be able to understand how certain character traits and habits are passed from one generation to another, usually due to changes in DNA.

 

Concepts covered here include:

 

  • Concept and basics of genetics

  • Chromosomes and sex determination

  • Mendelian theory of inheritance

  • Mechanisms of Inheritance

 

 

5

Child Health

Child Health Nursing

Child health is one of the most important aspects, both in nursing and medical science.

 

Students will get to know how the environment and their lifestyle habits impact the child's growth.

 

 

Subjects covered here include:

 

  • Introduction to child health

  • Differences between adults and children - Physical, Physiological and Psychological

  • Impact of hospitalisation on children and their family

  • Accidents: Prevention and Causes

  • Immunisation against diseases

  • Nursing management in common childhood diseases.

 

 

6

Mental Health

Mental Health Nursing

This course is geared towards helping students understand the modern approach towards mental health; its prevention, and identification.

 

The mental health of an individual can impact people and their relationship with others. It can also affect their own physical health in multiple ways.

 

Some of the topics covered here include:

 

  • Perspective of Mental Health and Mental Health Nursing

 

  • Prevalence of mental health problems

 

  • Concept of normal and abnormal behaviour

 

  • Aetiology and bio-psycho-social factors

 

  • Principles of mental health nursing

 

  • Standards of mental health nursing

 

  • Therapeutic Communication: Types, Techniques and Characteristics

 

  • Nursing management of patients with mental health disorders

 

7

Nursing Research and Statistics

Nursing Research and Statistics

This subject deals with the ethics of nursing, alongside a basic understanding of the research process.

 

Students will also conduct or participate in research studies across different scenarios. They'll be able to use the findings of the research to offer quality nursing care to patients.

 

Topics covered here include:

 

  • Introduction and Definition of Nursing Research and Research

 

  • Characteristics of Good Research

 

  • Need and Importance of Nursing Research

 

  • Identifying problem areas

 

  • Research Approaches

 

  • Population, Sample and Sampling

 

8

Medical-Surgical Nursing

Medical-Surgical Nursing

This is a practical subject focused on care-giving for adult patients who are unwell owing to different diseases and medical conditions.

 

Candidates will get to learn about the below components:

 

  • Assessment of neurological status.

 

  • Care-giving for patients with spinal and head injuries

 

  • Assessing severity of burns

 

  • Assistance in OT setup

 

  • Performing ECG and interpret accordingly

 

  • Supervising infection control

 

  • Administering rehydration therapy

 

  • Observing reconstruction surgery

 

Specialisations offered in Nursing

Specialisation

Subjects

Description

Diploma in Critical Care Nursing

  • Anatomy

  • Psychology

  • Professional trends and adjustments

  • Clinical nursing

  • Nursing management in critical care conditions

This course has been created to offer students an opportunity to become an expert in critical care medicine. You can further develop skills required for ethical, patient-centred practice for critical care.

Diploma in Home Nursing

  • Sociology

  • Importance and role of personal hygiene

  • First Aid

  • Medical surgical nursing

  • Fundamental of nursing

This specialised course is ideal for individuals looking to pursue a career in the field of in-home nursing.

 

Here you shall learn about the various methods one can use for care-giving. It also talks about the process of treating them to save their lives.

Diploma in Emergency and Ophthalmic Care Management

  • Basic science in ophthalmology

  • General anatomy and physiology

  • Optics, refraction and ophthalmic equipment

  • Optics and refraction glasses

  • Common eye disorders

  • Health education

This is a one-year specialised course that trains people on how to deal with disorders and infections of the eye.

 

Students can choose this specialisation if they want to focus on ophthalmology as a career.

Diploma in Nursing Administration

  • Practical aspects of nursing

  • Administration of Health Services in India

  • Group dynamics

  • Resource management

  • Supervision, counselling and guidance

This is a one-year programme focused on helping in-service nurses with the skills needed to manage nursing staff at a hospital or medical institution.

This includes everything from policy formulation and decision-making to drawing up budgets.

Books and Authors related to Nursing

The following table brings the list of top books and their authors which are taught in the Nursing curriculum.

Subject

Book title

Authors

Description of book

Sociology

Introduction to Sociology

Prem Sharma

This book offers students an in-depth look at how human society functions on a daily basis, while also recommending ways to handle them during the process of care-giving.

Human Anatomy

Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology

Elaine Marieb & Suzzane Keller

This book offers students a complete overview of how human anatomy functions. With multiple illustrative examples and diagrams, the authors emphasise the various aspects of anatomy and physiology.

Psychology

Psychology for Nurses

R Sreevani

Organised into 9 chapters, this book is the ideal resource for students to understand the utility and applications of psychology in nursing.

 

It includes a glossary of related terms alongside illustrations and diagrams.

Nutrition

Food and Nutrition for Nurses

Ruma Singh

This book highlights the importance of nutrition, both in general and special situations. Ideal for nurses and nutrition graduates alike, it covers an extensive amount of information in the form of illustrative examples, diagrams and tables.

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FAQs Regarding Nursing Syllabus

Q: Is it necessary to qualify NEET to get admission into BSc Nursing?

A: NEET score is acceptable by many colleges for admissions into BSc Nursing courses. However, some universities conduct their own entrance exams.

Q: Can a candidate pursue MBBS after completing BSc in Nursing?

A: Since the upper age limit has been scrapped from the NEET eligibility criteria, candidates can appear for NEET and pursue MBBS, if they qualify for the exam, after completing BSc in Nursing. 

Q: What are some necessary skills for a BSc Nursing candidate?

A: Apart from getting a degree, a BSc Nursing candidate must have the following skills:

  • Communications skills

  • Time management

  • Managing patient charts

  • Recording vitals of patients

  • CPR & First Aid

 

Q: Is JIPMER a good nursing college in India?

A: Yes, JIPMER is one of the best medical colleges in India which offers BSc Nursing programme. 

Q: Do I need Maths to pursue a career in nursing?

A: No, you don't need Maths to pursue a career in Nursing.

Q: When is mental health nursing taught as part of the syllabus?

A: The subject of mental health nursing is taught during the sixth semester of BSc Nursing.

Q: What are some common entrance exams for nursing-related courses?

A: Some common entrance exams for nursing-related courses include:

  • Indian Army BSc Nursing

  • AIIMS Nursing

  • AFMC Nursing Exam

  • PGIMER Nursing

Q: What are some top books for aspiring nurses?

A: Some good books for aspiring nurses are:

  • Portable RN: The All-in-One Nursing Reference

  • Saunders Comprehensive Review of NCLEX-RN examination

  • Nursing Drug Handbook 2022

Q: Is Computer Science also taught as part of the BSc Nursing syllabus?

A: Yes, the basics of Computer Science are taught as part of the BSc Nursing syllabus.

Q: Will I receive hands-on, practical training of principles and techniques of Nursing?

A: Yes, there are ample practical and lab sessions to help you get hands-on training of nursing techniques.

Q: Can I complete my nursing degree via distance mode?

A: Yes, you can complete your BSc in Nursing via distance mode. Many top colleges offer distance learning programmes in this field, making it highly lucrative.

Q: What is the average annual fee for a BSc in Nursing?

A: The average annual fee for BSc in Nursing is INR 48,000 to INR 72,000. It can also vary depending upon the college and course you apply for.

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.
13 Courses
50 K - 6.36 L
4.5
80 K
5.0
1 Course
38.32 K
4.5
400 - 2.4 K
20 - 24 LPA
13 Courses
1.2 K - 26.58 K
8 - 24 LPA
4 Courses
24 K - 50 K
4.4

Popular Private Nursing Colleges in India

74 K - 2.49 L
1.8 L - 8 L
13 Courses
50 K - 6.36 L
4.5
1 Course
4.8 L
4.7
4.0

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.

4 Jul ' 25 - 7 Jul ' 25

Indian Army BSc Nursing Application Correction

15 Jun ' 25 - 2 Jul ' 25

Indian Army BSc Nursing Application Forms

24 Oct ' 25 - 28 Oct ' 25

RUHS Nursing Counselling Round-3 Institute Report...

23 Oct ' 25

RUHS Nursing Counselling Round-3 Seat Allotment

Oct '25

JCECE Counselling Downloading of Seat Allotment L...

TENTATIVE

Oct '25

JCECE Counselling Seat Allotment 2025

TENTATIVE

11 Aug ' 25 - 14 Aug ' 25

PGIMER BSc Nursing Counselling 2025

9 Aug ' 25

PGIMER BSc Nursing Result 2025

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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Answered 2 days ago

Hi...

  • Ved Nursing College has a separate girls’ hostel facility. 

  • According to one listing of 2025-26 hostel/room options: annual hostel + mess fees are given as ₹ 60,000 (single room), ₹ 40,000 (double-sharing), or ₹ 30,000 (triple sharing). Mess fee is listed as ₹ 30,000 per year under that listing.

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heena agrawal

Scholar-Level 17

Answered 2 weeks ago

About 130+ Nursing colleges in Bihar, out of which, 30 are private colleges, 18 are government colleges and public-private entities own 2 colleges. BCECE and DCECE are the most accepting entrance exams of the top Nursing colleges in Bihar. Top colleges are Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Scienc

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T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

The institute has not announced the fees for the AY 2025-26. When PGIMER will announce the fee, students will be able to pay it using debit or credit card. Last year, the application fee for this course was INR 1,500 for the general and OBC categories and INR 1,200 for the SC/ST category.

P

Pallavi Pathak

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

PGIMER does not accept the NEET UG score. You need to appear in the PGIMER BSc Nursing exam separately for the BSc Nursing program. To appear in this examination, students must have completed the Class 12 examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English subjects. A separate counseling will

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Pallavi Pathak

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

To appear in this exam, the students must have completed the BSc Nursing/Post Basic Nursing with a minimum of 55%. It should be completed from a recognised institute. They should also have a minimum of one year of work experience working in a hospital with a minimum of 100 beds. The student should b

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P

Pallavi Pathak

Contributor-Level 10

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