Nursing Courses: All About Eligibility, Top Exams, Career Scope, Jobs
Nursing courses offer a promising career to students interested in pursuing it. Prestigious institutions such as AIIMS, PGIMER, BHU, and JIPMER, among others, are top choices among nursing aspirants. Read on to learn more about nursing courses and related job opportunities here.
Nursing Career in India
Nursing as a career is one of the most sought-after professional degrees in the healthcare industry in India at present. Aspirants interested in pursuing a nursing career can apply for a diploma in nursing, as well as bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing. Nursing Courses can be pursued after completing 10th grade in various ways, including diploma degrees in nursing, Ayurvedic nursing, and other related fields, as well as other nursing certifications. A professional nursing degree, such as a GNM, ANM, BSc Nursing, or MSc Nursing, can be pursued after obtaining 45-50 percent marks in Biology, Physics, and Chemistry in the 12th grade.
GNM and ANM are career-oriented nursing programmes that feature a 6-month mandatory internship during the course's duration. General nursing, adult nursing, medical-surgical nursing, and mental health nursing are some of the most common specialities available after completing a BSc Nursing degree. Top Nursing Colleges such as AIIMS (campuses), CMC Vellore, and PGIMER Chandigarh are well-known for providing the best nursing programmes to their students. Admission to such institutions is determined by the results of entrance tests that are administered by the institutions at the time of admission. Nurses who graduate from reputable institutions may expect to earn an annual salary ranging between INR 3,00,000 and INR 7,50,000.
- Nursing Courses: Types based on Degree
- Nursing Courses: Fees and Duration
- Nursing Certificate Programs
- Diploma in Nursing
- Master's in Nursing
- Nursing Jobs
- Nursing Salary
- BSc Nursing Salary
Nursing Courses: Types based on Degree
Here are a few types of nursing courses that anyone can pursue if interested in the field of medical science:
- Non-Degree Courses: Nurses who do not have a bachelor's degree, such as Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), fall into this group. Because these nurses lack a nursing degree, they must undergo training and certification to execute their jobs. A CNA must normally finish an eight-week training programme, whereas an LPN must complete a year-long curriculum.
- Degree Courses: Registered Nurses are included in this category (RNs). An associate's degree in nursing, a bachelor's degree in nursing, or a certification from a hospital-based special programme are all acceptable credentials for RNs. RNs who have earned a bachelor's degree have more job opportunities than those who have earned an associate's degree.
- Advanced Degree Courses: Nurses with an advanced degree must have completed a master's or doctorate-level programme. Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Clinical Nurse Leaders (CNLs), Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs), Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists are all Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) with master's degrees (CRNAs). Nurses who have achieved a doctorate are known as Doctors of Nursing.
Nursing Courses: Fees and Duration
The sections below go through the many levels of nursing education, such as certificate nursing courses, diploma nursing courses, undergraduate nursing courses, and postgraduate nursing courses.
Nursing Certificate Programs
Short-term certificate nursing courses teach the principles of nursing or assist in concentrating on a specific sector or area of competence.
There are a variety of certificate nursing courses offered, including Critical Care Nursing, Pharmacy, Paramedical, General Nursing and Midwifery, Practical Nursing, and others.
Online nursing courses, such as those given by Medvarsity and EdX, among others, can also assist in expanding one's knowledge and pursuing nursing specialities.
Admissions to certificate nursing programmes vary depending on the course and the nursing college to which the applicant applied. Some nursing programmes require students to have completed their 10th-grade examinations to be admitted.
However, passing class 12 tests is the minimal requirement for most certificate nursing programmes:
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| Course Name | Nursing Courses Fees in INR |
|---|---|
| Certificate in Baby Nursing and Child Care | 25,000 |
| Certificate Course in Home-Based Care Helper | 10,500 |
| Certificate in Maternity Nursing Assistant | 1,700 |
| Certificate in Nursing Administration | 18,000 |
| Certificate in Ayurvedic Nursing | 20,000 - 90,000 |
| Certificate in Home Nursing | 20,000 - 90,000 |
| Certificate in Primary Nursing Management | 20,000 - 90,000 |
Diploma in Nursing
A diploma in nursing offers the following benefits. Here are some salient features of pursuing a diploma in nursing:
- A diploma in nursing is a one-year training programme that may be completed after passing class 12 examinations and is a year shorter than a bachelor's degree in nursing.
- Students must take a 6-month internship programme after completing their nursing education to expand their experience.
- The most popular courses in this area are ANM and GNM. A student must have finished class 12 examinations with a minimum aggregate of 50 per cent from a recognised board to be eligible for a diploma in nursing.
- In addition, the student must have a minimum of two years of general nursing and midwifery experience.
- If this requirement is not reached, the student must finish a six-month certificate programme in nursing as authorised by the Indian Nursing Council.
- For diploma courses, admissions are largely based on merit. These nursing programmes do not require any entrance tests.
| Course Name | Nursing Courses Fees in INR |
|---|---|
| GNM Course | 20,000 - 1,50,000 |
| ANM Course | 10,000 - 60,000 |
| Diploma in Nursing | 21,000 - 92,000 |
| Diploma in Home Nursing | 20,000 - 90,000 |
| Diploma in Nursing Administration | 20,000 - 90,000 |
| PG Diploma in Neo-Natal Nursing | 10,000 |
| PG Diploma in Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Nursing | 10,217 |
GNM Nursing Course
Nursing Courses are offered at a variety of levels. Known as the GNM Programme (General Nursing and Midwifery), the GNM Course is a 3.5-year diploma course in Nursing that includes a 6-month mandatory internship. Students who have finished class 12 in the science stream with English as a necessary subject are eligible to apply for the Nursing Course GNM programme. The usual price for a GNM course is between INR 20,000 and INR 1,50,000 each year, depending on the location.
Yes, KGMU Lucknow conducts a separate entrance exam for granting admission to the BSc nursing programme. The NEET UG aspirants are required to separately appear for the KGMU BSc nursing entrance exam in order to seek admission to the top nursing institute of India.
Yes, candidates will have to appear for the AIIMS nursing 2026 entrance exam because NEET UG is not accepted by the AIIMS for nursing courses. AIIMS Delhi conducts a separate exam for granting admission to AIIMS BSc nursing program
Only FEMALE candidates who have cleared class 12 exams or equivalent exam from a recognised board with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English subjects and have secured a minimum of 55 per cent marks in aggregate in class 12 and SC/ST category candidates should have secured 50 per cent in aggregate. The detailed eligibility criteria is provided in the programme prospectus released by the exam conducting authorities.
The AIIMS nursing entrance is conducted for admission to AIIMS BSc (hons). A separate entrance exam is conducted for admission to the AIIMS Nursing (Post Basic) programme. In 2025, AIIMS BSc (hons) will be held on June 1, 2025, and AIIMS Nursing (Post Basic) entrance is scheduled for June 21, 2025. Candidates must check the AIIMS Nursing eligibility criteria mentioned below to appear for the entrance exam:
Eligibilty Criteria for AIIMS BSc (Hons)
- It is mandatory to clear or have passed Class 12 exams or equivalent exams from a recognised board with Physics Chemistry, Biology and English subjects.
- Candidate must have secured a minimum of 55 per cent marks in aggregate in class 12.
- SC/ST category candidates should have secured 50 per cent in aggregate.
Eligibilty Criteria for AIIMS BSc (Post basic)
- To appear in the BSc (Post basic) nursing exam, candidates possessing a Diploma in GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) from any Indian Nursing Council recognised institution are eligible to apply.
- In addition, the applicant must have registered themselves as nurses or midwives with the State Nursing Council.
- A mandatory six months of training as a registered nurse.
KGMU registration 2025 will be done through online mode at the official website, kgmu.org. The KGMU, Lucknow will announce the dates for the academic session 2025 in September tentatively.
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ANM Nursing Course
ANM Training or Auxiliary Nursing Certification is a Licensed midwifery two-year diploma programme in nursing that includes a six-month mandatory internship. The most fundamental nursing education that may be followed after completing class 12 with a science or arts stream is the associate's degree in nursing. The average ANM course price ranges from INR 10,000 to INR 60,000 per annum, depending on the location.
Bachelor's (BSc) in Nursing
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing) is the most sought-after degree among those wishing to pursue a nursing career. Nursing is a four-year degree programme that may be pursued after graduating from class 12 and passing the appropriate admission tests, according to the most basic definition.
Additionally, in addition to the BSc Nursing degree, the BSc (Hons) Nursing degree and the Post Basic BSc in Nursing degree are also offered, with their own set of qualifications and qualifying criteria.
The eligibility criteria for the Post Basic BSc in Nursing and the BSc (Hons.) in Nursing require the candidate to have a diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery, as well as a class 12 certificate to be considered. Registered nurses and registered midwives must be members of one of the state nursing registration councils to be considered.
For consideration for admission to the BSc in Nursing programme, the candidate must have completed class 12 with a 50 percent overall grade point average and have studied the courses PCB and English. In addition, the candidate must pass the requisite admission examination.
| Course Name | Nursing Courses Fees in INR |
|---|---|
| BSc Nursing | 1,600-23,000 |
| BSC (Hons) Nursing | 3,000-5,00,000 |
| BSc Nursing Post Basic | 20,000-1,00,000 |
Specialization Courses After BSc Nursing
Students who choose to pursue nursing studies should be aware of the numerous specialities that are available to them to become nurses. The following is a list of specialities that an ambitious nursing student might select from when pursuing a nursing degree.
- Community Health Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- General Nursing
-
Adult Nursing
Master's in Nursing
Master's in Nursing Programme is designed to help candidates specialise in the domain of nursing. Here are some salient features of the programme:
- After the completion of an undergraduate degree, master's level nursing courses are designed to prepare students for specialised practice.
- Pediatric nursing, psychiatric nursing, mental health nursing, medical-surgical nursing, and other specialities are examples of what you may do in this field.
- The candidate must have earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from an institution accredited by the Indian Nursing Council with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 55 percent.
- The candidate must be a registered nurse and a registered midwife, or an equivalent, with any State Nursing Registration Council to be considered.
- Prior experience of one year or more in a nursing setting is necessary for several master's nursing programmes, in addition to passing the applicable entrance exams.
| Course Name | Nursing Courses Fee in INR |
|---|---|
| MSc Nursing | 30,000 - 1,00,000 |
| MSc Mental Health Nursing | 900 - 1,96,000 |
| MSc Community Health Nursing | 5,000 - 1,50,000 |
| MSc Child Health Nursing | 5,000 - 3,00,000 |
| MSc Paediatric Nursing | 20,000 - 1,50,000 |
| MSc Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing | 10,000 - 5,00,000 |
| MSc Medical-Surgical Nursing | 1- 3 lakhs |
| MSc Maternity Nursing | 1- 3 lakhs |
| MSc Psychiatric Nursing | 1- 3 lakhs |
Nursing Jobs
The applicants can apply for a variety of Nursing Jobs in the healthcare industry, both public and private, after completing their nursing education. These positions range from hospitals to nursing homes, among other places. Some of the employment positions that may be obtained by applicants after completing the nursing education are listed below.
| Job Role | Job Description | Salary in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Nursing Officer | They are members of the senior management team and are capable of leading people, serving as a spokesman for nurses, serving as a community leader, and demonstrating the necessary leadership qualities. | 9,00,000 – 10,00,000 |
| Critical Care Nurse | As the name implies, these nurses are responsible for the care of patients before and following surgical procedures. These nurses can also have jobs in management and as policymakers, among other things. | 2,00,000 – 4,00,000 |
| Nurse Educator | Their responsibilities include teaching other nurses how to care for patients as well as advising and mentoring future nurses. They are expected to develop and teach the curriculum at the undergraduate and graduate levels following their qualifications. | 3,38,000 |
| Registered Nurse | Individuals who deal with patients regularly, perform tests, and provide care for them are referred to as medical assistants. A registered nurse's responsibilities include providing care for patients, monitoring their health, and assisting the doctor. | 4,42,000 |
| Clinical Nurse Manager | They supervise a group of nurses and are responsible for ensuring that their units have an adequate number of staff members. They are in charge of keeping track of patient admissions and discharges, among other things. | 2,67,000 |
Nursing Salary
The income of nurses varies depending on whether they are new graduates or seasoned professionals. It also changes depending on the employment function that they take on. The following are some examples of nurse compensation packages in India.
Types of Nurses and Salaries
| Job Profile | Salary (per month) |
|---|---|
| GNM Nursing Salary | 10,000- 15,000 |
| Staff Nurse Salary | 25,000 |
| Nursing Officer Salary/ AIIMS Nursing Officer Salary | 10,000 – 35,000 |
| ANM Nursing Salary | 20,000 – 25,000 |
| Military Nursing Salary | 15,000 – 20,000 |
| Nursing Supervisor Salary | 18,000 - 30,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner Salary | 2,70,000 per annum |
| AIIMS Nurse Salary | 9,300 – 35,000 |
| MSc Nursing Salary | 35,000 – 75,000 |
BSc Nursing Salary
Following graduation from BSc Nursing, the wage that nurses are paid varies depending on the national average, the hospitals in which they work, whether they work in public or private hospitals, and the number of years of experience they have. Some of these factors are highlighted in the table below.
| Parameters | Average Salary in INR |
|---|---|
| Average Salary | 3,00,000 – 7,50,000 per annum |
| Government Sector | 25,000 per month |
| AIIMS | 3,60,000 – 4,60,000 per annum |
| Global Scope | |
| USA | 1,459 per hour |
| UK | 23,08,797 per month |
| Canada | 1,989 per hour |
| Germany | 25,33,863 per month |
| Australia | 1,770 per month |
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a year ago
AIIMS has established a tie-breaker criteria to assess the performance of candidates scoring same marks in AIIMS nursing exam. Some of the criteria are: