Updated on Sep 21, 2026 03:10 IST
Bhavya Jain

Bhavya JainContent Author

GNM course full form is General Nursing and Midwifery. It is a 3-year-long diploma program intended to train students in specific areas of Nursing practices such as rehabilitation, mental health care, maternity care, post-traumatic care, etc. It covers Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Community Health Nursing, etc.

Please note that the last batch admitted for the GNM course was the class of 2020-21. In order to bring uniformity and ensure better training to students, the Indian Nursing Council has phased out GNM course. Replacing it with 4 year traditional BSc Nursing course. But due to some legal delays, there are still a few places facing variations in implementation.

Q:   Tell me more about the GNM course plus its eligibility?
A:

General Nursing Midwifery, more commonly known as GNM, is a three-and-a-half-year Diploma course in Nursing. It comes after students complete ir class 12 examination in Science stream and n furr aspire for this Diploma course in GNM. This three years and half-long programme requires m to do an internship of six months. One of types of courses that can be used as a springboard to careers in Nursing is GNM Diploma program. In or words, GNM Diploma holders can start ir career working in public and private hospitals and clinics.
average cost of a GNM Diploma course in India ranges from INR 20,000 to 1.5 Lacs per year. It may vary according to norms of respective universities/colleges. Many institutions in India offer GNM Diploma course, and admission is provided on basis of both merit and entrance examinations.

AskShikshaGPT on App
Q:   What salary could I expect after GNM course?
A:

After a GNM course, you can explore several job options like a GNM Nurse, Midwife, Home Nurse, Travel Nurse, etc. As a fresher, you can expect a salary of INR 2.3 LPA in India, and with some years of experience, package will get higher.

Starting salary of a GNM Nurse also depends on employer. Many companies like Archean Chemical Industries, Asian Vivekanand Super Specialty Hospital, Maa Janki Hospital & Research Centre, etc., offer INR 5 - 8 LPA.

AskShikshaGPT on App
Table of contents
  • GNM Nursing Course Details
  • GNM Course: How to Apply
  • GNM Course Entrance Exams
  • Best GNM Nursing Colleges in India
  • Popular Private GNM Course Colleges in India
  • GNM Nursing Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary & Top Recruiters
  • GNM Nursing Course Syllabus
  • GNM Couse FAQs
  • Popular GNM Course UG Courses
  • Popular GNM Course PG Courses
  • Most Popular Courses
View More

GNM Nursing Course Details

GNM is a good course for people who are interested in joining the workforce as nurses. This course gives students a leg up since it is a 3 year course as compared to the 4 year BSc Nursing.

Some more details on the GNM course in India are mentioned in the table below -

Particulars

GNM Nursing Course Details

GNM Full Form

General Nursing and Midwifery

GNM Course Duration

3 years

GNM Nursing Course Level

Diploma course

GNM Nursing Course Admission Criteria

Entrance-Based/Merit-Based

GNM Eligibility Criteria

Class 12 with an aggregate score of 40% or above.

GNM Nursing Colleges

Parul University, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Aligarh Muslim University, St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, etc.

GNM Course Fees

INR 11,000 - INR 7.6 Lakh

GNM Average Annual Salary 

INR 2.9 LPA

GNM Job Profiles

Clinical Nurse Specialists, Home Nurses, Legal Nurse Consultants, Forensic Nurses, Traveling Nurses, etc.

GNM Key Employment Areas

Pharmaceutical Industry, Technical Industry, Research Labs, etc

Source - Multiple external/ official sites, data may vary.

Q:   What is better, ANM or GNM?
A:

Choosing ANM nursing or GNM courses depends upon your career path and interests. An ANM degree is beneficial for people who want a shorter course and want to start working as fast as possible.ANM nursing is specially beneficial for people from non Science background. GNM course is better for people who want broader career opportunities, advanced clinical training, or the option to later transition into a Post-Basic BSc Nursing degree.

AskShikshaGPT on App

GNM Course: How to Apply

The process of applying to and eligibility criteria for GNM course may vary from one college and university to another. Make sure all the eligibility criteria are fulfilled before you apply.

You may be required to pass the GNM course entrance examinations - 

  • National level examinations: such as CUET which is used for admissions to several government and private universities.
  • State level examinations: such as WB GNM/GNM, DCECE, etc. which are used for admission into colleges/universities in West Bengal and Bihar.

 


Eligibility Criteria for GNM Course

GNM is a diploma course, which is quite different from a degree course. This course gives practical bedside care skills to students in comparison to theoretical degree courses.

The below mentioned table will help you understand the GNM course eligibility criteria:

Parameters

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Class 12th with at least 50% marks in PCB subjects

Entrance Exams

CUET

And other state level exams

Age limitation

17 to 35 years

Q:   I want to get admission in D.pharma otherwise in GNM, please guide me with the process.
A:

D Pharma is a 2 year Diploma course which is all about study of drugs and medicines. It also includes making and testing of medicines. D Pharma graduates can find jobs in hospitals, pharmacies & pharmaceutical companies.

GNM is a 3 year Diploma course which is all about nursing and midwifery. GNM graduates can work as nurses in hospitals and clinics. 

AskShikshaGPT on App

GNM Course Entrance Exams

Entrance exams are conducted by many national, state and private universities in India. Some of them have a strict criteria of entrance only by entrance exam. But some of them accept class 12th scores for Diploma programs like GNM. Students should check eligibility criteria before applying.

 

GNM Course: National Level Exam

There are national exams which have a separate UG and PG division. Candidates must be careful while choosing and filling out examination forms.

Popular national level exams accepted for GNM courses are:

Exam

Exam Description

Exam Dates

CUET UG

The Common University Entrance Test is a national-level, computer-based exam conducted by NTA for UG and PG courses at participating central, state, deemed and private universities in India 

CUET UG Dates

Note: Information is taken from official sources and is subject to change. 

 

GNM Course: University Level Exams

Some universities conduct their own entrance exams, for entrance in their UG and PG programs. 

Popular University level exams accepted for Nursing courses are:

Exam

Exam Description

Exam Dates

NSAT

the Noida International University Scholarship cum Admission Test conducted by NIU is an annual CT for admission to various programs

NSAT Exam Dates

IUET

Integral University Entrance Test conducted by Integral University Lucknow is a CBT for admission to various UG, PG, and diploma programs in engineering, pharmacy, management and sciences

IUET Exam Dates

Note: Information is taken from official sources and is subject to change.

 

GNM Course: State Level Exams

State level exams offer an advantage to the residents of a specific state. They offer affordable, quality education with less competition in entrance exams as compared to national level exams.

Popular state level exams accepted for GNM courses are:

Exam

Exam Description

Exam Dates

WB ANM/GNM Nursing

This exam is conducted by the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board in an offline, OMR format for admission to ANM and GNM courses.

WB ANM/GNM Nursing Exam Dates

DCECE

Bihar Diploma Certificate Entrance Competitive Examination also known as the Bihar Polytechnic entrance exam is an annual, pen and paper test for admission to diploma, polytechnic, and paramedical courses in Bihar state universities

DCECE Exam Dates

Note: Information is taken from official sources and is subject to change.

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

Best GNM Nursing Colleges in India

There are over 3500 colleges which have GNM courses. Choosing the best colleges for GNM education can be tough, especially when there are a lot of options in front of candidates. At this point it becomes very important to filter them out according to your liking, budget and career plan. The following tables will give you an idea of colleges and their fees.

 

GNM Course: Private Colleges

Nursing candidates have a variety of programmes to select from besides GNM Nursing. These also include undergraduate and graduate programmes in Nursing in addition to diploma Nursing programmes. There is a wide range of GNM course colleges for students to choose from. They offer the best of everything, from faculty, to equipment and labs.

Candidates can see the table listing popular private colleges offering GNM courses below -  

Check the full list of Best GNM Course Private Colleges

 

GNM Course: Private Affordable Colleges

With so many private GNM course colleges in India, not all of them are expensive. Some colleges offer this course at very budget friendly prices.

Candidates can see the table listing popular colleges offering GNM courses in affordable fees below -  

Check the full list of Best Affordable Private GNM Course Colleges

 

GNM Course: Government Colleges

It is common knowledge that government colleges are the most sought after in India. This is because they are the best of both worlds. They offer the best academics along with offering courses at great price points.

Candidates can see the table listing popular government colleges offering GNM courses below -  

GNM Course Colleges

Fees (in INR)

Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna

45,000

Jamia Hamdard

2,40,000

Check the full list of Best Government GNM Course Colleges

1 Course
₹6.04 L
4.3
─

Nursing Applications open. Apply Now

12 Courses
₹50 K - 9.64 L
4.5
─

Nursing Applications open. Apply Now

₹35 K - 8.4 L
4.5
─
₹200 - 1.4 K
₹20 - 50 LPA
─
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
─
Q:   I have passed 12th with agriculture. Can I do GNM nursing from any college?
A:

To pursue GNM Nursing, you must meet eligibility criteria decided by college authorities and government. 

Main eligibility is candidate must have studied PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) combination with compulsory English language in 10+2. minimum marks may vary from college to college. 

Some colleges or universities may require to clear an entrance exam. 

However, after clearing 12th with specific marks required, you are eligible to apply for GNM Nursing.

I hope it will help. 

Q:   Which GNM college offers the best placement opportunities in India?
A:

Candidates can see table listing some popular and best colleges which give best placement package in India for GNM candidates - 

GNM CollegesAverage Package Offered
KINS - Kalinga Institute of Nursing SciencesINR 6.2 LPA
Assam Downtown UniversityINR 2.02 - 5.5 LPA
Indian AcademyINR 4.5 LPA
Sister Nivedita UniversityINR 4.5 LPA
Usha Martin UniversityINR 4.1 LPA

Note: Info is taken from other sources and can be different.

Popular Private GNM Course Colleges in India

3 Courses
₹10.04 L - 11.64 L
₹10 LPA
─
6 Courses
₹1.8 L - 5.6 L
─
─
─
2 Courses
₹1.8 L - 3 L
₹3.5 LPA
─
─
8 Courses
₹1.36 L - 3.48 L
₹3.2 LPA
─
─
4 Courses
₹1.6 L - 2.9 L
4.8
─
2 Courses
₹4.05 L - 9.6 L
─
─
─

Nursing Applications open. Apply Now

GNM Nursing Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary & Top Recruiters

GNM Nursing freshers are competent enough to serve at various hospitals and organisations after completing diploma. They can start their GNM Nursing career by joining as a Home Nurse, Health Visitor, Community Health Worker, Basic Health Worker, Rural Health Worker, Aanganwadi and ASHA worker. 

GNM Nursing Job Profiles

Candidates can check top-paying GNM Nursing job profiles that candidates can opt for in table below - 

Job Profile

Job Description

Average Salary

ICU Nurses

Their job is tough as they have to provide high-level and specialized care to patients who are critically ill and managing complex, life-threatening conditions, that too 24/7.

INR 3.3 - 3.7 LPA

Legal Consulting Nurses

Legal Nurse Consultants are registered nurses who offer medical data to legal entities, research organizations, and experts in medicine-related cases. data will be related to care, surveying medical records, or preparing reports and outlines about wounds or sicknesses.

INR 7.1 - 7.9 LPA

Forensic Nurses

Forensic nurses are held responsible for caring for victims of assault, child and elder abuse, domestic violence, neglect, and sexual crimes. Besides treating casualties and emergencies, Forensic Nurses are also responsible for gathering and securing evidence in cases of conflicts and reported crimes.

INR 3 - 4.2 LPA

Clinical/Hospital Nurses

Clinical Nurse Specialists work in doctor's facilities, hospitals, clinics, medical centres, and other healthcare centres. They are typically specialists in particular areas, for example, Diabetology, Pediatrics, Obstetrician and Cardiovascular Health, or Public Policy.

INR 3.7 - 4.1 LPA

Home Nurses

A Home Nurse is a healthcare professional who constantly takes care of sick or homebound or helps in functioning of medical offices having staff limitations. Some Home Nurses work and commute between hospitals, schools, and clinics.

INR 2.8 - 3.3 LPA

Nurse midwives

Nurse midwives provide primary care, reproductive health, and gynecological services, focusing on pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum care for low-risk women.

INR 2.7 - 3 LPA

Note: Salary is taken from Ambitionbox.com.

GNM Nursing Top Recruiters

Candidates can check a list of top recruiters in India who employ GNM Nursing course graduates in table below:

GNM Nursing Top Recruiters

Indian Red Cross Society

Max Hospital

Community Health Centres

Manipal Hospital

Apollo Hospitals Enterprise

Fortis Healthcare

Medanta Medicity

Columbia Asia Hospital

Global Hospitals

Wockhardt Hospitals

Q:   Which Nursing job profile is highly paid?
A:

Highest Nursing job is Senior Staff Nurse.

They manage junior staff nurses and Nursing students to make sure patients get best care. 

These nurses are give nursing care to such patients. 

GNM Nursing Course Syllabus

GNM Nursing is focused on theoretical as well as practical subjects with core and elective subjects which help candidates understand the concepts of GNM. Candidates should know that syllabus and the curriculum can be different according to the colleges.

Candidates can see table shoing a general outline of the semester wise syllabus fot GNM Nursing -

GNM Nursing Subjects Year I
Anatomy and Physiology Microbiology
Psychology Sociology
Fundamentals of Nursing Community Health Nursing I
Environmental Hygiene Health Education and Communication Skills
Nutrition English
GNM Nursing Subjects Year II
Medical Surgical Nursing I Medical-Surgical Nursing II
Mental Health Nursing Child Health Nursing
GNM Nursing Subjects Year III
Community Health Nursing II Midwifery and Gynaecological Nursing
Introduction to Research Administration and Ward Management
Professional Trends and Adjustment Training and Internship

Note: Info is taken from other sources and can be different.

Q:   Which type of Nursing specialisation offers best job?
A:

There are many specialisations for candidtes which they can choose from according to their liking. Candidates can see following list showing popular Nursing specialisations they can opt for - 

  • Certified registered nurse anaesthetist

  • Dean of Nursing

  • General nurse practitioner

  • Certified nurse midwife

  • Paediatric Nurse

Q:   Which books are recommended for GNM program?
A:

Here are some popular books recommended for GNM students for more knowledge on base subjects:

GNM BooksAuthors
Anatomy, Physiology, and MicrobiologyKaarna Muni Sekhar
Community Health NursingS. Bhagya Lakshmi
Medical-Surgical NursingP.M. Pratibha
Child Health NursingS. Gomathi
Community Health NursingG. Gnanaprasune
Paediatric NursingGomathi

Note: Info is taken from other sources and can be different.

GNM Couse FAQs

Candidates can refer below for General Nursing and Midwifery Course FAQs.

Q:   Which is better: B.Sc Nursing or GNM?
A:

Undergraduate degree course in BSc Nursing is a four-year program. curriculum is designed to shape competent nursing professionals through a unique synthesis of theoretical and practical study.
In GNM, a three-and-a-half-year Diploma course is pursued with a six-month internship. eligibility criteria by which student shall be awarded General Nursing and Midwifery degree are by passing in any stream from any recognised board or institution in Class 12th by securing 45% recommended marks. Students at completion of this course are prepared to care for individuals, families, and communities.
While one is pursuing a BSc Nursing course, it is undoubtedly much better than General Nursing and Midwifery if one wants an excellent career in healthcare sector. A BSc Nursing degree has better potential for promoting its holder in career growth, future education opportunities, and financial compensation, unlike a General Nursing and Midwifery course.

Q:   Who can do the GNM course?
A:

This GNM is available for candidates who have a wish to work in medical field. candidates who are willing to work as a nurse, midwife, or any assistant related to welfare of society must be engaged in a similar work, or else candidates must join this course. Candidates willing to assist people with compassion for working to treat people under medical personnel can surely join GNM Nursing programme.
Qualifying examination having passed Class 12 with English and should have secured a minimum of 40% in aggregate also in qualifying examination separately and also in English from any recognised board. Candidates who have been admitted to National Institute of Open Schools can also apply provided that institute is approved by Central Government, State Open Schools duly recognised by State Government.

Q:   Is GNM hard to study?
A:

There is no denying difficulty of GNM courses. There is a lot of stuff to learn, tests are challenging, timetables are complicated, and homework keeps coming. All of these elements could make life difficult for you as a student. nursing field is quite competitive from time you begin application process until you graduate.

A lot of information and work is required for Nursing school. New issues present fresh opportunities for learning. Once you begin Nursing college, going to doctor, viewing medical documentaries, and considering what to look for on a prescription label will all take on entirely new meanings.

Q:   Can I give MPSC or UPSC exam after GNM diploma?
A:

Yes, you can appear for UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) and MPSC (Maharashtra Public Service Commission) exams with a 12th and Diploma qualification. However, these exams typically require a minimum of a bachelor's degree from a recognised university. 
basic requirement for giving UPSC exam is graduation, and your marks don't matter. You can give exam in your final year. 
You can apply for civil services examination if you fulfill following eligibility criteria:

  • You are a graduate in any discipline
  • You must have age between 21 to 32 years 
  • applicant must have completed his/her graduation in any stream from recognised State or central university approved by UGC
Q:   Which course will I get in Australia with great scope after completing GNM?
A:

Hi,

To practice as nurse, you need to register with Australian government first. To work in Australia, overseas nurses should become qualified enough to meet Australian standards and to register with Australian nursing board. In Australia each state has separate nursing boards and different nursing programs to become qualified and registered in their state. But nurses with any state nursing council registration can register in any state and can work in Australia. There are three ways in which overseas Nurses can enter Registration and profession in Australia. 1. By successfully completing overseas Nurses Pre Registration Course 2. By successfully completing Australian Registered Nurse Training Program 3. By enrolling an Australian University for a Nursing Degree where they may be granted some credit for previous study. You can also take diplomas in health management to get good jobs in hospitals, clinics, etc.

Q:   Can I pursue GNM course after completing 12th from humanities stream?
A:

Hi,

Even after finishing class 12th with Arts or Commerce streams, aspirants can pursue a rewarding profession in nursing. Auxiliary Nursing Midwife ANM and General Nursing Midwife GNM Diploma programmes are available to students who have finished their class 12th examinations with Arts and Commerce streams.

Q:   Can I pursue B.Sc nursing after completing GNM?
A:

Of course, you can opt for BSc Nursing after completing GNM program. It is usually referred to as a basic BSc Nursing program, allowing Registered Nurses to go for higher studies along with a GNM diploma. A Post Basic BSc Nursing will be slightly shorter in compared to BSc Nursing course.

Q:   How can I get admission into a GNM course in Delhi?
A:

Some nursing colleges may conduct their own entrance exams or interview rounds for selection of candidates.

GNM Admission is primarily conducted through state-specific entrance exams. Also, basic eligibility criteria for GNM Admission is that students must pass class 12, with more than 40% having English as a subject of study. Furthermore, GNM Nursing eligibility criteria may vary slightly from state to state.

WB GNM Nursing Admission is done based on WB ANM-GNM Entrance Exam. States like Kerala, Punjab, and Odisha conduct GNM Admission Process based on a candidate's marks in their previous qualifying exam

 

Popular GNM Course UG Courses

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

UG Courses

Popular GNM Course PG Courses

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

PG Courses

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...