Nursing Courses in India: Admission, Eligibility, Exams

Nursing Courses prepare candidates to work in the healthcare profession focusing mainly on providing healthcare support, medical assistance, and providing post operative care and support. The Nursing Courses in India can be divided into 3 types: Certificate, Diploma, and Degree level nursing courses. The list of popular nursing courses is the BSc Nursing , Diploma in Nursing , and Post Basic B.Sc Nursing . Other popular nursing courses are BSc Nursing (Post Certificate), MSc Nursing, and Diploma in Home Nursing. The average course fee for the nursing courses ranges from INR 20,000 to INR 2,00,000. Some of the popular colleges offering Nursing courses are All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Acharya Institute of Health Science, Armed Forces Medical College, National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences, and B.M. Birla College of Nursing. The admission to nursing courses is done based on state and central level exams like AIIMS BSc Nursing, JENPAS UG , AIIMS MSc Nursing Exam , AIIMS BSc Nursing Exam, and WBJEE JEMScN.

It is important to mention that the duration of nursing courses varies from 6 months to 4 years. For instance, the duration of undergraduate nursing courses in India is 3.5 to 4 years. While the postgraduation degree is conducted for 2 years. Candidates wondering “How to Get Admission in Nursing Courses” need to go through the guidelines suggested by the Indian Nursing Council. As per the eligibility criteria of nursing courses, students need to pass a higher secondary degree with at least 45% to 50% marks in aggregate. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology must be the core subjects of students at the 10+2 level. Aspirants have to meet the cutoff marks to get admission to nursing courses in India. The average salary scale for professional graduates of Nursing courses ranges from INR 2,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 annually. Some popular designations after passing Nursing courses in India include Chief Nursing Officer, Nurse Educator, Critical Care Nurse, Clinical Nurse Manager, and Registered Nurse. Read the article below to learn more about Nursing courses and other latest updates.

Also read: Full Form of Different Medical and Nursing Courses

Why Choose Nursing Courses?

Nursing Course is one of the most sought after courses in India. Students have to pass a higher secondary degree in the science stream. Professional graduates of the list of nursing courses are trained to work in clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. The average course fee for Nursing courses in India ranges from INR 20,000 to INR 2,00,000 per annum. With the constant rise in the healthcare industry, the demand for nursing jobs is increasing. Before discussing more, let us discuss about benefits of choosing nursing courses.

1. Essential Healthcare Role : Nursing courses in India are the backbone of healthcare. It provides vital support to patients emotionally and physically. The responsibilities of a nurse include administering medication, providing therapies, and offering comfort to patients and their families

2. Diverse Career Paths : Completing nursing courses opens up diverse career avenues, including community care, hospitals, public health organizations, and long-term care facilities. With a bachelor's degree typically lasting four years, graduates have numerous career options.

3. Promising Future : All nursing courses offer a financially secure and promising future. With various educational paths, including certificates, diplomas, undergraduate, and postgraduate degrees, nursing provides a gateway to a bright and rewarding career.

Also Read: Top BSc Nursing Colleges

Types of Nursing Courses in India

There are mainly three types of Nursing Courses in India: Degree, Diploma, and Certificate nursing courses. The choice among these three depends on the career requirements of the student. Explore the average fees, course duration, and other details regarding these three types of Nursing Courses in India.

List of Nursing Courses in India After 12th

Candidates have a wide range of alternative Nursing courses to select from at the undergraduate level, including several specializations and types of Nursing courses.  Aspirants can choose between a Nursing degree and a certificate or diploma course, based on their preferences. Students who wish to pursue Nursing courses in India after 12th can apply for a wide range of undergraduate and diploma degrees. The list of nursing courses at the UG or PG level has been provided below for prospective students to review.

Undergraduate Degree Courses in Nursing

Table given below consists of various types of nursing courses in India for students who wish to pursue their undergraduate degree in Nursing Courses.

Course Name	Nursing Course Duration	UG Nursing Course Fee
BSc Nursing	4 Years	INR 20,000 - INR 2.5 LPA
BSc Nursing (Hons.)	2 Years	INR 40,000 - INR 1.75 LPA
Post-Basic BSc Nursing	2 Years	INR 40,000 - INR 1.75 LPA
BSc Nursing (Post Certificate)	2 Years	INR 40,000 - INR 1.75 LPA

Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma Courses in Nursing

Students can pursue certificate or diploma Nursing Courses to enter in the paramedical field in less time. The course duration of Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma Courses in Nursing can start from 6 months and go up to 3 years. Also, the Nursing Course fees for Diplomas and Certificates are comparatively lesser in comparison to regular UG or PG Nursing Degree courses. Refer to the table below to know more about the certificate or diploma nursing courses offered in India.

Course Name	Nursing Course Duration	Nursing Courses Fees
ANM Course	2 Years	INR 10,000 - INR 60,000
GNM Course	3 years - 3.5 years	INR 20,000 - 1.5 LPA
Advanced Diploma in Ophthalmic Care Management	2 Years	INR 10,000 - INR 2 LPA
Diploma in Home Nursing	1 Year	INR 20,000 - INR 90,000
Diploma in Emergency and Trauma Care Technician	2 Years	INR 20,000 - INR 90,000
Diploma in Nursing Administration	3 Years	INR 20,000 - INR 90,000
Diploma in Neuro Nursing course	2 Years	INR 20,000 - INR 90,000
Diploma in Health Assistant (DHA)	1 Year	INR 20,000 - INR 90,000
Certificate course in Ayurvedic Nursing	1 Year	INR 20,000 - INR 90,000
Certificate in Home Nursing course	1 Year	INR 20,000 - INR 90,000
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	INR 20,000 - INR 90,000

Nursing Courses Eligibility Criteria

To get a detailed insight into the requirements for each programme mentioned in the Nursing courses list below, let us take a glance at the eligibility criteria required to be fulfilled by each candidate for different Nursing courses and Degrees in India:

ANM Course

The course duration of Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery (ANM) is 2 years. ANM Nursing course focuses on providing basic nursing care to individuals, families, and communities. Students planning to enroll in the ANM Course are required to have Physics, Chemistry and Biology as core subjects. Refer to the table given below for the eligibility criteria of Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery Course.

GNM Course

General Nursing and Midwifery or GNM Nursing is a diploma course. Students applying for the entrance exams must be physically and mentally fit. Apart from this, there are other eligibility criteria set by the exam conducting bodies, check out the table below to know the eligibility criteria for the GNM Nursing Course.

BSc Nursing

The minimum age required to pursue BSc Nursing Courses in India is 17 years. Similar to the subjects required of all types of nursing courses, students must have Physics, Chemistry and Biology as their core subjects in the class 12 board examination. For more information on the Eligibility Criteria for BSc Nursing Course, check out the table given below.

Post-Basic BSc Nursing

Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing (PB-B.Sc.) is a 2 year undergraduate degree course. Students who have completed their diploma or certificate course in Nursing are eligible to apply for admission into Post-Basic BSc Nursing.

MSc Nursing

Candidates must complete a Bachelor in Nursing before applying for the MSc Nursing Course. The table mentioned below consists of the eligibility criteria required to enrol in MSc Nursing course in India.

Nursing Courses Entrance Exams in India

What are Certificate Course in Nursing?

Certificate courses are short-term programs that can provide the candidates with the basic knowledge of nursing or specialised nursing courses. These courses are generally pursued by the candidates for upskilling or gaining knowledge of a specific nursing field and academic course. The candidates can check some of the top nursing certificate courses, average fees, course duration in the table below:

Nursing Courses Eligibility

Before pursing the Nursing courses, the candidates must be aware of the eligibility criteria. Failing which, the candidature of the candidate will remain cancelled. After passing class 10, the candidates can pursue basic nursing certifications in healthcare sector and related field. For pursuing most of the formal nursing courses, passing class 12th is the basic eligibility criteria for the candidates. The candidates must first clear class 12th with Biology as one of the main subjects and then apply for nursing courses in different college/universities. After class 12th, the candidates can opt for diploma courses like ANM or GNM or undergraduate courses like BSc Nursing. However, before applying, the candidates must read the information brochure PDF for different colleges/universities.

Diploma Courses in Nursing

Diploma courses in nursing aim to provide the candidates with the general nursing skills that will prepare them for different roles in healthcare and allied fields. Apart from the general diploma in nursing course, ANM and GNM are the most pursued nursing diploma courses. The candidates can check different diploma courses in the following table alongwith the course duration and average fees.

Read More: List of Nursing After 10th

Post- Basic Diploma Courses in Nursing

In various course specializations, the Diploma courses are also offered as post-basic diplomas to the candidates willing to pursue higher studies in medical field. These courses focus on providing advanced knowledge and skillset to already working nurses in variou shospitals/clinincs. These courses are short term courses providing impetus to career and job designation after completion. The candidates willing to pursue post-basic diploma course in Nursing can check some of the top post-basic diploma courses in the table below along with the course duration and average salary:

Core Nursing Courses Subjects in India

Here is the list of all the core subjects that are taught in types of Nursing courses in India.

Microbiology	Nutrition
Physiology	English
Nursing Foundations	Child Health Nursing
Mental Health Nursing	Midwifery and Obstetrical Nursing
Pharmacology	Nursing Education
Clinical Speciality I and II	Nursing Management

1-Year Duration: Nursing Courses in India

Candidates who have completed a Diploma in Nursing, BSc Nursing, or BSc Nursing Post Basic are eligible to pursue a 1-year nursing course in India at the post-basic diploma level. Additionally, students are required to have a minimum of 1 year of work experience in the same field. Here is a list of 1-year nursing courses available for reference.

1. Post Basic Diploma in Operation Room Nursing
2. Post Basic Diploma in Neonatal Nursing
3. Post Basic Diploma in Critical Care Nursing
4. Post Basic Diploma in Cardio Thoracic Nursing
5. Post Basic Diploma in Emergency & Disaster Nursing
6. Post Basic Diploma in Emergency and Disaster Nursing
7. Post Basic Diploma in Critical Care Nursing
8. Post Basic Diploma in Neonatal Nursing
9. Post Basic Diploma in Cardiothoracic Nursing
10. Post Basic Diploma in Oncology Nursing
11. Post Basic Diploma in Renal Nursing
12. Post Basic Diploma in Neurology Nursing
13. Post Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing
14. Post Basic Diploma in Operation Room Nursing
15. Post Basic Diploma in Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Nursing
16. Post Basic Diploma in Geriatric Nursing
17. Post Basic Diploma in Burns Nursing

These specialized courses provide advanced training and knowledge in specific areas of nursing, allowing healthcare professionals to enhance their skills and contribute effectively in their respective fields.

6-month Nursing Course in India

A 6 month nursing course in India is ideally offered only as a certification programme. The 6-month Nursing courses are mostly considered as upskilling courses. Here are some of the colleges as well as online platforms offering a 6-month nursing course in India.

Refer below to the list of 6-month nursing courses in India.

• Certificate in Maternal and Child Health Nursing (CMCHN)
• Certificate in Maternity Nursing Assistant (CTBA)
• Certificate Course in Home-based Health Care
• Advanced Certificate in Nursing Administration
• Certificate in Baby Nursing and Child Care

The eligibility criteria for 1-year nursing course and 6-month nursing course in India depend on one institution to another.

Nursing Course Online

Apart from the 1 year nursing course and 6-month nursing course in India, there are several specializations and programmes available online. Aspirants who are unable to join the regular BSc nursing or other nursing courses can opt for this option. Here are some of the details mentioned regarding online nursing courses.

Postgraduate Nursing Courses in India

Just like UG Nursing course, postgraduate Nursing courses in India also have a variety of options not only in specialisations but also in course types. As per your preference, you can either go for a PGD (Post Graduate Diploma) in Nursing or a PG degree course in Nursing. Both types of courses are mentioned below.

Postgraduate Degree Courses in Nursing

Mentioned below is a list of PG degree courses in Nursing along with their fee details.

Course Name	Duration	Nursing Courses Fees
MSc Nursing	2 Years	INR 1.30 LPA - INR 3.80 LPA
M Sc in Child Health Nursing	2 Years	INR 1.30 LPA - INR 3.80 LPA
M Sc in Community Health Nursing	2 Years	INR 1.30 LPA - INR 3.80 LPA
M Sc in Medical-Surgical Nursing	2 Years	INR 1.30 LPA - INR 3.80 LPA
M Sc in Maternity Nursing	2 Years	INR 1.30 LPA - INR 3.80 LPA
M Sc in Paediatric Nursing	2 Years	INR 1.30 LPA - INR 3.80 LPA
M Sc in Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing	2 Years	INR 1.30 LPA - INR 3.80 LPA
M Sc in Psychiatric Nursing	2 Years	INR 1.30 LPA - INR 3.80 LPA
M D (Midwifery)	2 Years	--
PhD (Nursing)	2 - 5 Years	--
M Phil Nursing	1 Year (Full Time) 2 Years (Part-Time)	--

Postgraduate Diploma Courses in Nursing

Other than the degree courses, you can prefer any of the following Postgraduate Diploma courses in Nursing.

Course Name	Duration	Nursing Courses Fees
Post Basic Diploma in Critical Care Nursing	1 Year	INR 20,000 - INR 50,000
Post Basic Diploma in Orthopedic & Rehabilitation Nursing	1 Year	INR 20,000 - INR 50,000
Post Basic Diploma in Operation Room Nursing	1 Year	INR 20,000 - INR 50,000
Post Graduate Diploma in Paediatric Critical Care Nursing	1 Year	INR 20,000 - INR 50,000
Post Basic Diploma in Ontological Nursing and Rehabilitation Nursing	1 Year	INR 20,000 - INR 50,000
Post Graduate Diploma in Neo-Natal Nursing	1 Year	INR 20,000 - INR 50,000
Post Graduate Diploma in Emergency Nursing	1 Year	INR 20,000 - INR 50,000

Also Read:

List of Nursing Courses After 10th	List of Nursing Courses after 12th Science, Arts

Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Degree Nursing Course

• To get admission in M Sc Nursing course , you must hold a B Sc Nursing degree or equivalent from a recognised university.
• For PhD courses, you must have completed a Master’s degree in the relevant field.
• You will be required to crack an entrance exam as most of the colleges conduct admission through exams only.

Eligibility Criteria for Postgraduate Diploma Courses in Nursing

• In order to get admission in PGD courses in Nursing, you are required to have completed a graduate degree in Nursing or a relevant specialisation.
• Some courses or colleges may require you to have prior work experience in this field.

Also read: List of nursing courses exams in India

Scope of Nursing Courses in India

The scope of Nursing Courses is increasing every year. Hence, the job prospects for professional graduates of nursing courses are rising. The scope of nursing courses in India includes abundant job opportunities, guaranteed employment, steady work-life balance, and scope for learning and growth. A detailed discussion regarding the Scope of Nursing Courses in India is presented below.

1. Flourishing Career: Nursing in India offers a highly promising future and a flourishing career path. Graduates can also find employment in government hospitals, old age homes, sanatoriums, clinics, and various other healthcare settings.

2. Abundant Opportunities : Nursing graduates in India have a lot of opportunities after completing 1 year nursing course,  6-month nursing courses, UG, and PG nursing programs. Career in nursing surely offers diverse career paths to the students.

3. Guaranteed Employment : Nursing professionals in India do not face uncertainty in future.

4. Salary and Income Growth : In reputable healthcare organizations, fresh nursing graduates can earn up to 80,000 INR initially at the beginning of their career. With time, the salary is increased.

5. Continuous Learning and Growth : Nursing courses in India or any other country offer a continuous learning environment, allowing all professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge throughout their careers.

Job Opportunities for Nursing Courses in India

• Chief Nursing Officer

• Nurse Educator

• Critical Care Nurse

• Clinical Nurse Manager

• Registered Nurse

Also read: Government jobs after Completing Nursing Course

Nursing Course Salary

The nursing course salaries for freshers and experienced ones differ, depending on the job role one takes up. Given below are some of the salary structures that graduates from nursing course in India can rake in.

Types of Nurses and Salaries

BSc Nursing Salary

After completing the BSc Nursing course, the salary offered to nurses is determined based on the type of hospital they are employed at, and the years of experience of the candidates. Aspirants completing 1 year nursing course and 6-month nursing course in India also bag lucrative packages. The table below comprises crucial highlights that indicate some of the key parameters one must know about salary.

Nursing Courses Top Recruiters

Fortis Hospitals, Apollo Hospitals, Medanta, and various government hospitals stand out as the top recruiters for nursing graduates across all courses. Whether one holds an ANM certificate or an MSc in Nursing, opportunities abound in these esteemed institutions. Explore the comprehensive list of top recruiters for nursing graduates in India to kickstart your career journey.

Government Hospitals	Fortis Hospitals
Ramaiah Group of Hospitals	Apollo Hospitals
Medanta	Ayurvedic Medical Treatment Hospitals
AIIMS	Columbia Asia Hospitals
PGIMER	CMC

Challenges in Pursing Nursing Courses in India

Given below are a few challenges that a candidate who is pursuing a nursing degree or diploma course may face in their career.

1. Limited Government College Seats : Admission to nursing courses in India is highly competitive due to the limited availability of seats in government colleges. This creates challenges for students trying to get quality education, as private institutions may have higher fees and varying standards.
2. Financial Constraints : The cost of nursing education in private institutions can be very high, especially for students with financial constrains in their lives. Affording tuition fees becomes a significant hurdle, limiting access to quality education for those with financial constraints.
3. Quality of Education is not the same in all colleges : Disparities in the quality of nursing education exist among institutions. While some government colleges maintain high standards, certain private institutions may lack adequate infrastructure and faculty, impacting the overall educational experience for students.
4. Unavailability of Clinical Training Facilities : Inadequate access to quality clinical training facilities and experiences is a common challenge. This limitation affects the practical skills development of nursing students, potentially hindering their preparedness for real-world healthcare scenarios.

Nursing Courses: Top Nursing Colleges in India

In India, many colleges provide 6-month, 1-year, and even 4-year nursing courses. Students can select several courses based on their goals and areas of interest in learning. Check out the tables listed below to know the names of Top Nursing Colleges in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.

Top Nursing Colleges in Delhi

Jamia Milia Hamdard is one the most renowned universities that offer BSc (Hons.) Nursing. Check out the list of other Top Nursing Colleges in Delhi along with their average course fee for Nursing programmes.

Top Nursing Colleges in Mumbai

The nursing courses list includes BSc Nursing, ANM, GNM, Diploma in Home nursing, etc. All of these nursing courses are offered in the Nursing colleges situated in Mumbai. Check out the list of top nursing colleges in Mumbai along with their average course fee.

Top Nursing Colleges in Chennai

Mentioned below are the top Nursing Colleges in Chennai. These colleges offer all nursing courses, from BSc to MSc. Check out the average course fee and names of Chennai's top nursing colleges.

Conclusion

Nursing Courses in India offer a variety of career opportunities for each graduates. There are 3 types of nursing courses which include BSc Nursing, MSc Nursing, and other diploma courses such as ANM, GNM and Diploma in Home Nursing. Depending on career aspirations and educational background, students can choose the course that best suits their needs. With durations ranging from 6 months to 4 years and fees spanning from INR 3,000 to INR 1,50,000 LPA, there are many nursing courses in India for everyone. Entrance exams like AIIMS BSc Nursing Exam and JENPAS UG open doors to prestigious Medical institutions. Nursing graduates can embark on fulfilling careers as Chief Nursing Officers, Nurse Educators, and more. The highest paying nursing job role in India is of an MSc Nursing graduate. Hence, BSc Nursing graduates can enroll into MSc Nursing courses for a better in-hand salary.