Types of Nursing Courses and Degrees in India - Eligibility, Admission, Entrance Exams, Scope

Nursing Courses in India: India's nursing courses have become a key component of the healthcare sector by giving empathetic and competent workers who are the foundation of healthcare sector. With the increasing demand for healthcare professionals globally, Nursing courses are booming in India every year. Nursing is one of the most preferred branches in medicine or the health care industry in India.

The employment rate of Nurses in India has increased with the development of medical facilities as well, resulting to a number of students opting for medical courses every year after completing their class 12th (Higher Secondary). These courses give people the knowledge and skills they need to successfully navigate the complex medical environment by combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

Nursing programmes give aspirant students a means to start a fulfilling journey that will have an impact on lives and greatly improve the health of the country as the need for high-quality healthcare increases. Nursing in India is one of the popular branches of the healthcare sector. Every year, a number of students opt for nursing courses at different colleges in India. There are a number of courses offered in Nursing under Diploma, UG and PG degrees. In this article, we will discuss the different types of nursing courses offered in India. By the end of this article, you will be well aware of the admission process, eligibility criteria, entrance exams, and career scope of different nursing courses found in India.

What Does it Mean by Nursing Course?

• Nurses are vital pillars supporting India's healthcare and medication systems.
• A nursing degree is essential for a fulfilling nursing career.
• Nursing courses in India offer comprehensive training in general nursing practices and specialized domains.
• These Nursing Courses are transformative, imparting profound knowledge in areas like illness management, wellness, disease management, and health promotion.
• Nursing education in India goes beyond mere learning, empowering students.
• The primary focus of nursing courses in India is to master the competencies of this noble profession.

Also read: Full Form of Different Medical and Nursing Course

Why Opt for Nursing Courses?

Here are some main reasons why one should complete the nursing course duration and become a graduate in the field.

• Strong and Essential Pillar of Healthcare: Nurses are often considered the backbone of the healthcare system. They are trained to assist in the administration of drugs as well as therapies, provide support to patients who are experiencing mental and physical anguish and can also offer solace to stressed families and other loved ones.
• Diverse Career Settings for Nurses: Nurses can choose to work in a number of settings such as hospitals, community care, long-term care homes, public health agencies, and so on.
• Bright Future: A nursing career offers a bright future and lucrative packages over time.

Types of Nursing Courses in India

Nursing education offers a diverse range of courses that cater to various levels of expertise and specialization. There are majorly three types of Nursing courses in India that are mentioned below. Here are some of the main types of nursing courses in India that are available for students who've passed class 12 with PCB stream.

List of Nursing Courses in India After 12th

At the undergraduate level, you have plenty of options to choose from not only different specializations but also a variety of types of courses. Depending upon your preference, you can either go for a degree programme or a certificate or diploma course. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, which you can get to know by clicking on the course names of your choice. Mentioned below are the nursing courses list for interested candidates to have a look at:

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. 

Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma Courses in Nursing

Do you plan wish to enrol in part-time certificate diploma or certificate courses in Nursing? Well here's a list of Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma Courses in Nursing that can be pursued by candidates at UG Level.

Nursing Courses Entrance Exams in India

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 quick glance at the eligibility criteria required to be fulfilled by each candidate for different Nursing courses and Degrees in India:

A.N.M.

• Minimum Age Criteria: Candidates must be 17 years of age on or before 31st December of the year in which they are willing to take admission, to satisfy the minimum age requirement for A.N.M. registration. 
• Upper Age Limit: The upper age limit as set by the concerned authority is 35 years for admission to A.N.M courses.
• PCMB as Core Subject: All candidates must have passed their 10+2 or equivalent with Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English Elective from a recognized Board/Institution.
• Physically and Mentally Fit: All candidates should be medically fit to be eligible for admission to A.N.M courses.
• Annual A.N.M. Exams: Candidates can appear for A.N.M. Entrance Exams only once a year.

G.N.M.

• Minimum 40% marks in Class 12th: All candidates must have passed their 10+2 or equivalent with a Science background and English as their core subject, and a minimum of 40% at the qualifying examination from a recognized board. 
• Educational Requirement for Foreign Nationals: For foreign nationals, the minimum educational qualification is 10+2 or equivalent obtained from Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi.
• Annual G.N.M. Exams: Candidates can appear for G.N.M. Entrance Exams only once a year.
• Physically and Mentally Fit: All candidates are required to be medically fit to be eligible for admission to G.N.M. courses. 
• Minimum Age Limit: The minimum age criteria for admission is 17 years as of the 31st December of the year of admission.
• Maximum Age Limit: The upper age limit for the same is 35 yrs. 

B.Sc. Nursing

• Age Criteria: The minimum age requirement to be eligible for admission to B.Sc. Nursing courses are 17 years as of 31st December of the year of admission. 
• PCMB as Core Subjects with Minimum 45% Marks: All candidates must have passed their 10+2 or equivalent with Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) & English with an aggregate of 45% marks from a recognized board. 
• Physically and Mentally Fit: All candidates must be medically fit to be eligible for admission to B.Sc. Nursing course.

Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing 

• Class 12th from a Recognized Board: All candidates must have passed their 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized Board/Institution. 
• Eligibility for Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing: Candidates who have obtained a certificate in General Nursing and Midwifery, and have been registered as R.N.R.M. with the State Nurses Registration Council are eligible for admission to Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing. 
• Physically and Mentally Fit: All candidates must be medically fit to be eligible for admission. 
• Annual Exams: Candidates can appear for Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing Entrance Exams are only once a year.

M.Sc. Nursing

• Eligibility for Registered Nurse: The candidate should be a Registered Nurse and Registered midwife or equivalent with any State Nursing Registration Council. 
• Only for B.Sc or Post Basic Nursing Candidates: All candidates must have completed their degree in B.Sc. Nursing or Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing to be eligible for admission to M.Sc. Nursing courses. 
• Minimum 55% Aggregates: All candidates must have secured a minimum of 55% aggregate marks in their qualifying examination. 
• Minimum 1 Year Work Experience: All candidates must have at least one year of work experience prior to or after Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing.

Core Subjects Nursing Courses 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
• Nursing Management
• Clinical Speciality I and II
• Nursing Education

1-Year Duration: Nursing Courses in India

Candidates after completing Diploma in Nursing, BSc Nursing,  or BSc Nursing Post Basic are deemed eligible to pursue 1-year nursing course in India at post-basic diploma level. Students also need to possess at least 1 year of work experience around the same.

Here is the 1 Year Nursing Course List for students' reference.

• Post Basic Diploma in Operation Room Nursing
• Post Basic Diploma in Neonatal Nursing
• Post Basic Diploma in Critical Care Nursing
• Post Basic Diploma in Cardio Thoracic Nursing
• Post Basic Diploma in Emergency & Disaster Nursing
• Post Basic Diploma in Emergency and Disaster Nursing
• Post Basic Diploma in Critical Care Nursing
• Post Basic Diploma in Neonatal Nursing.
• Post Basic Diploma in Cardiothoracic Nursing
• Post Basic Diploma in Oncology Nursing
• Post Basic Diploma in Renal Nursing
• Post Basic Diploma in Neurology Nursing
• Post Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing
• Post Basic Diploma in Operation Room Nursing
• Post Basic Diploma in Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Nursing 
• Post Basic Diploma in Geriatric Nursing
• Post Basic Diploma in Burns Nursing

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

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. 

Postgraduate Diploma Courses in Nursing

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

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.

State-wise BSc Nursing Admissions in India

Many states in India conduct Nursing admissions at state-level. If you are interested in pursuing BSc Nursing in your state, click on the following relevant link/s. If your state is not mentioned below in the table, you can refer to B Sc. Nursing admissions in India. 

State-wise M.Sc. Nursing Admissions in India

Mentioned below you will find the links to M.Sc. Nursing admission process in different states of India. You can click on the link relevant to your state. If your state has not been mentioned below, you can refer to M.Sc. Nursing course admissions in India.

Nursing Entrance Exams in India

Here are some of the top Nursing course entrance exams in India.

Also read: List of nursing courses exams in India

Scope of Nursing Courses in India

Nursing in India is a very flourishing career. From government hospitals to old age homes to sanatoriums to clinics, a nursing graduate can never remain unemployed. There are ample opportunities for you after pursuing a 1 year nursing course, 6-month nursing course in India, UG course, PG course, etc. If you are working in a good organisation, there are chances that you will be earning up to 80,000 RS at the initial stage of your job. Your income will increase with your experience in the field. To know more about the same in detail, please click on the following link: Job Opportunities After Nursing - Salary, Job Profiles and More.

Nursing Course Jobs in India

Different types of nursing course unlock unique career opportunities for candidates. So, depending on which programme one opts for out of the nursing course list, the following opportunities nursing jobs might be available for the same.

• Chief Nursing Officer
• Nurse Educator
• Critical Care Nurse
• Clinical Nurse Manager
• Registered Nurse

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 varies as per the hospitals they are working at, the national average, whether one works in public or private hospitals, and no, of years of experience. 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

Here are some of the top recruiters in the nursing field.

• Government Hospitals
• Fortis Hospitals
• Ramaiah group of hospitals
• Government medical colleges
• Apollo Hospitals
• Ayurvedic treatment centres
• Columbia Asia Hospitals
• Medanta
• AIIMS
• CMC
• PGIMER

Colleges in India offering Nursing Courses

There are several institutes in India that offer 6 month nursing course, 1 year nursing course, and even 4-year nursing course. Based on what students’ ambition and wish to learning, they can choose different courses. So, here are some of the best colleges in India that offer topmost programmes out of the nursing courses list.

Top Nursing Colleges in Delhi

Top Nursing Colleges in Mumbai

Top Nursing Colleges in Chennai

As the demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to grow, India has witnessed a remarkable surge in the diversity and complexity of nursing courses offered across the nation. This detailed article will help you understand the wide range of nursing courses in India. Whether you're a fresh high school graduate looking to enter the field of healthcare or a qualified nurse looking to advancement in career, going through the types of nursing courses mentioned in this article is critical for making educational decisions.

Related Articles

Here are some of the articles related to BSc nursing and other nursing courses for reference:

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