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BSc Nursing (Post Basic) or PBSc Nursing is an undergraduate degree course. This 2 years course is designed for candidates who either have a background in Nursing or similar to it. Students can apply for the Post Basic BSc Nursing degree programme after they have completed 10+2 level in Science stream and have a certificate in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) along with registration under Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (RNRM). Aspirants must note that they have to secure at least 45% to 50% in their 10+2 level in order to be eligible for Post Basic Nursing admission process.
Post Basic BSc Nursing admission process of students depends on written exams conducted at various colleges and universities. Some colleges also grant admission to their students on the basis of merit.
There are several core subjects that are taught under the Post Basic BSc Nursing course. Some of the core subjects under Post Basic BSc Nursing subjects are Nursing Foundation, Psychology, Medical and Surgical Nursing, Maternal Nursing, Microbiology, etc. Some of the most popular colleges and universities offering Post Basic BSc Nursing are AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER, CMC, Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital, and Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research.
Here is a comprehensive view of the Post Basic BSc Nursing course:
Name of Course | Post Basic BSc Nursing or PB BSc Nursing |
Course type | Undergraduate course |
Abbreviation | PB BSc Nursing |
Mode of Education | Regular and Distance |
Top Jobs | Critical Care nurse, Chief Nursing Officer, Rehabilitation Specialist, Nursing Manager, Community Health Specialist, Paramedic Nurse, Nursing Supervisor, Staff Nurse, Military Nurse, etc. |
Average Salary | INR 3-5 lakhs during the first few years of service |
Recruiting sectors | Nursing homes, Hospitals, Defence Services, Railways, aeronautical zone, industrial houses, Research Nurse, Staff Nurse, etc. |
Career scope | MSc or MBA |
As the medical industry in India is spreading and beginning to serve more people, the demand for skilled, trained and professional nurses is increasing every single day. Hence, it is the perfect time to build a promising career as a nurse who is trained in a Post Basic BSc Nursing course. Here are some more reasons to choose Post Basic BSc Nursing:
Promising job growth and security
Nursing professionals’ demand is not only increasing in India but throughout the world as the average lifespan of people is also increasing. Hence, the need for care and treatment of people is also increasing and leading to an increase in the pool of job opportunities throughout the world. As per global surveys, the expected growth rate for nurses is set to be 15% per year by 2025. Hence, studying Post Basic BSc Nursing is extremely beneficial at present.
Many specialities to choose from
While Post Basic BSc Nursing can only be pursued by candidates who are registered nurses, the scope of further specialisation is available to professionals. Post Basic BSc Nursing graduates have the opportunity of applying their acquired skills while choosing from a range of specialities. This way nurses can monetize and capitalise on their interests and characteristics while choosing their specialities. After Post Basic BSc Nursing, students can also choose leadership roles such as director of nursing, nursing manager, etc.
Personal goals and fulfilment
Nursing as a career in itself is extremely fulfilling as nurses have the ability to bring true change in the lives of people. By choosing a Post Basic BSc Nursing course, nurses will develop the capacity of making a difference with love, care and affection. The achievements that are attained in the career of nurses also bring forth a sense of personal fulfilment.
Nurses can collaborate with various healthcare professionals
The role played by nurses in the medical industry is quite unique. One can always find them with their patients at their bedside so they are easily able to collaborate with different healthcare professionals for bringing improvement and coordination in patient care. With a Post Basic BSc Nursing, the job as a nurse becomes easier and makes nurses more efficient.
Post Basic BSc Nursing is an undergraduate course and is studied over a period of two years. Hence, there are no courses under Post Basic BSc Nursing. Several subjects are taught during the Post Basic BSc Nursing course such as nursing foundation, nutrition and dietetics, biochemistry and biophysics, psychology, maternal nursing, sociology, community health nursing, etc.
Post BSc Nursing course is an undergraduate course where students are taught in-depth about several
While there are no entrance exams for Post Basic BSc Nursing admission, there are different written exams conducted by college departments as a method of screening students and testing them for skills and knowledge of the subject matter.
Here are some exams conducted by popular colleges and authorities offering Post Basic BSc Nursing courses in India:
Post Basic BSc Nursing Entrance exams | Name of Conducting Body | Registration dates | Exam dates | Mode of Exam |
IGNOU OPENNET 2023 | IGNOU | March 2023 | May 2023 | Offline (OMR Sheet) |
IUET 2022 | Integral University | February 2023 | March 2023 | CBT (computer-based test), Online |
AUAT | Aliah University | June 2023 | July 2023 | Offline (OMR Sheet) |
WB JEPBN | WBJEEB | 2nd week of February | July 1, 2023 | CBT (computer-based test), Online |
Students can check the following eligibility criteria for Post Basic BSc Nursing in order to gain admission to the course:
The admission for Post Basic BSc Nursing varies from one institution to another. However, the process of selection is mainly based on marks scored in aptitude tests, interviews and written tests carried out by institutes and colleges. Post Basic BSc Nursing admission is granted to students on the basis of performance in these tests. Marks scored by candidates in their 10+2 exam and GNM course also receive weightage.
Nursing courses train students to take care of various medical aspects of patients. Students acquire in-depth knowledge about patient care, of those who are injured, medicines and their composition, etc. By completing nursing courses, students understand how to treat patients and provide precautionary care to people.
BSc Nursing (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) is an undergraduate course that spans a period of four years. Under this course, students gain competency in terms of skills and knowledge so that they are able to provide adequate nursing care that is based on problem-solving skills in hospitals and various community centres. The aim of BSc Nursing is to help students develop skills like critical thinking, practices of professional nursing and midwifery, etc. BSc Nursing courses are registered and controlled by the Indian Nursing Council and after the completion of the course, students can enrol for their post-graduation degree or opt for a Post Basic BSc Nursing degree.
PB BSc Nursing (Post Basic BSc Nursing) is also an undergraduate course that is similar to BSc Nursing. However, there are some points of difference. The course duration for the Post Basic BSc Nursing course is two years where students are taught a holistic approach to nursing. Under the Post Basic BSc Nursing course, students receive hands-on training and classroom lectures whereby nurses are trained to provide the best care to patients in various healthcare institutions. Candidates are also eligible for pursuing higher studies after completing the Post Basic BSc Nursing course and opt for a PhD or MSc in Nursing and choose a specialisation of their choice.
Here is a comprehensive tabular view of the differences between the BSc Nursing and Post Basic BSc Nursing course.
Parameters |
BSc Nursing |
Post Basic BSc Nursing |
Course type |
Undergraduate |
Undergraduate |
Course duration |
4 years |
2 years |
Eligibility |
Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology |
Registered as RNRM under any State Nurses Registration and a certificate in General Nursing and Midwifery. |
Average fees |
INR 20,000 to INR 1,50,000 |
INR 20,000 to INR 1,00,000 |
Popular Colleges |
CMC Vellore and Ludhiana, AIIMS Delhi, Sri Ramachandra University, etc. |
AIIMS, CMC, DY Patil University, AFMC Pune, Madras Medical Colleges, etc. |
Average Salary |
INR 2- 4 LPA for freshers |
INR 3-5 LPA for freshers |
Here is a list of some of the top Post Basic BSc Nursing colleges in India:
AIIMS New Delhi | PGIMER Chandigarh |
CMC Vellore | Sri Ramachandra Institute Of Higher Education And Research, Chennai |
St John’s Medical College Bangalore | Manipal Academy Of Higher Education Manipal |
Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi | Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune |
Sikhsha O Anusandhan, Bhubaneshwar | SRM Institute Of Science And Technology, Chennai |
Saveetha College of Nursing, Chennai | Dr DY Patil University, Navi Mumbai |
AFMC Pune | Calcutta National Medical College, Kolkata |
KS Hegde Medical Academy Mangalore | MMC Chennai |
KLE University Belgaum | Amity University, Gurgaon |
There are numerous colleges and universities all over the world offering Post Basic BSc Nursing. Check out the list of the top universities offering Post Basic BSc Nursing degrees
College/University | Location |
King’s College | United Kingdom |
University of Pennsylvania | United States of America |
University of North Carolina | United States of America |
John Hopkins University | United States of America |
University of Technology | Australia |
University of Washington | United States of America |
University of Melbourne | Australia |
University of Sydney | Australia |
University of Manchester | United Kingdom |
University of Toronto | Canada |
Here is the list of Post Basic BSc Nursing Colleges state-wise:
Punjab | |
College/University | City |
Rayat Bahra University | Kharar |
Desh Bhagat Institute of Nursing | Gobindhgarh |
Saraswati Institute of Nursing | Gharuan |
Malwa College of Nursing | Kotkapura |
Sri Sukhmani Group of Institutions | Chandigarh |
Andhra Pradesh | |
Bollineni College of Nursing | Nellore |
KKC College of Nursing | Utharapukhandriga |
Madhya Pradesh | |
ITM University of Gwalior | Gwalior |
BIMR Nursing College | Gwalior |
INC | Indore |
Karnataka | |
KCN | Bangalore |
Yenepoya University | Mangalore |
AVK Group of Institutions | Bangalore |
KSHMA | Mangalore |
Bangalore City Group of Institutions | Bangalore |
Post Basic BSc Nursing fees vary from one institution to another and can range from anywhere between INR 805 to INR 75,000. While in some colleges such as CMC Vellore, Post Basic BSc Nursing course fees is INR 24,255.
The Post Basic BSc Nursing syllabus is quite extensive. Students need to put in a lot of effort in order to successfully cover the Post Basic BSc Nursing syllabus pdf properly and be exam-ready. Here are the subjects covered under Post Basic BSc Nursing across two years:
Year 1 Post Basic BSc Nursing subject list:
Name of subject |
Duration of Theory |
Duration of Practical |
Nursing Foundation |
45 |
- |
Nutrition and Dietetics |
30 |
15 |
Psychology |
60 |
15 |
Biochemistry and Biophysics |
60 |
- |
Maternal Nursing |
60 |
240 |
Child Health Nursing |
60 |
240 |
Microbiology |
60 |
30 |
Medical and Surgical Nursing |
90 |
270 |
English (qualifying) |
60 |
- |
Year 2 Post Basic BSc Nursing subject list:
Name of subject |
Duration of Theory |
Duration of Practical |
Sociology |
60 |
- |
Community Health Nursing |
60 |
240 |
Mental Health Nursing |
60 |
240 |
Introduction to Nursing Education |
60 |
75 |
Introduction to Nursing Administration |
60 |
180 |
Introduction to Nursing Research and Statistics |
45 |
120 |
Environmental Science |
50 |
- |
Before enrolling on any Post Basic BSc Nursing course, students can check the course curriculum for Post Basic BSc Nursing here:
1st Year
2nd year
Post Basic BSc Nursing is one of the most popular degree programme choices among candidates who wish to start their career in the nursing field. However, after graduating with the degree, if someone wishes to upgrade their skills, there are a lot of degree programmes as their options.
Completing a master's degree is always the best option. But, there are several small-term courses also that are offered by many reputed educational institutions. Some of the best courses after completing Post Basic BSc Nursing degree are listed below:
Candidates who complete their Post Basic BSc Nursing course are usually employed by doctors and supervisors in different hospitals, medical facilities, clinics, etc.
Gone are those days when nurses were confined to working in hospitals and practising bedside nursing. Now career opportunities for professional nurses have increased by manifolds.
Here are the sectors in which Post Basic BSc Nursing graduates can find jobs:
The salary structure for Post Basic BSc Nursing graduates depends on work experience and the kind of organisation under which they are employed. Here is a comprehensive view of some of the common job positions for nurses along with their average salaries.
Position |
Average Salary in INR |
Staff Nurse |
2.51 LPA |
Nursing Supervisor |
4.25 LPA |
Nursing Manager |
5.40 LPA |
Registered Nurse |
2.92 LPA |
Critical Care Nurse |
2.97 LPA |
Certified Rehabilitation Counsellor |
3.60 LPA |
Nurse Educator |
3.90 LPA |
Previously the job sector of professional and qualified nurses was limited to hospitals and to providing bedside care to patients. But there are a lot of opportunities available to nurses at the moment. Take a look at the variety of career options and job prospects that nurses can take up after completing Post Basic BSc Nursing:
Staff Nurse: Candidates who are invested in direct patient care can choose the career of a Staff Nurse where they will be responsible for a patient’s care or for multiple patients’ care. They are also required to assist in ward management and supervision. A staff nurse reports directly to the ward supervisor.
Nursing Supervisor: Also known as a ward sister, a Nursing Supervisor is responsible for the management of an entire unit or ward. They take the entire responsibility of a ward and assign different tasks to staff nurses and other non-nursing personnel who are working in the ward. If the hospital is a teaching hospital, nursing supervisors are often required to teach classes as well.
Assistant Nursing Superintendent: nurses who are employed as Assistant Nursing Superintendents are responsible for more than one ward and they report directly to the deputy nursing superintendent.
Deputy Nursing Superintendent: A Deputy Nursing Superintendent is responsible for managing nursing superintendents and they also assist in the job or nursing administration of the entire hospital.
Director of Nursing: candidates who work as Director of Nursing are required to be efficient enough to be able to manage an entire hospital’s nursing services. A director of nursing is also responsible for teaching within a teaching hospital.
Community Health Nurse: a Community Health Nurse’s job is to focus on the various healthcare programmes that are beneficial to different communities.
Teaching opportunities in Nursing: there are major opportunities for teaching in the nursing industry and job responsibilities include lesson planning, teaching and supervising the students’ learning experiences. Some of the common job roles for teaching in nursing are clinical instructor, tutor, senior tutor, lecturer and associate professor.
Industrial Nurses: individuals who work as Industrial Nurses are responsible for providing first aid, health education and care during any illness related to industrial hazards. They also help spread knowledge about the prevention of accidents.
Military Nursing: military nursing is a part of the Indian Army and nurses who wish to work as military nurses are commissioned officers who need to earn their ranks such as lieutenants and major generals.
Nursing Administrative Posts: many administrative posts are also available for nurses to choose from such as Deputy Director of Nursing which makes one eligible for working in the state health directorate. The Nursing Advisor to the Government of India is the highest nursing administrative post in the country on a national level.
Those candidates who are willing to continue with their higher education can opt for MSc in Nursing followed by a PhD and take up research in the nursing field.
Being a nurse is no easy task, and there are some innate qualities that a person must possess in order to become a good nurse.
Caring nature
Although it might be taken for granted that nurses are caring in nature, many nurses choose the nursing profession solely on the basis of job security. Hence, being a caring nurse is not at the very top of their priority list. Being a caring nurse makes a lot of difference to parents. Nurses who show a natural tendency to truly care for their patients and how they recover to make a significant impact on their careers.
Communication skills
It is critical for nurses to possess strong communication skills in order to work in a setting where they are in touch with other nurses, doctors and people from different disciplines, patients, and their families.
Without good communication skills, the chances of errors are magnified and patients might even feel neglected. The entire unit might feel its impact of it. Hence, it is crucial for nurses to learn how to communicate clearly and effectively in order to provide better care to their patients and ensure that their unit is functioning smoothly.
Empathy
People who work in the medical industry run the risk of being desensitised and forget what it feels like to be someone who is nonclinical. But it is a nurse’s job to retain empathy and ensure that patients are heard and understood. While following a routine guideline is a part of their job, keeping a person-centred care approach is also crucial and can make the experience of patients better.
Paying attention to details
Nurses are responsible for the care of multiple patients. They also follow orders from doctors while using their personal knowledge and skills to execute them. However, when functioning under immense pressure, it is only natural to make mistakes. Hence, possessing the capability of paying attention to details is important for nurses which will help them become successful in their roles.
Ability to solve problems
During a nurse’s education, they are imparted with knowledge and skills that help them to solve problems. However, with hands-on experience, nurses gain more knowledge that is used in making quick decisions that have big impacts on the lives of the patients under their care. So being able to pay attention to details is extremely important.
Stamina
Nursing is a physically demanding job because nurses are always on the go. It also involves lifting and adjusting patients which involves physical strength. Nurses are also required to work 12 hours shifts and it requires immense mental, physical and emotional stamina to be able to do the job well.
A will to learn
The medical industry is constantly updating itself and hence professionals who are directly involved in the medical industry and patient care must also be willing to unlearn things. Nurses must be open to learning new concepts and techniques and implement them while taking care of patients.
Yes, aspirants can pursue MBBS after completing Post Basic BSc Nursing if the minimum eligibility is met.
Candidates prefer government colleges over private institutions because of low fees and high credit. Here are the best colleges that offer post basic BSc nursing course- AIIMS, Christian Medical College, IGNOU, Jamia Hamdard University, Madras Medical College, and MGR University.
Here are a few common specialisations that students can opt for after completing their Post Basic BSc Nursing degree:
Yes, there is a lot of scope for students to study Post Basic BSc Nursing abroad. Here are some colleges that offer Post Basic BSc Nursing degrees: King’s College London, University of Pennsylvania, John Hopkins University, University of Washington, University of Southampton, Yale University, University of Technology Sydney, University of Manchester, University of Toronto, and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Yes, there are many nursing jobs available after completing Post Basic BSc Nursing. It depends on individual expertise and area of interest so students can choose their own sectors to work in.