Nursing Courses: Admission 2025, Fees, Dates, Top Colleges, Process
The nursing healthcare sector is one of the most critically important because it offers a large number of courses in undergraduate to postgraduate categories, which are followed by students interested in working in hospitals and healthcare services or conducting research work. Given below is an in-depth take on the various nursing courses offered in India, including their eligibility criteria, admission procedures, specializations offered, and scope of practice.
Nursing Courses Offered at UG Level
Undergraduate nursing programs can be regarded as the foundation of knowledge for all health professionals who take an interest in providing healthcare services. These courses can be classified into three different types as follows:
Nursing Degree Courses
- B.Sc Nursing: A 4-year program focusing on theoretical and practical aspects of nursing, including community health and midwifery.
- Post Basic B.Sc Nursing: A 2-year course designed for students who have already completed a General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) diploma.
Nursing Diploma Courses
- General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM): A 3-year diploma program focusing on patient care.
- Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery (ANM): A 2-year diploma that trains students in maternal and child healthcare, suitable for rural settings.
Nursing Certificate Courses
- Short-term certificate programs in specialized areas such as neonatal nursing, pediatric care, and palliative nursing help students acquire specific skills quickly.
Nursing Courses Offered at PG Level
Postgraduate programs enable students to specialize and advance their careers.
Postgraduate Degree Courses in Nursing
- M.Sc Nursing: A 2-year program with specializations like pediatric nursing, obstetrics, and mental health nursing.
Postgraduate Diploma Courses in Nursing
- These include specialized diplomas in geriatric nursing, emergency nursing, and neonatal care, lasting between 1-2 years.
Specializations Offered in Nursing Courses
| Specialization |
Details |
| Critical Care Nursing |
Focus on ICUs, ventilators, and critical patient care. |
| Psychiatric Nursing |
Deals with mental health patients in hospitals and clinics. |
| Oncology Nursing |
Specializes in cancer patient care. |
| Obstetrics Nursing |
Covers maternity care and delivery assistance. |
| Community Health Nursing |
Involves public health awareness and care delivery. |
Eligibility Criteria for Nursing Courses
The eligibility varies for different nursing programs:
B.Sc Nursing Course Eligibility Criteria
- Completion of 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Minimum aggregate of 50% (45% for reserved categories).
Post Basic B.Sc Nursing Course Eligibility Criteria
- GNM diploma and registration with the State Nursing Council.
M.Sc Nursing Course Eligibility Criteria
- B.Sc/Post Basic B.Sc in Nursing with at least 55% aggregate.
ANM Nursing Course Eligibility Criteria
- Passed 10+2 with a minimum of 40%.
- Preferably from the arts stream with healthcare as a subject.
GNM Nursing Course Eligibility Criteria
- Completion of 10+2 in any stream with 40% marks.
Nursing Courses Admission Process
Admission processes differ with course level and college. Most of the top colleges have entrance tests like AIIMS Nursing, JIPMER Nursing, and entrance tests from the state level. Some courses, though, admit on merit, like in the case of ANM and GNM. Application for the most UG courses opens in February 2025, with most exams held sometime in May and June 2025.
Top Nursing Colleges in India
| College Name |
Location |
Program Offered |
Fees (Approx.) |
| AIIMS |
New Delhi |
B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing |
INR 2,000 |
| Christian Medical College |
Vellore |
B.Sc, GNM Nursing |
INR 50,000 |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Ed |
Manipal |
B.Sc, M.Sc, GNM Nursing |
INR 90,000 |
| JIPMER |
Puducherry |
B.Sc Nursing |
INR 10,000 |
| King George’s Medical University |
Lucknow |
B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing |
INR 48,000 |
| Rajkumari Amrit Kaur College of Nursing |
New Delhi |
B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing |
INR 8,500 |
| Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) |
Chandigarh |
B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing |
INR 25,000 |
| Tata Memorial Hospital Nursing College |
Mumbai |
B.Sc Nursing |
INR 30,000 |
| Apollo College of Nursing |
Chennai |
B.Sc, M.Sc, GNM Nursing |
INR 85,000 |
| Kasturba Medical College |
Mangalore |
B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing |
INR 1,20,000 |
| SNDT Women’s University |
Mumbai |
B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing |
INR 55,000 |
| Father Muller College of Nursing |
Mangalore |
B.Sc, M.Sc, GNM Nursing |
INR 60,000 |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology |
Chennai |
B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing |
INR 1,10,000 |
| Amrita College of Nursing |
Kochi |
B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing |
INR 1,30,000 |
| Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences |
New Delhi |
B.Sc Nursing |
INR 35,000 |
| Bharti Vidyapeeth College of Nursing |
Pune |
B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing |
INR 95,000 |
| Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education |
Chennai |
B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing |
INR 1,25,000 |
| NIMS University |
Jaipur |
|
INR 75,000 |
This list provides an overview of leading nursing institutions, their programs, and approximate fees. Programs and fees may vary, so it’s advisable to confirm details directly with the colleges
Fees for Nursing Courses in India
| Course |
Government Colleges |
Private Colleges |
| B.Sc Nursing |
INR 2,000 - 10,000/year |
INR 50,000 - 1 Lakh/year |
| Post Basic B.Sc Nursing |
INR 2,000 - 15,000/year |
INR 60,000 - 1.2 Lakh/year |
| M.Sc Nursing |
INR 10,000 - 20,000/year |
INR 80,000 - 1.5 Lakh/year |
| GNM |
INR 2,500 - 10,000/year |
INR 40,000 - 80,000/year |
| ANM |
INR 2,000 - 8,000/year |
INR 30,000 - 70,000/year |
Note: Fees are subject to change anytime as per college, universities and government norms. Kindly refer to official portal of your interest for a better idea.
Career Scope: Job Profiles, Salary, and Top Recruiters
Nursing offers extensive career options in hospitals, research institutions, and healthcare services. Below are the primary job roles and recruiters for nursing graduates.
Job Profiles for Nursing Graduates
- Staff Nurse: Provides direct patient care in hospitals.
- Nurse Educator: Teaches in nursing colleges and hospitals.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist: Expert in a particular field, such as neonatal or pediatric nursing.
- Critical Care Nurse: Works in ICU and emergency departments.
Salary in India for Nursing Professionals
| Job Role |
Entry-Level Salary (INR) |
Experienced Salary (INR) |
| Staff Nurse |
2.5 - 4 LPA |
5 - 8 LPA |
| Nurse Educator |
3 - 6 LPA |
8 - 10 LPA |
| Critical Care Nurse |
4 - 7 LPA |
9 - 12 LPA |
| Clinical Nurse Specialist |
5 - 8 LPA |
10 - 15 LPA |
Top Recruiters for Nursing Graduates
| Recruiter |
Sector |
| Apollo Hospitals |
Private Healthcare |
| Fortis Healthcare |
Private Hospital Chain |
| AIIMS |
Government Hospital |
| Tata Memorial Hospital |
Cancer Research |
| Indian Armed Forces |
Military Healthcare |
PlanEdu ensures your secure future in medicine. Contact us now for complete and all-inclusive medical career counseling and admission guidance. We commit to support our students at each stage of admission and help them to choose the best course and college fully aligned with their goals and preferences.
FAQs Regarding Nursing Courses
- When does the admission process for nursing courses in 2025 start?
Most UG programs start accepting applications by February 2025, and the entrance exams are conducted around May or June 2025.
- What are the job roles available after completing a nursing course?
Nursing graduates can work as Staff Nurses, Nurse Educators, Critical Care Nurses, and Clinical Nurse Specialists.
- How much does it cost to study nursing in India?
Fees can range from INR 2,000 at AIIMS to INR 1 lakh annually at private universities.
Which entrance exams are required for nursing courses?
Some of the major exams include AIIMS Nursing, JIPMER Nursing, and state-level entrance tests.
