Study track · Pathway
Nursing — GNM and B.Sc Nursing
A respected profession with steady demand in India and abroad. Nurses heal, comfort and lead — and a registered nurse can work almost anywhere.
₹24,000+a month, new staff nurse
₹44,900basic pay, central government
12th passage 17 or above
3–4 yearsGNM or B.Sc Nursing
Figures checked 13 October 2026 · sources at the bottom of the page
Which course is right for you?
| Course | Eligibility (Indian Nursing Council) | Length | Leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| GNM — General Nursing and Midwifery (diploma) | 12th pass in any stream with English, 40% overall and 40% in English; Science preferred. Age 17+. NIOS and state open schools accepted. | 3 years (check with the school) | Registered nurse; later a post-basic B.Sc Nursing |
| B.Sc Nursing (degree) | 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English, 45% aggregate. Age 17+. NIOS Science accepted. | 4 years | Registered nurse; higher posts, M.Sc Nursing, teaching, abroad |
| ANM — Auxiliary Nurse Midwife | 12th in Arts, Science or Health Care vocational stream; age 17–35 | Check with the school | Community health worker; later GNM |
Check recognition before you pay any fee. The nursing school or college must be recognised by the Indian Nursing Council and your State Nursing Council. Unrecognised colleges leave students unable to register as nurses. Many states also hold an entrance test for B.Sc Nursing.
What you’ll earn
| Level | Typical pay (in hand, a month) |
|---|---|
| Junior staff nurse, 0–2 years | About ₹24,000 |
| Senior or ICU staff nurse, 2–5 years | About ₹42,600 |
| Nursing sister or assistant superintendent, 5–10 years | About ₹71,000 |
| Nursing officer, central government (e.g. AIIMS via NORCET) | About ₹65,000–72,000 (basic ₹44,900 plus allowances) |
Source: SalaryInHand, September 2026 — editorial benchmarks; actual pay varies by hospital and city.
Cost and how to pay for it
- Government nursing colleges charge far lower fees than private ones, but seats are limited and go by merit or entrance rank. Prepare early.
- Private colleges can cost several lakh rupees in total. Compare carefully and visit before admission.
- Scholarships: check the National Scholarship Portal every year, including schemes for minority students, and your state’s scholarships.
- Sponsors: SkilledMuslim can try to match committed students who cannot pay with sponsors. Ask us.
Steps to becoming a registered nurse
- In school: take Science (PCB) in 11th and 12th if you can, and work on your English.
- Choose GNM or B.Sc Nursing based on your 12th subjects and marks.
- Check the college on the Indian Nursing Council website, then apply or sit the state entrance test.
- Complete the course, including hospital practice, and pass the final exams.
- Register with your State Nursing Council. Only registered nurses can work as staff nurses.
- Get your first job in a hospital, then aim for government exams such as NORCET for AIIMS posts.
Your five-year picture
- Years 1–4 · Student nurse: GNM or B.Sc Nursing, with hospital postings.
- Year 5 · Staff nurse: registered and working in a hospital ward.
- Beyond · Specialise or lead: ICU, operating theatre or dialysis; nursing sister and superintendent; M.Sc Nursing and teaching; or government nursing officer.
Working abroad, including the Gulf, needs that country’s licensing exam and usually 2+ years’ experience. Apply only through licensed agents listed on eMigrate.
Not ready for a 3–4 year course yet? Start earning in healthcare with a short certified course first.