ANM vs GNM: Course Comparison, Eligibility, Salary, Scope & Which Is Better?

Nursing courses play a vital role in building India’s healthcare workforce. Among the most popular diploma-level nursing programs are ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) and GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery). Both courses prepare students for careers in nursing, patient care, and public health services, but they differ significantly in terms of scope, training level, salary, and career growth.

With increasing demand for trained nurses in hospitals, clinics, and government health programs, many students after Class 12 consider nursing as a stable and respectable career option. However, choosing between ANM and GNM often creates confusion, especially for students from science and arts backgrounds.

This article offers a detailed comparison of ANM vs GNM, covering eligibility, admission process, syllabus, fees, salary, career scope, and future opportunities. By the end, you will clearly understand which nursing course is better for your career goals.

What is ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife)?

ANM full form is Auxiliary Nurse Midwife. It is a diploma-level nursing course designed to train students in basic healthcare services, maternal care, and community health. The ANM course focuses on providing primary medical support, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, where access to healthcare facilities is limited.

The course mainly covers areas such as maternity care, child health, nutrition, first aid, and disease prevention. ANM professionals play a key role in supporting doctors and senior nurses by assisting in childbirth, conducting vaccination drives, and spreading health awareness among local communities.

The ANM course duration is generally 2 years, which includes classroom learning and a mandatory internship for practical training. After completing the course, candidates are eligible to work in primary healthcare centers (PHCs), government hospitals, sub-centers, and NGOs.

ANM is best suited for students who want early job opportunities and are interested in working at the grassroots level of the healthcare system, especially in community-based and public health roles.

Aspect	Details
ANM Full Form	Auxiliary Nurse Midwife
Course Level	Diploma-level nursing course
Course Focus	Basic healthcare services, maternal care, and community health
Work Area	Rural and semi-urban areas with limited healthcare access
Key Subjects Covered	Maternity care, child health, nutrition, first aid, disease prevention
Role of ANM Professionals	Assist doctors and senior nurses, support childbirth, conduct vaccination drives, promote health awareness
Course Duration	2 years
Training Included	Classroom learning and mandatory internship
Job Opportunities After ANM	Primary Health Centers (PHCs), government hospitals, sub-centers, NGOs
Best Suited For	Students seeking early job opportunities and grassroots-level healthcare and public health roles

What is GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery)?

GNM full form is General Nursing and Midwifery. It is a diploma nursing course that offers advanced clinical and practical training in patient care and hospital management. The GNM course is designed to prepare students for professional nursing roles in hospitals, nursing homes, and healthcare institutions.

This course mainly focuses on hospital-based nursing, where students are trained to assist doctors, monitor patients, manage wards, and handle medical equipment. Compared to ANM, GNM provides wider professional exposure, as students gain hands-on experience in different medical departments such as medical-surgical units, pediatrics, maternity wards, and emergency care.

The GNM course duration is usually 3 to 3.5 years, which includes academic study along with a mandatory internship for clinical training. GNM is best suited for students aiming for hospital and clinical roles, those seeking better salary prospects, and candidates planning higher studies in nursing.

Aspect	Details
GNM Full Form	General Nursing and Midwifery
Course Level	Diploma
Course Focus	Hospital-based nursing and patient care
Training Type	Advanced clinical and practical training
Professional Exposure	Wider exposure than ANM
Course Duration	3–3.5 years
Internship	Included
Best Suited For	Students aiming for hospital and clinical nursing roles

ANM vs GNM: Key Differences

ANM and GNM are widely chosen nursing diploma courses in India that differ in course duration, level of clinical training, job roles, salary prospects, and long-term career growth opportunities.

Basis of Comparison	ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife)	GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery)
Course Level	Diploma	Diploma
Full Form	Auxiliary Nurse Midwife	General Nursing and Midwifery
Course Objective	Train students in basic healthcare and community health services	Train students in clinical, hospital-based nursing and patient care
Course Duration	2 years (including internship)	3–3.5 years (including internship)
Eligibility	Class 10 or 12 pass (varies by state)	Class 12 pass, preferably with Science
Admission Process	Mostly merit-based	Merit-based or entrance exam
Training Focus	Primary care, maternity, and community health	Advanced clinical training and hospital nursing
Work Environment	Rural and semi-urban areas	Hospitals, nursing homes, clinical settings
Professional Exposure	Limited	Wider exposure than ANM
Syllabus Level	Basic nursing subjects	Detailed and advanced nursing subjects
Internship	Mandatory	Mandatory
Job Roles	Auxiliary Nurse, Health Worker, Community Health Assistant	Staff Nurse, Clinical Nurse, ICU Nurse
Career Growth	Limited	Better career growth opportunities
Higher Studies Option	Limited options	Can pursue BSc Nursing and higher studies
Salary (Starting)	₹8,000 – ₹15,000 per month	₹15,000 – ₹30,000 per month
Government Job Scope	Available mainly at PHCs and sub-centers	Available in hospitals, defense, and health departments
Overseas Job Scope	Very limited	Good international opportunities
Best Suited For	Students seeking early jobs and grassroots healthcare roles	Students aiming for hospital jobs and long-term career growth

ANM vs GNM Eligibility Criteria

Before choosing between ANM and GNM, it is important to understand the eligibility requirements for both courses. Although both are diploma-level nursing programs, their admission criteria differ slightly in terms of educational qualification, subject requirements, and age limit. ANM eligibility is generally more flexible, making it suitable for students who want early entry into the healthcare field. GNM, on the other hand, has stricter criteria as it involves advanced clinical training and hospital-based nursing.

Below is a clear comparison of ANM vs GNM eligibility criteria to help students make an informed decision.

Eligibility Factor	ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife)	GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery)
Educational Qualification	Class 10 or Class 12 pass from a recognized board	Class 12 pass from a recognized board
Preferred Stream	Any stream (Science preferred)	Science stream preferred
Required Subjects	Basic knowledge of Science subjects	Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB)
Minimum Age	17 years	17 years
Maximum Age	Usually 35 years (varies by state)	Usually up to 35 years (varies by state)
Gender Eligibility	Mostly female (rules vary by state)	Both male and female candidates
Medical Fitness	Required	Mandatory
State-wise Rules	Eligibility norms may differ by state	Eligibility norms may differ by state

ANM vs GNM Admission Process

The admission process for ANM and GNM courses differs in complexity and selection criteria. ANM admissions are generally simple and merit-based, while GNM may involve entrance exams and counselling. Understanding the process helps students prepare documents, meet deadlines, and secure admission to their preferred nursing colleges.

ANM Admission Process

• Merit-Based Admission: Most ANM colleges select candidates based on marks obtained in Class 10 or Class 12.
• State-Level Procedures: Admissions are conducted through State Nursing Councils or official state portals.
• Government vs Private Colleges: Government colleges offer lower fees and limited seats, while private colleges have more seats but higher fees.

GNM Admission Process

• Merit-Based or Entrance Exam: Some institutes admit students based on Class 12 marks, while others require entrance exams.
• Common Entrance Tests: Certain states conduct state-level GNM entrance exams to shortlist candidates.
• Counselling Process: Shortlisted candidates attend counselling sessions, where seats are allocated based on rank, category, and college preference. Admission is finalised after document verification and a medical fitness check.

ANM vs GNM Syllabus

The syllabus for ANM and GNM differs in depth and focus. ANM focuses on basic nursing and community healthcare, while GNM provides advanced clinical and hospital-based training.

Syllabus Aspect	ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife)	GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery)
Core Focus	Basic nursing and community healthcare	Hospital-based nursing and clinical care
Subjects Covered	Community health nursing, Health promotion, Midwifery and child care, First aid and primary care	Anatomy & physiology, Medical-surgical nursing, Mental health nursing, Pediatric and midwifery nursing
Practical / Internship	Practical training in PHCs and sub-centers	Internship training in hospitals and specialty departments
Skill Development	Preventive healthcare, maternal care, and rural health programs	Clinical patient care, emergency care, and hospital management
Exposure	Limited, community-level exposure	Extensive, hospital-based, and clinical exposure

ANM vs GNM Fees Structure

The fees for ANM and GNM courses vary depending on the type of college, state, and additional facilities. Generally, ANM is more affordable, while GNM involves a higher investment due to advanced clinical training.

Fee Aspect	ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife)	GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery)
Government Colleges / Institutes	₹5,000 – ₹30,000 per year	₹10,000 – ₹50,000 per year
Private Colleges / Nursing Institutes	₹50,000 – ₹1.5 lakh per year	₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh per year
State-wise Fee Variation	Fees may vary depending on state norms	Fees vary across states and colleges
Hostel / Additional Costs	Minimal, optional in some colleges	Hostel and other charges extra in many institutes

ANM vs GNM Career Scope

The career scope after ANM is mainly centred around community and public healthcare services. ANM graduates can work as auxiliary nurses, community health workers, or health visitors in government hospitals, PHCs, sub-centres, NGOs, and rural health programmes. While job availability is stable, career growth options are limited unless higher studies are pursued.

In comparison, GNM offers a wider career scope with opportunities in government and private hospitals, nursing homes, defence services, and international healthcare organisations. GNM nurses can work as staff nurses, clinical nurses, ICU nurses, or nursing tutors with experience. GNM also allows progression to BSc Nursing and higher studies, leading to better long-term growth.

ANM vs GNM Salary in India

The salary after ANM is relatively modest. Fresh ANM graduates earn around ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 per month. In government jobs, the salary is fixed and increases with experience, along with job security and benefits.

The salary after GNM is higher due to advanced training and clinical expertise. Entry-level GNM nurses earn between ₹15,000 and ₹30,000 per month in private and government hospitals. With experience, specialisation, or overseas placement, GNM nurses can earn significantly higher salaries compared to ANM professionals.

Salary Aspect	ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife)	GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery)
Starting Salary	₹8,000 – ₹15,000 per month	₹15,000 – ₹30,000 per month
Government Jobs	Fixed pay with benefits	Fixed pay with a higher scale and benefits
Private Jobs	Moderate salary	Higher salary in private and multi-specialty hospitals
Salary Growth	Gradual with experience	Rapid growth with experience and specialization
Overseas Opportunities	Limited	High demand, better pay in countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK
Best For	Early employment and grassroots healthcare	Long-term career, hospital roles, and international opportunities

ANM vs GNM: Which Course Is Better?

Choosing between ANM and GNM depends on your career goals, course duration, salary expectations, and work environment. Here’s a clear comparison in pointers:

Choose ANM If:

• You want a short-duration course (2 years)
• You prefer community-based healthcare roles in rural or semi-urban areas
• You aim for early employment after Class 10/12
• You want lower course fees and easier admission
• You are interested in public health programs and grassroots-level nursing

Choose GNM If:

• You want long-term career growth and higher salary
• You aim for hospital-based nursing jobs in wards, ICUs, and emergency units
• You plan to pursue higher studies like BSc Nursing or specialization courses
• You want international job opportunities in healthcare
• You are ready for a longer course duration (3–3.5 years) with extensive clinical training

This comparison helps students select the course best suited to their goals, budget, and career plans.

ANM vs GNM: Which Is Better After 12th?

Choosing between ANM and GNM after 12th depends on your career goals, budget, and long-term growth plans. Here’s a clear comparison to help students decide:

Career Goals Comparison

• ANM: Suitable for students who want to start working early and serve in community or rural healthcare roles.
• GNM: Ideal for students aiming for hospital-based nursing jobs, specialized clinical roles, and higher career advancement opportunities.

Financial Investment vs Returns

• ANM: Requires lower investment, as course fees are minimal, but starting salary and long-term earnings are also relatively lower.
• GNM: Higher fees due to advanced training and hospital exposure, but it offers better salary prospects and career growth in both India and abroad.

Long-Term Growth Perspective

• ANM: Career growth is limited unless further studies (like GNM or BSc Nursing) are pursued.
• GNM: Provides strong long-term growth, eligibility for higher studies, and international job opportunities, making it a better choice for ambitious students.

This comparison helps students choose a course based on their goals, budget, and future career plans.

Can ANM Do GNM or BSc Nursing Later?

Yes, ANM graduates can pursue GNM or BSc Nursing after completing their diploma.

•  Many states and colleges offer bridge or lateral entry courses that allow ANM holders to join GNM directly, usually in the second year of the program. 
• After completing GNM, students can further enrol in BSc Nursing, opening doors to advanced hospital roles, specialization courses, and higher salaries. 
• This pathway provides ANM graduates with long-term career growth, professional recognition, and opportunities to work in hospitals, government health services, and even abroad. 
• Proper planning ensures smooth academic progression.

ANM vs GNM: Pros and Cons

Course	Advantages	Limitations
ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife)	Short course duration (2 years) – Low fees and easy admission  Early job opportunities in community healthcare Ideal for grassroots health programs	Limited career growth  Lower starting salary  Less hospital-based training and clinical exposure
GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery)	Better salary and long-term career growth  Hospital-based and clinical experience  Eligibility for higher studies like BSc Nursing  Opportunities abroad in healthcare	Longer course duration (3–3.5 years)  Higher fees compared to ANM More demanding curriculum, and practical training

FAQs

Is ANM easier than GNM?
Yes, ANM is generally easier than GNM because it focuses on basic healthcare and community services, while GNM involves advanced clinical training and hospital-based nursing skills.

Which course has higher salary, ANM or GNM?
GNM offers a higher salary than ANM due to its hospital-based training, clinical experience, and eligibility for advanced roles and international nursing opportunities.

Can ANM students pursue GNM later?
Yes, ANM graduates can pursue GNM through lateral entry or bridge courses, usually joining the second year, allowing career progression and advanced clinical training.

Is GNM equivalent to BSc Nursing?
No, GNM is a diploma course, while BSc Nursing is a degree. GNM graduates can pursue BSc Nursing later to advance their education and career.

What is the duration of ANM and GNM courses?
ANM is usually 2 years, including internship, while GNM is 3–3.5 years, including hospital-based clinical training and mandatory internships in various medical departments.

Which course is better after 12th science, ANM or GNM?
GNM is better after 12th Science for long-term growth, hospital jobs, and international opportunities, while ANM suits students seeking early employment and community healthcare roles.

Can male candidates apply for ANM and GNM?
GNM allows both male and female candidates. ANM eligibility varies by state, but some states allow male students while others restrict it to female candidates.

What are the job opportunities after ANM and GNM?
ANM jobs include auxiliary nurse, community health worker, and PHC staff. GNM jobs include staff nurse, clinical nurse, ICU nurse, nursing tutor, and international healthcare roles.

Are ANM and GNM recognized by the government?
Yes, both ANM and GNM are recognized by the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and state nursing councils, making graduates eligible for government jobs and higher studies.

Which course has better career growth, ANM or GNM?
GNM offers better career growth due to advanced training, hospital experience, higher salary, eligibility for BSc Nursing, and opportunities in specialized and international nursing roles.