General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) Course Details, Colleges, Fees, and Career Paths

The increasing demand for skilled nursing professionals makes a career in general nursing and midwifery an attractive option. The general nursing and midwifery (GNM) course in India is a 3.5-year diploma program, including a 6-month internship, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to become registered nurses, staff nurses, community health nurses, and midwives. To be eligible for the general nursing and midwifery course, applicants typically need a 10+2 or equivalent qualification in the science stream with physics, chemistry, and biology. 

While minimum aggregate marks and age limits vary by institution, a strong science background is essential. Graduates can expect a salary range of INR 2 LPA to INR 8 LPA, depending on experience and role, with opportunities in government and private hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations. This article provides an overview of the general nursing and midwifery course in India, including top colleges, fees, admission processes, and career paths.

General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) Course Overview

The General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course in India is a diploma program providing students with the skills and knowledge to become competent nurses and midwives. The course lasts 3.5 years, including a 6-month internship. Average fees range from INR 50,000 to INR 200,000 per annum, depending on the institution. 

Eligibility requires a completed 10+2 education with a minimum aggregate score. The Indian Nursing Council, Delhi Nursing Council, and Tamil Nadu Nurses and Midwives Council are among the top colleges for general nursing and midwifery. The Indian Nursing Council regulates and standardizes nursing education in India.

GNM Nursing Course Eligibility Criteria

Applicants for the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course in India must meet specific eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications, age limits, minimum marks, and required subjects at the 10+2 level. Nationality is also a factor. While prior experience is not typically required, eligibility can vary slightly between institutions. 

Most require 10+2 completion with science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) and a minimum aggregate score. Some institutions may require an entrance exam. Always check the specific requirements of each college or university.

GNM Nursing Admission Process in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

The admission process for the general nursing and midwifery (GNM) course in India involves application form submission, document submission, entrance exams, merit list preparation, counseling, and seat allotment. Specific requirements and procedures vary by institution and state. To begin, students must meet eligibility criteria, including a 10+2 or equivalent qualification with a minimum aggregate mark, and appear for any required entrance exam.

• Application: Submit the application form to the desired institution (downloadable from the official website or obtainable from the college office) with an application fee of INR 500 to INR 2,000.
• Entrance Exam: Appear for the entrance exam (if applicable), such as the Entrance Exam for GNM courses conducted by the Indian Nursing Council, with exam fees around INR 1,000 to INR 3,000.
• Merit List: Check the merit list released by the institution, typically based on entrance exam performance and academic qualifications.
• Counseling: Attend the counseling session for seat allotment, where candidates must produce original documents and pay the admission fee (INR 10,000 to INR 50,000).
• Document Verification: Submit required documents for verification, including mark sheets, certificates, and identification proof, with a verification fee of around INR 500 to INR 1,000.
• Fee Payment: Pay the admission fee to confirm your seat (INR 15,000 to INR 80,000 per annum for government and private colleges, respectively).
• Hostel Allocation: Apply for hostel accommodation if required, with hostel fees ranging from INR 4,000 to INR 10,000 per annum.
• Scholarship Application: Apply for scholarships or financial aid if eligible, with scholarship amounts ranging from INR 5,000 to INR 20,000 per annum.
• Organogram of DGNM: Refer to the organogram of the Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM) for more information on the admission process and institutional recognition.
• State-specific Requirements: Check for state-specific requirements, such as the Maharashtra Nursing Council’s requirement for a minimum of 40% marks in the entrance exam.

The admission process may differ between government and private colleges, with government colleges typically having a more rigorous selection process and lower fees. Private colleges may have a more flexible admission process but higher fees. 

Research the specific requirements and procedures for your desired institution and be aware of career scope and salary expectations, with average starting salaries ranging from INR 2.9 LPA to INR 4.5 LPA, depending on the job role and experience.

Top Government Colleges for General Nursing and Midwifery in India

The following table lists top government colleges in India offering General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) courses, along with their city, annual fees in INR, admission mode, NIRF ranking (if available), and UGC/AICTE approval status. These colleges are known for their academic quality, infrastructure, and faculty. 

Annual fees range from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000. Admission is typically based on merit or entrance exams, with some colleges having additional requirements like interviews or counseling. The colleges listed are UGC/AICTE approved.

Top Private Colleges for General Nursing and Midwifery in India

The following table lists top private colleges in India offering General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) courses, including college name, city, annual fees in INR, admission mode, rankings, and UGC/AICTE approval. These colleges offer specialized courses in nursing and midwifery, with some having specializations like pediatric nursing, community health nursing, or obstetrics and gynecology. Annual fees range from INR 50,000 to INR 200,000, and admission is typically based on merit or entrance exams. Many are UGC/AICTE approved.

GNM Nursing Syllabus PDF

General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) Syllabus

GNM Nursing Subject and Syllabus: Year-wise Breakdown

The General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course in India is a 3.5-year diploma program, including a 6-month internship. The syllabus is divided into three years, each with two semesters. Core subjects include Anatomy & Physiology, Fundamentals of Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pharmacology, and Midwifery. The syllabus provides a comprehensive understanding of nursing principles and practices.

General Nursing and Midwifery Fee Structure: Government vs. Private Colleges

Both government and private colleges offer the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course in India, but with different fee structures. Government colleges typically have lower tuition fees (INR 10,000 to INR 30,000), while private colleges can charge between INR 50,000 to INR 200,000 per year. 

Students may also need to pay for hostel fees, examination fees, and other expenses. Hostel fees in government colleges range from INR 4,000 per year, while private colleges may charge INR 40,000 to INR 60,000 per semester for non-AC accommodation. Some colleges offer scholarships.

Career Scope and Salary After Completing General Nursing and Midwifery in India

Graduates of the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course in India have a wide career scope in both government and private healthcare. After the 3.5-year course, including a 6-month internship, graduates can pursue roles such as Registered Nurse, Staff Nurse, Community Health Nurse, and Midwife. 

Salaries range from INR 2 LPA to INR 8 LPA, based on experience, location, and employer. The GNM course covers nursing fundamentals, community health, and midwifery, preparing students for patient care, health education, and community health services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the duration of the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course in India?

The General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course in India lasts 3.5 years, including a 6-month internship, providing students with theoretical and practical knowledge in nursing and midwifery.

Q2. What are the eligibility criteria for admission to the GNM Nursing course in India?

To be eligible for the GNM Nursing course in India, candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination, preferably in the science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Individual institutions may also specify minimum aggregate marks. Age limits vary by institution.

Q3. What is the fee structure for Government and Private colleges offering the GNM course in India?

Government colleges offering the GNM course in India have tuition fees ranging from INR 10,000 to 30,000, hostel fees of INR 4,000, examination fees of INR 3,500, and a security deposit of INR 5,000. Private colleges charge higher fees, ranging from INR 50,000 to 200,000. Fees vary by institution and location.

Q4. What are the core subjects covered in the GNM Nursing course syllabus?

The GNM Nursing course syllabus covers Anatomy and Physiology, Fundamentals of Nursing, First Aid, Community Health Nursing, Nutrition, Microbiology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pharmacology, and Midwifery and Gynaecological Nursing. These subjects are taught over 3 years (6 semesters).

Q5. What are the average starting salaries for GNM Nursing graduates in India?

GNM Nursing graduates in India can expect average starting salaries ranging from INR 1.8 LPA to 4.5 LPA, depending on their job role and experience. Registered Nurses can earn between INR 2.9-3 LPA, Staff Nurses between INR 1.8-3 LPA, Midwives between INR 2.5-4.5 LPA, and experienced GNM Nurses upwards of INR 4.8 LPA.

Written by Abhijeet Chatterjee

Abhijeet Chatterjee is a professional Content and Copy specialist with over five years of experience in crafting compelling content around the Edtech domain. His portfolio includes notable work for companies such as PhysicsWallah, Roar Media, Jagran Josh, etc. Academically, Abhijeet holds a Master's in Mass Communication, where he was awarded a gold medal for his outstanding performance. He has also qualified for the UGC NET in Mass Communication, demonstrating his expertise and a deep understanding of the field. His academic foundation is built on a Bachelor's degree in English Literature. Beyond his professional work, Abhijeet is an avid writer and a cinephile. His personal interests include scriptwriting, film criticism, and reading novels.

View all posts →