GNM Admission 2026: Dates, Eligibility, Process & Fees in India
Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At…
Latest update: General Nursing and Midwifery 2026 admissions & dates are being updated. Read more ›
GNM admission 2026 across most Indian states opens between April and June 2026, with application forms released by State Nursing Councils, health departments or designated universities. Admission is granted either through a state-level nursing entrance exam or, in many private colleges, on the basis of Class 12 merit. GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) is a 3.5-year diploma regulated by the Indian Nursing Council (INC), and importantly, NEET is not required for GNM admission.
This guide covers the GNM admission 2026 process step by step, key eligibility rules, entrance exams, application dates and government versus private fees. For the full programme breakdown, see our GNM course details guide.
GNM Admission 2026: Key Highlights
GNM admission 2026 is a state-driven, entrance-plus-merit process for a diploma nursing qualification. The table below summarises the essentials for applicants planning the 2026 intake.
| Particular | Detail (2026) |
|---|---|
| Course | General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) |
| Level | Diploma (nursing) |
| Duration | 3.5 years (3 years academic + 6-month internship) |
| Regulating body | Indian Nursing Council (INC) & State Nursing Councils |
| Application window | April–June 2026 (state-wise) |
| Admission basis | State entrance exam / 10+2 merit (direct) |
| Minimum age | 17 years (as on 31 December 2026) |
| Upper age limit | Generally 35 years |
| NEET requirement | Not required |
GNM Admission 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for GNM admission 2026, a candidate must have passed 10+2 with English and secured a minimum aggregate of 40–45% (the exact cut-off is set by each state). Unlike B.Sc Nursing, GNM is open to students from Science, Arts (Humanities) and Commerce streams.
- Qualification: Passed 10+2 (or equivalent) with English as a subject from a recognised board (CBSE/ICSE/State Board).
- Minimum marks: Typically 40% to 45% aggregate; some states/colleges require 45% including English.
- Stream: Science, Arts or Commerce candidates are all eligible (PCB is not mandatory).
- Age: Minimum 17 years as on 31 December of the admission year; upper limit generally 35 years.
- Other routes: A registered ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) with a pass certificate is also eligible to apply.
- Medical fitness: Candidates must be medically fit as per INC/state norms.
Always confirm the exact percentage and age relaxations (for reserved categories) in your state’s official 2026 notification, as these vary.
GNM Admission Process 2026: Step by Step
GNM admission 2026 follows a state-level cycle: notification, application, entrance/merit selection, counselling and final admission. The two dominant routes are entrance-based (mostly government colleges) and direct merit-based (mostly private colleges).
Step 1: Notification & Registration
The State Nursing Council or health department releases the GNM 2026 notification, usually between April and June. Candidates register online on the official portal and fill in the application form.
Step 2: Application & Fee Payment
Applicants upload documents (Class 10/12 marksheets, ID proof, photograph, category certificate) and pay the application fee. General/OBC fees range from about Rs. 300 to Rs. 800, while SC/ST fees are typically Rs. 150 to Rs. 400.
Step 3: Entrance Exam or Merit Screening
Government colleges usually shortlist candidates through a state-level nursing entrance test; private colleges often admit directly on 10+2 marks.
Step 4: Counselling & Seat Allotment
Qualified candidates attend document verification and counselling, where seats are allotted by rank/merit and category reservation.
Step 5: Admission & Fee Deposit
Candidates confirm admission by paying the first-year fee and reporting to the allotted college.
GNM Admission 2026 Important Dates (Indicative)
GNM 2026 dates differ by state, but most follow a similar April-to-September timeline. Use the indicative window below and cross-check with your state’s official schedule.
| Event | Indicative Period (2026) |
|---|---|
| Notification released | April–May 2026 |
| Application form availability | April–June 2026 |
| Last date to apply | June–July 2026 |
| Entrance exam (where applicable) | June–July 2026 |
| Result & counselling | July–August 2026 |
| Classes commence | August–September 2026 |
GNM Entrance Exams 2026
There is no single all-India GNM entrance exam; admissions are conducted state-wise by nursing councils, health directorates or universities. Several states hold a dedicated GNM/nursing entrance test, while others rely on 10+2 merit. Examples of state-conducted GNM entrance processes include Assam, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal and Telangana, among others. Candidates should track the notification from their own state’s nursing/paramedical admission authority.
GNM Admission 2026 Fees: Government vs Private
GNM course fees vary widely by college type and state. Government colleges are far cheaper, typically Rs. 10,000–Rs. 30,000 per year, while private colleges charge Rs. 50,000–Rs. 2,00,000 per year. The table below shows indicative annual ranges.
| College Type | Indicative Annual Fee (2026) |
|---|---|
| Government colleges | Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 30,000 |
| Low-fee states (Bihar, Rajasthan, UP – govt) | Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 18,000 |
| Private colleges | Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 2,00,000 |
| Application fee (General/OBC) | Rs. 300 – Rs. 800 |
| Application fee (SC/ST) | Rs. 150 – Rs. 400 |
Fees are indicative and exclude hostel, uniform, exam and clinical charges. Confirm the exact fee structure with the specific college before admission.
Documents Required for GNM Admission 2026
Keep the following documents ready (originals plus photocopies) for GNM 2026 registration and counselling:
- Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets and certificates
- Transfer/migration certificate and school leaving certificate
- Valid photo ID (Aadhaar/passport/voter ID)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Category/caste certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate (for state-quota seats)
- Medical fitness certificate
- ANM registration certificate (only for ANM-route candidates)
Tips for a Smooth GNM Admission 2026
Apply early in the April–June window, keep documents digitised, and verify eligibility percentages for your state before paying the fee. If you are targeting a low-cost government seat, prepare for the state entrance test; if you prefer direct admission, shortlist INC-recognised private colleges. To understand the full curriculum, career scope and salary before you enrol, read our detailed GNM course details guide.
