Nursing Course Eligibility Criteria: Educational Qualification and Age
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- 1 Nov 2026Odisha OJEE MSc Nursing Application Window Opens
The online application window for the Odisha Joint Entrance Examination MSc Nursing course runs from 1 November 2026 to 30 November 2026.
To be eligible for BSc Nursing, candidates must pass Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, securing at least 55% aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST at institutes like AIIMS) and turning at least 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year. Diploma courses like ANM and GNM require a Class 12 pass with a minimum age of 17 years.
At least 1331 colleges offer nursing education in India, with total course fees in public institutions starting as low as ₹6,000 at Indira Gandhi National Open University. The breakdown below details qualification standards, age criteria, category relaxations for diploma and degree courses, college fee ranges, top institution rankings, and career progression pathways.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| ANM Minimum Age Limit | 17 years on or before 31st December of the admission year |
| BSc Nursing Core Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English in Class 12 |
| AIIMS BSc Nursing Minimum Marks | 55% aggregate for General/OBC/EWS, 50% for SC/ST in PCB & English |
| AIIMS BSc Nursing Age Requirement | 17 years or above as of December 31 of the year of admission |
| Post Basic BSc Nursing Qualification | 10+2 pass + Diploma in GNM + RN/RM Registration with State Nursing Council |
| Regulatory Body | Indian Nursing Council (INC) |
What is Nursing
Nursing education in India follows a structured academic framework regulated by the Indian Nursing Council (INC), the central governing body overseeing nursing standards. Candidates can enter the profession through diploma, undergraduate, or postgraduate degree pathways depending on their academic background.
The entry-level programs include the Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM) diploma, which is a two-year training program leading to ANM certification, and the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course, a three-year and six-month training program. Professional degree programs begin with the four-year undergraduate BSc in Nursing, requiring Class 12 completion, university examinations, and certification. Before practicing legally in clinical settings, nurses must register with their State Nursing Council to receive formal licensing as a Registered Nurse (RN) and Registered Midwife (RM).
Nursing Eligibility
Eligibility for nursing programs depends on academic qualifications, core subjects studied in Class 12, aggregate percentages, and age limits. There is no attempt limit for entrance tests like the AIIMS BSc Nursing entrance exam, provided candidates meet the age and qualification requirements.
For BSc Nursing at premier institutes like AIIMS, candidates must complete Class 12 under the 10+2 scheme with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English. General, OBC (NCL), and EWS candidates must achieve a minimum aggregate of 55% in these subjects, whereas SC and ST candidates require 50% aggregate. Foreign candidates are evaluated directly on their qualifying 10+2 marks (55% equivalent) and are exempted from the entrance test. Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) follow standard testing and mark criteria by uploading their OCI Card without submitting a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
| Category | Qualifying Marks (PCB + English) | Entrance Exam Requirement | Special Submission Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (NCL) / EWS | 55% aggregate | Mandatory Entrance Exam | Standard online registration |
| SC / ST | 50% aggregate | Mandatory Entrance Exam | Valid category certificate |
| Foreign Candidates | 55% equivalent aggregate | Exempted from Entrance Exam | Admitted directly on 10+2 marks |
| Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) | 55% aggregate | Mandatory Entrance Exam | Upload scanned OCI Card (No NOC needed) |
GNM diploma holders can upgrade their qualification to a BSc Nursing equivalent through the Post Basic BSc Nursing program. Eligibility mandates passing 10+2, completing an INC-recognized GNM diploma, and holding active registration with a State Nursing Council. Female applicants require Registered Nurse (RN) and Registered Midwife (RM) registration. Male candidates must hold State Nursing Council RN registration and complete 6 months of specialized training in subjects like Neurological Nursing in place of Midwifery.
| Eligibility Parameter | Female Candidate Requirement | Male Candidate Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Qualification | 10+2 from recognized board | 10+2 from recognized board |
| Nursing Diploma | GNM Diploma recognized by INC | GNM Diploma recognized by INC |
| Council Registration | Registered Nurse (RN) & Midwife (RM) | Registered Nurse (RN) with State Council |
| Specialized Training | Standard Midwifery Training | 6-month training in subject like Neurological Nursing (in lieu of Midwifery) |
Nursing Admission Process
Admission to nursing courses across India combines merit-based selection and entrance test performance. NEET UG scores are widely used for BSc Nursing admissions in top medical colleges. Additionally, national institutes conduct dedicated tests, such as the AIIMS BSc Nursing entrance exam.
Candidates must verify their qualifying marks and subject criteria before filling out portal applications. After entrance results are declared, qualified applicants participate in state-level or institutional counseling rounds where seats are allocated based on merit ranks, category reservations, and college preferences.
Nursing Career Scope and Salary
- Post Basic Nursing: GNM diploma holders can take up a Post Basic Nursing course to upgrade their qualification to a BSc Nursing level.
- MSc in Nursing: A two-year postgraduate degree program available for nursing professionals.
- PhD in Nursing: Eligible to pursue after completing an MSc in Nursing and gaining two years of professional experience.
- Licensing and Registration: Nurses must register with their State Nursing Council to get licensing as a Registered Nurse (RN) and Registered Midwife (RM).
Completing nursing courses allows professionals to advance from diploma to doctoral qualifications. Registration with a State Nursing Council as an RN and RM is required to legally practice in a hospital.
How to Apply for Nursing Admission in 2026: Step by Step
- Check course eligibility criteria: Verify 10+2 subject requirements (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English), aggregate marks (55% for General/OBC/EWS, 50% for SC/ST), and minimum age limit of 17 years by December 31.
- Register for nursing entrance exams: Apply for relevant national entrance exams like NEET UG or institute-specific exams like AIIMS BSc Nursing entrance exam.
- Complete the online application form: Fill out personal details, academic qualifications, category credentials, or OCI details on the official portal.
- Download admit card and take the entrance exam: Appear for the scheduled entrance test; foreign candidates are exempted and evaluated on qualifying 10+2 marks.
- Participate in admission counselling: Check merit lists and entrance test results to join state or institutional counselling rounds for seat allotment.
- Complete document verification and state licensure: Submit educational documents, pay admission fees, and upon course completion, register with the State Nursing Council to obtain RN and RM licensing.
FAQs
Is maths compulsory for BSc Nursing?
For programs like AIIMS BSc (Hons) Nursing, candidates must pass Class 12 under the 10+2 scheme with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as compulsory subjects.
What is the minimum age limit for nursing course eligibility?
The minimum age for ANM admission and the AIIMS BSc Nursing entrance exam is 17 years on or before 31st December of the admission year.
Is BSc Nursing done after 12th?
Yes, BSc Nursing is a 4-year undergraduate degree program pursued directly after passing Class 12 under the 10+2 education scheme with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
Who is eligible for GNM nursing?
General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) is a three-year and six-month training program providing Registered Nurse (RN) and Registered Midwife (RM) certification upon completion.
What are the Indian Nursing Council’s requirements for nursing admission?
The Indian Nursing Council (INC) is the governing body regulating the quality of nursing education in India. Nurses must register with their State Nursing Council for RN and RM licensing before practicing in a hospital.
What is the qualification required for Post Basic BSc Nursing?
Candidates must pass Class 12, hold a Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) recognized by INC, and be registered as a Registered Nurse (RN) and Registered Midwife (RM) with a State Nursing Council.
