The Post Basic BSc Nursing course is a 2-year undergraduate bridge program designed for GNM or ANM qualified nurses who want to upgrade their academic qualifications and expand career prospects in the healthcare sector. The curriculum blends advanced theoretical learning with hands-on clinical training to strengthen patient care, nursing leadership, and community health skills. Students gain deeper knowledge in medical-surgical nursing, mental health, research basics, and nursing management. This program not only enhances professional competence but also prepares graduates for supervisory roles in hospitals, public health organisations, and educational institutions. Importantly, it serves as a strong academic pathway for higher studies such as MSc Nursing and specialised nursing certifications.
Post Basic BSc Nursing is a 2-year undergraduate degree program designed for GNM-qualified Registered Nurses (RN/RM) who want to upgrade their academic qualifications and expand career opportunities. Approved by the Indian Nursing Council (INC), this bridge course strengthens clinical knowledge, research understanding, leadership skills, and community healthcare competencies. Unlike the 4-year Basic BSc Nursing program meant for 10+2 science students, Post Basic BSc Nursing builds on prior nursing experience and focuses on advanced patient care and professional development. Graduates become eligible for higher studies such as MSc Nursing, teaching roles, supervisory positions, and improved salary prospects. The curriculum generally includes Medical-Surgical Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Nursing Education, and Nursing Research.
Post Basic BSc Nursing vs Basic BSc Nursing
Post Basic BSc Nursing: 2-year program for GNM-qualified RN/RM nurses.
Basic BSc Nursing: 4-year undergraduate program for 10+2 (PCB) students.
Post Basic BSc Nursing is a bridge course designed to upgrade existing nursing qualifications and clinical skills.
Recognised by the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and required for pursuing MSc Nursing and advanced specialisations.
Focuses on advanced clinical practice, research basics, nursing education, and management.
Graduates can work in clinical care, teaching, administration, and community health sectors.
Salary prospects are generally higher than GNM-level roles and improve further with experience and higher education.
Offered by government colleges, private universities, and selected distance education providers such as IGNOU (for in-service nurses).
Post Basic BSc Nursing Eligibility
To apply for Post Basic BSc Nursing, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Hold a GNM diploma from an INC-recognised institution.
Possess valid RN/RM registration with a State Nursing Council.
Meet institution-specific admission criteria, which may include entrance exams or merit-based selection.
Clinical experience of around one year may be preferred by some institutions but is not mandatory everywhere.
There is generally no strict upper age limit, though rules may vary by institution or state.
Distance or part-time options may be available for in-service nurses through recognised open universities.
Qualification (GNM Requirement)
A GNM diploma from an INC-recognised institute is mandatory.
ANM candidates are usually eligible only after completing GNM; direct ANM entry is generally not permitted.
GNM admission typically requires 10+2 education (any stream or PCB depending on the institution).
Registration Requirement
Valid RN/RM registration from a State Nursing Council is compulsory.
Registration must be active at the time of admission.
Experience (If Required)
Clinical experience is preferred in some colleges but not compulsory in many institutions.
Experience in hospitals, community health programs, or specialised units may provide an advantage during admission or placement opportunities.
Top Post Basic BSc Nursing Colleges
Top Post Basic BSc Nursing colleges in India are approved by the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and offer structured clinical and academic training for registered nurses. Leading government institutes such as AIIMS (selected campuses), JIPMER (College of Nursing), and PGIMER Chandigarh provide highly competitive programs with lower fees. Renowned private institutions include CMC Vellore, Manipal College of Nursing, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, and Kasturba Gandhi Nursing College (SBV University).
Distance or in-service Post Basic BSc Nursing programs are mainly offered by IGNOU and state open universities for working nurses, subject to INC and university approval. Fees vary widely — approximately ₹5,000–₹30,000 per year in government colleges and ₹80,000–₹2,00,000 per year in private institutions.
Regular Colleges
Distance / In-service Options
Approx Fees (per year)
INC Status
AIIMS (selected campuses with College of Nursing)
IGNOU (for in-service nurses)
₹5,000–₹20,000
INC approved institute required
CMC Vellore
State Open Universities (approved programs only)
₹80,000–₹1,50,000
INC approved
JIPMER College of Nursing
Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (if approved)
₹10,000–₹25,000
INC approved
Govt Colleges of Nursing (state-wise)
IGNOU Regional Centres
₹10,000–₹30,000
INC approved
Manipal College of Nursing
—
₹1,20,000–₹2,00,000
INC approved
Sri Ramachandra Institute (Chennai)
—
₹1,00,000–₹1,80,000
INC approved
Kasturba Gandhi Nursing College (SBV)
—
₹90,000–₹1,50,000
INC approved
Post Basic BSc Nursing Syllabus
The Post Basic BSc Nursing syllabus follows Indian Nursing Council (INC) guidelines and focuses on advanced clinical knowledge, nursing education, research fundamentals, leadership skills, and professional development. The program combines classroom instruction with supervised clinical practice and community postings over two academic years.
Year 1 – Core Foundations
Nursing Foundation & Professional Trends
Community Health Nursing
Nutrition & Dietetics
Psychology
Sociology
Applied Anatomy & Physiology
English / Communication Skills
Introduction to Nursing Education
Clinical Practicum: Community Health & Basic Nursing Care
Year 2 – Advanced Nursing Practice
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Child Health (Pediatric) Nursing
Obstetrics & Gynecological Nursing
Mental Health Nursing
Nursing Research & Statistics
Management of Nursing Services & Education
Clinical Practicum: Specialty Areas and Nursing Administration
Post Basic BSc Nursing fees in India vary depending on the type of institution, facilities, and mode of study. Government colleges remain the most affordable, while private colleges charge higher tuition. Distance programs like IGNOU’s Post Basic BSc Nursing (for in-service nurses) follow a fixed total program fee rather than yearly fees. Hostel, uniform, clinical, and examination charges are usually separate from tuition. Scholarships and concessions are commonly available for SC/ST candidates, working nurses, and state-sponsored students.
AIIMS / Central Govt Colleges: approx. ₹2,000 – ₹10,000 per year (where program available)
State Government Colleges: approx. ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 per year
Private Colleges: approx. ₹80,000 – ₹2,00,000 per year depending on facilities
IGNOU (Distance – In-service Nurses): approx. ₹23,000 – ₹30,000 total program fee (not yearly)
State Open Universities: approx. ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 total program fee (if INC-approved)
Hostel Fees: approx. ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 per year (separate)
Scholarships/Concessions: SC/ST schemes, state nursing scholarships, employer sponsorships, and working nurse concessions
Govt Colleges
Private Colleges
Distance / In-service
₹10,000 – ₹30,000 per year (tuition only; hostel separate)
₹80,000 – ₹2,00,000 per year depending on college
IGNOU: approx. ₹23,000 – ₹30,000 total program fee
Central institutes (AIIMS/selected govt colleges): ₹2,000 – ₹10,000 per year
Manipal / Sri Ramachandra / Private Universities: ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,00,000 per year
State Open Universities: ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 total fee (INC-approved programs only)
Govt colleges hostel: ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 per year
Private college hostel: ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 per year
Distance mode usually without hostel
Scholarships: State govt schemes, SC/ST fee waivers, working nurse sponsorship
Scholarships vary by institution
Limited scholarships; SC/ST concessions may apply
Career After Post Basic BSc Nursing
Hospital / Clinical
Administration
Teaching / Education*
Government / Public Sector
Staff Nurse / Senior Staff Nurse
Ward In-charge
Clinical Instructor*
Govt Hospital Staff Nurse
ICU / Emergency / OT Nurse
Nursing Supervisor
Nursing Tutor*
Military Nursing Service (after selection)
Specialty Nurse (Cardiac, Oncology, Dialysis)
Assistant Nursing Superintendent
Lecturer (MSc required)*
Community Health Officer (with bridge/public health training)
Specializations: Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Community Health, Mental Health, Critical Care
Gulf Countries – DHA / HAAD / MOH licensing exams
Careers in teaching, research, administration
Clinical training + dissertation work
Canada / Australia – Registration & bridging requirements
Senior academic and leadership positions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the duration of the Post Basic BSc Nursing course?
The Post Basic BSc Nursing course is 2 years long, a bridge course building upon existing nursing knowledge, unlike the 4-year Basic BSc Nursing course.
Q2. What are the eligibility criteria for Post Basic BSc Nursing?
Eligibility for Post Basic BSc Nursing requires a GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) degree, registration as a Registered Nurse/Registered Midwife (RN/RM), and 1 year of experience. Distance education from IGNOU is also valid.
Q3. What are the fees for Post Basic BSc Nursing in different types of colleges?
Post Basic BSc Nursing fees vary: Government colleges charge INR 30,000 – INR 60,000, private colleges charge INR 1,00,000 – INR 3,00,000, IGNOU charges INR 30,000 for distance education, and AIIMS charges INR 16,000 total.
Q4. What are the career opportunities after completing Post Basic BSc Nursing?
Post Basic BSc Nursing graduates can work as Senior Nurses or Staff Nurses in hospitals, Nursing Supervisors or Ward Incharges in administration, or Nursing Tutors or Clinical Instructors in teaching. Opportunities also exist in government sectors like the Army Nursing Services.
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