So, you’ve just passed 12th and thinking about what’s next? Well, if you’ve ever imagined helping people, working in hospitals, or just want a solid career in the medical field (without being a doctor), then nursing might actually be perfect for you.
This isn’t one of those boring academic guides. Here, I’ll walk you through nursing courses after 12th, types of programs, fees, career paths, and everything else—without the jargon. Whether you’re from Science or Arts, you’ll find something useful.
Why Even Choose Nursing?
Let’s keep it real. Nursing is not everyone’s dream job at first glance—but once you know what it actually is, it makes total sense. Nurses are not “assistants” to doctors. They are the frontline, heart-and-soul type professionals that run the medical world.
Here’s Why People Go for It:
- Demand in almost every country (UK, USA, Australia… even Japan now!)
- You can specialize later—ICU, Pediatrics, Mental Health, etc.
- Private + government jobs available
- You’ll genuinely be making lives better
- Jobs not only in hospitals, but also in military, NGOs, and schools
Who’s Eligible For Nursing Courses After 12th?
Okay, this part confuses people. So here’s the deal. You don’t need to be a topper. You just need to have the right stream and pass marks.
| Course Type | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|
| B.Sc Nursing | 12th Science (PCB) with 45–50% |
| GNM | 12th in Science or Arts (varies by state) |
| ANM | 12th any stream, preferably with English |
| Certificate | Just 10+2 pass, any stream |
Some states are cool with Arts students in GNM and ANM. Always double check.
Different Types of Nursing Courses
Alright, now comes the real stuff. Based on your goals (fast job, deep study, overseas plans), pick what suits you best:
| Type | Courses | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | B.Sc Nursing, Post Basic B.Sc | 2–4 years |
| Diploma | ANM, GNM, Psychiatric Nursing | 1–3.5 years |
| Certificate | Home Nurse, Health Assistant, etc. | 6–12 months |
Some people just want a quick start. Some go all-in. Your call.
Nursing Courses For Science Students
So if you took Physics, Chemistry, Bio, you’ve got more doors open.
B.Sc Nursing
- Duration: 4 years
- Entry: NEET or college exams
- Fees: ₹30k to ₹2.5L per year
- Jobs: Staff nurse, ICU, Pediatric care, even research assistant
Post Basic B.Sc Nursing
- For GNM graduates
- Duration: 2 years
- Roles: Nursing admin, OT specialist, teacher
GNM
- Duration: 3.5 years
- Science stream preferred, but some states allow Arts
- Common stepping stone to higher nursing roles
Nursing Courses For Arts Students
You might think “Nursing toh science waalon ke liye hai.” Not true.
ANM
- Duration: 2 years
- Focus: Women & child care, basic health
- Work: Anganwadi, NGOs, rural hospitals
GNM (Arts Stream)
- Allowed in some states (must have English in 12th)
- Same scope as Science GNM grads
Don’t assume. Check your state council rules first.
Diploma Options of Nursing Courses
If time or money is tight, diploma courses give you a headstart without stretching years.
| Course Name | Duration | Stream Required |
|---|---|---|
| GNM | 3.5 years | Science/Arts |
| ANM | 2 years | Any stream |
| Psychiatric Nursing | 1–2 years | Science |
| Nursing Care Assistant | 1 year | Any stream |
Nursing Courses Duration & Fees
No sugarcoating here—nursing can be expensive. But compared to MBBS, it’s manageable.
| Course | Time | Total Fee (Rough Estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| B.Sc Nursing | 4 years | ₹1.5L – ₹7L |
| GNM | 3.5 years | ₹1L – ₹3.5L |
| ANM | 2 years | ₹50k – ₹2L |
| Certificate | ~1 year | ₹10k – ₹50k |
Govt colleges = way cheaper. Private = better infra, but costly.
Nursing Courses Admission: Step by Step
Let’s not complicate it. Most colleges follow this pattern:
- Choose course (B.Sc, GNM, etc.)
- Apply online (college website or common entrance)
- Appear for NEET or state/university-level test (if needed)
- Wait for merit list / counselling
- Submit documents
- Pay fees and start
Some colleges give direct admission based on marks.
Top Nursing Colleges (Govt & Private)
Government Nursing College
- AIIMS (Delhi)
- JIPMER (Puducherry)
- PGIMER (Chandigarh)
- BHU (Varanasi)
- KGMU (Lucknow)
Private Nursing College
- CMC Vellore
- Manipal University
- DY Patil Pune
- Amity Nursing College
Getting into Govt is tough—but totally worth it.
Career & Salary of Nursing Students
The truth? You won’t get rich in your first year. But nursing pays off long term.
| Role | Monthly Salary (Rough) |
|---|---|
| Staff Nurse | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 |
| ICU Nurse | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Home Nurse | ₹20,000 – ₹35,000 |
| Tutor/Instructor | ₹35,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Govt Nurse | ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 |
| Abroad | ₹1L – ₹3L+ |
Foreign nurses make bank. But getting there takes some effort.
Jobs Abroad & Exams
Want to work in the UK, Canada, or UAE? Indian nurses are loved for their dedication.
Here’s what you’ll face:
- UK: CBT + OSCE
- USA/Canada: NCLEX-RN
- Australia: AHPRA
- UAE: HAAD, MOH, DHA
Start here, gain experience, then aim abroad.
Real Life: A Nurse’s Diary
Meet Renu, 27, working in a Bhopal ICU. Here’s how her day usually looks:
- 6:30 AM – Alarm, tea, ready
- 8:00 AM – Starts shift, checks all patients
- 10:00 AM – Medicines, IVs, doctor rounds
- 1:30 PM – Lunch (if she’s lucky)
- 2:30 PM – Emergency calls, paperwork
- 6:00 PM – Wrap up, handover
“Tired? Yes. Worth it? Definitely.”
Scholarships of Nursing Courses After 12th
Not everyone has money lying around. Here’s some help:
- National Scholarship Portal (NSP)
- Sasakawa Nursing Fund
- Tata Trusts Scholarships
- State-level SC/ST/OBC schemes
- College-specific grants (AIIMS, BHU, etc.)
Myths vs Reality
Myths
- Nursing is only for girls
- You must score super high to get in
- No career growth
Truth
- Men are doing great in nursing now
- Mid-level scores are fine
- Lots of scope if you study further or go abroad
Nursing is tough, yes—but rewarding in a different way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can Arts students become nurses?
Yes! ANM and (in many states) GNM allow Arts stream.
Q. B.Sc Nursing or GNM — which is better?
If you’re from Science and want a full degree, go B.Sc.
Q. Is NEET compulsory?
Only for top colleges like AIIMS. Most others have their own exams or merit-based entry.
Q. Can I go abroad after diploma?
Yep. But you’ll need experience + pass their licensing tests.
Q. Are male nurses paid equally?
Yes. There’s no gender gap in pay here.
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