If you’ve just finished your 12th and are considering a career in nursing, you’re on the right track. Nursing is among the most respected and stable professions in the healthcare industry. It offers good career opportunities and gives you the chance to make a difference in people’s lives.
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about nursing courses after 12th, including eligibility, fees, duration, and career prospects. Let’s get started!
Why Choose Nursing as a Career?
Before we jump into the details of the courses, let’s quickly talk about why nursing is a great career option:
- Job Security: The demand for healthcare professionals is always high, with hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers requiring skilled nurses.
- Good Salary Packages: Nurses earn well, especially in private hospitals and abroad. With experience and specialization, salary packages increase significantly.
- Opportunities Abroad: Many countries like the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia actively recruit nurses from India due to shortages in their healthcare systems.
- Respect and Satisfaction: You get to help people in their most vulnerable times, making it one of the most rewarding professions.
- Multiple Career Paths: You can specialize in different fields like pediatrics, ICU, surgical nursing, psychiatric nursing, and more.
- Flexible Work Opportunities: Nurses can work in hospitals, private clinics, nursing homes, military healthcare, research centers, and even as home healthcare providers.
- Further Education and Growth: You can pursue higher education like MSc Nursing, PhD in Nursing, or specialized certifications to enhance your career.
Also read: Best Courses After 12th Commerces: Complete Guide
Nursing Courses After 12th (Top List 2025)
You can pursue different types of nursing courses based on your interests and career goals. These courses fall into diploma, undergraduate, and certificate programs.
1. BSc Nursing (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
BSc Nursing is the most popular nursing course for students who want to become professional nurses. It gives you in-depth medical knowledge and practical training to work in hospitals and clinics.
- Duration: 4 years
- Eligibility:
- Must have completed 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB)
- Minimum 50% marks (may vary by college)
- Some colleges require entrance exams (NEET, AIIMS, JIPMER, etc.)
- Fees: Approx ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 per year (varies by college)
- Career Options: Registered Nurse (RN), ICU Nurse, Nursing Officer, etc.
- Best Colleges: AIIMS, CMC Vellore, PGIMER Chandigarh, JIPMER, etc.
2. General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM)
GNM is a good choice for students who want a shorter yet detailed course in nursing. It covers basic patient care, maternity care, and community health services.
- Duration: 3.5 years (including internship)
- Eligibility:
- 12th pass (preferably in Science, but Arts students can apply in some institutes)
- Minimum 40-50% marks (depends on college)
- Fees: Approx ₹20,000 to ₹1,50,000 (varies by institute)
- Career Options: Staff Nurse, Community Health Worker, Midwife, etc.
3. Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery (ANM)
ANM is a short nursing course ideal for those who want to start working quickly. It mainly focuses on maternity care, child healthcare, and basic medical assistance.
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility:
- 12th pass (Arts or Science)
- Minimum 40-50% marks
- Fees: Approx ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000
- Career Options: Rural healthcare worker, Community Nurse, Maternal Care Nurse
4. Post Basic BSc Nursing (PBBSc Nursing)
This course is for GNM graduates who want to upgrade their qualifications. It helps nurses specialize in advanced healthcare and teaching roles.
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility:
- GNM-qualified candidates can apply
- Should be a registered nurse
- Fees: ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 per year
- Career Options: Nurse Educator, Clinical Nurse Specialist, etc.
5. Diploma in Nursing
A Diploma in Nursing is a short and affordable option for those who want to enter the healthcare field quickly. It focuses on basic nursing skills and patient care.
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Eligibility: 12th pass (Science preferred)
- Fees: ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000
- Career Options: Assistant Nurse, Healthcare Assistant
Nursing Courses After 12th: Eligibility
- BSc Nursing: 12th pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) with at least 50% marks.
- GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery): 12th pass (Science preferred) with 40-50% marks.
- ANM (Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery): 12th pass in Arts or Science with 40-50% marks.
- Diploma Nursing Courses: 12th pass (Science preferred).
- Age Requirement: Most courses require candidates to be between 17-35 years old.
Nursing Courses After 12th: Admission Process
- Choose Your Course: Decide on the best nursing course based on your goals.
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the qualifications for your chosen course.
- Entrance Exam (If Needed): Appear for exams like NEET, AIIMS Nursing, or JIPMER Nursing.
- Apply to Colleges: Submit applications for government and private institutions.
- Attend Counseling: Some colleges have counseling based on entrance scores.
- Submit Documents: Provide your mark sheets, identity proof, and medical certificates.
- Pay Fees & Confirm Admission: Once selected, pay the fees and complete your enrollment.
Nursing Courses After 12th: Entrance Exams
Some nursing courses require entrance exams. The most common ones are:
- NEET-UG: Required for BSc Nursing in many reputed institutes.
- AIIMS Nursing Exam: Conducted by AIIMS for BSc Nursing programs.
- JIPMER Nursing Exam: Required for JIPMER’s nursing courses.
- State-Level Nursing Exams: Like Karnataka CET, MH CET, etc.
- Private College Exams: Some institutes have their entrance exams.
Top Nursing Colleges in India with Fees
| Rank | College Name | Location | Approx. Fees (Per Year) |
| 1 | AIIMS, Delhi | New Delhi | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 |
| 2 | Christian Medical College (CMC) | Vellore | ₹23,000 – ₹40,000 |
| 3 | PGIMER | Chandigarh | ₹10,000 – ₹20,000 |
| 4 | JIPMER | Puducherry | ₹12,000 – ₹25,000 |
| 5 | Rajkumari Amrit Kaur College of Nursing | Delhi | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 |
| 6 | Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) | Pune | ₹8,000 – ₹20,000 |
| 7 | Manipal College of Nursing | Manipal | ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
| 8 | Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute | Bangalore | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 |
Scope of Nursing After 12th
Nursing is a great career choice with many job opportunities in India and abroad. Here’s where you can work after completing a nursing course:
1. Hospitals (Government & Private)
Most nurses work in hospitals, where they take care of patients, assist doctors, and ensure medical procedures are done correctly. Job roles include:
- Staff Nurse: Provides general patient care and gives medications.
- ICU Nurse: Takes care of seriously ill patients in intensive care units.
- Surgical Nurse: Assists doctors during surgeries and post-operative care.
2. Community Healthcare Centers
Nurses in community healthcare work in villages and cities, offering medical aid, vaccinations, and health awareness programs to improve public health.
3. Military Nursing
The Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force need nurses to care for soldiers and their families. Military nurses work in defense hospitals and during emergencies.
4. Research & Development
Some nurses work in medical research, assisting in clinical trials and drug testing to improve treatments and healthcare techniques.
5. Teaching & Nursing Education
If you enjoy teaching, you can become a nursing educator, training students in nursing colleges and universities.
6. Home Healthcare Services
Many nurses work as home care nurses, providing medical attention to elderly, disabled, or post-surgery patients at home.
7. Corporate and Industrial Nursing
Companies and factories hire nurses to provide employees first aid and healthcare services, ensuring workplace safety.
8. Nursing Jobs Abroad
Countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia highly demand skilled nurses. These jobs offer better salaries and career growth. However, you must pass exams like NCLEX-RN, IELTS, or OET to qualify.
9. Cruise Ship and Airline Nursing
Cruise ships and airlines hire nurses to handle medical emergencies while traveling. It’s an excellent option for those who love to travel while working.
Also read:
Nursing Jobs After 12th
Once you complete your nursing course, there are plenty of job options to explore. Here are some of the most common roles:
- Registered Nurse (RN): This is the most common role, where you work in hospitals, clinics, or specialty units, providing direct patient care.
- Community Health Nurse: If you like working in villages and smaller towns, this role involves spreading health awareness, vaccinations, and general care for communities.
- Critical Care Nurse (ICU Nurse): If you thrive in fast-paced environments, working in the ICU means handling critically ill patients who need constant monitoring and treatment.
- Midwife (Maternity Nurse): Help women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. A great option if you’re interested in maternal health.
- Pediatric Nurse: Work with children and infants in hospitals, pediatric clinics, or neonatal care units.
- Psychiatric Nurse: Specialize in mental health by working with patients suffering from conditions like depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders.
- Nursing Educator: If you enjoy teaching, you can train future nurses in colleges, universities, or hospitals.
- Nurse Researcher: Contribute to medical advancements by assisting in research studies and clinical trials.
- Home Care Nurse: Provide medical care to patients at home, often for elderly individuals or those with long-term illnesses.
- International Nurse: Many countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia hire Indian nurses. You must pass exams like NCLEX-RN or IELTS/OET to qualify.
Whether you prefer working in hospitals, research, or education, nursing offers a career path that suits different interests and skills.
How to Pick the Right Nursing Course for You?
Choosing the right nursing course is an important decision, especially if you want a successful and fulfilling career in healthcare. With so many options available, deciding which course is best for you can be confusing. But don’t worry! I’ll make it simple for you. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you pick the right nursing course in India.
1. Understand Your Career Goals
Before selecting a nursing course, ask yourself: What nursing career do I see myself in?
- Do I want to become a registered nurse or specialize in a particular field?
- Am I looking for a short-term or long-term course?
- Do I want to work in hospitals, clinics, or research?
If you’re passionate about patient care and want to work in hospitals, a B.Sc. Nursing or General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course might be a good fit. If you want to specialize in pediatrics, critical care, or surgery, you may need to pursue further studies after completing your introductory nursing course.
2. Know the Types of Nursing Courses
India offers different types of nursing courses based on eligibility and duration. Here are the main options:
- Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery (ANM): A diploma course (2 years) focusing on basic healthcare and maternity care. Suitable for those who want to start working quickly.
- General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM): A diploma course (3.5 years) that provides broader knowledge and prepares you for hospital work.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc. Nursing): A degree course (4 years) offering in-depth knowledge and better career opportunities.
- Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing (P.B.B.Sc. Nursing): A 2-year program for those who have completed GNM and want a degree for career advancement.
- Master of Science in Nursing (M.Sc. Nursing): A postgraduate course (2 years) specialising in specific fields.
3. Check Eligibility Requirements
Each course has different eligibility criteria: Some require a science background, while others are open to all streams. Always check the specific requirements before applying.
- ANM: 10+2 with any stream (Science preferred)
- GNM: 10+2 with Science (PCB) and at least 45% marks
- B.Sc. Nursing: 10+2 with PCB and English, minimum 50% marks
- P.B.B.Sc. Nursing: Must have completed GNM
- M.Sc. Nursing: Must have completed B.Sc. Nursing with at least one year of experience
Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.
4. Choose the Right College
Not all nursing colleges offer the same quality of education. Keep these points in mind while selecting a college:
- Accreditation: Ensure the college is approved by Indian Nursing Council (INC) and State Nursing Councils.
- Internship Opportunities: Check if the college provides good hands-on training in reputed hospitals.
- Placement Support: Colleges with strong industry connections can easily help you get a job.
- Facilities & Faculty: Look for good lab facilities, experienced faculty, and practical exposure.
Some reputed nursing colleges in India include:
- AIIMS, Delhi
- Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
- PGIMER, Chandigarh
- Rajkumari Amrit Kaur College of Nursing, Delhi
5. Consider Your Budget
Nursing course fees vary based on the college and course type. Government colleges usually have lower fees compared to private colleges. Here’s an estimated fee range:
- ANM/GNM: ₹50,000 – ₹2 lakhs (total course fee)
- B.Sc. Nursing: ₹1 lakh – ₹6 lakhs
- P.B.B.Sc. Nursing: ₹1.5 lakhs – ₹3 lakhs
- M.Sc. Nursing: ₹2 lakhs – ₹5 lakhs
Look for scholarships or education loan options if required.
6. Think About Job Opportunities
Before finalizing a course, understand the career prospects. Nursing offers plenty of job opportunities in India and abroad. Some job roles include:
- Staff Nurse
- Nursing Officer
- ICU Nurse
- Pediatric Nurse
- Research Nurse
- Teaching Faculty in Nursing Colleges
Government hospitals, private hospitals, clinics, and even international healthcare organizations hire Indian nurses. Countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia also recruit Indian nurses, so you can explore overseas opportunities.
7. Talk to Professionals
If you’re still confused, talk to nursing students or professionals. They can give you real insights into what to expect from a course and career. You can also check online forums or YouTube videos to learn from others’ experiences.
FAQs About Nursing Courses After 12th
The most popular nursing courses after 12th are:
–BSc Nursing (4 years, degree course)
–GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) (3.5 years, diploma course)
–ANM (Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery) (2 years, diploma course)
–Post Basic BSc Nursing (PBBSc Nursing) (2 years, for GNM holders)
NEET is required for admission to BSc Nursing in some top colleges like AIIMS and JIPMER. However, many private and state colleges offer admission without NEET.
Yes, Arts students can apply for ANM (Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery) and sometimes GNM courses, depending on the college.
Nursing course fees vary by college:
Government colleges: ₹2,000 – ₹50,000 per year
Private colleges: ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000 per year
Freshers earn between ₹20,000 – ₹35,000 per month in India. With experience, salaries can go up to ₹1,00,000 per month.
Yes, Indian nurses can work abroad, but they must pass exams like NCLEX-RN (USA) or OET/IELTS (UK, Australia, Canada) to qualify.
You can work as a staff nurse, ICU nurse, community health nurse, midwife, psychiatric nurse, home care nurse, or nursing educator. Many nurses also pursue higher studies for better opportunities.
Yes, nursing is in high demand in India and abroad. With advancements in healthcare, there are growing opportunities for nurses in hospitals, research, home healthcare, and specialized fields.
Hospital nurses usually work 8-12 hour shifts, including night ones. However, community health nurses and educators have more regular working hours.
Yes, nursing is for both men and women. Many male nurses work in hospitals, military healthcare, and specialized nursing fields.
Conclusion
Nursing is a great career choice if you have a passion for helping people and working in healthcare. The demand for skilled nurses is growing worldwide, so job opportunities are plenty. Choose the right course based on your career goals, prepare well for entrance exams (if needed), and be on your way to a rewarding career.