Diploma in Nursing

A Diploma in Nursing is an entry-level professional program designed for students who wish to begin a healthcare career early and develop hands-on patient-care skills. The course blends theory with intensive clinical training across hospitals, community health centers, and specialty wards. The program is commonly offered in two pathways: ANM and GNM, each opening doors to important roles in the healthcare system.

1. Course Highlights

• Course Name: Diploma in Nursing
• Popular Streams:
  • ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery) – Focus on maternal health, newborn care, community health
  • GNM (General Nursing & Midwifery) – Broad hospital-based nursing practice
• Level: Diploma
• Duration:
  • ANM: 2 years
  • GNM: 3 years including internship
• Eligibility:
  • ANM: 10+2 (Arts/Science/Vocational) – minimum 45%
  • GNM: 10+2 (Science preferred) – minimum 45%
• Age Limit: 17–35 years
• Approval: INC & State Nursing Council
• Admissions: Entrance exam / Merit-based / Direct (private colleges)

2. Admission Process (Updated & Full)

Although states vary slightly, the overall flow remains similar across India.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• ANM: 10+2 from any stream
• GNM: 10+2 (Science preferred)
• Minimum marks: 45%
• Age: 17–35 years

Step 2: Application Submission

Students can apply via:

• State Nursing Counselling Portals
• University Admission Portals
• Direct College Applications

Documents required:

• 10th & 12th Mark sheets
• ID proof
• Passport photos
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Domicile certificate
• Medical fitness certificate (later stage)

Step 3: Entrance Exam (If Applicable)

Many states/colleges conduct tests for GNM/ANM admissions.

Exam format:

• Objective questions
• Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, GK
• Duration: 1–2 hours

Some states offer merit-based admission only.

Step 4: Merit List

Prepared based on:

• Entrance exam score
• OR Class 12 marks (for merit-based states)
• Category reservations (SC/ST/OBC/EWS)

Step 5: Counselling

Centralized in most states:

• Online registration
• Choice filling
• Seat allotment
• Document verification
• Fee submission

Multiple rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Mop-up.

Step 6: Direct Admission (Private Colleges)

Many private institutes offer:

• Direct admission
• Management quota seats

Selection:

• Based on Class 12 marks
• Basic interview/aptitude screening

Step 7: Medical Fitness Test

Compulsory before final admission:

• Blood tests
• Vision check
• Physical examination

Step 8: Final Joining

Students complete:

• Fee payment
• Document submission
• Orientation

Academic session starts July–September.

3. Detailed Syllabus & Curriculum

A. ANM Syllabus (2 Years)

Year 1

• Community Health Nursing
• Nutrition & Hygiene
• Basics of Anatomy & Physiology
• Environmental Health
• Child Health Nursing
• First Aid & Primary Care
• Health Promotion

Year 2

• Midwifery
• Maternal Health
• Reproductive Health
• Communicable Diseases
• Community Health Nursing II
• Internship & Practical Training

B. GNM Syllabus (3 Years)

Year 1

• Anatomy & Physiology
• Microbiology
• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Psychology
• Sociology
• First Aid
• Nutrition

Year 2

• Medical-Surgical Nursing I & II
• Pharmacology
• Mental Health Nursing
• Communicable Diseases
• Child Health Nursing
• Community Health Nursing

Year 3 + Internship

• Midwifery & Gynaecology
• Nursing Research
• Ward Management & Leadership
• Intensive Clinical Practical
• Internship Rotations:
  • ICU
  • NICU
  • Emergency
  • OT
  • General wards
  • Maternity ward

4. Skills You Will Learn

Students build strong clinical and interpersonal capabilities such as:

• Patient monitoring & assessment
• Medication administration
• Injection & IV handling
• Dressing & wound care
• Labour room assistance
• Emergency response
• Infection control
• Record management
• Community health outreach
• Communication & counselling

5. Internship Training

Internships happen across:

• Government/Private hospitals
• Community & Rural health centers
• PHCs & CHCs
• Specialty wards (ICU/NICU/OT/Emergency)

This phase shapes students into skilled professionals through real hospital exposure.

6. Fee Structure

• Government Colleges: ₹10,000 – ₹40,000 per year
• Private Colleges: ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 per year
• Hostel: ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 yearly (optional)

Overall fee varies by state and institution.

7. Approvals & Accreditation

A valid college must be:

• Approved by INC (Indian Nursing Council)
• Affiliated with State Nursing Council
• Connected with a hospital for clinical training
• Affiliated to Health Sciences University (in some states)

8. Career Opportunities

After completion, students can work as:

• Staff Nurse
• Auxiliary Nurse
• Community Health Worker
• Nursing Assistant
• Home Care Nurse
• Midwife (ANM/GNM)
• OT Assistant
• Ward Supervisor
• Rural Health Officer

Employment Areas

• Hospitals (Govt & Pvt)
• Clinics
• PHCs & CHCs
• Maternity Centers
• NGOs
• Old-age Homes
• School Health Programs
• Home Nursing Services

9. Salary & Growth

• Freshers: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000/month
• Experienced Nurses: ₹30,000 – ₹60,000/month
• Government Jobs: ₹35,000 – ₹75,000/month

Nursing is a stable, high-demand profession with strong growth opportunities.

10. Higher Studies After Diploma

Students can upgrade their careers through:

• B.Sc Nursing (Post Basic)
• B.Sc Nursing (Regular)
• M.Sc Nursing
• Post Graduate Diploma Specializations
  • Critical Care
  • Psychiatry
  • Neonatal Nursing
  • OT Nursing
  • Community Health

These pathways increase expertise and salary potential.

Final Summary

The Diploma in Nursing (ANM & GNM) is ideal for students who want a practical, job-oriented entry into healthcare. The course blends academic learning with intensive hospital exposure, enabling students to grow into skilled and compassionate nurses. With high employability, affordable fees, and clear progression routes, the diploma remains one of the most popular healthcare programs in India.