Overview
Understanding nursing entrance exams becomes easier when you divide them based on course type. Each course—ANM, GNM, B.Sc Nursing, Post Basic B.Sc Nursing, and M.Sc Nursing—has its own entrance exams, eligibility rules, exam pattern, and admission process. This course-wise guide helps students choose the right exam depending on their academic background and career goal in the nursing field.
1. ANM Nursing Entrance Exams (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery):-
Who Can Apply?
Students who completed 10+2 in any stream, especially from Arts or Science.
Major ANM Exams
- Odisha ANM Entrance
- UP ANM through CNET
- Bihar ANM Admission (BCECEB)
- West Bengal ANM (JENPAS-UG)
Course Goal
Prepares students for basic nursing care, maternal and child health services.
2. GNM Nursing Entrance Exams (General Nursing & Midwifery):-
Who Can Apply?
Students with 10+2 in PCB or Arts + English with minimum 40–45%.
Major GNM Exams
- Bihar GNM Entrance (BCECEB)
- Odisha GNM Entrance
- West Bengal GNM (JENPAS-UG)
- Maharashtra Nursing CET
Course Goal
Provides general nursing training for clinical & community healthcare.
3. B.Sc Nursing Entrance Exams:-
Who Can Apply?
10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, and 45–50% marks.
Minimum age: 17 years.
Major B.Sc Nursing Exams
- AIIMS B.Sc Nursing Entrance
- JIPMER Nursing Entrance
- PGIMER B.Sc Nursing
- RUHS B.Sc Nursing Exam
- UP CNET
- HPU Nursing Entrance
- KCET (Karnataka)
- JENPAS-UG (WB)
Course Goal
Prepares students for hospital-based clinical nursing and professional practice.
4. Post Basic B.Sc Nursing Entrance Exams:-
Who Can Apply?
Candidates with GNM (General Nursing & Midwifery) and nursing registration.
Major Post Basic Exams
- IGNOU Post Basic Entrance
- UP CNET (Post Basic)
- Punjab PPBNET
- Odisha Post Basic Nursing Entrance
- West Bengal JEPBN
Course Goal
Allows GNM nurses to upgrade qualifications to a bachelor’s level.
5. M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exams:-
Who Can Apply?
B.Sc Nursing / Post Basic B.Sc Nursing graduates with 55% marks and 1-year clinical experience (required in most states).
Major M.Sc Nursing Exams
- AIIMS M.Sc Nursing
- PGIMER M.Sc Nursing
- RUHS M.Sc Nursing Exam
- UP CNET (M.Sc)
- Odisha M.Sc Nursing Entrance
- AMRU/HPU M.Sc Nursing
Course Goal
Prepares graduates for advanced roles such as Nurse Practitioner, Tutor, Researcher, and Specialist.
Summary of Courses-Wise Nursing Entrance Exams:-
| Nursing Course | Eligibility | Major Exams |
|---|---|---|
| ANM | 10+2 in any stream | Odisha ANM, UP CNET ANM, WB ANM |
| GNM | 10+2 (Science/Arts), 40–45% | Bihar GNM, Odisha GNM, WB GNM |
| B.Sc Nursing | 10+2 PCB, 45–50% | AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, RUHS, CNET |
| Post Basic B.Sc | GNM + Nursing Registration | JEPBN, PPBNET, UP CNET |
| M.Sc Nursing | B.Sc / Post Basic with 55% | AIIMS, PGIMER, RUHS, UP CNET |
FAQs:-
B.Sc Nursing is the best option for students who completed 10+2 with PCB.
Yes, Arts students can apply for ANM and GNM in several states.
No. Most nursing exams are separate entrance tests, not NEET-based.
AIIMS B.Sc Nursing is considered the toughest due to high competition.
ANM is the simplest entry-level nursing course for beginners.
Yes, most states have their own nursing entrance exams.
Yes, students can apply for ANM, GNM, or B.Sc Nursing, depending on eligibility.
Usually 17–25 years for ANM/GNM/B.Sc and up to 35 years for Post Basic and M.Sc.