This page lists nursing entrance exams. For a step-by-step explanation of how nursing admission works for B.Sc Nursing, GNM, ANM and M.Sc Nursing, read our main guide: Nursing Entrance Exams in India.
Nursing entrance exams
Nursing entrance exams help students secure admission into diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate nursing programs across India. National bodies, state authorities, and universities conduct these exams to select eligible candidates for ANM, GNM, B.Sc Nursing, Post Basic B.Sc Nursing, and M.Sc Nursing courses.
1️⃣ National-Level Nursing Entrance Exams (India)
National agencies conduct these exams and colleges across multiple states accept their scores for nursing admissions.
| Exam Name | Conducting Body | Courses Offered |
|---|---|---|
| NEET-UG | National Testing Agency (NTA) | B.Sc Nursing |
| AIIMS Nursing Entrance Exam | AIIMS | B.Sc (Hons), Post-Basic B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing |
| PGIMER Nursing Entrance | PGIMER Chandigarh | B.Sc Nursing, M.Sc Nursing |
| Indian Army MNS | Indian Army | B.Sc Nursing |
| JENPAS UG | WBJEE Board | B.Sc Nursing & Allied Health Courses |
2️⃣ State-Level Nursing Entrance Exams
State governments organize these exams to fill nursing seats in government and private colleges within the state.
| State | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | UP CNET |
| Bihar | BCECE Nursing |
| Jharkhand | JCECEB Nursing |
| West Bengal | JENPAS UG |
| Karnataka | KCET Nursing |
| Chhattisgarh | CG Vyapam Nursing |
| Rajasthan | RUHS CUET (Nursing) |
| Uttarakhand | UBTER Nursing Entrance |
| Assam | SSUHS Nursing Entrance |
| Andhra Pradesh | AP Nursing Common Entrance Test |
3️⃣ University / Institute-Level Nursing Entrance Exams
Several universities conduct their own entrance tests or select students through merit-based admission.
| Institution | Entrance Exam |
|---|---|
| CMC Vellore | CMC Nursing Entrance |
| CMC Ludhiana | CMC Nursing Entrance |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | BHU Nursing Admission Test |
| IGNOU | Post-Basic B.Sc Nursing Entrance |
| State Nursing Colleges | Institute / Merit-Based Selection |
4️⃣ Diploma Nursing Admissions (ANM & GNM)
Institutes offer diploma nursing programs through state counseling or merit-based selection.
Popular Diploma Courses
- ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife)
- GNM (General Nursing & Midwifery)
Colleges admit students based on:
- 10+2 marks
- State counseling ranks
- Institute-level entrance tests
5️⃣ International Nursing Exams (For Abroad Careers)
International authorities require these exams for nursing licensure and employment abroad.
| Exam Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN | Grants nursing license in USA & Canada |
| OET | Tests English proficiency for healthcare |
| IELTS Academic | Supports overseas study & employment |
| NMC CBT & OSCE | Enables UK nursing registration |
| CGFNS | Verifies credentials for international nurses |
6️⃣ Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Pass 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
- Study English as a compulsory subject
- Complete 17 years of age
- Meet category-wise minimum marks set by exam authorities
7️⃣ Career Options
After clearing nursing entrance exams, students build strong healthcare careers as:
- Staff Nurse
- Community Health Nurse
- ICU & Critical Care Nurse
- Nursing Tutor or Educator
- Hospital Administrator
- Military Nurse
- International Registered Nurse
Conclusion
Nursing entrance exams open the door to respected and stable healthcare careers. By choosing the right exam, students gain admission to top nursing colleges in India and create opportunities for global employment in the nursing profession.
Related guides
- Nursing Entrance Exams in India
- BSc Nursing vs GNM: which should you choose
- Undergraduate in Nursing and Postgraduate in Nursing
- KGMU Nursing Entrance 2026, Indian Army B.Sc Nursing Exam and JIPMER Nursing Entrance Exam
- Staff Nurse salary in India
- All entrance exams in India
Check approval first
The Indian Nursing Council (indiannursingcouncil.org) is the regulator for nursing education. See our guide How to avoid fake colleges (in Hindi).
Conclusion
Use the main nursing guide for the step-by-step process and confirm every exam detail on the official website of the exam or college.
FAQs
Is there one entrance exam for all nursing courses?
No. Admission rules differ by course, institution and state.
Which regulator approves nursing courses?
The Indian Nursing Council is the regulator for nursing education.
Where can I read the main nursing admission guide?
See Nursing Entrance Exams in India on bhavyagyan.in, linked on this page.