State-Level Nursing Exams

📘 Overview

This table gives a clear and quick overview of the major state-level nursing entrance exams in India. It includes each state’s official exam name, the nursing courses offered (like B.Sc Nursing, GNM, Post-Basic B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing), and the basic eligibility criteria. Most states require candidates to have 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, along with an age limit of 17–25 or 17–35 years. This list helps students understand which exam they need to apply for based on their preferred course and state.

📑 Top-15 Indian State-level nursing entrance exams

State	Exam Name / Admission Test	Courses Covered	Eligibility Criteria
Andhra Pradesh	NTRUHS Nursing Exam	B.Sc Nursing, Post-Basic B.Sc Nursing, ANM/GNM	10+2 (PCB) with minimum 45–50% marks; Age 17–25 years
Bihar	BCECE Nursing Exam	B.Sc Nursing, GNM	10+2 (PCB) with minimum 45% marks; Age 17–25 years
Chhattisgarh	CG Nursing Entrance Exam	B.Sc Nursing, Post-Basic B.Sc Nursing, M.Sc Nursing	10+2 (PCB) for B.Sc; Diploma in Nursing for Post-Basic; Age 17–35 years
Gujarat	State Nursing Counselling / Admission Committee Entrance exams	B.Sc Nursing, GNM	10+2 (PCB) with minimum 45% marks; Age 17–25 years
Himachal Pradesh	HPU / AMRU Nursing Entrance Exam	B.Sc Nursing, Post-Basic B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing	10+2 (PCB) for B.Sc; GNM/Diploma for Post-Basic; Age 17–35 years
Jharkhand	Jharkhand B.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam	B.Sc Nursing, Post-Basic B.Sc	10+2 (PCB) for B.Sc; Diploma for Post-Basic; Age 17–35 years
Karnataka	K-CET / Government CET Exam	B.Sc Nursing, M.Sc Nursing	10+2 (PCB) for B.Sc; B.Sc Nursing for M.Sc; Age 17–35 years
Madhya Pradesh	MP PNST (Pre-Nursing Selection Test)	B.Sc Nursing, Post-Basic B.Sc	10+2 (PCB) for B.Sc; Diploma for Post-Basic; Age 17–35 years
Maharashtra	CET for Nursing Exam	B.Sc Nursing, GNM	10+2 (PCB) for B.Sc; Age 17–25 years
Odisha	Odisha Nursing Entrance Exam	ANM, GNM, B.Sc Nursing, Post-Basic B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing	10+2 (PCB) for B.Sc; Diploma for Post-Basic; Age 17–35 years
Punjab	PPBNET, PPMET, PMNET Exam	B.Sc Nursing, Post-Basic B.Sc	10+2 (PCB) for B.Sc; Diploma for Post-Basic; Age 17–35 years
Rajasthan	RUHS Nursing Exam	B.Sc Nursing, Post-Basic B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing	10+2 (PCB) for B.Sc; Diploma for Post-Basic; B.Sc Nursing for M.Sc; Age 17–35 years
Uttar Pradesh	UP CNET (Common Nursing Entrance Test)	B.Sc Nursing, Post-Basic B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing / NPCC	10+2 (PCB) for B.Sc; Diploma for Post-Basic; B.Sc Nursing for M.Sc; Age 17–35 years
Uttarakhand	Uttarakhand Nursing Entrance Exam	B.Sc Nursing, Post-Basic B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing	10+2 (PCB) for B.Sc; Diploma for Post-Basic; B.Sc Nursing for M.Sc; Age 17–35 years
West Bengal	JENPAS-UG, JEPBN Exam	B.Sc Nursing, Post-Basic B.Sc, M.Sc Nursing / PG Nursing	10+2 (PCB) for B.Sc; Diploma for Post-Basic; B.Sc Nursing for M.Sc; Age 17–35 years

📚 Exam Wise Detailed Guide Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Career Scope:-

1. Andhra Pradesh—NTRUHS Paramedical / Nursing Admission

Courses

• B.Sc Nursing,
• Post-Basic B.Sc Nursing,
• ANM, GNM

Eligibility

• 10+2 with PCB (45–50% marks)
• Age: 17–25 years

Exam Pattern

• Mostly merit-based; some courses may include an entrance test
• MCQs covering Science subjects

Syllabus

• Physics (Class 11–12)
• Chemistry (Class 11–12)
• Biology (Botany + Zoology)
• Basic Nursing (for PB BSc)

Career Scope

• Staff Nurse, Community Health Nurse, Ward Supervisor
• Can work in hospitals, PHCs, Government health programs
• Further study: M.Sc Nursing, NPCC

2. Bihar—BCECE (Nursing)

Courses

• B.Sc Nursing,
• GNM

Eligibility

• 10+2 with PCB (45%)
• Age: 17–25 years

Exam Pattern

• Objective type exam
• 300–400 marks approx.

Syllabus

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• English & GK (GNM)

Career Scope

• Government hospital nurse, OT nurse
• Scope in Bihar government health recruitment

3. Chhattisgarh—CG Nursing Entrance Exam

Courses

• B.Sc Nursing,
• PB B.Sc Nursing,
• M.Sc Nursing

Eligibility

• 10+2 PCB for B.Sc
• Nursing diploma for PB B.Sc
• Age: 17–35 years

Exam Pattern

• MCQ-based exam
• 100–150 questions

Syllabus

• Biology, Chemistry, Physics
• Nursing Foundation (for PB BSc and MSc)

Career Scope

• Nursing Officer, CHO, Public Health Nurse
• High government recruitment in CG

4. Gujarat—State Nursing Admission (ACPUGMEC)

Courses

• B.Sc Nursing,
• GNM

Eligibility

• 10+2 PCB with 45% marks;
• Age 17–25

Exam Pattern

• Merit-based admission using Class 12 marks (No entrance exam usually)

Syllabus

• Not applicable – based on Class 12 marks

Career Scope

• Staff Nurse posts in civil hospitals
• Private nursing colleges & hospitals

5. Himachal Pradesh—HPU/AMRU Nursing Entrance

Courses

• B.Sc Nursing,
• PB B.Sc,
• M.Sc Nursing

Eligibility

• 10+2 PCB / GNM Diploma;
• Age 17–35

Exam Pattern

• 150 MCQs
• 2 hours

Syllabus

• PCB (for BSc)
• Nursing subjects (for PB BSc / MSc)

Career Scope

• Government nursing jobs in HP
• Nursing tutor, supervisor

6. Jharkhand-B.Sc Nursing Entrance

Courses

• B.Sc Nursing,
• PB B.Sc

Eligibility

• 10+2 PCB / Diploma;
• Age 17–35

Exam Pattern

• OMR MCQ exam
• 150 marks

Syllabus

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Nursing subjects (PB BSc)

Career Scope

• Jobs in RIMS, government PHCs
• Nursing instructor jobs

7. Karnataka—KCET / Government CET Nursing

Courses

• B.Sc Nursing,
• M.Sc Nursing

Eligibility

• 10+2 PCB
• BSc for MSc
• Age 17–35

Exam Pattern

• KCET pattern: 180 MCQs (PCB)

Syllabus

• Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Class 12-level)

Career Scope

• High-quality nurse jobs in reputed hospitals (NIMHANS, Manipal, etc.)

8. Madhya Pradesh—PNST (Pre-Nursing Selection Test)

Courses

• B.Sc Nursing,
• PB B.Sc

Eligibility

• 10+2 PCB / Diploma;
• Age 17–35

Exam Pattern

• 150 MCQs
• Sections: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English

Syllabus

• NCERT PCB
• General English

Career Scope

• Government sector recruitment through MPPEB
• CHO recruitment

9. Maharashtra—State CET for Nursing Exam

Courses

• B.Sc Nursing,
• GNM

Eligibility

• 10+2 PCB;
• Age 17–25

Exam Pattern

• 100–150 MCQs
• PCB based

Syllabus

NCERT Class 11–12:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology

Career Scope

• Wide scope in government hospitals like JJ, Sassoon
• Nursing supervisors

10. Odisha—Nursing Entrance

Courses

• ANM,
• GNM,
• B.Sc,
• PB B.Sc,
• M.Sc Nursing

Eligibility

• 10+2 PCB / Diploma;
• Age 17–35

Exam Pattern

• MCQ exam
• Varies by course

Syllabus

• PCB
• Nursing subjects (PB BSc / MSc)

Career Scope

• Jobs in SCB, AIIMS Bhubaneswar
• Community health programs

11. Punjab—PPBNET / PPMET / PMNET Exam

Courses

• B.Sc Nursing,
• PB B.Sc Nursing

Eligibility

• 10+2 PCB / GNM Diploma;
• Age 17–35

Exam Pattern

• 100–150 MCQs
• PCB / Nursing foundation

Syllabus

• Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• Nursing subjects for PB/MSc

Career Scope

• Staff Nurse in Government Medical Colleges
• Lecturer posts after MSc

12. Rajasthan—RUHS Nursing Exam

Courses

• B.Sc,
• PB B.Sc,
• M.Sc Nursing

Eligibility

• 10+2 PCB / Diploma / BSc;
• Age 17–35

Exam Pattern

• Online exam
• Objective questions

Syllabus

• Biology, Chemistry, Physics
• Nursing subjects (PB BSc and MSc)

Career Scope

• Secure jobs in RMRS, government hospitals
• Public Health Officer roles

13. Uttar Pradesh—UP CNET

Courses

• B.Sc Nursing,
• PB B.Sc,
• M.Sc Nursing / NPCC

Eligibility

• 10+2 PCB / Diploma / BSc;
• Age 17–35

Exam Pattern

• 200 MCQs
• Divided by course type
• Highly competitive

Syllabus

• PCB (for BSc)
• Nursing (PB BSc, MSc)

Career Scope

• Jobs in SGPGI, KGMU, AIIMS
• Nurse practitioner programs

14. Uttarakhand—State Nursing Entrance

Courses

• B.Sc, PB B.Sc,
• M.Sc Nursing

Eligibility

• 10+2 PCB / Diploma / BSc;
• Age 17–35

Exam Pattern

• 150 MCQs
• 3 hours

Syllabus

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Nursing subjects

Career Scope

• Government hospitals, military & hill-care centers
• Scope for higher studies

15. West Bengal—JENPAS-UG / JEPBN Exam

Courses

• B.Sc Nursing,
• PB B.Sc,
• M.Sc Nursing

Eligibility

• 10+2 PCB / Diploma / BSc;
• Age 17–35

Exam Pattern

• JENPAS UG: 100 MCQs
• JEPBN: Nursing-based MCQs

Syllabus

• PCB
• Nursing (PB BSc)

Career Scope

• Jobs in government hospitals across WB
• International nursing opportunities

📌 Career Scope After State-Level Nursing Exams

After clearing state-level nursing exams, candidates become eligible for admission into state government nursing colleges for courses such as ANM, GNM, B.Sc Nursing, Post Basic B.Sc Nursing, and sometimes M.Sc Nursing.

The career scope expands widely after completing the degree obtained through these exams.

✔ Staff Nurse (General Nursing)

Primary role in government and private hospitals, performing patient care, medication, documentation, and ward responsibilities.

✔ Registered Nurse (RN/RM)

Eligible for advanced responsibilities such as ICU care, emergency management, and supervising junior staff.

✔ Community Health Nurse

Works in Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Sub-Centres, Urban Health Units, and government health schemes.

✔ Ward In-Charge / Nursing Officer

Supervises nursing teams, maintains ward activities, and monitors patient flow.

✔ Emergency & Trauma Nurse

Works in emergency units, ambulance services, and critical care hospitals.

✔ Operation Theatre Nurse

Assists surgeons during operations and manages OT environment.

✔ Government Contractual Nurse

Recruited under NHM (National Health Mission), RBSK, rural health mission programs.

✔ School Health Nurse

Works under government child healthcare programs and vaccination drives.

✔ Nursing Tutor / Clinical Instructor

Eligible for teaching roles after gaining experience and higher studies.

✔ Public Health Nurse

Engages in awareness camps, vaccination programs, maternal-child health initiatives.

📌 Salary Overview After State-Level Nursing Exams

The salary varies based on qualification (ANM, GNM, B.Sc Nursing), experience, location, and type of workplace.

✔ ANM Salary

• Government: ₹15,000 – ₹28,000 per month
• Private Sector: ₹10,000 – ₹18,000 per month

✔ GNM Salary

• Government: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 per month
• Private Sector: ₹15,000 – ₹28,000 per month

✔ B.Sc Nursing Salary

• Government: ₹35,000 – ₹65,000 per month
• Private Sector: ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 per month

✔ ICU/OT/CCU Nurses

₹30,000 – ₹55,000 per month

✔ Abroad Salary (After Licensing Exams like NCLEX, IELTS, OET)

₹1.5 – ₹4 lakh per month (varies by country)

📌 Top Recruiters for Certified Nursing Graduates (After State-Level Nursing Exams)

Once students complete nursing through state-level examinations, they get opportunities across government sectors, private healthcare, and international placements.

Government Recruiters

• State Government Hospitals
• District Hospitals
• CHCs / PHCs
• ESIC Hospitals
• Government Medical Colleges
• Railway Hospitals
• Defence Nursing Services (Civil posts)
• NHM (National Health Mission)

Private Sector Recruiters

• Apollo Hospitals
• Max Healthcare
• Fortis
• Manipal Hospitals
• Medanta
• Narayana Health
• Aster Hospitals

International Recruiters

• NHS (UK)
• Canadian Hospitals
• German Healthcare Facilities
• UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia Hospitals

NGOs and Public Health Organizations

• WHO
• UNICEF
• Red Cross
• CARE India
• State-Level Health Outreach Programs

Educational Institutions

• Nursing colleges
• Paramedical training centers
• Skill development institutes

📌 Higher Studies Options After State-Level Nursing Exams

Candidates who clear state-level nursing exams gain admission to nursing programs, After completing these courses, they can pursue advanced study options.

After ANM

• GNM
• Bridge courses for Community Health Officer (CHO)

After GNM

• Post Basic B.Sc Nursing
• Diploma in Critical Care Nursing
• Diploma in Emergency Nursing
• Certificate courses (ICU, OT, Dialysis, Cath Lab)

After B.Sc Nursing

• M.Sc Nursing (Specializations):
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing
  • Pediatrics
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology
  • Psychiatric Nursing
  • Community Health Nursing
• MBA in Hospital Administration
• PG Diploma in Public Health
• Clinical Research Programs

After M.Sc Nursing

• PhD in Nursing
• Advanced Nurse Practitioner Courses
• M.Phil Nursing

Conclusion

State-Level Nursing Exams are the gateway to affordable government nursing education and strong healthcare careers. These exams help students secure admission into reputable state-run colleges, offering a solid foundation for clinical practice, public health roles, and advanced specializations. With increasing demand for nurses in India and globally, passing these exams ensures excellent job security, competitive salaries, and opportunities for further education. Whether students aim for government jobs, private hospitals, or international careers, the scope after state-level nursing exams is wide and promising.

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