Nursing offers strong job security, career growth, and global opportunities. After 12th grade, students can choose from various nursing course types like ANM, GNM, B.Sc. Nursing, Post Basic B.Sc., and M.Sc., each opening a unique career path.
Nursing is highly regarded and provides both rewards and professional satisfaction in healthcare. Looking after patients is not the only duty; nurses need to make an impact by helping, comforting, and supporting those who require attention and kindness. As healthcare is growing quickly in India, more skilled nurses are needed.
If you’re exploring nursing after 12th grade, you’ve made the right choice. We’ll help you by looking at the nursing programs available, their admission procedure, and why this profession can be valuable for you.
Types of Nursing Courses After 12th Highlights
The table below lists the highlights of nursing courses available after 12th.
| Parameters | Statistics |
| No. of Colleges | 5,800+ colleges |
| Annual Fee | Free of cost: 4 colleges Less than INR 1 lakh: 314 colleges INR 1,00,000 to INR 2,00,000 – 406 colleges INR 2,00,000 to INR 3,00,000 – 530 colleges INR 3,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 – 383 colleges Less than INR 5,00,000 – 141 colleges |
| Ownership | Private – 2,896 Colleges Government – 450 Colleges Semi-Government – 369 Colleges |
| Courses Offered | BSc, UG Diploma, GNM, BSc (Post Basic), ANM, MSc, etc. |
| Top Specialisations | Medical-Surgical Nursing General Nursing & Midwifery Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing Auxiliary Nurse & Midwife Paediatric Nursing |
| Admission Process | Merit-based or entrance-based |
| Entrance Exams | KCET, AP EAMCET, etc. |
Who Can Apply For a Nursing Course After 12th?
Before you apply for the nursing course, it is useful to know the Nursing Eligibility Criteria. The eligibility criteria show how many marks are required by you, what the subject combinations are required, etc.
- For BSc: You must have passed Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Maths, or Biology with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate.
- For GNM: You must have passed Class 12th with a minimum of 40% to 50% marks in aggregate.
- For ANM: You must have graduated from a recognized board.
- For MSc: You must have passed BTech / B.Sc with subject combinations as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with Physics as one of the compulsory subject from any recognised Institute.
What Makes a Nursing Career a Good Choice After 12th Grade?
Choosing to pursue nursing after 12th can be very fulfilling in many ways.
Job Security
Great opportunities are always open to nurses. Since the healthcare industry keeps progressing, skilled nurses are assured of both local and global job security.
Career Growth
In nursing, we do not only look after patients—we also need to keep learning. No matter if you want to work with children or climb the leadership ladder, there is a clear way to move forward in nursing.
Diverse Opportunities
Apart from hospitals and clinics, nurses may find employment in education, research, and public health.
International Scope
Countries everywhere, such as the US, UK, and Australia, are finding skilled nurses. This also means nursing can help you find work in many other countries.
Types of Nursing Courses Available After 12th Grade
The choice of nursing course should reflect your interests, qualifications, and what you want your career to be. Many nursing courses are available after 12th, and each one provides a different route to a healthcare profession. Here is a description of different nursing courses:
| Course Type | Eligibility Criteria | Duration | Total Approximate Fees |
| Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) | Pass 10+2 with 40 to 50% marks in aggregate between 17–35 age. You can join from any stream. | 2 years + 6month internship | INR 10,000 to INR 60,000 |
| General Nursing & Midwifery (GNM) | Pass 10+2 with 40 to 50% marks in aggregate between 17–35 age. You can join if you have studied English. Some colleges demand candidates from the Science stream; however, some colleges accept other streams too. | 3–3.5 years + 6‑month internship | INR 20,000 to INR 1,50,000 |
| B.Sc. Nursing | Pass 10+2 with PCB40 to 50% marks in aggregate are required. You must have studied English with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. You must be at least 17 years old or less than. | 4 years (8 semesters) | INR 50,000 to INR 2,50,000 |
| Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing | You need to have a Diploma in GNM. You have to be a registered nurse. Less than or equal to 50% is required in GNM | 2 years | INR 50,000 to INR 2,00,000 |
| Diploma / Certificate Courses | Pass 10+2 with Science or any other related field. | 6 months to 3 years | INR 3,000 to INR 1,50,000 |
1. ANM Nursing Course
The ANM (Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery) course may be a good choice if you want to become a nurse and contribute to community health right away.
What It’s All About:
- Concentrates on supporting community health by providing help at the local level.
- Ideal choice for people who want to play a role in rural or urban health.
- It’s an entry-level course that gives you a fast track into the nursing profession.
Career Opportunities:
After you complete ANM, you are qualified to work at government health centers, NGOs, or as a midwife in hospitals.
2. GNM Nursing Course
The GNM program is considered to be one of the most acknowledged nursing courses in India. It is the right choice for anyone interested in working with patients and providing midwifery care.
What It’s All About:
- Covers all important topics in general nursing, midwifery, and looking after patients.
- Gives students the chance to gain experience in a real hospital and doctor’s office setting.
Career Opportunities:
- As a GNM graduate, you can work in hospitals, clinics, and even private nursing homes. The course also lays the foundation for further studies in nursing.
3. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.Sc. Nursing)
The B.Sc. in Nursing is an advanced 4-year program that helps you grow your theoretical and practical nursing skills.
What It’s All About:
- The course includes a thorough study of medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, and community health.
- You’ll learn how to research and will be prepared for leadership positions.
Career Opportunities:
- B.Sc. Nursing degree opens doors to both government and private sector jobs. Graduates can also pursue specializations and higher studies in the field.
4. Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing
If you have finished GNM, this course allows you to get a degree and keep progressing in your nursing career.
What It’s All About:
- This course is made for nurses wishing to improve their abilities in teaching, leading, and managing nursing teams.
- It’s a great stepping stone for career advancement.
Career Opportunities:
Individuals who graduate can work in administration, education, or as teachers in nursing.
5. Masters in Science of Nursing (M.Sc. Nursing)
The Master of Science in Nursing provides excellent educational benefits for those aiming for advanced nursing roles.
What It’s All About:
- M.Sc. Nursing course includes specializations in medical-surgical nursing, pediatric nursing, and psychiatric nursing.
- The course concentrates on improving leadership and nursing education.
Career Opportunities:
Graduates from this course have an opportunity to work as nursing instructors, nurse managers, or nurse practitioners.
Also, read: Nursing Course Guide – Everything You Need to Know
Nurse Practitioner Courses in India
A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse who is trained to perform special duties like assessing patients, diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, and even conducting specific medical procedures. NPCs are a bridge between doctors and nurses who work particularly in primary care, critical care, and rural health systems.
Nurse Practitioner in Critical Care (NPCC)
- Offered by: INC-approved institutes, government hospitals
- Eligibility: B.Sc. Nursing with a minimum of 1 year of clinical experience
- Duration: 2 years (PG residency)
Nurse Practitioner in Midwifery (NPM)
- Offered by: Government nursing colleges, pilot projects under the INC
- Eligibility: B.Sc. Nursing, preferably with GNM or clinical experience
- Duration: 18 months
Post Basic Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Offered by: State-level nursing councils
- Eligibility: GNM or B.Sc. Nursing
- Duration: 1 to 2 years
Best Nursing Colleges in India 2025
Check the list of the best nursing colleges in India from the table below.
| Colleges Name | Private/Government | Admission Process | Tuition Fee |
| JIPMER Admission | Government | JIPMER Nursing, NEET | INR 1,200 – INR 26,580 |
| Amity University Gurugram Admission | Private | Merit-Based | INR 1,12,000 to INR 7,52,000 |
| Galgotias University Admission | Private | Merit-Based | INR 5,08,000 |
| KGMU Admission | Government | Merit-Based | INR 48,000 |
| NIMS Nursing College Admission | Private | NIMSEE and Merit-Based | INR 50,000 – INR 7,53,000 |
| SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre Admission | Private | Merit-Based | INR 35,000 – INR 6,00,000 |
| Armed Force Medical College Admission | Government | Merit-Based | INR 80,000 |
| GMCH Chandigarh Admission | Government | Merit-Based | INR 38,320 |
| Parul University Admission | Private | Merit-Based | INR 50,000 – INR 6,36,000 |
| AIIMS Delhi Admission | Government | AIIMS PG, AIIMS Paramedical, INI CET | INR 400 – INR 2,400 |
Why Choose Edept’s Nursing Course?
edept offers an international nursing course that aims at those looking to pursue a career in global healthcare. The edept’s NCLEX-RN preparation program is offered to provide a service that fits in the Global Healthcare Academy, featuring a comprehensive course curriculum that includes resources like UWorld, Saunders, and Archer Review. The program offers flexible scheduling and personalized mentorship. The aspirants benefit from support in finding international job placements with leading healthcare organizations in the USA, Australia, and Canada.
edept’s Nursing Course Training focuses on practical readiness that blends theoretical knowledge with practical and clinical simulations and guidance for licensing, which facilitates a smooth transition for nurses into overseas roles. The experts of edept have designed the course to meet the growing demand for Indian nurses, offering certification support, career development through proper coaching, and job placement assistance tailored to the international nursing domain.
Conclusion
A career in nursing gives people many ways to aid and improve the lives of others. You can decide between ANM, GNM, and B.Sc. Nursing or even aim for advanced degrees like Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing or M.Sc. Nursing and you’ll find plenty of career growth and happiness.
The demand for well-trained nurses will keep rising both globally and in India, so nursing is a safe and respected career. If beginning your nursing career interests you, look into the different courses and choose the one that fits your needs.
FAQs
1. What are the best nursing courses for students who complete 12th grade?
ANM, GNM, B.Sc. Nursing, Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing and M.Sc. Nursing programs are the nursing programs that attract the most students.
2. Is ANM nursing course more suitable than the GNM nursing course?
ANM is a great decision if you wish to begin working in community health immediately. GNM provides better training and makes higher studies and hospital careers possible.
3. Can I complete a Bachelor’s in Science of Nursing following my GNM degree?
After completing GNM, you have the option to do a Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing to advance further in nursing.
4. Which job opportunities are open to Master’s in Science of Nursing graduates?
Once you complete your M.Sc. In nursing, you can start work as an educator, a manager or practice nursing in certain healthcare settings.