General Nursing and Midwifery
General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) is a three-year diploma programme in nursing, regulated by the Indian Nursing Council and State Nursing Councils, that prepares students to work as registered nurses and midwives. The curriculum covers anatomy and physiology, community health, medical-surgical nursing, child health nursing, midwifery and mental health nursing, combined with extensive supervised clinical postings in hospitals and community health centres. It focuses on patient care skills, basic nursing procedures and maternal and child health rather than classroom theory alone. GNM suits Class 12 students, usually from the science stream, who want to enter the nursing profession quickly, work in government or private hospitals, and later upgrade to a B.Sc Nursing degree through a post-basic programme.
About General Nursing and Midwifery
General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) is a three-year diploma programme in nursing, regulated by the Indian Nursing Council and State Nursing Councils, that prepares students to work as registered nurses and midwives. The curriculum covers anatomy and physiology, community health, medical-surgical nursing, child health nursing, midwifery and mental health nursing, combined with extensive supervised clinical postings in hospitals and community health centres. It focuses on patient care skills, basic nursing procedures and maternal and child health rather than classroom theory alone. GNM suits Class 12 students, usually from the science stream, who want to enter the nursing profession quickly, work in government or private hospitals, and later upgrade to a B.Sc Nursing degree through a post-basic programme.
Why Choose GNM
INC-recognised nursing qualification
GNM is recognised by the Indian Nursing Council and leads to registration as a nurse and midwife in India.
Shorter route into nursing
At three years, GNM takes less time than a B.Sc Nursing degree, and still results in registration as a nurse and midwife.
Steady demand across hospitals
Government and private hospitals, community health centres and nursing homes regularly need registered nurses.
Scope to upgrade later
GNM graduates can pursue a Post Basic B.Sc Nursing programme to earn a full nursing degree while working.
Detailed Syllabus (3 years, divided into 6 terms, with continuous clinical postings)
Core Subjects
Elective Subjects
Eligibility Criteria
Basic Requirements
| Minimum Percentage | Pass in Class 12, preferably with Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and English as a compulsory subject; most states ask for 40–45% aggregate marks, as per Indian Nursing Council (INC) norms, though institutions may ask for more. |
| Mandatory Subjects | English |
| Minimum Age | 17 years |
| Maximum Age | Many states set an upper limit of around 35 years, though this varies and some states have relaxed it |
Admission Process
Qualify Class 12
Complete Class 12, preferably in Science with Physics, Chemistry and Biology, with English as a compulsory subject.
Apply to an INC-recognised institution
Apply to a GNM training school or college recognised by the Indian Nursing Council, run by a government or private hospital.
Entrance test or merit list, where applicable
Appear for a state-level entrance test if the state conducts one, or be considered on Class 12 merit.
Document and medical fitness verification
Submit documents for verification and undergo a medical fitness check, as nursing training involves direct patient care.
Admission confirmation
Complete admission formalities, pay the fee, and register with the State Nursing Council as a student.
Required Documents
Important Notes
Estimated Fee Structure
| Government Institutions | ₹5,000 – ₹30,000 per year (indicative) |
| Private Institutions | ₹42,000 – ₹85,000 per year (typical range across 27 colleges on CollegeChalo) |
Return on Investment
| Total Investment | ₹15,000 – ₹2.55 lakh over 3 years, depending on a government or private institution |
| Average Starting Salary | ₹1.8–2.5 LPA |
| Payback Period | 1–2 years |
Figures are indicative and vary by institution, state and individual career path; they are not a guarantee of placement or salary.
Scholarship Opportunities
| Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST/OBC students | SC, ST or OBC students within the applicable income limit, applied for through the National Scholarship Portal or the relevant state portal. | Fees and a maintenance allowance; amounts set by the Centre and states |
Career Opportunities
Top Recruiters
Typical Salary Packages
| Staff Nurse | Avg: ₹2.2 LPA | Range: ₹1.8–3 LPA |
| Community Health Nurse | Avg: ₹2 LPA | Range: ₹1.6–2.8 LPA |
| Midwife | Avg: ₹2.2 LPA | Range: ₹1.8–3 LPA |
| Home Healthcare Nurse | Avg: ₹2 LPA | Range: ₹1.6–2.8 LPA |
* These are indicative figures based on industry patterns; actual packages vary by employer, location and individual performance.
Career Pathway
Entry Level
0–2 yearsGraduates typically start as staff nurses in hospital wards or community health centres, under supervision.
Mid Level
2–5 yearsWith experience, nurses take on more clinical responsibility and may supervise junior staff in a ward.
Senior Level
5–10 yearsExperienced nurses move into supervisory roles overseeing multiple wards or shifts.
Advanced
10+ yearsSenior nurses, often after further qualification such as a B.Sc or M.Sc in Nursing, can head the nursing department of a hospital.