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Nurse provides care, administer medications, assists in treatment and monitors patient health to promote well-being and recovery. To become a nurse, candidates must clear class 12 with PCB and then pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. They can start looking for jobs after pursuing a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree will offer better employability and growth. Candidates also have the option of doing a diploma in nursing.
The Salary of a Nurse can vary according to their designation, experience and skills. The average annual salary of a registered nurse in India is INR 2.5 LPA. The highest salary is INR 14.2 LPA. The estimated monthly salary of a nurse in India is between INR 17,137 to INR 18,843. The salary also depends on the Types of nurses and their expertise. There are many nursing courses available to aspiring candidates. Some of the top courses include BSc and MSc in Nursing. Candidates also have the option of pursuing diploma courses like GNM and ANM to become nurses.
Nursing courses are offered by many reputed colleges in India. AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER, CMC Vellore and JIPMER are some of the top colleges. Popular entrance exams for nursing courses include the AIIMS Paramedical exam, CMC Vellore and PGIMER BSc Nursing Exam and NEET.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Nurse: Quick Facts
- Eligibility to Become a Nurse
- Qualifications to Become a Nurse
- Steps to Become a Nurse
- Nursing Courses
5.1 Entrance Exams
How to Become a Nurse: Quick Facts
| Eligibility | Class 12 with PCB with mandatory internship in final year |
| Qualifications | BSc Nursing and related courses |
| Starting Salary (INR) | 3.40 LPA |
| Average Salary (INR) | 5.55 LPA |
| Highest Salary (INR) | 11.20 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | AIIMS, Fortis Hospitals, Max Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals |
Eligibility to Become a Nurse
To become a nurse in India, candidates are required to meet specific eligibility criteria which are listed below in the following points
- Age limit - Candidates must be between 17 to 35 years of age when applying for nursing jobs.
- Education - Candidates must clear class 12 with 50% marks in the PCB stream. They can pursue bachelor’s and master’s courses in nursing.
- Entrance exams - Many colleges give admission to nursing courses on the basis of exams which aspirants have to clear.
Qualifications to Become a Nurse
Candidates aspiring to become nurses must meet specific educational qualification criteria to start practising. The general qualifications to become a nurse are explained in the following points
- Candidates are required to pass class 12 with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognised board. They have to specifically pursue class 12 in the PCB stream.
- If they are looking to become general registered nurses or nurse assistants can opt for diploma courses.
- Candidates aiming to become nurses generally take up these UG courses. These courses allow candidates to get a much deeper understanding of the subjects.
- Postgraduate courses can be helpful for those candidates aspiring to become specialised nurses. A master’s degree also offers better career opportunities with competitive pay.
Steps to Become a Nurse
In India, candidates can take two paths to becoming a nurse. The first is to enrol in a full-time degree after class 12. The second path is to pursue diploma courses like General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) and Auxillary Nursing and Midwifery (ANM) after class 12.
There are many steps that candidates have to follow to become a nurse in India. The general overview of the steps is mentioned in the following points
- Complete Class 12: The first step in becoming a Nurse is completing class 12 from a recognised board. Students need to secure at least 50% marks preferably in the PCB stream.
- Apply for Entrance Exams: After completing class 12, candidates have to appear in entrance exams to get selected for top colleges for nursing courses. AIIMS, JIPMER and Maharashtra GNM are some of the top entrance exams.
- Pursue a Nursing Degree: Upon qualifying for the exam, candidates have to pursue a nursing degree of their choice. They can go for full-time bachelor’s degrees or pursue short-term diploma programs that provide foundational knowledge in nursing.
- Register with Nursing Council: It is mandatory to get registered with the Indian Nursing Council (INC) or the respective state nursing council to practice as a nurse in India. Candidates should start the registration process as soon as they pass their degree.
- Gain Work Experience: With registration, candidates can apply for nursing jobs in health settings like hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and other settings. Initially, they have to work under experienced nurses to gain expertise and develop hands-on skills.
- Opt for Higher Education and Specialisation: Candidates looking to further advance their career can pursue a master’s degree or specialisation in specific areas.
Nursing Courses
There are many courses that can be pursued by students to become a Nurse. GNM, ANM, BSc and MSc in Nursing/Advanced Clinical Nursing/Mental Health Nursing/Public Health Nursing are some of the top courses available. The details for the most popular courses are mentioned in the following table.
| Parameters | General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) | BSc Nursing | MSc Nursing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Class 12 with PCB | Class 12 with PCB | Graduate degree preferably in Nursing |
| Entrance Exams | GNM exam of different states | AIIMS, CMC Vellore, PGIMER, NEET, AJEE, PPMET | AIIMS M.Sc Exam, JEMSCN, MET, DSAT |
| Top Colleges | CMC Vellore, St John’s Medical College, Jamia Hamdard University, CMC Ludhiana | AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER, CMC Vellore, BHU, JIPMER | AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER, CMC Vellore, JIPMER |
| Course Fees | 40,000 - 1,00,000 | 20,000 - 2,25,000 | 80,000 - 1,30,000 |
| Average Salary (INR) | 4 LPA - 7 LPA | 1 LPA - 3.9 LPA | 2.5 LPA - 8 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Indian Red Cross Society, Apollo Hospital, Fortis Hospital, Medanta | Manipal Hospital, Apollo Hospital, Fortis Hospital, Medanta | Fortis, Max Healthcare, Apollo, Columbia Asia, Dr. Lal Path Labs |
Entrance Exams
There are many entrance examinations for admission into nursing courses in India. These exams are highly competitive and require diligent preparation. Some of the most famous entrance exams for nursing include AIIMS, CMC Vellore BSc, PGIMER BSc, NEIGRIHMS BSc, AJEE and NEET.
The details for some of the top exams for nursing are mentioned in the following table.
| Entrance Exams | Application Deadlines | Exam Dates | Result Declaration |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIIMS Paramedical Exam | 3rd week of February - 3rd week of April 2024 | BSc (Hons) - June 8, 2024 BSc Post Basic - June 22, 2024, |
BSc Post Basic - June 28, 2024 |
| CMC Vellore MSc Nursing Exam | 1st week of March 2024 (Onwards) | 3rd week of May 2024 | 3rd week of May 2024 |
| PGIMER BSc Nursing Entrance Exam | 2nd week of April - 1st week of May 2024 | 1st week of June 2024 | 1st week of July 2024 |
Top Nursing Colleges
There are many colleges in India that offer courses in nursing for candidates looking for a career in the healthcare sector. AIIMS New Delhi, PGGIMER, CMC Vellore, BHU and JIPMER are some of the best colleges for nursing. The details for top nursing colleges are mentioned n the table below.
| Name of the Colleges | Location | Average Fees (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| AIIMS | New Delhi | 1,685 |
| PGIMER | Chandigarh | 6.035 |
| Christian Medical College (CMC) | Vellore | 23,855 |
| SGPGIMS | Lucknow | 79,800 |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Varanasi | 2,381 |
| JIPMER | Pondicherry | 11,410 |
| King George’s Medical University (KGMU) | Lucknow | 48,000 - 3,05,000 |
| Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | Chennai | 1,00,000 |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) | Manipal | 1,75,000 |
| Jamia Hamdard University | New Delhi | 1,45,000 |
Skills Required to Become a Nurse
There are many skills essential for success in the field of nursing. Some of the top skills are tabulated below.
| Empathy and Compassion | Communication Skills | Critical Thinking |
| Attention to Detail | Organisational skills | Emotional Resilience |
| Teamwork | Technical Competence | Multitasking |
Benefits of Becoming a Nurse
Nursing offer a range of benefits, both professionally and personally. Some of the key benefits include
- Job Security - The nursing profession is in high demand globally providing nurses with excellent job security and a range of employment options.
- Competitive salary - Nurses are generally paid well with earning potential increasing with experience and higher education. Specialised nursing roles may provide even higher salaries.
- Impactful and Rewarding career - Nurses contribute to the well-being and care of people making a positive impact on patient lives.
- Diverse Career Opportunities - Nurses can work in various healthcare settings or specialised areas according to their interests and likes.
- Global Opportunities - Qualified and skilled nurses have opportunities to work in many countries and experience different healthcare systems.
Salary of a Nurse
The average annual salary of a registered nurse in India is INR 2.5 LPA. The highest salary is INR 14.2 LPA with the starting salary being INR 0.3 LPA. The salaries for different nurse designations are mentioned in the following table.
| Designations | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Senior Nurse | 3.5 L |
| Male Nurse | 2.8 L |
| Staff Nurse | 2.2 L |
| General Nurse | 1.9 L |
| Senior Staff Nurse | 3.4 L |
| ANM Nurse | 1.5 L |
| Infection Control Nurse | 3.2 L |
| GNM Staff Nurse | 2 L |
How to Become a Nurse: FAQs
Ques. What are the educational requirements to become a nurse in India?
Ans. The minimum educational requirement to become a nurse in India requires candidates to clear their 10+2 board exams with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as mandatory subjects followed by a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a diploma in nursing.
Ques. Is there any age limit to pursue nursing in India?
Ans. The general age limit to pursue nursing in India is between 17 to 35 years. Age limits can vary depending on institutions and state requirements.
Ques. What are the different nursing courses available in India?
Ans. ANM, GNM, BSc Nursing, Post Basic BSc Nursing and MSc Nursing are some of the most famous nursing courses in India.
Ques. Do I need to appear in entrance exams to get into a nursing program?
Ans. Yes, most of the top nursing colleges conduct entrance exams for admission into nursing courses. Qualifying for these exams is necessary to secure admission.
Ques. How do I register as a nurse in India?
Ans. Candidates have to register with the Indian Nursing Council (INC) or respective state nursing council to practice as a nurse in India. Candidates will have to provide the necessary documents, pay the registration fees and fulfil additional requirements specified by the council.
Ques. Are there any specialisations available in nursing?
Ans. Psychiatric nursing, pediatric nursing, community health nursing, critical care nursing and infection control nursing are some of the most popular nursing specialisations after basic nursing education.
Ques. Is nursing a good career choice in terms of job opportunities?
Ans. Nursing is in high demand in India. As the healthcare industry continues to grow, numerous job opportunities for nurses will also arise. Job security is also favourable in this field.
Ques. Can I pursue higher education after a basic nursing education program?
Ans. After completing a basic education in nursing, candidates have the option to pursue higher education. They can opt for master’s degrees like MSc Nursing or specialised courses.
Ques. What are the future prospects for nursing in India?
Ans. The future prospects for nursing in India are promising. With advancements in healthcare and increasing healthcare needs, there will always be a demand for skilled nurses in different healthcare settings.
Ques. Which cities are paying the most to registered nurses in India?
Ans. Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai are the top-paying cities for registered nurses in India.
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