Introduction
Nursing is the most in-demand profession in India, and there is a pressing demand for qualified and skilled healthcare professionals. As a result, nursing education has become the most preferred choice for many students after completing 12th grade. Also, several nursing entrance exams in India provide a great potential for career growth. To get admission into top nursing colleges in India, aspiring candidates must take up nursing entrance exams, which are conducted at various levels.
This blog provides a comprehensive list of nursing entrance exams in India, including entrance exams for nursing after 12th, entrance test for B Sc nursing and M Sc nursing, along with eligibility criteria.
Categories of Nursing Entrance Exams in India
1. State-level nursing entrance exams
The respective state governments conduct these exams to facilitate admission into government and private nursing colleges.
2. National-level nursing entrance exams
Several colleges and universities conduct these exams at the national level.
Some colleges and universities also offer admission based on the merit of the applicant’s previous educational background.
Various colleges and universities across the country offers nursing courses at undergraduate (B Sc) and post-graduate levels (M Sc). To get admission to these courses, the concerned authority conducts entrance nursing exams at the state and national levels.
Undergraduate nursing courses
- B Sc Nursing (Basic)- 4 years
- B Sc Nursing (Post-basic)- 2 years
Postgraduate nursing courses
- M Sc Nursing– 2 years
National Level Nursing Entrance Exams in India
1. NEET-UG Entrance Exam
NEET-UG is primarily associated with MBBS and BDS course admissions. However, NEET scores are also considered for BSc Nursing admissions by certain government and private nursing colleges and institutions, depending on the applicable admission rules. The Indian Nursing Council (INC) has also suggested NEET as a common entrance examination for BSc Nursing admissions.
Examination level- National Level
Exam conducting Authority: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Course: BSc Nursing
Eligibility:
- Students must have completed class 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English from a recognized board.
- Students must secure at least 45% aggregate in PCB subjects.
- Must complete 17 years of age on or before 31st December of the admission year.
The official website of NTA publishes the latest notification, application details, eligibility criteria, and syllabus for nursing entrance exam.
2. AIIMS
The All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) conducts its own separate national-level entrance exams for undergraduate and postgraduate nursing courses.
Examination level- National Level
Exam conducting Authority: AIIMS, New Delhi
Course: BSc (Hons) Nursing, MSc Nursing, Post-Basic BSc Nursing
Exam mode- Computer based test (CBT)
Eligibility:
- Must complete 17 years of age on or before 31st December of the admission year.
- Students must have completed class 12th grade Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English from a recognized board.
- Students must secure at least 55% aggregate in PCB subjects.
- For Post-Basic B Sc nursing – Candidate must complete the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course and be registered as a nurse.
- Only female candidates are eligible for BSc (Hons) Nursing
- To be eligible for M.Sc. Nursing courses at AIIMS, you must hold a B.Sc. Nursing or Post-Basic B.Sc. Nursing degree, hold a valid Registered Nurse/Midwife registration, and clear the AIIMS Exams Portal entrance test.
3. JIPMER Entrance Exam
The Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) conducts national level entrance exams for the MSc Nursing course. However , it doesn’t conduct a separate entrance exam for BSc Nursing, it’s based on NEET-UG score and institutional counselling.
Examination level- National Level
Exam conducting Authority: JIPMER
Course: MSc Nursing
Exam mode- Computer based test (CBT)
Eligibility:
- Must hold a B.Sc. Nursing or Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing degree from an institution recognized by the Indian Nursing Council.
- Minimum of 55% aggregate marks (5% relaxation for reserved categories).
- Must be a registered Nurse and Registered Midwife (RN/RM).
- Minimum 1 year of professional work experience after registration.
- Must complete 17 years of age by December 31 of the admission year and no upper age limit
State Wise Nursing Entrance Exams in India
Besides national level nursing entrance exams, various states conduct their own entrance exams for admission to nursing courses at government and private nursing colleges.
1. JENPAS- UG
The Joint Entrance Test for Nursing, Paramedical, and Allied Sciences for undergraduate courses in West Bengal.
Exam conducting authority: West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination Board
2. MH CET
MH CET nursing entrance examination is conducted in Maharashtra for admission to various nursing courses.
Exam conducting authority: State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra
3. Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS)
The Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS) conducts entrance exams for undergraduate and post graduate healthcare courses, including nursing.
Exam conducting authority: Rajasthan University of Health Sciences
Courses: BSc Nursing, Post-Basic BSc Nursing, MSc Nursing
4. Karnataka Common Entrance Test (K-CET)
The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) conducts Common Entrance Test (KCET) for various nursing courses.
Exam conducting authority: Karnataka Examination Authority
Courses: BSc Nursing
5. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University (ABVMU)
The Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University (ABVMU) conducts Common Nursing Entrance Test for admission to nursing courses at private and government colleges in Uttar Pradesh.
Exam conducting authority: Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University, Lucknow
Courses: BSc Nursing, Post-Basic BSc Nursing, MSc Nursing
6. CMC Ludhiana Nursing- Christian Medical College
The Christian Medical College (CMC) Ludhiana conducts BSc Nursing Entrance Exam, which is an institutional-level test for its 4-year B.Sc. Nursing program.
Exam conducting authority: Christian Medical College (CMC) , Ludhiana
7. Pre-Nursing Selection Test (PNST)
The Pre-Nursing Selection Test (PNST) is a state level nursing entrance exam conducted in Madhya Pradesh.
Exam conducting authority: Madhya Pradesh Employees Selection Board (MPESB), Bhopal
Courses: BSc Nursing
Eligibility for Nursing Entrance Exams
The eligibility requirements vary between the examinations. However, students applying to nursing courses should fulfill certain basic eligibility criteria.
Basic eligibility conditions may include:
- Completion of class 12th grade from science stream
- English should be a compulsory qualifying subject
- Age requirements
- Fulfilling medical fitness requirements (Wherever applicable)
- Domicile requirement for state-level admission (Wherever applicable)
Candidates applying to nursing courses should carefully go through the official bulletin because eligibility requirements differ from exam to another.
How to Prepare for Nursing Entrance Examination?
Having a systematic preparation strategy helps students to perform better.
- Understand the syllabus thoroughly
Start exam preparation by knowing and understanding the nursing entrance examination syllabus thoroughly.
- Focus on 12th grade concepts
Focus and strengthen 12th grade Biology, Chemistry, and Physics subjects to a build a strong foundation in core subjects
- Solve previous year papers
Solve previous year question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam format and prepare accordingly.
- Take mock tests
Mock tests can help improve time management and identify weak areas.
- Revise regularly
Create a revision schedule and revise important concepts repeatedly rather than studying everything only before the examination.
Conclusion
Choosing a suitable nursing entrance exam depends on your career aspirations, the institutions you are considering, and your course level of study. No matter which nursing entrance exam you choose to take, starting your preparations early will significantly enhance your chances of success.
Begin planning today, remain consistent with your study efforts, and you will find yourself in the best nursing institution, paving the way for advancement in your career.
