Consider a nursing diploma if you already have a bachelor’s degree or are a commerce or arts student looking to enter the medical field following COVID. The medical profession is demanding. It necessitates long hours and sometimes low remuneration, which can discourage many people from engaging.
However, nursing is a very rewarding career. It requires kindness and concern for others. Nurses play an important role in helping patients feel better and providing comfort in stressful situations. Despite its limits, nursing can have a major impact on individuals and communities. It can be a fantastic career for people who truly want to assist others and make
There are two diploma pathways to becoming a nurse: ANM and GNM.
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Diploma in Nursing Course: General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM)
GNM is a 3-year diploma course that requires PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in 12th grade and includes a 6-month compulsory internship.
Course Fees of a General Nursing and Midwifery Course
General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) costs range from ₹30,000 to ₹2,00,000 per year. Fees depend on the college. Government colleges usually charge less than private colleges. Extra costs may include uniforms, books, and exam fees.
Eligibility for a General Nursing and Midwifery Course
To apply for GNM, candidates must meet these criteria:
- Candidates need to complete 10+2 with science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Some colleges may accept students from other streams.
- Candidates should be 17 to 35 years old during admission.
- Some colleges may require an entrance exam for admission.
- The mid-career pay for a GNM professional can be INR 33,000 to INR 65,000 per month.
Diploma in Nursing Course: Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM)
ANM nurses usually work in small villages, offering basic health and maternal care. Their pay is generally lower due to the rural setting. ANM is a basic course, typically completed in just 2 years, and includes a 6-month internship.
To pursue an Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) course, candidates from any educational stream are eligible, as it is a foundational course designed for those interested in healthcare.
Course Fees for Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery Course
The fees for the ANM course generally range from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 for the entire course. As with ANM, government colleges tend to have lower fees than private ones. Students should also budget for uniforms and study materials.
Eligibility for Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery Course
To enrol in the ANM course, candidates must meet these requirements:
- Candidates must have completed the 10th grade. Some colleges may prefer students who have completed 10+2.
- Candidates should be at least 17 years old. The maximum age limit is around 35 years.
- Some colleges may require candidates to pass an entrance exam specifically for private colleges or attend an interview.
- The mid-career pay for an ANM can range from INR 33,000 to INR 58,000 per month.
Also Read: All About ANM Nursing Course and Why it’s a Better Career Option?
Diploma in Nursing Course: Top Government & Private Colleges
Here’s the overview: ANM and GNM courses offer diverse career opportunities in nursing, with different durations, eligibility criteria, and fee structures across top government and private colleges in India.
Course | Duration | Eligibility | Fees (Approx.) | Government Colleges | Private Colleges |
ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) | 1.5 – 2 years | 10th Pass (12th preferred) | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 per year (Government) ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 per year (Private) | Government Medical College, Nagpur: Government College of Nursing, Thiruvananthapuram; Government Medical College, Nagpur | Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal; Kasturba Gandhi Nursing College, Puducherry; St. John’s Nursing College, Bangalore; Apollo College of Nursing, Chennai |
GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) | 3 – 3.5 years | 12th Pass (PCB preferred) | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 per year (Government) ₹80,000 – ₹2,00,000 per year (Private) | AIIMS, Delhi; PGIMER, Chandigarh; JIPMER, Puducherry; Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi; KGMU, Lucknow | Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore; Amrita College of Nursing, Kochi; Symbiosis College of Nursing, Pune; SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai |
Career Options After a Diploma in Nursing Course
Nursing jobs are growing fast worldwide, with a 6.00% annual increase. Popular roles include Registered Nurse, Nurse Specialist, Nurse Educator, and Nurse Manager. In India, registered nurses make around INR 3,00,000 a year, and government nursing jobs pay about INR 44,900 a month.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing) rather than a diploma is a strong choice for anyone seeking a career in healthcare. Starting salaries in nursing may be low, but there is room for growth and higher pay with experience. While the Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) course mostly has female students, men can also choose nursing through courses like General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) or Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) courses . Nursing values skills and care, not gender, allowing anyone to help in patient care.
Choosing GNM or BSc Nursing can lead to a good job in healthcare. GNM provides more training because it lasts longer, which means students learn more nursing skills. GNM and ANM graduates can work in many places, such as hospitals, nursing homes, community health centres, clinics, schools, and home healthcare. They can also work with public health groups, health camps, the military, and schools. In government jobs, they can earn more than in private jobs.
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FAQ’s
Yes, there are some 1-year nursing programs, but most full courses, like GNM, need 2–3 years to complete for proper training.
The usual age limit for diploma nursing programs like GNM and ANM is 17 to 35 years, depending on the college.
Yes. After completing 12th grade, you may apply in a GNM program. It is usually for students in a scientific field. However, certain universities encouraged students from various fields.
Starting salaries for GNM students in India range from ₹2 to ₹4 lakhs per year. Salary can vary according to experience and area.
No. ANM is accessible to all genders. It seems to attract a higher proportion of female students due to its emphasis on maternity and community wellness.

Hi, I’m Kanika. I’ve always had a deep love for travel and storytelling, but for me, storytelling is not just about words – it’s also about visuals and creating experiences. As an aspiring designer, I find myself constantly exploring different creative paths, whether it’s filmmaking or design (I guess I just like keeping things exciting!). I also love to play the guitar.