Course Details
There are 2 most popular courses in the GNM programme, namely, Basic and Post Basic.
Basic Nursing
The basic GNM is a 3-year bachelor’s degree course that helps students gain knowledge on nursing. It comprises a comprehensive study on treating an array of disorders. Candidates should clear the class 12 examination with a Science stream and have a minimum of 40% aggregate marks to be deemed eligible for the degree. Aspirants should between the ages of 17 and 35.
Post-Basic GNM
Advanced knowledge is explored in the post-basic GNM. Candidates get to take a deep dive into the nursing syllabus and open new career opportunities after completing this course. The basic version of this programme lasts three years, while the normal one lasts for two years.
About Course
GNM Nursing full form is General Nursing and Midwifery, a three-year and six-month diploma course designed for aspirants who want to pursue a career in clinical nursing. The curriculum of some universities includes a six-month mandatory internship at the end of the course and the diploma is granted only after the candidates complete this internship. Candidates who have successfully passed their 12th standard exam in the Science stream can pursue the GNM nursing course. The programme teaches aspirants how to care for individuals who are sick or have been injured in order to help them attain full recovery. Candidates can secure admission into General Nursing and Midwifery programme by appearing for state-level exams such as WBJEE ANM-GNM, Maharashtra GNM, Kerala GNM, etc.
Why Choose Course And Required Skills
Nursing programmes like the GNM course play a crucial role in the healthcare industry. Students learn how to use clinical approaches and aid patients' basis requirements. The job entails supporting doctors as well as administering patients to provide treatment to the general public.
The GNM nursing course's curriculum is specially curated to prepare candidates for their future job roles. One gets to study a perfect mix of theoretical and practical knowledge.
Candidates require these skills to become successful after completing GNM nursing course:
1. Patience
2. Empathy
3. Highly skilled
4. Excellent communication skills
5. Strong management as well as organizational skills
Eligibility
1. Minimum Qualification Required: 10+2 (Physics, Biology and Chemistry)
2. Minimum Marks Required (Aggregate): 50%
3. The minimum marks may vary from institute to institute
Degree Course Syllabus
The General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course is typically a 3.5-year diploma program that focuses on equipping students with skills and knowledge related to patient care, healthcare services, and midwifery. The course includes both theoretical studies and practical training. Here is an overview of the syllabus for the GNM course:
First Year:
1. Anatomy & Physiology
Structure and functions of the human body
Understanding different systems (skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, etc.)
2. Fundamentals of Nursing
Basics of nursing care
Nursing ethics and principles
Personal hygiene, comfort, and safety measures for patients
3. Community Health Nursing I
Introduction to public health
Concepts of primary healthcare and community health
Health problems in rural and urban communities
4. Psychology
Basics of human psychology
Emotional health and behavior patterns
Application of psychology in patient care
5. Microbiology
Introduction to microorganisms and their effects on the human body
Sterilization, disinfection, and infection control
6. First Aid
Principles of first aid
Emergency care and treatment for accidents or sudden illnesses
7. Personal and Environmental Hygiene
Maintaining personal health and hygiene
Environmental cleanliness and its importance in healthcare
Second Year:
1. Medical-Surgical Nursing I
Care for patients with medical and surgical conditions
Nursing procedures and techniques for various medical conditions
2. Pharmacology
Introduction to pharmacological terms and drug administration
Drug classification and effects on the human body
3. Sociology
Understanding society, culture, and health
Social issues affecting health
4. Medical-Surgical Nursing II (Specialties)
Advanced nursing care for patients with specialty conditions (e.g., orthopedic, neurological, renal)
5. Orthopedic and Geriatric Nursing
Care of elderly patients and those with orthopedic conditions
6. Community Health Nursing II
Continued education on community health services
Public health policies and practices
Third Year:
1. Midwifery and Gynecological Nursing
Nursing care for women during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum
Care for newborns and family planning services
2. Pediatric Nursing
Nursing care for infants, children, and adolescents
Growth and development, immunizations, common childhood illnesses
3. Psychiatric Nursing
Care of patients with mental health issues
Techniques for promoting mental well-being and managing mental health disorders
4. Professional Trends and Adjustments
Recent trends in nursing
Career planning and professional development
5. Nursing Administration and Ward Management
Hospital management, patient care coordination
Leadership skills and supervisory roles in nursing
6. Introduction to Research and Statistics
Basics of research methodology
Application of statistics in healthcare research
Internship Period (Six Months):
Clinical practice in hospitals and healthcare centers
Rotational duties in various departments (medical, surgical, pediatric, maternity, and community health)
Practical exposure to real-life nursing and midwifery situations under supervision
This comprehensive course prepares students to work as professional nurses and midwives, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience.
Top Colleges
Candidates pursuing GNM studies need to ensure that they secure admission in the topmost colleges. These institutions offer quality education and comprise experienced tutors. Here are some of the best GNM nursing colleges in India.
Refer to the best government colleges with GNM courses:
College Name |
IPGMER |
GMC Kozhikode |
GMCH Chandigarh |
TD Medical College |
Baba Farid University of Health Sciences |
Bankura Sammilani Medical College |
IRT Perundurai Medical College |
Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences |
Check out the best private colleges with GNM courses:
College Name |
Sharda University |
HML Group of Institutions |
Integral University |
Era University |
Hind Institute of Medical Sciences |
Institute of Paramedical Technology |
Noida International University |
IIMT University |
National Institute of Management and Technology |
Rama University |
Studying abroad is preferred by many students. Quality education, exposure to a new culture, and high-paying packages are some of the key factors that attract individuals to abroad studies. Students can continue their GNM studies outside India if they possess grit and determination. So, here are the best colleges that one should aim for:
College Name | Country |
University of Pennsylvania | United States |
University of Washington | United States |
John Hopkins University | United States |
King’s College London | United Kingdom |
Yale University | United States |
University of Technology Sydney | Australia |
University of Southampton | United Kingdom |
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill | United States |
University of Manchester | United Kingdom |
University of Toronto | Canada |
Top Recruiters And Salary
Candidates can refer below to find the best recruiters in India that offer GNM graduates lucrative packages:
1. Community Health Centres
2. Manipal Hospital
3. Fortis Healthcare
4. The Indian Red Cross Society
5. Max Hospital
6. Apollo Hospitals Enterprise
7. Medanta Medicity
8. Global Hospitals
9. Columbia Asia Hospital
10. Indian Nursing Council and various State Nursing Councils
11. Wockhardt Hospitals

Salaries offered after pursuing GNM followed by PG diploma or master courses in nursing are lucrative. Nurses working in forensics, ICU and private home care, can earn up to Rs. 4.9 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh per annum.
Course Scope And Career Options
Nursing is full-time occupation and candidates who have acquired the required skills and education in the field of care-taking and nursing can take up jobs at hospitals, clinics, health departments or can work as a private health care-taker. GNM diploma holders can also take up community services and can work for NGOs that spread medical awareness or help the sick. The salaries offered after the GNM courses can vary from Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh. Some government jobs pay better packages to freshers who complete this course. Following are some of the job profiles that a GNM diploma holder can apply for:
1. Staff Nurse
2. Home Nurse
3. Health Visitor
4. Community Health Worker
Admission Process
Nursing aspirants can apply for the General Nursing and Midwifery programme once they have completed their class 12 exams with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as compulsory subjects. Admissions in GNM courses are done mostly on the basis of marks secured by a candidate in class 12 exams. Colleges release a merit list on the basis of candidates' performance in the 10+2 exam.
Few of the institutes also conduct their own entrance exams for these courses or take students on the basis of state-level diploma entrance exams. Those candidates who qualify the entrance exams will be eligible for admissions to the GNM course.