Nursing Exams in India: 2024

Embarking on a career in nursing can be a rewarding journey, offering you the chance to make a tangible difference in people's lives. As you explore the possibilities after completing your 12th, a nursing exam in India stands out as an avenue for you to venture into this noble profession. In this article, we will take you through a list of the most important nursing exams and help you understand the eligibility requirements, exam patterns, and syllabus.

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Nursing Exams After the 12th: Highlights

Top Nursing Exams in India

Here is a list of the top 10 nursing exams in India that you can consider appearing for:

1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Nursing Entrance Exam

AIIMS is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious medical institutions in India. The AIIMS Nursing Entrance Exam is conducted by AIIMS to select candidates for various nursing courses offered by their campuses across the country.

1. To be eligible for the AIIMS Nursing Entrance Exam, you must have completed 10+2 or its equivalent examination from a recognised board with English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects. Additionally, you must have obtained a minimum aggregate score of 50% in these subjects. The age limit for appearing in the exam is between 17 and 30 years.
2. The exam pattern for the AIIMS Nursing Entrance Exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The duration of the exam varies depending on the course applied for. For Bachelor of Science (BSc) Nursing, the exam duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes. The question paper comprises subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, general knowledge, and aptitude and logical reasoning.
3. Each correct answer is awarded one mark, while each incorrect answer leads to a deduction of one-third mark. It's essential to note that there are no negative marks for unattempted questions.

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2. Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) BSc Nursing Entrance Exam

JIPMER is a premier medical institute located in Puducherry, India, known for its excellent healthcare education and research facilities.

1. To be eligible for the JIPMER BSc Nursing Entrance Exam, you must have completed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Botany and Zoology, and English as compulsory subjects. The minimum aggregate score required is 50% for the general category and 40% for the SC/ST/OBC category.
2. The JIPMER BSc Nursing Entrance Exam follows a specific pattern to assess the candidates' knowledge and aptitude. The exam duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes. It consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology/botany and zoology, English language proficiency, and general knowledge.
3. Each correct answer carries one mark, while each wrong answer leads to a deduction of 0.25 marks. Unattempted questions do not carry any negative marks.

3. Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMC) BSc Nursing Entrance Exam

The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMC) conducts an entrance exam for admission into its Bachelor of Science (BSc) Nursing program. AFMC is a prestigious medical institution under the Indian Armed Forces that provides comprehensive training to aspiring healthcare professionals.

1. To be eligible for the AFMC BSc Nursing Entrance Exam, you must have completed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Botany & Zoology, and English as compulsory subjects. The minimum aggregate score required is 45% for the general category and 40% for the SC/ST/OBC category.
2. The AFMC BSc Nursing Entrance Exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to assess the candidates' knowledge in various subjects. The duration of the exam is 1 hour and 30 minutes. The question paper covers topics such as physics, chemistry, biology/botany and zoology, English language proficiency, and general intelligence.

4. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for Nursing Courses

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for Nursing Courses is a highly competitive exam that serves as the gateway for admission into various nursing courses in India. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is held once a year.

1. To be eligible for the NEET Nursing Exam, you must be an Indian citizen or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). The minimum age requirement is 17 years, and the upper age limit varies depending on the course and category.
2. Candidates must have completed their 10+2 education with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as mandatory subjects. It is also important to note that each state may have its own additional eligibility criteria.
3. The NEET Nursing Exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology/biotechnology, and general knowledge. The total duration of the exam is 3 hours.
4. Each correct answer carries 4 marks, while each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 mark. It is essential to prepare thoroughly for all sections of the exam to maximise your chances of success.

5. Indian Army Military Nursing Service (MNS) Exam

If you have a passion for nursing and also dream of serving in the Indian Army, the Indian Army Military Nursing Service (MNS) Exam provides an excellent opportunity to combine both aspirations. The MNS exam is conducted by the Directorate General of Medical Services (DGMS), Army Head Quarters, and is held annually.

1. To be eligible for the MNS exam, you must be a female candidate who has completed or is pursuing a BSc Nursing/GNM course. The age limit for applying to MNS is between 17 and 25 years old. Candidates must be Indian citizens or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, or the legally adopted child of an Indian Army officer, SSCO, or ex-servicemen.
2. The MNS exam consists of a written test followed by an interview and a medical examination. The written test covers general English, biology, physics, chemistry, and general intelligence. The duration of the written test is 90 minutes.
3. Shortlisted candidates are then called for an interview and medical examination at designated centres.

6. Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS) BSc Nursing Entrance Exam

The Rajasthan University of Health Sciences (RUHS) conducts the BSc Nursing Entrance Exam to select candidates for admission into undergraduate nursing courses offered by various affiliated colleges in Rajasthan. If you are interested in pursuing a career in nursing in Rajasthan, it is important to familiarise yourself with the RUHS BSc Nursing Entrance Exam.

1. To be eligible for the RUHS BSc Nursing Entrance Exam, you must have completed 10+2 or an equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as mandatory subjects. The minimum aggregate marks required may vary each year depending on factors such as available seats and competition. It is advisable to check the official notification for specific eligibility criteria.
2. The RUHS BSc Nursing Entrance Exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology/biotechnology, and general English. The total duration of the exam is generally 2 hours.
3. Each correct answer carries 1 mark, while incorrect answers do not result in negative marking. It is essential to practice solving previous years' question papers and mock tests to familiarise yourself with the exam pattern.

7. KGMU Nursing Exam

The KGMU Nursing Exam is conducted by King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow. This exam serves as a gateway for admission to various nursing programmes offered by the university. It provides a valuable opportunity for candidates who wish to pursue their nursing education at KGMU, one of the most renowned medical institutions in India.

1. To be eligible for the KGMU Nursing Exam, candidates must have completed their 10+2 education in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as main subjects. The minimum aggregate marks required may vary each year, so it's important to check the official website for specific eligibility criteria.
2. The exam pattern of the KGMU Nursing Exam may differ based on the programme applied for. Generally, it consists of multiple-choice questions covering subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, general knowledge, and English language skills. Candidates are advised to refer to the official website for detailed information on the exam pattern.
3. The duration of the KGMU Nursing Exam is typically 3 hours.

8. Jamia Hamdard University BSc Nursing Entrance Exam

The Jamia Hamdard University BSc Nursing Entrance Exam is conducted by Jamia Hamdard University to select eligible candidates for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing) program. The university is known for its excellence in healthcare education and offers a comprehensive nursing programme.

1. To be eligible for the entrance exam, you must have completed a 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognised board with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics, and English as compulsory subjects. The minimum aggregate marks required vary each year and are determined by the university.
2. The exam pattern consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with a total of 100 questions. The duration of the exam is two hours. The questions are divided into four sections: physics, chemistry, biology/mathematics, and English language and comprehension.
3. Each correct answer carries one mark, while there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.

9. BHU Nursing Exam

The BHU Nursing Exam is conducted by Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and is a gateway for admission to various nursing programmes offered by the university. This exam provides a great opportunity for individuals who are passionate about nursing and aspire to pursue their education at BHU.

1. To be eligible for the BHU Nursing Exam, candidates must fulfil certain criteria set by the university. The candidates should have completed their 10+2 education in the science stream with physics, chemistry, biology, and English as their main subjects. Additionally, they must meet the minimum percentage requirement set by BHU for each programme.
2. The exam pattern of the BHU Nursing Exam may vary depending on the specific programme a candidate is applying for. Generally, it consists of multiple-choice questions covering subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, general knowledge, and English language skills. Candidates are advised to refer to the official website for detailed information on the exam pattern.
3. The duration of the BHU Nursing Exam varies based on the programme applied for.

10. CMC Ludhiana BSc Nursing Exam

The Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, conducts the CMC Ludhiana BSc Nursing exam. It is one of the most prestigious exams in India for aspiring nursing professionals. This exam aims to select candidates for the BSc Nursing programme offered by CMC Ludhiana.

1. To be eligible for the CMC Ludhiana BSc Nursing exam, you must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as mandatory subjects. The minimum aggregate marks required may vary each year, so it's essential to check the official notification for specific details.
2. The CMC Ludhiana BSc Nursing exam is usually conducted in offline mode and consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The duration of the exam is typically three hours. The syllabus includes subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, English, and general knowledge. It is crucial to prepare thoroughly for each subject to perform well in the exam.

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Eligibility Criteria for Nursing Exams After Graduation

The eligibility criteria for nursing exams in India vary based on the type of course you are interested in pursuing.

For Master's Courses:

1. You must have a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSc Nursing) from a recognised institution.
2. Work experience may be required in some cases.
3. Entrance exams such as AIIMS PG or JIPMER PG may be conducted by the respective institutions.

For Diploma Courses:

1. The eligibility criteria for diploma courses differ based on the type of course you wish to pursue (GNM or ANM).
2. Generally, you must have completed class 12 with physics, chemistry, and biology as core subjects.
3. Minimum age requirements and other criteria may vary from institute to institute.

For a Ph.D. in Nursing:

1. You must have a Master's degree in nursing (MSc Nursing) from a recognised institution.
2. Research experience is preferred.

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Exam Patterns for Nursing Exams in India

To prepare effectively for nursing exams in India, it is important to understand the exam pattern. While the specific pattern may vary slightly from one exam to another, here is a general overview:

1. Mode of Examination: Most nursing exams are conducted in offline mode (pen and paper-based), where candidates have to mark their answers on an OMR sheet. However, some exams may also be conducted online.
2. Duration: Nursing exams usually range from 2 to 3 hours.
3. Types of Questions: The question paper generally consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Each question has four options, of which only one is correct.
4. Subjects Covered: The subjects covered in nursing exams typically include physics, chemistry, biology, and English. Some exams may also include questions related to general knowledge or aptitude.
5. Marking Scheme: Each correct answer is awarded a certain number of marks, while incorrect answers may lead to negative markings in some exams. Familiarising yourself with the marking scheme before attempting the exam is important.
6. Syllabus Weightage: The distribution of questions across different subjects may vary from one exam to another. It is advisable to prioritise topics based on their weightage in the syllabus while preparing for the nursing exams.

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Syllabus for Nursing Exams

To excel in nursing exams in India, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the syllabus. The syllabus for nursing exams after the 12th consists of various subjects, each covering different topics and areas of study. Here is a detailed overview of the syllabus for nursing exams in India for admission into bachelor's courses:

Physics

1. Units and measurements
2. Motion in a straight line
3. Laws of motion
4. Work, energy, and power
5. Thermal properties of matter
6. Oscillations and waves

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Chemistry

1. Basic concepts of chemistry
2. States of matter
3. Atomic structure
4. Chemical bonding and molecular structure
5. Classification of elements and periodicity in properties
6. Environmental chemistry

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Biology

1. Diversity in living organisms
2. Five-kingdom classification
3. Structural organisation in animals and plants
4. Cell structure and function
5. Cell theory
6. Structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
7. Cell organelles
8. Human physiology
9. Digestive system
10. Respiratory system
11. Circulatory system
12. Excretory system

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English

1. Reading comprehension
2. Vocabulary
3. Grammar

General Knowledge

1. General knowledge questions will test your awareness of current affairs, history, geography, science, sports, etc.

Aptitude

This section evaluates your logical reasoning abilities, problem-solving skills, numerical aptitude, etc.

It is important to note that the syllabus may vary slightly across different nursing institutions and universities in India. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to the specific syllabus provided by your institution or the nursing entrance examination you are preparing for.

Top Nursing Institutes/Colleges in India

1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
2. Christian Medical College, Vellore
3. Armed Forces Medical College, Pune
4. Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal
5. Apollo College of Nursing, Chennai
6. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur College of Nursing, New Delhi
7. St. John's Medical College, Bangalore
8. King George's Medical University, Lucknow
9. College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar
10. Government College of Nursing, Thiruvananthapuram

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Preparation Tips for Nursing Exams

To effectively prepare for the nursing exam in India, you can follow these tips:

1. Create a study schedule: Allocate specific time slots for each subject and topic to ensure thorough coverage of the syllabus.
2. Use reliable study materials: Refer to textbooks, reference books, and online resources recommended by experts or previous successful candidates.
3. Take mock tests: Practice solving previous years' question papers and take mock tests to get familiar with the exam pattern and improve time management skills.
4. Focus on conceptual understanding: Instead of rote memorization, try to understand the underlying concepts of each topic. This will help you apply your knowledge in different scenarios.
5. Seek guidance if needed: If you find any topic challenging or need clarification, don't hesitate to seek help from teachers, peers, or online forums specialising in nursing exams.

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Unlock Your Potential in Nursing Today

In conclusion, if you've just completed class 12 or are a fresh graduate aspiring to pursue a career in nursing, these exams mentioned above provide excellent opportunities for admission into reputed nursing programmes.

Remember, WiZR provides expert guidance on courses and upskilling programmes, along with career-related advice and study material. Reach out to WiZR today!

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FAQs

1. Can I pursue a nursing degree after completing my graduation in a different field?

Yes, you can pursue a nursing degree after completing graduation in any field. However, you may need to meet specific eligibility criteria set by the respective institutions offering nursing programmes.

2. Are there any scholarships available for nursing students?

Yes, several scholarships are available for nursing students in India. You can research and apply for scholarships offered by government bodies, private organisations, or educational institutions to support your nursing education financially.

3. What is the salary range for nurses in India?

The salary of nurses in India varies depending on factors like experience, location, specialisation, and the type of healthcare facility they work in. On average, a registered nurse can expect to earn between ₹2-10 lakhs per annum.

4. Are there any online courses available to upskill as a nurse?

Yes, there are various online courses available that allow nurses to upskill and specialise in specific areas such as critical care nursing, geriatric nursing, or paediatric nursing. Speak to the experts at WiZR for proper guidance.

5. What are some popular certification courses related to nursing?

Some popular certification courses include Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Critical Care Nursing. These courses can help you specialise in specific areas and increase your job prospects.

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