Last Updated on July 18, 2025 by admin
General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) is a highly regarded career option for those passionate about healthcare and dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives. With India’s growing healthcare sector, GNM nurses play an essential role in providing quality care to patients. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the top 20 GNM nursing colleges in India, the admission process, eligibility criteria, and everything you need to know to kickstart your career in nursing.
What is GNM Nursing?
General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) is a three-year diploma course designed to train students to become professional nurses. The course includes both theoretical education and clinical practice, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required to work as nurses in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. GNM graduates are trained to handle medical emergencies, assist doctors, administer medications, and provide holistic care to patients.
Why Choose GNM Nursing as a Career?
Choosing a career in nursing offers several benefits:
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Job Stability: Nurses are in demand across hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities in both urban and rural areas.
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Emotional Fulfillment: Nursing provides an opportunity to make a direct impact on people’s health and well-being.
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Lucrative Salary: With experience, GNM nurses can earn competitive salaries, and there are opportunities for higher earnings in specialized fields.
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Global Opportunities: A GNM qualification is recognized internationally, offering global job prospects.
Top 20 GNM Nursing Colleges in India
Choosing the right college is a crucial step in your nursing career. Here’s a curated list of the top 20 GNM Nursing Colleges in India, known for their excellent infrastructure, experienced faculty, and high placement rates.
1. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
AIIMS New Delhi is renowned for its world-class healthcare education and training programs. The GNM program at AIIMS focuses on developing skilled nurses capable of handling complex medical procedures and patient care.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 with at least 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
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Admission: Entrance Exam
2. Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
CMC Vellore is one of the most prestigious medical institutions in India. It offers an intensive GNM course with a strong emphasis on clinical practice, research, and compassionate patient care.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 in Science with at least 50% marks
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Admission: CMC Vellore Entrance Exam
3. Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
Kasturba Medical College offers a GNM Nursing Diploma program with a comprehensive curriculum that includes nursing theory and hands-on clinical exposure. The college is known for its modern facilities and experienced faculty.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 in Science
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Admission: Merit-based/Manipal Entrance Exam
4. Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune
AFMC Pune offers GNM training with an emphasis on discipline, ethical standards, and excellent clinical practice. The college prepares students for nursing roles in both civilian and military healthcare sectors.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 with Science
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Admission: AFMC Entrance Exam
5. Rajkumari Amrit Kaur College of Nursing, New Delhi
This college is one of the top choices for aspiring nurses, offering high-quality training with state-of-the-art facilities and a comprehensive curriculum.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 in Science with 50% marks
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Admission: Merit-based
6. Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot
Baba Farid University offers excellent GNM training with a focus on practical skills, ethical practices, and healthcare research.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 in Science with a minimum of 50% marks
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Admission: University Entrance Exam
7. Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (IPGMER), Kolkata
IPGMER is one of the top institutions in West Bengal, offering comprehensive nursing programs with robust clinical practice opportunities.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 in Science
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Admission: State-level Entrance Exam
8. Narayana Nursing College, Nellore
Narayana Nursing College offers a highly respected GNM program, focusing on hands-on training and clinical skills.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 with 50% marks in Science
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Admission: Merit-based
9. Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, New Delhi
VMMC provides an exceptional nursing program with a focus on patient care, research, and innovation in the healthcare field.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 in Science with a minimum of 50% marks
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Admission: AIIMS Entrance Exam
10. Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Trivandrum
This college is one of the most respected in the South for nursing and medical education, providing a well-rounded GNM curriculum.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 in Science
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Admission: State Entrance Exam
11. Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal
A well-regarded college known for its cutting-edge infrastructure and a robust GNM curriculum, offering one of the best nursing programs in India.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 in Science
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Admission: Manipal Entrance Exam
12. St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore
St. John’s Medical College is a premier institution offering a comprehensive GNM nursing program with exceptional hands-on training.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 in Science
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Admission: Entrance Exam
13. Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik
MUHS offers excellent nursing programs, including GNM, with a focus on practical knowledge and patient care.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 in Science with 50% marks
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Admission: State Entrance Exam
14. Gandhi Medical College, Hyderabad
A prestigious institution offering a complete GNM course with modern infrastructure and training facilities.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 in Science
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Admission: University Entrance Exam
15. Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Nursing, Pune
The college is known for offering top-notch nursing programs, including GNM, with strong clinical training and patient care methodologies.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 in Science
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Admission: Entrance Exam
16. Sri Ramachandra Medical University, Chennai
Sri Ramachandra is recognized for its quality nursing education, focusing on developing skilled professionals ready for healthcare challenges.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 in Science
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Admission: Entrance Exam
17. M.S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore
This college provides excellent GNM nursing programs with a robust curriculum and state-of-the-art facilities.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 in Science
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Admission: Entrance Exam
18. King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
King George’s offers a highly reputed GNM program with strong practical training and research opportunities.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 in Science
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Admission: State Entrance Exam
19. Nightingale Institute of Nursing, Lucknow
Nightingale Institute is recognized for its quality education and training in nursing, providing GNM students with a well-rounded curriculum.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 in Science
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Admission: Merit-based
20. Madras Medical College, Chennai
One of the oldest and most respected medical colleges in India, offering excellent nursing programs with a focus on clinical training.
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Duration: 3 years
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Eligibility: 10+2 in Science
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Admission: Entrance Exam
Admission Process for GNM Nursing Courses
The admission process for GNM nursing programs typically involves the following steps:
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Eligibility Check: Candidates must have passed their 12th grade with a minimum of 50% marks in Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
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Entrance Exam: Most top colleges conduct entrance exams, including AIIMS, CMC, and AFMC. Some colleges also offer direct admission based on merit.
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Document Verification: After passing the entrance exam, candidates are required to submit their documents for verification.
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Fee Payment and Enrollment: Once selected, candidates need to pay the course fees and complete their enrollment.
GNM Nursing Course Details
Syllabus
The GNM nursing curriculum is designed to ensure that students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical training. The syllabus typically includes:
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Anatomy and Physiology
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Nursing Foundation
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Medical-Surgical Nursing
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Midwifery and Obstetrical Nursing
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Community Health Nursing
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Pediatric Nursing
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Psychiatric Nursing
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a GNM course, candidates must meet the following criteria:
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Age Limit: Typically between 17 to 35 years.
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Educational Qualification: 10+2 or equivalent with at least 50% marks in Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
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Physical Fitness: Candidates must be in good health and pass a medical test (in some cases).
Fee Structure
The course fees can vary depending on the institution and its location. On average, the fee ranges from ₹30,000 to ₹1,50,000 per year. Government colleges tend to have lower fees compared to private institutions.
Job Opportunities for GNM Nurses
A GNM nurse can work in various settings, including:
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Government and Private Hospitals: Nurses are in demand across all hospitals, especially in specialized fields.
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Nursing Homes: Providing home-based care to patients.
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Educational Institutions: Some GNM nurses choose to teach nursing students.
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International Opportunities: There’s a high demand for nurses abroad, particularly in countries like the USA, Canada, UK, and the Middle East.
Conclusion
Embarking on a career in nursing is a rewarding path that offers both personal fulfillment and job stability. With the best GNM nursing colleges in India providing excellent education and training, you can be assured of a successful and impactful career. Whether you’re passionate about patient care, healthcare research, or teaching, a GNM degree will open doors to numerous opportunities. Make sure to research thoroughly, choose a college that meets your needs, and take the first step towards becoming a qualified nurse.
