Top News

International Nurses Day: After Class 10 or 12, When Can You Start Nursing Courses? Know Eligibility and Starting Salary Details
Siddhi Jain | May 12, 2026 3:15 PM CST

If you wish to enter the medical field after completing Class 10 or 12, nursing could be an excellent career choice for you. It offers not only academic learning but also promising job opportunities.

International Nurses Day: International Nurses Day is celebrated every year on May 12th. This day is dedicated to the nurses who play a pivotal role in saving lives by caring for patients day and night. Furthermore, in today’s world, nursing has evolved from being merely a service-oriented profession into a fantastic career option. Consequently, if you aspire to join the medical field after Class 10 or 12, nursing could be a suitable choice for you. Moreover, this field offers numerous job opportunities—not only within the country but also abroad.

Which Courses Can Be Pursued After Class 10 and 12?

To become a nurse, students can pursue various professional courses after completing Class 10 or 12. For instance, after Class 10, students can opt for the ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery) course. This is a program spanning approximately two years. Meanwhile, students who wish to pursue nursing after Class 12 can enroll in courses such as GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) and B.Sc. Nursing. The GNM course typically lasts between 3 to 3.5 years, whereas B.Sc. Nursing is a four-year degree program. Additionally, for admission to B.Sc. Nursing programs, most colleges require students to have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Furthermore, many institutions grant admission based on the results of entrance examinations.

Entrance Exams Required for Admission

To secure admission into nursing courses, numerous government and private institutions conduct entrance examinations. For admission into B.Sc. Nursing programs, exams such as AIIMS Nursing, JIPMER Nursing, NEET UG, and CUET are considered highly significant. Additionally, several states conduct their own separate state-level nursing entrance tests. Meanwhile, some private colleges also grant admission based on Class 12th marks. Furthermore, regarding GNM and ANM courses, direct admission is available in many places; however, some institutions also conduct written examinations or interviews. Therefore, students should decide in advance which college or institution they wish to join.

Nursing: A Profession Offering Both Employment and Respect

Nursing is a field where there is never a shortage of job opportunities. Upon completing a course in this discipline, one can secure employment in government and private hospitals, clinics, health centers, and medical colleges. Additionally, there is a significant demand for Indian nurses abroad. Nurses not only provide care to patients but also assist doctors. This is precisely why this profession is viewed with great respect. Moreover, given that the healthcare sector is expanding rapidly in today’s times, a career in nursing is considered to offer a highly secure future.

What is the Starting Salary?

In terms of salary, the initial remuneration depends on the specific course and the institution. Individuals who complete an ANM course typically earn a starting salary ranging from approximately ₹8,000 to ₹12,000. In contrast, candidates who complete a GNM course receive a salary ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹22,000. For those holding a B.Sc. in Nursing, the starting salary in many places can reach anywhere between ₹25,000 and ₹35,000 per month. Furthermore, in government hospitals, both salary and benefits improve significantly as one gains experience. This is the reason why a large number of young people today are choosing nursing as their career path. On the occasion of International Nurses Day, it would not be incorrect to state that nursing is a profession that offers a unique blend of service, respect, and a promising future.


READ NEXT
Cancel OK