Choosing nursing after 12th isn’t just a career decision, it’s a life purpose. Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, combining knowledge, compassion and service.
In 2026, the demand for qualified nurses is projected to grow by 40% globally, making it one of the most secure and respected careers in the world.
Why Students Choose Nursing:
- Global demand for Indian nurses
- Affordable education with high career returns
- Opportunity to work abroad (UK, Canada, Australia, UAE)
- Personal satisfaction and community respect
Top Nursing Courses After 12th
Whether you’re from a science background or planning to enter healthcare, there’s a nursing course designed for you.
Below are the most popular nursing courses after 12th with details on duration, eligibility, and career scope.
| Course Name | Duration | Eligibility | Level | Career Scope |
| B.Sc. Nursing | 4 years | 10+2 (PCB + English, 45–50%) | Undergraduate | Registered Nurse, Hospital Staff, Abroad Opportunities |
| GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) | 3 years | 10+2 (Any stream, preferably Science) | Diploma | Midwife, Staff Nurse, Public Health Nurse |
| ANM (Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery) | 2 years | 10+2 (Any stream) | Certificate/Diploma | Rural Health Worker, Home Nurse |
| Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing | 2 years | GNM-qualified candidates | Undergraduate (Bridge) | Nurse Educator, ICU Nurse |
| M.Sc. Nursing | 2 years | B.Sc. Nursing / Post Basic B.Sc. | Postgraduate | Nurse Practitioner, Lecturer, Researcher |
| GNM + B.Sc. (Integrated) | 5 years | 10+2 (PCB) | Integrated | Combines GNM training with Bachelor’s degree |
| B.Sc. Nursing (Hons.) | 4 years | 10+2 (PCB, 50%) | Honours Degree | Advanced Clinical Nurse, Researcher |
B.Sc. Nursing (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
The B.Sc. Nursing program is the most popular and prestigious course after 12th Science.
It trains students to become registered nurses capable of providing high-quality patient care.
Course Highlights:
- Duration: 4 years
- Eligibility: 10+2 (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English)
- Entrance: NEET, AIIMS Nursing, or state-level exams
- Fees: ₹30,000 – ₹2.5 lakh/year
- Top Colleges: AIIMS Delhi, CMC Vellore, BHU, KMC Manipal
Career Scope:
- Registered Nurse in hospitals and clinics
- Opportunities abroad after clearing NCLEX/OET
- Pathway to M.Sc. Nursing or Healthcare Management
GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery)
The GNM Diploma is ideal for students who want to start working sooner. It provides hands-on training in patient care, maternity care, and community health.
Course Highlights:
- Duration: 3 years + 6 months internship
- Eligibility: 10+2 (Any stream, preferably Science)
- Fees: ₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh/year
- Top Colleges: Government Nursing College Delhi, KGMU Lucknow, CMC Ludhiana
Career Scope:
- Staff Nurse, Midwife, Public Health Nurse
- Eligible for Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing later
- Government and private job opportunities
ANM (Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery)
ANM is the best option for students looking for a short-term nursing diploma.
It focuses on basic healthcare, maternal care, and community service — ideal for rural or primary care roles.
Course Highlights:
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: 10+2 (Any stream)
- Fees: ₹25,000 – ₹80,000/year
- Top Colleges: AIIMS Raipur, NIMS Hyderabad, Lady Hardinge Medical College
Career Scope:
- Community Health Worker
- Government health missions & NGOs
- Pathway to GNM or Post Basic Nursing
Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing
For students who’ve completed GNM, this course bridges to a full degree.
It upgrades practical skills with theoretical and management knowledge.
Course Highlights:
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: GNM Diploma + Registration with State Nursing Council
- Fees: ₹70,000 – ₹1.5 lakh/year
- Top Colleges: CMC Vellore, RAKCON Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh
Career Scope:
- Nurse Educator or Supervisor
- Eligible for M.Sc. Nursing
- Jobs in hospitals, teaching, and public health
M.Sc. Nursing (For Future Growth)
If you plan to continue after your B.Sc., an M.Sc. Nursing opens doors to specialization and higher pay.
Students can specialize in Pediatric, Psychiatric, Medical-Surgical, or Community Health Nursing.
Course Highlights:
- Duration: 2 years
- Eligibility: B.Sc. Nursing or Post Basic B.Sc.
- Fees: ₹1 lakh – ₹2.5 lakh/year
- Top Colleges: AIIMS Delhi, Manipal University, Amrita University
Career Scope:
- Nurse Practitioner
- Lecturer or Researcher
- Leadership roles in hospital administration
Top Nursing Specializations After 12th
| Specialization | Duration | Career Path |
| Pediatric Nursing | 4 years | Child care nurse, NICU specialist |
| Critical Care Nursing | 2 years | ICU Nurse, Emergency Care |
| Oncology Nursing | 2 years | Cancer care specialist |
| Psychiatric Nursing | 2 years | Mental health counselor |
| Community Health Nursing | 3 years | Public health programs & NGOs |
Career Opportunities After Nursing Courses
Work Sectors:
- Hospitals
- Labs
- Government Health Services
- NGOs
- Colleges
Job Roles:
- Staff Nurse
- Nursing Officer
- Clinical Instructor
- ICU Nurse
- Public Health Worker
- Home Care Nurse
Top Recruiters:
AIIMS | Apollo | Fortis | NHS (UK) | Health Canada | WHO | UNICEF
Average Salary (India): ₹3.5 – ₹6 LPA
Average Salary (Abroad): ₹25 – ₹40 LPA
How to Choose the Right Nursing Course?
- Identify your long-term career goal (clinical, teaching, or abroad).
- Check eligibility — science background is ideal.
- Decide duration (2-year diploma vs 4-year degree).
- Consider fee affordability and location.
- Consult experts like Stubard for personalized guidance.
Why Choose Nursing in 2026
- The global nursing shortage is expected to cross 7 million by 2030, creating massive job openings.
- Indian nurses are among the most trusted professionals worldwide.
- New government policies support healthcare expansion in India and abroad.
Choosing nursing today means securing your tomorrow.
Conclusion
Nursing is more than a profession — it’s a purpose.
Whether you choose B.Sc. Nursing, GNM, or ANM, each course opens a pathway to serve humanity and build a stable, respected career.
In 2026, the healthcare world will need passionate, skilled, and compassionate nurses — and this could be your time to shine.
Start your nursing journey with guidance from Stubard — your trusted education and accommodation partner for healthcare studies.
Read these blogs also:
- BSc Nursing: Duration, Eligibility, Admission, Fees
- Top BSc Nursing Colleges in India
- Top Government Colleges for BSc Nursing in India
- Top Private Colleges for BSc Nursing in India
- Difference Between BA and BSc
- Top 10 Medical Colleges in India
frequently asked questions
1. Which is the best nursing course after 12th?
The B.Sc. Nursing course is considered the best nursing course after 12th Science, offering strong career opportunities and global recognition.
2. Can I do nursing after 12th Commerce or Arts?
Yes. Students from Commerce or Arts can apply for ANM (Auxiliary Nursing & Midwifery) or GNM (General Nursing & Midwifery) diploma courses.
3. What is the eligibility for nursing courses after 12th?
Students must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, securing at least 45–50% marks (varies by college).
4. Is NEET required for nursing admission in 2026?
Yes, NEET UG is required for admission into B.Sc. Nursing programs at AIIMS, BHU, and other top universities. Some state colleges conduct their own entrance exams.
5. What is the duration of B.Sc. Nursing?
The B.Sc. Nursing course lasts 4 years, including classroom teaching, lab training, and a one-year internship.
6. Which nursing course has the shortest duration?
The ANM program is the shortest nursing course after 12th, lasting 2 years with basic health training.
7. What is the difference between GNM and B.Sc. Nursing?
GNM is a diploma course (3 years) focusing on basic patient care, while B.Sc. Nursing is a degree program (4 years) with higher academic and career scope.
8. What is the average fee for nursing courses in India?
Fees range from ₹25,000–₹60,000/year in government colleges and up to ₹2,50,000/year in private institutions.
9. Which are the top nursing colleges in India for 2026?
The top nursing colleges include AIIMS Delhi, CMC Vellore, RAKCON Delhi, BHU Varanasi, and Amrita University Coimbatore.
10. Can male students apply for nursing courses in India?
Yes. Nursing is open to all genders, and male students can pursue B.Sc. Nursing, GNM, or Post Basic Nursing programs.
11. Can I study nursing abroad after 12th?
Yes, countries like UK, Canada, and Australia accept Indian students for B.Sc. Nursing with scholarships and post-study work options.
12. What is the salary after completing nursing courses?
Nursing graduates earn between ₹3.5–₹6 LPA in India and ₹25–₹40 LPA abroad, depending on specialization and experience.
13. Which entrance exams are needed for nursing admission?
Major exams include NEET UG, AIIMS Nursing, JIPMER Nursing, and state-level CETs.
14. Can I work abroad after completing B.Sc. Nursing in India?
Yes. After clearing NCLEX (USA) or OET (UK), Indian nursing graduates can work in global hospitals with high salaries.