Best Nursing Courses After 12th for Science, Commerce, and Arts Students: Eligibility, Fees, Duration, and Entrance Exams

Nursing stands out as a medical career that offers both purpose and a stable income. Whether you have studied class 12th from a science, commerce, or arts background, nursing is worth exploring.

This blog breaks down the key details for the best nursing courses after 12th grade. The blog also sheds light on important aspects like eligibility of nursing courses, including the BSc nursing eligibility, etc. It also discusses nursing courses after 12th fees for particular programmes, and other essential details.

Read all the important details of the best nursing courses after 12th below and prepare to make an informed choice.

Eligibility for Nursing Courses After 12th

The basic eligibility to pursue any nursing course is a pass in class 12th with an average of 50% marks. This eligibility criterion may vary slightly depending on the nursing course level, as mentioned below.

• Most undergraduate, diploma, and certificate nursing programs require candidates to have passed Class 12 from a recognised board. Those who are looking for a nursing course after 10th can check the certificate programmes that allow students who have passed Class 10 to apply.
• The general eligibility criteria for the postgraduate nursing programmes require students to have completed graduation (science stream) with 50% marks.

Entrance Exam For Nursing After 12

NEET, or the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, plays a significant role in admission to the BSc nursing programme. Many central and state universities and institutes offer admission to nursing courses based on the NEET scores. However, NEET is not the only exam for enrolling in nursing courses. Many institutes conduct their specific nursing entrance exams, while others consider admission based on the marks scored in class 12.

Nursing Course Details After 12th

Anyone looking for an ‘after 12th nursing course’ can check the list below. It contains the essential course details, including the nursing course duration and eligibility.

Nursing Courses After 12th Science

The details of nursing courses after 12th, including the BSc nursing course after 12th science, are mentioned below.

Nursing Courses After 12th Arts Stream

Students who want to pursue a career in nursing after completing 12th and are looking for nursing courses after 12th commerce or arts can check the options below.

Best Nursing Courses After 12th with Fees, Eligibility and Duration

Some of the top nursing courses, along with fees and eligibility details, include:

BSc Nursing

• BSc Nursing Duration – 4 years
• BSc Nursing Eligibility—The candidate must have passed class 12th with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and secured pass marks in English. The candidate must have been at least 17 years old at the time of admission to the course. The candidate must have also secured a minimum of 45 to 50 per cent marks in qualifying exams (varies by college). Some universities/institutions may require passing entrance exams like NEET, AIIMS BSc Nursing, state-level tests, or institute-specific entrance exams.
• Total BSc Nursing Fees – INR 10,000 to 6,00,000 per annum

Diploma in Nursing GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery)

• Duration – 3 years
• Eligibility – Candidates must have passed their class 12 with the science stream (PCB). However, some institutes allow candidates from any stream in class 12 with at least 45% marks.
• Fees - INR 20,000 to INR 1.5 Lakh per annum

Diploma in Psychiatry and Mental Health Nursing

• Duration – 2 years
• Eligibility – Candidates must have passed 12th grade with the science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) with at least 50% marks. Some institutes or colleges may conduct an entrance exam or a personal interview.
• Fees – INR 1 Lakh to 5 Lakh per annum

Diploma Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM)

• Duration – 2 years
• Eligibility – Candidates must have passed class 12th with the science stream (PCB). However, some institutes allow candidates from any stream in class 12 with at least 45% marks.
• Fees – INR 1 Lakh to INR 3.2 Lakh per annum

Top Undergraduate Nursing Courses After 12th With Fees

The table shared below gives students a quick idea about the best undergraduate nursing courses after 12th grade. It contains the duration and average fees of these courses.

Scope of Nursing and Salary

Once you complete a nursing course — be it a diploma, degree, or certificate — a range of career paths open up in hospitals, clinics, community health centres, and more. While you can start with entry-level jobs, you have significant potential to grow with time. As stated above, each nursing qualification builds vital nursing skills and knowledge to help you grow confidently in the nursing profession.

Here are some of the most popular nursing job roles and their average annual salaries:

Nurse Educator

• Description: This role involves teaching and training future nurses in academic/clinical settings.
• Salary: Around ₹4 to ₹6 lakhs per year

ICU Nurse

• Description: ICU nurses are responsible for providing critical care to seriously ill patients in intensive care units.
• Salary: Around ₹3.5 to ₹5.5 lakhs per year

Home Care Nurse

• Description: These nurses offer medical care to patients at their homes, often managing elderly care.
• Salary: Around ₹2.5 to ₹4 lakhs per year

Staff Nurse

• Description: A staff nurse provides direct patient care in hospitals or clinics. They assist with treatments, monitor patients, and ensure timely medication.
• Salary: Around ₹2.5 to ₹4.5 lakhs per year

OT Nurse

• Description: Operating Theatre (OT) nurses mainly support surgeons during operations. They also prepare OTs to ensure a safe and well-equipped environment for the surgeries.
• Salary: Around ₹3 to ₹5 lakhs per year

Paediatric Nurse

• Description: A paediatric nurse takes care of the infants and children.
• Salary: Around ₹3 to ₹5 lakhs per year

Psychiatric Nurse

• Description: These nurses work with patients dealing with mental health issues.
• Salary: Around ₹3 to ₹5 lakhs per year

Conclusion

Choosing the right nursing course depends on your academic background in class 12th, your career goals, and how you see your future. Students can also select a nursing course after 10th grade in the form of a nursing certificate programme if they want to do a job soon. With so many options available, it is easy to feel overwhelmed — but if you stay focused on what truly matters to you, the right choice will follow. We hope this blog gave you clarity and a confident place to start.

FAQs

Q1: Can I do nursing after 12th arts?

A1: Yes, you can pursue nursing after completing 12th grade in the arts stream. While BSc nursing typically requires a science background (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), there are other choices for nursing diploma courses, such as the GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) or ANM (Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife) that do not require a science background.

Q2: How to become a nurse in India?

A2: To become a nurse in India, one needs to pass class 12th with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) subjects and then opt for the BSc Nursing degree. Those who do not have a science background in 12th grade can opt for diploma courses like ANM to become nurses.

Q3: How many years is nursing?

A3: It takes four years to complete a BSc in nursing, the most sought-after undergraduate nursing course.

Q4: Which nursing course is best?

A4: BSc Nursing is considered the best nursing course as it provides bright career opportunities in the nursing field. The other (Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife) popular nursing courses include:

• Mental Health Nursing
• Diploma in Nursing
• GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery)
• ANM (Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife)

Q5: Does a BSc nursing need NEET?

A5: A BSc in nursing does not always require NEET scores. Some colleges or institutes prefer the NEET scores, while others offer direct admission based on merit or their entrance exams for BSc nursing.

Q6: What is the salary of a nurse in India?

A6: The average salary range of a nurse in India is ₹2.5–5.5 LPA for freshers. It can vary based on the experience of individuals and specific employers.

Q7: What is the qualification for nursing?

A7: BSc nursing is the top nursing qualification. However, some diploma courses, such as ANM, GNM, etc., are also considered valid for nursing qualifications.

Q8: Is nursing a good career?

A8: Yes, nursing is a good career choice. It offers good salary packages, growth potential, and the opportunity to serve others.

Q9: What is the entrance exam for nursing?

A9: The most common entrance exam for BSc Nursing in India is the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test - Undergraduate). However, some universities and colleges also conduct their nursing entrance exams.

Q10: How to apply for a nursing course?

A10: Students must thoroughly research various nursing courses, check eligibility criteria, and submit applications accurately and on time.