Last Updated on February 6, 2025
Nursing is one of those careers that never goes out of demand. If you’ve ever considered working in healthcare and How to become nurse after 12th, but didn’t want to spend a decade in med school, nursing offers an incredible middle ground. It’s hands-on, deeply rewarding, and—let’s be honest—comes with solid job security.
Nursing Courses After 12th: Where to Begin?
So, you’ve finished 12th and are wondering what’s next? Nursing courses, in case you are wondering How to become nurse after 12th, range from full-fledged degree programs to short-term diplomas and even quick online certifications.
Here’s a look at your options:
| Popular Nursing Courses | Duration | Eligibility Criteria |
| BSc Nursing | 4 years | 10+2 with PCB and English; minimum 45% aggregate |
| Diploma in Nursing | 2–3.5 years | 50% in 10+2 |
| General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) | 3 years | 40% in 10+2 with English |
| Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery (ANM) | 2 years | Minimum qualifying marks in 10+2 |
Can Science Students Become Nurses? (Spoiler: Yes.)
If you took the science route in 12th, these are your best options on How to become nurse after 12th:
| BSc Nursing | 4 years |
| Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) | 3 years |
| Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery (ANM) | 2 years |
| BSc Nursing (Post Basic) | 2 years |
What About Arts & Commerce Students?
You don’t need to be a science whiz to enter nursing. Arts and commerce students can opt for for becoming a nurse after 12th:
- GNM (3 years)
- ANM (2 years)
Getting In: Eligibility & Admission Process
Nursing programs have different entry requirements depending on their level:
| Certificate & Diploma | Passed 10th or 12th |
| Undergraduate (UG) | 10+2 with at least 50% in PCB |
| Postgraduate (PG) | BSc Nursing + Entrance Exam |
| Doctorate (PhD) | MSc in Nursing |
| Entrance Exams | Required for Nursing Programs |
If you’re aiming for top-tier nursing programs, be prepared for entrance exams like:
- AIIMS BSc Nursing Exam
- NEET
- DSAT
- ITM NEST
Top Nursing Colleges in India
When wondering How to become nurse after 12th, keep in mind that where you study matters. These colleges consistently rank among the best:
| College Name | Average Fee (INR) |
| AIIMS Delhi | 1,600 per year |
| PGIMER Chandigarh | 2,970 per year |
| CMC Vellore | 23,855 per year |
| JIPMER Puducherry | 11,410 per year |
| SGPGIMS Lucknow | 79,800 per year |
| BHU Varanasi | 2,381 per year |
| Madras Medical College | 4–6 lakh per year |
| AIIMS Jodhpur | 2,000–6,000 per year |
Do You Have What It Takes?
Nursing isn’t just about memorizing textbooks and passing exams. It’s about handling real-life emergencies, working long shifts, and staying calm when things get chaotic. The best nurses share these skills:
- Strong communication (because patients will ask you everything)
- Emotional resilience (it’s not always easy)
- Empathy (a little kindness goes a long way)
- Quick decision-making (because emergencies don’t wait)
Career Scope & Salaries
Once you finish your nursing course, you’ll need to register with the State Nurse Registration Council. After that, it’s time to step into the workforce.
Common Job Roles & Salaries:
| Job Title | Salary (INR) |
| Chief Nursing Officer | 9-10 lakh |
| Critical Care Nurse | 2-4 lakh |
| Nurse Educator | 4 lakh |
| Registered Nurse | 5 lakh |
| Registered Nurse | 3 lakh |
Other Short-Term Nursing Courses after 12th
After completing your 12th, there are several short-term nursing courses you can consider, each with its own specialized focus. These programs typically run for about a year, so they’re great for getting into a niche area of nursing without a long wait. Here’s a quick look at some of the options:
- Post Basic Diploma in Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Nursing (1 Year)
- Post Basic Diploma in Haematology Nursing
- Post Basic Diploma in Burn & Reconstructive Surgery Nursing
- Post Basic Diploma in Midwifery Nursing (1 Year)
- Post Basic Diploma in Critical Care Nursing (1 Year)
- Post Basic Diploma in Operation Room Nursing (1 Year)
- Post Basic Diploma in Cardio-Thoracic Nursing (1 Year)
- Post Basic Diploma in Neurology Nursing (1 Year)
- Post Basic Diploma in Oncology Nursing (1 Year)
The Bottom Line
Nursing isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. Whether you want to work in hospitals, specialize in critical care, or even teach future nurses, the opportunities are endless. The best way on How to become nurse after 12th? Pick your course, prep for entrance exams, and take that first step toward a career that truly matters.
Read also:
How to Become a Digital Marketing Manager
How to Become a Software Engineer After 12th?
How to Become a Registered Nurse in Canada from India?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements for nursing courses after 12th grade?
The eligibility can vary depending on the course and the institution, but most commonly, students need to have completed their 12th grade with at least 50% marks, either in science or arts. Also, it’s usually required that you’ve studied subjects like biology, physics, and chemistry in your 12th grade.
What career options are available after completing a nursing course?
After completing a nursing course, you’ve got quite a few options in healthcare settings like hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. You could work as a registered nurse, nursing assistant, nurse practitioner, or even a nurse educator, to name a few.
How long does it take to finish a nursing course?
The duration can differ based on the specific course and the institution. For instance, BSc Nursing and BSc Hons Nursing typically take 4 years to complete, while a General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course is generally 3 years. On the other hand, ANM is a 2-year course, and the Post Basic BSc Nursing course takes about 2 years as well.
What’s the difference between a registered nurse and a nursing assistant?
A registered nurse (RN) has completed a formal nursing program and is licensed to provide full patient care, administer medications, and work closely with other healthcare providers. A nursing assistant, however, focuses more on basic patient care tasks like helping with hygiene, feeding, and mobility support.
Can I take a nursing course online or through distance education?
While there are some basic nursing courses available online or via distance education, most nursing programs require you to undergo practical training and clinical hours, which can’t be done remotely. So, while some introductory courses might be accessible online, the hands-on experience is a crucial part of nursing training that you’ll need to pursue in person.
Bhaskarjyoti Paul is a seasoned content writer with over three years of experience within the ed-tech space. Specialising in study abroad and academic content, Bhaskarjyoti excels at creating SEO-optimized articles that drive traffic and engagement and blog and website content that engages and informs readers. Bhaskarjyoti handles social media content for Admissify, designs compelling narratives and spearheads engagement across multiple platforms. With a desire to help students and a keen eye for detail, Bhaskarjyoti brings a wealth of knowledge to every project.
