Planning to pursue Nursing in India? With 544 Nursing colleges offering B.Sc., ANM, B.Sc Nursing, and B.Sc. (Post Basic), choosing the right college depends on key factors such as rankings, fees, placements, and entrance exams accepted.
India's Nursing landscape includes top government institutes like AIN, ACN, and Sumantai Wasnik College of Nursing, along with leading private universities such as Ambedkar Institute of Higher Education, ACN, and School of Nursing and Medical Technology (IAS Academy), Burdwan. Admissions are conducted through exams like national entrance exams, depending on the course and institution.
This page provides a complete list of Nursing colleges in India 2026, helping you compare colleges based on fees, placements, courses, and admission criteria to shortlist the best options.
Overview of Nursing Colleges in India
India has a diverse mix of nursing colleges across government, private, and deemed categories, offering programs in core and emerging fields. These colleges vary in terms of fee structure, admission process, and placement outcomes, making comparison essential for informed decision-making.
Admissions to most top colleges are based on national-level exams like national entrance exams, while state and private colleges accept CETs and institute-level entrance exams.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Data |
| Total Nursing Colleges in India | 544 |
| Government Colleges | 186 |
| Private Colleges | 353 |
| Popular Courses | B.Sc. in Nursing, General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM), P.B.B.Sc. in Nursing, Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery (ANM) |
| Top Exams Accepted | — |
| Average Fees | ₹580 - ₹31.3 L |
| Average Placement (sample) | ₹2 L - ₹37 L |
| Top Recruiters | Wipro, Infosys, IBM, TCS |
Top Nursing Colleges in India 2026 (Rankings)
Nursing college rankings are based on parameters such as academic reputation, faculty quality, research output, placements, and infrastructure. Rankings from sources like NIRF, India Today, and The Week are widely used by students to shortlist top colleges.
Government vs Private Nursing Colleges in India
Nursing colleges in India are broadly divided into government and private institutions, with key differences in fees, placements, admission process, and ROI. Government colleges are generally more competitive with lower fees, while private colleges offer higher seat availability and modern infrastructure.
Top Government Nursing Colleges
Government institutes such as AIN, NINS, and ACN are known for high ROI, strong placements, and national-level competition.
| College | Fees | Total Courses | Popular Course |
| AIN | — | 5 | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| NINS | — | 5 | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| ACN | — | 1 | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| Sumantai Wasnik College of Nursing | ₹1.1 L - ₹3.1 L | 2 | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| RAKCON | — | 1 | B.Sc. in Nursing |
Top Private Nursing Colleges
Top private colleges offer higher seat intake, industry-focused curriculum, and strong infrastructure.
| College | Fees | Total Courses | Popular Course |
| Ambedkar Institute of Higher Education | — | 1 | Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery (ANM) |
| ACN | ₹1.1 L - ₹2.9 L | 9 | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| School of Nursing and Medical Technology (IAS Academy), Burdwan | ₹1.6 L | 2 | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Nursing | ₹1.1 L | 8 | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| Ashoka Institute of Nursing | — | 4 | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| Holy Spirit Institute of Nursing Education | ₹1.2 L - ₹3.3 L | 3 | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| Kailash Institute of Nursing and ParaMedical Sciences | ₹2.1 L - ₹7.3 L | 9 | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| Patna Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Science | — | 11 | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| IQ City Institute of Nursing Sciences | — | 6 | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| Krupanidhi College of Nursing | ₹74 K - ₹2.5 L | 5 | M.Sc. in Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing |
Fee Comparison (Govt vs Private)
| Govt Colleges | Private Colleges | |
| ANM | ₹1.1 L | ₹1.1 L - ₹2.9 L |
| B.Sc. | ₹3.1 L | ₹1.1 L - ₹9.7 L |
| B.Sc. (Post Basic) | — | ₹1.1 L - ₹2.1 L |
| GNM | — | ₹74 K - ₹8 L |
| M.Sc. | — | ₹2 L - ₹5.8 L |
| Ph.D. | — | ₹3.1 L |
Government colleges are significantly more affordable compared to private institutions.
ROI Analysis
ROI is a key factor for most candidates, calculated based on fees vs placement outcomes.
| College | Fees | Popular Course |
| AIN | — | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| Ambedkar Institute of Higher Education | — | Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery (ANM) |
| NINS | — | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| ACN | ₹1.1 L - ₹2.9 L | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| ACN | — | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| School of Nursing and Medical Technology (IAS Academy), Burdwan | ₹1.6 L | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| Sumantai Wasnik College of Nursing | ₹1.1 L - ₹3.1 L | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Nursing | ₹1.1 L | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| RAKCON | — | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| Ashoka Institute of Nursing | — | B.Sc. in Nursing |
Government colleges offer higher ROI due to lower fees and strong placements, while private colleges provide better infrastructure, flexibility, and more seat availability.
From a decision-making perspective, candidates targeting top ranks and ROI should prioritise government colleges, while those looking for backup options and infrastructure can consider top private nursing institutes.
Govt and Private
| College | Fees | Popular Course |
| AIN | — | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| Ambedkar Institute of Higher Education | — | Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery (ANM) |
| NINS | — | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| ACN | ₹1.1 L - ₹2.9 L | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| ACN | — | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| School of Nursing and Medical Technology (IAS Academy), Burdwan | ₹1.6 L | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| Sumantai Wasnik College of Nursing | ₹1.1 L - ₹3.1 L | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Nursing | ₹1.1 L | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| RAKCON | — | B.Sc. in Nursing |
| Ashoka Institute of Nursing | — | B.Sc. in Nursing |
Top Nursing Colleges in India by Fees
Fees is a key parameter while shortlisting nursing colleges, as it directly impacts the overall cost of education and return on investment (ROI). In India, nursing college fees vary significantly based on the type of institution—government colleges are more affordable, while private universities have higher fee structures due to infrastructure and facilities.
Low Fee Nursing Colleges (Below ₹1 L)
Low-fee nursing colleges are primarily state government institutions and central universities, offering Nursing programs at subsidised costs. Admissions are usually based on state-level entrance exams together with national and state-level entrance exams (where applicable).
| College Type | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| Private Institute | ₹74 K - ₹2.5 L | Nursing | ~5 avg courses (1 colleges) |
These colleges are suitable for candidates looking for affordable nursing education with reasonable placement opportunities, especially in core sectors and government roles.
Mid-Range Nursing Colleges (₹1 L - ₹10 L)
Mid-range colleges include ACN, School of Nursing and Medical Technology (IAS Academy), Burdwan, and Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Nursing, offering a balance between fees, academic quality, and placement outcomes.
| College Type | Fees | Popular Course | Total Courses |
| Private | ₹4.5 L | Nursing | ~1 avg courses (1 colleges) |
| Private Institute | ₹1.1 L - ₹9.7 L | Nursing | ~5 avg courses (20 colleges) |
| Public/Government | ₹1.1 L - ₹3.1 L | Nursing | ~2 avg courses (1 colleges) |
These institutes provide strong ROI, with moderate fees and competitive placement packages, making them a preferred choice for many aspirants.
Best ROI Nursing Colleges in India
Return on Investment (ROI) is a key factor while selecting nursing colleges, as it compares the total cost of education with placement outcomes. Colleges with lower fees and higher salary packages offer better long-term value.
ROI Comparison Across Top Colleges
| College | Average Fees |
| Sumantai Wasnik College of Nursing | ₹1.1 L - ₹3.1 L |
| School of Nursing and Medical Technology (IAS Academy), Burdwan | ₹1.6 L |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Nursing | ₹1.1 L |
| Holy Spirit Institute of Nursing Education | ₹1.2 L - ₹3.3 L |
Government institutes such as AIN, NINS, and ACN consistently offer high ROI due to subsidised fees and strong placement records.
Nursing Colleges in India with Best Placements
Placements are a critical parameter in evaluating nursing colleges, as they reflect career opportunities, industry exposure, and earning potential. Top colleges in India maintain strong placement records across technology, consulting, and core sectors.
Top Recruiters Hiring Nursing Professionals
Leading companies regularly recruit from top nursing colleges in India across domains such as software, consulting, analytics, and core nursing:
- Jupiter Hospital
- Apollo Hospitals
- Cloud Nine
- ColumbiaAsia
- Fortis Hospital
Popular Nursing Courses in India
Nursing colleges in India offer a wide range of specialisations, with demand driven by placement trends, industry requirements, and long-term career growth. Among these, certain branches consistently attract higher enrolment due to better salary outcomes and job opportunities.
B.Sc. in Nursing
- Average Salary (Top Colleges): ₹8 L
- Top Recruiters: Accenture, Adobe, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Amazon
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| B.Sc. in Nursing | 3–4 Years | ₹1.1 L - ₹9.7 L | 49+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM)
- Top Recruiters: Accenture, Adobe, Amazon, Apollo Hospitals
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) | 2–42 Years | ₹72 K - ₹8 L | 38+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
P.B.B.Sc. in Nursing
- Top Recruiters: Jupiter Hospital
| Course | Duration | Fees | Colleges | Mode | Level |
| P.B.B.Sc. in Nursing | 2–3 Years | ₹1.1 L - ₹2.1 L | 25+ | Full-time | UG/PG |
Nursing Admission Process in India 2026
Admission to nursing colleges in India follows a structured process based on entrance exams, result evaluation, and centralised or institute-level counselling. Candidates can apply through national, state, or college-level exams, depending on their target institutions and courses.
Counselling Process
After qualifying entrance exams, candidates must participate in counselling for seat allocation based on rank, preferences, and availability.
The counselling process includes choice filling, seat allotment, document verification, and final admission confirmation.
State-wise Nursing Colleges in India
India has 544 nursing colleges distributed across states like West Bengal, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu, with a mix of government and private institutions. Top government colleges include AIN and ACN, while leading private colleges include Ambedkar Institute of Higher Education and ACN.
State-wise distribution helps candidates shortlist colleges based on location preference, fees, and admission through state-level exams like state-level exams.
Nursing Colleges in West Bengal
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| IQ City Institute of Nursing Sciences | — | 6 Courses |
| Gokul Institute of Nursing | — | 2 Courses |
| MRIN | ₹5.5 L - ₹6.5 L | 2 Courses |
| MTIN | ₹8 L - ₹9.7 L | 2 Courses |
| Neotia Academy of Nursing | — | 8 Courses |
| Ravel Institute of Nursing | — | 2 Courses |
| School of Nursing and Medical Technology (IAS Academy), Burdwan | ₹45 K - ₹1.6 L | 2 Courses |
| Matri Bhavan College of Nursing | — | 2 Courses |
| Sebabrata Institute of Nursing, Uluberia | — | 2 Courses |
| KET Nursing | ₹72 K - ₹2.1 L | 1 Courses |
Nursing Colleges in Karnataka
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| K Pandyarajah Ballal Nursing Institute College of Nursing | — | 2 Courses |
| KLE Institute of Nursing Sciences | ₹1.9 L - ₹3.8 L | 8 Courses |
| Krupanidhi College of Nursing | ₹74 K - ₹2.5 L | 5 Courses |
| M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Nursing Sciences | ₹3.3 L | 9 Courses |
| Mangalore College of Nursing | — | 3 Courses |
| Nightingale Institute of Nursing, Banglore | ₹2.5 L | 8 Courses |
| SCS College of Nursing | ₹5.5 L | 6 Courses |
| Vidyakirana Institute of Nursing Sciences | ₹1.4 L - ₹2 L | 3 Courses |
| Surya Group of Nursing | — | 4 Courses |
Nursing Colleges in Maharashtra
| College | Fees | Median Salary | Total Courses |
| Holy Family Institute of Nursing Education | ₹1.2 L - ₹3.4 L | — | 3 Courses |
| Holy Spirit Institute of Nursing Education | ₹1.2 L - ₹3.3 L | — | 3 Courses |
| Smt. Bakul Tambat Institute of Nursing | ₹1.5 L - ₹3.9 L | ₹2.8 L - ₹4.8 L | 7 Courses |
| Datta Meghe College of Nursing, RGCER | ₹3.4 L | — | 2 Courses |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Nursing | ₹1.1 L | — | 8 Courses |
| Sumantai Wasnik College of Nursing | ₹1.1 L - ₹3.1 L | — | 2 Courses |
Nursing Colleges in Punjab
| College | Total Courses |
| Life Guard Nursing Institute | 4 Courses |
| NINS | 5 Courses |
| ACN | 1 Courses |
| Ashoka Institute of Nursing | 4 Courses |
Nursing Colleges in Tamil Nadu
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| KMCH College of Nursing | — | 19 Courses |
| Ganga College of Nursing | — | 3 Courses |
| PPG College of Nursing | — | 11 Courses |
| ACNM | ₹2.2 L | 1 Courses |
City-wise Nursing Colleges in India
Top cities like Kolkata, Bangalore, Mangalore, Coimbatore, and Patna host a large number of nursing colleges, including both government and private institutions. Leading colleges include AIN, ACN, and Sumantai Wasnik College of Nursing, along with private institutes like Ambedkar Institute of Higher Education, ACN, and School of Nursing and Medical Technology (IAS Academy), Burdwan.
City-wise selection helps candidates choose colleges based on placement opportunities, industry exposure, and proximity to tech hubs.
Nursing Colleges in Kolkata
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Gokul Institute of Nursing | — | 2 Courses |
| Neotia Academy of Nursing | — | 8 Courses |
| Ravel Institute of Nursing | — | 2 Courses |
| Matri Bhavan College of Nursing | — | 2 Courses |
| KET Nursing | ₹72 K - ₹2.1 L | 1 Courses |
Nursing Colleges in Bangalore
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| Krupanidhi College of Nursing | ₹74 K - ₹2.5 L | 5 Courses |
| M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Nursing Sciences | ₹3.3 L | 9 Courses |
| Nightingale Institute of Nursing, Banglore | ₹2.5 L | 8 Courses |
| Vidyakirana Institute of Nursing Sciences | ₹1.4 L - ₹2 L | 3 Courses |
| Surya Group of Nursing | — | 4 Courses |
Nursing Colleges in Mangalore
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| K Pandyarajah Ballal Nursing Institute College of Nursing | — | 2 Courses |
| Mangalore College of Nursing | — | 3 Courses |
| SCS College of Nursing | ₹5.5 L | 6 Courses |
Nursing Colleges in Coimbatore
| College | Total Courses |
| KMCH College of Nursing | 19 Courses |
| Ganga College of Nursing | 3 Courses |
| PPG College of Nursing | 11 Courses |
Nursing Colleges in Patna
| College | Total Courses |
| Patna Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Science | 11 Courses |
| Bihar Institute of Nursing and Paramedical | 1 Courses |
Course wise Nursing Colleges in India
Nursing colleges in India offer admissions across popular branches and emerging fields. AIN, ACN, and Sumantai Wasnik College of Nursing lead in core and tech branches, while private colleges like Ambedkar Institute of Higher Education, ACN, and School of Nursing and Medical Technology (IAS Academy), Burdwan offer a wide range of specialisations.
Course-wise selection helps candidates choose colleges based on branch preference, placement trends, and career opportunities.
B.Sc. in Nursing Colleges in India
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| ACN | ₹1.1 L - ₹2.9 L | 9 Courses |
| School of Nursing and Medical Technology (IAS Academy), Burdwan | ₹45 K - ₹1.6 L | 2 Courses |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Nursing | ₹1.1 L | 8 Courses |
| Ashoka Institute of Nursing | — | 4 Courses |
| AIN | — | 5 Courses |
| Holy Spirit Institute of Nursing Education | ₹1.2 L - ₹3.3 L | 3 Courses |
| Kailash Institute of Nursing and ParaMedical Sciences | ₹2.1 L - ₹7.3 L | 9 Courses |
| Patna Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Science | — | 11 Courses |
| IQ City Institute of Nursing Sciences | — | 6 Courses |
| Krupanidhi College of Nursing | ₹74 K - ₹2.5 L | 5 Courses |
General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) Colleges in India
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| ACN | ₹1.1 L - ₹2.9 L | 9 Courses |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Nursing | ₹1.1 L | 8 Courses |
| Ashoka Institute of Nursing | — | 4 Courses |
| Holy Spirit Institute of Nursing Education | ₹1.2 L - ₹3.3 L | 3 Courses |
| Kailash Institute of Nursing and ParaMedical Sciences | ₹2.1 L - ₹7.3 L | 9 Courses |
| Patna Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Science | — | 11 Courses |
| IQ City Institute of Nursing Sciences | — | 6 Courses |
| Krupanidhi College of Nursing | ₹74 K - ₹2.5 L | 5 Courses |
| M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Nursing Sciences | ₹3.3 L | 9 Courses |
| Mangalore College of Nursing | — | 3 Courses |
P.B.B.Sc. in Nursing Colleges in India
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| ACN | ₹1.1 L - ₹2.9 L | 9 Courses |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Nursing | ₹1.1 L | 8 Courses |
| Ashoka Institute of Nursing | — | 4 Courses |
| Holy Spirit Institute of Nursing Education | ₹1.2 L - ₹3.3 L | 3 Courses |
| Kailash Institute of Nursing and ParaMedical Sciences | ₹2.1 L - ₹7.3 L | 9 Courses |
| Patna Institute of Nursing and Paramedical Science | — | 11 Courses |
| NINS | — | 5 Courses |
| Nightingale Institute of Nursing, Banglore | ₹2.5 L | 8 Courses |
| Mangalore College of Nursing | — | 3 Courses |
| M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Nursing Sciences | ₹3.3 L | 9 Courses |
M.Sc. in Medical Surgical Nursing Colleges in India
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| ACN | ₹1.1 L - ₹2.9 L | 9 Courses |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Nursing | ₹1.1 L | 8 Courses |
| AIN | — | 5 Courses |
| Kailash Institute of Nursing and ParaMedical Sciences | ₹2.1 L - ₹7.3 L | 9 Courses |
| IQ City Institute of Nursing Sciences | — | 6 Courses |
| Krupanidhi College of Nursing | ₹74 K - ₹2.5 L | 5 Courses |
| PPG College of Nursing | — | 11 Courses |
| SCS College of Nursing | ₹5.5 L | 6 Courses |
| Nightingale Institute of Nursing | — | 8 Courses |
| Nightingale Institute of Nursing, Banglore | ₹2.5 L | 8 Courses |
M.Sc. in Community Health Nursing Colleges in India
| College | Fees | Total Courses |
| ACN | ₹1.1 L - ₹2.9 L | 9 Courses |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Nursing | ₹1.1 L | 8 Courses |
| AIN | — | 5 Courses |
| Kailash Institute of Nursing and ParaMedical Sciences | ₹2.1 L - ₹7.3 L | 9 Courses |
| PPG College of Nursing | — | 11 Courses |
| Shivalik Institutes of Nursing | — | 6 Courses |
| Nightingale Institute of Nursing | — | 8 Courses |
| Nightingale Institute of Nursing, Banglore | ₹2.5 L | 8 Courses |
| Asian Institute of Nursing Education | — | 8 Courses |
| Neotia Academy of Nursing | — | 8 Courses |
Comparison of Top Nursing Colleges
Comparing top nursing colleges helps candidates evaluate options based on fees, placements, rankings, infrastructure, and ROI. Government colleges like IITs, NITs, and IIITs offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges such as BITS, VIT, and SRM provide better infrastructure and higher seat availability.
A structured comparison allows candidates to shortlist colleges based on their budget, rank, preferred course, and career goals, ensuring better decision-making during admission.
Private vs Government Comparison
| Private | Government | |
| Total Colleges | 353 | 186 |
| Top Colleges | Ambedkar Institute of Higher Education, ACN, and School of Nursing and Medical Technology (IAS Academy), Burdwan | AIN, NINS, and ACN |
| College distribution % | 65% | 35% |
| Top Courses | B.Sc. and GNM | B.Sc. and GNM |
| Fees Range | ₹74 K - ₹9.7 L | ₹1.1 L - ₹3.1 L |
Top Colleges Comparison Table
| College | Type | Fees |
| AIN | Government | — |
| NINS | Government | — |
| ACN | Government | — |
| Sumantai Wasnik College of Nursing | Government | ₹1.1 L - ₹3.1 L |
| RAKCON | Government | — |
| Ambedkar Institute of Higher Education | Private | — |
| ACN | Private | ₹1.1 L - ₹2.9 L |
| School of Nursing and Medical Technology (IAS Academy), Burdwan | Private | ₹1.6 L |
| Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Nursing | Private | ₹1.1 L |
| Ashoka Institute of Nursing | Private | — |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many nursing colleges are there in India?
There are over 544 nursing colleges in India, including government, private, and deemed universities offering UG, PG, and doctoral programs.
Which are the top nursing colleges in India?
Top nursing colleges in India include AIN, ACN, Sumantai Wasnik College of Nursing, NINS, Ambedkar Institute of Higher Education, and School of Nursing and Medical Technology (IAS Academy), Burdwan, based on rankings, placements, and academic reputation.
What exams are required for admission to nursing colleges in India?
Admission is mainly through exams like popular entrance exams, along with other institute-specific and state-level entrance tests depending on the course and college.
What is the average fee for nursing colleges in India?
The fee range for nursing colleges in India is ₹580 - ₹31.3 L.
Which nursing colleges have the best placements?
Colleges with strong industry connections, high placement rates, and better salary outcomes typically include top-ranked institutes and leading private universities in India.
Which is better: government or private nursing colleges?
Government colleges often offer lower fees and higher ROI, while private colleges may provide better infrastructure and more seat availability. The best choice depends on budget, location, and goals.
What is the admission process for nursing colleges in India?
The process generally includes application → entrance exam → result → counselling/selection → seat allotment → admission, depending on the exam and college.
How to choose the best nursing college in India?
Compare colleges by rankings, fees, placements, available courses, location, and the exams they accept to shortlist options that match your goals.
