General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) is a nursing diploma course. The duration of the course is three years, and a six-month internship is also included. The course teaches the students in patient care, rehabilitation, maternity care, and community health. The students learn theoretical and practical knowledge during their internship in clinics and hospitals.
Admission into GNM is through entrance tests. Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Science and Biology from a certified board. Some of the colleges take students from all streams, but Science is preferred. The minimum marks are typically 50% in the qualifying exam, which can also vary depending on the college.
Some of the well-known colleges for GNM in India are SRM Medical College, St. John's National Academy, and S.M.S. Medical College. The majority of colleges have a fee ranging from INR 20,000 to INR 1,50,000.
The students can become Staff Nurses, ICU Nurses, Home Care nurses, or Community Health Nurses. Students can get jobs in government and private hospitals, clinics, and health centres. The initial salary of GNM graduates is INR 3-5 LPA. With experience, the salary goes as high as INR 8 LPA.
Table of Contents
GNM Highlights Table
The interested students need to know some key highlights about the GNM course. Here are some of them:
What is the GNM Course?
The GNM, or General Nursing and Midwifery, is a three-year diploma program for students who aspire to become nurses. There is a six-month internship after the course. The course trains students to provide basic healthcare education.
Students are taught how to treat patients, i.e., recovering from illness and injury. Psychological care is also part of the program so that the students can support the patients. Midwifery is covered in the GNM course so that they can assist the mother during pregnancy and childbirth. The students are also taught how to give care after a traumatic accident.
Why Study GNM?
GNM course offers a straight entry into the profession of nursing, with skills and knowledge to treat patients through hands-on training. The course is suitable for students looking for a rewarding career that is in demand. Few reasons to pursue GNM are as follows:
- The GNM program is not a full bachelor's program, still, this course allows students to join the nursing profession sooner. It enables students to move into the workplace and start gaining experience within the healthcare profession sooner.
- There exists a consistent need for well-trained nurses. GNM is an attempt to pursue such opportunities, which offer various career prospects for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. It gives students good career prospects.
- GNM diploma can be used as a stepping stone for students planning to continue further studies in nursing later on. They can join a post-basic B.Sc. Nursing students are to proceed to higher studies.
Who Should Study GNM?
Those students who want a rewarding healthcare career usually opt for the GNM course. It equips them for a position where they have direct influence over patients' lives and play an important role in the healthcare sector. Here are some categories of students who might think of pursuing GNM:
- Students who learn through practice and are interested in gaining skills instead of volumes of theory will excel in this program.
- Clear communication is crucial in nursing, whether with patients, families, or other medical professionals. Students who communicate effectively and empathetically will thrive.
- There is always a high demand for nurses. Candidates who want a secure job with proper job security and room for professional growth should opt for GNM.
- Students who are able to operate effectively in a group and collaborate with doctors, other nurses, and auxiliary staff will be successful in this career.
GNM Eligibility Criteria
General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) is a commonly opted course by students to establish a nursing career. The course assists students in understanding the fundamentals of nursing, patient care, and midwifery. Students must understand the eligibility criteria before applying. This enables students to determine whether they can apply or not and prepare the necessary documents.
- Students should have passed a 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognised board.
- The majority of institutes demand students with a minimum of 40-45% marks in their 12th exams. Few institutes demand more marks.
- Students must have studied Science subjects, i.e., Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, in their 12th grade. Many institutes also consider Arts stream students.
- The minimum age for admission is typically 17 years. The maximum age limit is 35 years.
- Students should be medically fit.
- Male and female students are both eligible, although some institutes reserve seats for each separately.
GNM Entrance Exams 2025
There are many GNM entrance exams in India that interested students need to appear to get admission into the course. This is the mandatory qualification for the course. Here are some of them:
GNM Colleges in India
There are many colleges in India which offer GNM courses. These reputed colleges which will let students get jobs in various healthcare sectors. Here are some of the colleges:
Also read about another related course Post Basic BSc Nursing
GNM Admission Process 2025
The GNM course admission process can be done online. The students need to go through a proper procedure to get admission in the course. Here is the step-by-step admission process to enroll into St. John’s College of Nursing:
Step 1: Students should follow the instructions by completing the application form online.
Step 2: After completing the application form, students should attach all needed documents as well.
Step 3: Students should pay the application fee as instructed.
Step 4: The students have to take the specific entrance test for GNM in their state.
Step 5: The students have you wait for the merit list.
Step 6: Students who are selected should take part in the counselling session to secure a place in the college.
Step 7: While attending counselling, students should have their documents approved by the college authorities.
Step 8: After getting their allotment, they should make the required admission payment to confirm their seat.
Documents Required:
- Class 10 Mark Sheet & Certificate
- Class 12 Mark Sheet & Certificate
- Transfer Certificate
- School/College Leaving Certificate
- Domicile Certificate
- Passport Size Photographs
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
- Medical Fitness Certificate
GNM Syllabus
There is one syllabus for the course for all the colleges. All the colleges follow this course for the entire three years. Here is the detailed syllabus followed at SDM Institute of Nursing Sciences:
Click here to read more about ANM Nursing
GNM Job Opportunities in India
The graduated students can find job opportunities in many healthcare sectors. Here are some of them:
GNM vs. Diploma in Nursing
The differences between General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) and Diploma in Nursing are given below:
GNM FAQS
Is a Science background necessary for qualifying for GNM?
Most of the time, students with a Science background are preferred. Most institutions expect students to have learned Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Still, several colleges allow students from different streams to enrol when they meet the requirements.
Are GNM diploma holders permitted to work in government hospitals?
Individuals who have a GNM diploma are allowed to work at government hospitals. They are eligible for several staff nurse jobs. Many government jobs provide reliable security and advantages. The internship can help you get better jobs in a government hospital.
Is GNM accepted by the Indian Nursing Council?
The Indian Nursing Council (INC) recognises the GNM course. The INC is responsible for managing nursing education nationally in India. So you will get a recognised degree at the end of the course, which will help you get a job or study further.
Is there an option for male students to apply to the GNM course?
Male students can join the GNM course. For a long time, nursing had mostly women, but now men are also being supported to apply. Several institutions accept male students into their GNM programs. The government has also reserved some seats for male students.
What is a typical day of a GNM nursing student?
The average day of a student consists of theoretical lessons, practical work in the laboratory, and clinical visits to hospitals or neighborhood clinics. Students, on the other hand, combine lectures and practical patient care, which frequently involves different medical conditions.
What are the significant issues encountered in the GNM course?
Students have hectic schedules, emotional burdens due to patient care, and balancing clinical exposure with academics. The key to successful completion of the intense training and practical medical conditions is time management and resilience.
Which interpersonal skills are taught in the GNM program?
Critical thinking, communication, empathy, teamwork are highlighted. Students are taught how to communicate with patients and families in compassionate ways, collaborate with healthcare teams, and make prompt and educated decisions during clinical care.
In what way does the GNM course train students to handle emergencies?
The curriculum encompasses emergency care training where the students are practically trained in first aid, CPR, accident management, and infection control. Students are exposed to simulation drills and hospital rotations to teach them how to react in emergency scenarios.
