Top Nursing Courses After 10th You Should Know | Best Options in India 2025

Starting a nursing career after 10th grade in India is not only possible but can lead to a rewarding, stable profession with numerous opportunities in both government and private sectors. The best courses include ANM, GNM, and various diploma programs that provide early entry into the healthcare field.

Why Choose Nursing After 10th in India?

The Indian healthcare sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, creating massive opportunities for nursing professionals. Starting your nursing career early provides several advantages:

• Early Career Start: Begin professional training at 16-17 years
• Government Job Opportunities: Numerous positions in state health departments
• Affordable Education: Low-cost courses with scholarship options
• Job Security: Always in demand across India
• Pathway to Higher Education: Lateral entry to degree programs

Comparison Table: Top Nursing Courses After 10th

Course Name	Duration	Eligibility	Average Fees (INR)	Career Opportunities	Starting Salary (INR)	Top States for Jobs
ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery)	2 Years	Min. 45% in 10th, Age 17-35	15,000 - 50,000/year	Community Health Worker, Rural Clinics	1.8 - 3 LPA	UP, Bihar, MP, West Bengal
GNM (General Nursing & Midwifery)	3.5 Years	10+2 preferred, some accept 10th	30,000 - 80,000/year	Staff Nurse, Nursing Tutor	2.5 - 4.5 LPA	Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
Diploma in Practical Nursing	1-2 Years	10th pass from recognized board	20,000 - 60,000 total	Nursing Assistant, Clinic Assistant	1.8 - 3.2 LPA	Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana
Certificate in Home Health Care	6-12 Months	10th pass, no age barrier	10,000 - 35,000 total	Home Health Aide, Care Attendant	1.5 - 2.5 LPA	Metro Cities
Multi-Purpose Health Worker	1 Year	10th pass, Science beneficial	15,000 - 45,000 total	Govt. Health Worker, NGO positions	2 - 3.5 LPA	Odisha, Jharkhand, NE States

Detailed Course Analysis

1. ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery)

Overview: ANM is the most popular nursing course after 10th, specifically designed for community healthcare in rural India.

State	Top Institutes	Admission Process	Government Job Opportunities
Uttar Pradesh	KGMU Lucknow, State ANM Schools	Direct admission/entrance	UP NHM, PHC Recruitment
Maharashtra	MUHS Nashik, Pune Nursing Schools	Common entrance test	State Health Dept, Municipal Corporations
Tamil Nadu	MGR University, Chennai Institutes	Merit-based admission	TN Health Dept, Rural Postings

2. GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery)

Special Note: While GNM typically requires 12th, many institutes offer integrated programs for 10th pass students.

State-wise Career Opportunities

Region	Top States	Major Employers	Special Schemes
North India	Delhi, UP, Punjab	AIIMS, Fortis, Apollo, Max	Ayushman Bharat, State Health Missions
South India	Kerala, TN, Karnataka	Apollo, Manipal, Narayana Health	Comprehensive Health Policy
West India	Maharashtra, Gujarat	Jaslok, Lilavati, Civil Hospitals	Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya
East India	West Bengal, Odisha	AMRI, CMRI, State Hospitals	Swasthya Sathi, Biju Swasthya Kalyan

Salary Comparison Across Different Sectors

Course	Government Sector	Private Hospitals	Abroad Opportunities	NGO/Community Health
ANM	2.0 - 3.5 LPA	1.8 - 2.8 LPA	3.5 - 5.0 LPA	1.8 - 2.5 LPA
GNM	3.0 - 4.5 LPA	2.5 - 4.0 LPA	4.0 - 6.0 LPA	2.5 - 3.5 LPA
Practical Nursing	2.2 - 3.2 LPA	1.8 - 2.8 LPA	3.0 - 4.5 LPA	2.0 - 2.8 LPA

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I do B.Sc Nursing directly after 10th?

No, B.Sc Nursing requires 10+2 with Science. However, after ANM/GNM, you can pursue Post Basic B.Sc Nursing.

Q2: Are these courses recognized for government jobs?

Yes, courses from INC-recognized institutes are valid for state and central government nursing positions.

Q3: What is the age limit for nursing courses?

Typically 17-35 years, with relaxation for SC/ST/OBC categories as per state rules.

Q4: Can boys apply for ANM course?

Traditionally for females, but recent guidelines allow males in some states. Check specific state regulations.

Admission Process Across India

Process Step	Timeline	Documents Required	Important Notes
Application Form	March-May 2024	10th marksheet, caste certificate	Check state nursing council websites
Entrance Exam	May-June 2024	Admit card, ID proof	Some states have common entrance tests
Counseling	June-July 2024	All original documents	Seat allocation based on merit
Admission	July-August 2024	Medical certificate, photos	Complete fee payment

Pro Tip: Always verify institute recognition with the State Nursing Council and Indian Nursing Council before admission. Choose courses that offer practical training and hospital exposure for better job opportunities.

Conclusion

Starting a nursing career after 10th in India through ANM, GNM, or diploma courses provides an excellent foundation in healthcare. With the growing demand for skilled nursing professionals across India, these courses offer stable career paths with opportunities for growth and specialization. Choose the course that aligns with your career goals and start your journey in this noble profession today.