ANM and GNM Course: Eligibility, Criteria, Stream, Duration, Age Limit & Salary in India and Abroad
Nursing is one of the most respected and in-demand healthcare professions. With the growing healthcare needs in India and worldwide, the demand for trained nurses has increased significantly. ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery) and GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) are among the most popular nursing diploma programs that open the door to a rewarding career in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and abroad.
This comprehensive article covers ANM and GNM course eligibility, criteria, streams, duration, age requirements, salary package, scope in India and abroad, along with FAQs to guide nursing aspirants.
What is ANM Nursing?
ANM (Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery) is a 2-year diploma-level nursing course focused on providing basic nursing care, midwifery, maternal health, child health, community healthcare, and first aid.
Key Highlights
• Ideal for beginners in nursing
• Focus on community health services
• Job opportunities in rural and government health departments
• Entry-level course
What is GNM Nursing?
GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) is a 3-year diploma program followed by a 6-month internship. It prepares students for clinical nursing practice in hospitals, private clinics, and advanced healthcare facilities.
Key Highlights
• More advanced than ANM
• Focus on patient care, clinical nursing, surgical nursing
• Higher salary and wider job opportunities
• Can pursue BSc Nursing Post Basic afterward
ANM vs. GNM Course: Key Differences
Feature ANM GNM
Full Form Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery General Nursing & Midwifery
Duration 2 years 3 years + 6-month internship
Eligibility 10+2 (Any stream) 10+2 (Science preferred)
Focus Community health, midwifery Clinical nursing, patient care
Career Level Entry level Intermediate
Salary ₹2 – ₹4 LPA ₹3–₹6 LPA
ANM Course Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for ANM vary slightly among colleges, but the general requirements are as follows:
1. Educational Qualification
• Must have completed 10+2 from a recognized board.
• Any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) is accepted.
• Minimum marks: 40% – 45%, depending on college.
2. Age Limit
• Minimum age: 17 years
• Maximum age: 35 years (varies by institution)
3. Medical Fitness
• Candidate must be medically fit.
• A fitness certificate is usually required.
4. Gender
Earlier only females were allowed, but now both males and females can apply in many institutions.
5. Additional Requirements
• Some states conduct state-level entrance exams.
• Some colleges offer direct admission based on merit.
GNM Course Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification
• Must have completed 10+2 with:
• Science stream preferred (PCB: Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
• However, many institutions accept any stream, provided the candidate has English as a subject.
• Minimum marks: 45% – 50%.
2. Age Limit
• Minimum age: 17 years
• Maximum age: 35 years
3. Medical Fitness
Must be physically and mentally fit.
4. Entrance Exam
Some states conduct entrance exams such as:
• Karnataka GNM Entrance
• Kerala GNM Entrance
• Uttar Pradesh ANM/GNM Entrance
5. Gender
• Both males and females are eligible.
ANM Course Duration
The ANM program lasts 2 years, which includes:
• Classroom training
• Field visits
• Practical sessions
ANM Course Breakdown
Year Subjects Covered
Year 1 Community Health Nursing, Nutrition, First Aid, Anatomy & Physiology
Year 2 Child Health Nursing, Midwifery, Mental Health, Health Communication
GNM Course Duration
The GNM course is 3 years + 6 months internship.
GNM Course Breakdown
Year Subjects Covered
Year 1 Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Psychology, Fundamentals of Nursing
Year 2 Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pharmacology, Community Health
Year 3 Midwifery, Pediatric Nursing, Mental Health Nursing
Internship Hands-on Training in Hospitals
Streams Allowed for ANM & GNM
ANM Stream Eligibility
• Arts
• Commerce
• Science
• Open Schooling (NIOS)
GNM Stream Eligibility
• Science preferred (PCB)
• Arts and Commerce accepted in many states
• Must have English as a compulsory subjects
ANM & GNM Admission Process in India
1. Merit-Based Admission
Most colleges offer admission based on 10+2 marks.
2. Entrance Exam-Based Admission
Some states and institutions conduct entrance tests.
3. Direct Admission
Private nursing colleges often provide direct seats.
4. Document Verification
• Class 10th & 12th marksheet
• ID proof
• Transfer certificate
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Medical fitness certificate
ANM and GNM Course Fees in India
ANM Fees
• Government colleges: ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 (full course)
• Private colleges: ₹60,000 – ₹2,00,000
GNM Fees
• Government colleges: ₹20,000 – ₹70,000
• Private colleges: ₹80,000 – ₹3,00,000
• Salary Package of ANM and GNM Nurses in India
ANM Salary
Job Type Salary Range
Government Hospital ₹25,000 – ₹45,000/month
Private Hospital ₹12,000 – ₹25,000/month
NGOs & Community Centers ₹15,000 – ₹30,000/month
GNM Salary
Job Type Salary Range
Government Hospital ₹30,000 – ₹55,000/month
Private Hospital ₹15,000 – ₹35,000/month
ICU/OT Nurse ₹25,000 – ₹45,000/month
Salary Package of ANM & GNM Nurses Abroad
Nurses are in extremely high demand in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, UAE, and Singapore.
ANM Job Opportunities Abroad
ANM alone may not be enough; many countries require:
• GNM + experience
• A bridging course
• License exams (NCLEX, CBT etc.)
GNM Salary Abroad
Country Average Annual Salary
USA $40,000 – $65,000
UK £24,000 – £32,000
Canada CAD 45,000 – CAD 70,000
Australia AUD 55,000 – AUD 90,000
Germany €28,000 – €40,000
Gulf Countries ₹60,000 – ₹1,50,000/month
Career Opportunities After ANM Nursing
• Auxiliary Nurse
• Community Health Worker
• Village Health Worker
• Rural Health Nurse
• Home Care Nurse
• Basic Midwife
• Anganwadi Supervisor
• First Aid In-charge
Career Opportunities After GNM Nursing
• Staff Nurse
• ICU/OT Nurse
• Ward Nurse
• Emergency Nurse
• Pediatric Nurse
• Psychiatric Nurse
• Midwife Nurse
• Operation Theatre Nurse
• Home Nurse
• Nursing Tutor
Higher Study Options After ANM
ANM students can pursue:
• GNM
BSc Nursing (after GNM)
Certificate courses in:
• Midwifery
• First Aid
• Community Health Nursing
• Higher Study Options After GNM
• BSc Nursing (Post Basic)
• MSc Nursing
MBA in Hospital Administration
Specialized Nursing Certificates:
• Critical Care Nursing
• Cardiac Nursing
• Oncology Nursing
• Emergency Nursing
Top Recruiters for ANM & GNM Nurses
• Government Hospitals
• Private Hospitals
• Primary Health Centers (PHCs)
• Anganwadi Projects
• NGOs
• Community Health Centers
• Military Hospitals
• Old Age Homes
• Clinics & Polyclinics
• Private Nursing Homes
ANM vs GNM vs BSc Nursing – Which is Better?
Course Level Duration Scope Salary
ANM Basic 2 yrs Good Moderate
GNM Intermediate 3.5 yrs Wide Good
BSc Nursing Degree 4 yrs Excellent High
Conclusion:
For long-term career growth, GNM and BSc Nursing offer better prospects.
FAQs on ANM & GNM Courses
Q1. Which is better, ANM or GNM?
GNM is better in terms of scope, salary, and career opportunities. ANM is suitable for those seeking a quick entry into nursing.
Q2. Can an ANM become a staff nurse?
Yes, but most hospitals prefer GNM or BSc Nursing candidates for staff nurse posts.
Q3. What is the minimum age for ANM and GNM?
The minimum age for both courses is 17 years.
Q4. Can arts or commerce students apply for ANM and GNM?
Yes, ANM accepts all streams.
GNM accepts all streams in many states but Science is preferred.
Q5. Can ANM or GNM nurses work abroad?
Yes. However, most countries require additional qualifications, language tests, and license exams.
Q6. Is NEET required for ANM or GNM?
No, NEET is not required.
Q7. What is the salary of a GNM nurse abroad?
It ranges from ₹60,000 to ₹2,00,000 per month, depending on the country.
Q8. What are the job opportunities after ANM?
Community health worker, rural health nurse, Anganwadi supervisor, home care nurse, etc.
Q9. What is the duration of ANM and GNM?
ANM: 2 years
GNM: 3 years + 6 months internship
Q10. Can males pursue ANM and GNM?
Yes, both males and females are eligible.
Conclusion
ANM and GNM nursing courses offer excellent opportunities for students interested in healthcare. Whether you want a quick entry into community health (ANM) or a more advanced nursing role (GNM), both programs provide stable jobs, good salary packages, and opportunities to work abroad.
With the growing global demand for nurses, choosing ANM or GNM is a smart career move for students who wish to build a successful career in healthcare.
I hope that you liked this article.
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group)