ANM & GNM Course: Eligibility, Duration, and Career Scope
Introduction
The healthcare industry in India is expanding rapidly, and with this growth comes an increasing demand for trained nursing professionals. Nursing is a noble profession that provides a rewarding career for those passionate about patient care and community service. Among the various nursing courses available after the 12th, ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery) and GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) are two of the most sought-after diploma courses in India.
Both ANM and GNM courses open doors to rewarding career paths in the public and private healthcare sectors. These programs are designed to train students in providing primary healthcare services, maternal care, emergency first-aid, and midwifery.
In this detailed guide, we will discuss ANM and GNM courses, including their eligibility criteria, course duration, admission process, syllabus, and job opportunities.
What is ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery)?
ANM is a diploma course that focuses on training students in the basics of nursing and healthcare, especially maternal and child health. ANM nurses are usually employed in rural and semi-urban areas and play a crucial role in grassroots-level health services.
Key Highlights of ANM Course
Course Level: Diploma
Duration: 2 years (including 6 months of internship)
Eligibility: 10+2 (any stream)
Regulating Body: Indian Nursing Council (INC)
Admission: Based on merit or entrance exam (varies by state/institution)
What is GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery)?
GNM is a comprehensive diploma course aimed at preparing students for general nursing practices in hospitals and community settings. GNM nurses are trained to provide care to patients of all ages and across various health conditions.
Key Highlights of GNM Course
Course Level: Diploma
Duration: 3 years (including 6 months of internship)
Eligibility: 10+2 with Science (preferably Biology)
Regulating Body: Indian Nursing Council (INC)
Admission: Merit-based or entrance exams conducted by state boards or institutes
Eligibility Criteria
For ANM Course
Must have completed 10+2 in any stream (Arts, Science, or Commerce) from a recognized board.
Minimum aggregate marks of 40-45%.
Age limit: 17 to 35 years.
Only female candidates are eligible in many states (though this varies).
Medical fitness certificate is mandatory
For GNM Course
Must have completed 10+2 with Science (Biology preferred).
Minimum aggregate marks of 40-45%.
Age limit: 17 to 35 years.
Candidate must be medically fit.
Some states allow Arts students who have studied English and Health Sciences.
Course Duration
ANM Course Duration
2 years, including 6 months of mandatory internship in hospitals or primary health centers (PHCs).
The internship provides hands-on experience in nursing care, immunization, and maternal services.
GNM Course Duration
3 years, including 6 months of internship.
The program covers theoretical knowledge and practical training in general nursing, pediatrics, midwifery, and psychiatric nursing.
Admission Process
Step-by-Step Admission Process for ANM & GNM
1. Online/Offline Application: Fill out the form through the state-level nursing council or the institution’s official website.
2. Entrance Exam (if applicable): Some states or private colleges conduct entrance tests.
3. Merit List: Admission is often granted based on Class 12th marks or entrance exam performance.
4. Document Verification: Submit all original documents for verification.
5. Final Admission: Pay the course fee and complete the enrollment formalities.
Documents Required
• 10th and 12th mark sheets
• Birth certificate
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• Passport-sized photographs
• Medical fitness certificate
• Domicile certificate (for state quota)
• Course Curriculum / Syllabus
ANM Syllabus
1. Community Health Nursing
2. Health Promotion
3. Primary Healthcare Nursing
4. Child Health Nursing
5. Midwifery
6. Health Center Management
7. Practical Internships
GNM Syllabus
1. Anatomy and Physiology
2. Microbiology
3. Psychology and Sociology
4. Fundamentals of Nursing
5. Medical-Surgical Nursing
6. Child Health Nursing
7. Mental Health Nursing
8. Midwifery and Gynecology
9. Community Health Nursing
10. Practical Training in Hospitals
Skills Required for ANM & GNM Nurses
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Compassion and empathy
• Attention to detail
• Teamwork and coordination
• Emotional resilience
• Ability to work under pressure
• Basic technical and medical knowledge
• Career Opportunities After ANM & GNM
After ANM Course
1. Rural Health Worker
2. Home Nurse
3. Basic Health Worker
4. Community Health Workers
5. Auxiliary Nurse Midwife in PHC/Sub-Center
6. NGOs and Charitable Hospitals
Work Settings:
• Government hospitals
• Clinics
• Community Health Centers
• Non-profit organizations
• Home care services
After GNM Course
1. Staff Nurse
2. Home Care Nurse
3. School Health Nurse
4. Military Nurse
5. ICU Nurse
6. Community Health Officer (CHO)
7. Ward Nurse
8. Nurse Educator (after B.Sc. Nursing)
Work Settings:
• Government and private hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Schools and colleges
• Defense services
• Railways and Public Sector Units (PSUs)
• Higher Education Options After ANM & GNM
After ANM:
• Bridge Course to pursue GNM
• Health Inspector Courses
• B.Sc. Nursing (Lateral Entry in some cases)
After GNM:
• Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing (PBBScN)
• B.Sc. Nursing (Lateral entry in 2nd year)
• M.Sc. Nursing (After completing B.Sc. Nursing)
• Specialization Courses: Pediatric Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, etc.
Government Job Opportunities
Government sector offers job security and benefits such as pensions, housing allowances, and promotions. After ANM or GNM, candidates can apply for:
Government Exams
• Staff Nurse Recruitment Exams by State Health Departments
• ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation)
AIIMS Recruitment
• Railway Staff Nurse Exams
• UPPSC, WBHRB, MPPSC Nurse Vacancies
• NHM (National Health Mission) Programs
• Community Health Officer (CHO) Exams
Salary After ANM & GNM
ANM Salary
Fresher: ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 per month
With Experience: ₹20,000 – ₹30,000 per month
Government Sector: ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 per month
GNM Salary
Fresher: ₹18,000 – ₹25,000 per month
With Experience: ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 per month
Government Sector: ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 per month (including allowances)
Top Recruiting Organizations
Government Hospitals
• AIIMS, PGIMER, ESI, Railways
• Fortis, Apollo, Max Healthcare
• NGOs like WHO, UNICEF
• Defense Nursing Services
• Community Health Programs (NHM, Ayushman Bharat)
Benefits of Choosing ANM/GNM Courses
1. Short-Term Professional Courses: Easy entry into healthcare jobs.
2. Affordable Tuition Fees: Available in government and private colleges.
3. Wide Job Scope: High demand in both rural and urban settings.
4. Foundation for Higher Studies: Lateral entry options to B.Sc. and M.Sc. Nursing.
5. Career Stability: Steady income and job security in public health services.
Challenges Faced in the Field
• Physically and emotionally demanding job
• Long working hours and emergency shifts
• Exposure to infectious diseases
• Understaffed healthcare centers
• Work pressure in rural healthcare services
Despite these challenges, the profession remains one of the most respected and stable career options in India.
Top ANM & GNM Colleges in India
Government Colleges
• Rajkumari Amrit Kaur College of Nursing, New Delhi
• Government College of Nursing, Thiruvananthapuram
• SMS Medical College, Jaipur
• IPGMER, Kolkata
Private Colleges
• Apollo College of Nursing, Chennai
• Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal
• Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
• SRM College of Nursing, Tamil Nadu
Conclusion
Both ANM and GNM are excellent entry points into the nursing and healthcare industry. They offer professional skills, job readiness, and a chance to serve communities. Whether you’re aiming to work in hospitals, rural clinics, or pursue higher nursing education, these diploma courses lay a strong foundation for a rewarding career.
As healthcare continues to evolve in India and globally, the demand for trained nurses will only grow. If you are compassionate, hardworking, and driven by a desire to help others, ANM and GNM courses can be your first step into a meaningful and fulfilling career in nursing.
FAQs
Q1. Can I pursue B.Sc. Nursing after GNM?
Yes, GNM diploma holders can join B.Sc. Nursing (Post Basic) through lateral entry.
Q2. Is ANM only for girls?
In many states, ANM is open only for female candidates, but this can vary.
Q3. What is the difference between ANM and GNM?
ANM focuses on primary care and midwifery, while GNM offers broader training in general nursing and hospital care.
Q4. What are the job roles after GNM?
GNM graduates can work as staff nurses, ICU nurses, emergency nurses, or even pursue a teaching career after further studies.
I hope that you liked this article.
Thanks!! 🙏 😊
Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group)