Bachelor of Science in Nursing or B.Sc Nursing is a 4-year undergraduate course, the minimum eligibility criterion for which is the successful completion of 10+2 level of education in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. B.Sc Nursing admission is based on entrance exams held between April-June, conducted by respective B.Sc. Nursing colleges.   

Many colleges in India offer this course as a branch of medicine. Some of the top colleges are mentioned below. 

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
• Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry
• Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai
• Pt Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak

The average course fee ranges between INR 8,000 to 30,000 per year.The objective of the course is to demonstrate competency in the knowledge and skills in providing comprehensive nursing care based on problem-solving approach in the hospital and community. B.Sc Nursing career options include employment in areas like hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and health departments, railways and defence etc.

B.Sc Nursing also comprises a Post-Basic course which is furthur divided into 2 categories, viz Regular and Distance. B.Sc Nursing Post-Basic Regular course is of 2-year duration and requires 10+2 education along with General Nursing and Midwifery (G.N.M) whereas distance course is of 3-year duration and requires 10+2 level of education along with G.N.M and 2 years of experience.

B.Sc. (Nursing): Course Highlights

B.Sc. (Nursing): What is it about?

B.Sc Nursing course is broadly based on education within an academic framework specially directed to the development of critical thinking skills, competence and standards required for the practice of professional nursing and midwifery as envisaged in National Health Policy, 2002. Since, it involves nursing of the wounded or ill, a lot of sectors require these graduates hence increasing its demand which is only expected to increase in the future as well. In India, the course is registered under and is controlled by Indian Nursing Council. 

A person who is genuinely interested to serve the society by treating and caring patients should not think twice before taking this course. As a nurse, a person make a huge difference in people’s lives. A caring and compassionate nurse is considered as a guardian angel by patients. This can be a very satisfying and gratifying career for the compassionate. A person can go further for a masters in nursing which is a great advantage as it increases the expertise in the field generating more demand and better opportunities. If a person wishes to go into teaching, then Ph.D. is advisable for them.

B.Sc. (Nursing): Top Institutes

The following table shows some of the top institutes in India that offer the course:

B.Sc. (Nursing): Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who wish to pursue B.Sc Nursing course are required to fulfill the below mentioned eligibility criteria. 

B.Sc (Basic) - Candidates should pass 10+2 in Physics, Chemistry and Biology and he/she should be medically fit.

B.Sc (Post-Basic) – Candidates should pass 10+2 in PCB. Those who have passed 10+1 are also eligible for admission. He/She must have obtained a certificate in General Nursing and Midwifery and registered as R.N.R.M (Registered Nurse Registered Midwife) with the State Nurses Registration Council. Also, a proof of training by Indian Nursing Council or equivalent is required in the following domain-

• O.T. Techniques
• Ophthalmic Nursing
• Leprosy Nursing
• TB Nursing
• Psychiatric Nursing
• Neurological and Neuro surgical Nursing
• Community Health Nursing
• Cancer Nursing
• Orthopedic Nursing

B.Sc. (Nursing): Admission Procedure

B.Sc Nursing admission is purely based on entrance exams held in between April-June. Candidates can fill the application form in both online and offline mode.

For filling online, candidates need to go to the administrator website of the concerned entrance exam and fill the requirements. After that, a print out of the completed form is to be taken out. The print out along with the obligatory documents and DD of specified amount are needed to be sent to the relevant exam body. For offline application, candidates need to get the form along with the brochure from the exam conducting body or from the designated centers and can finish the formality.
Following is a list of B.Sc Nursing colleges along with their entrance exams:

B.Sc Nursing entrance exam is of 2-hour duration and comprises objective type questions with 4-5 options. The exam is of 400 marks and students will be provided OMR sheet for marking their answers.There is negative marking for each wrong answer. Questions are asked from PCB and the questions are mainly set in English. The total marks necessary to get admission is dependent on the requirement of the college or university concerned. 

B.Sc. (Nursing): Syllabus and Course Description

B.Sc. (Nursing): Career Prospects

B.Sc Nursing is job-oriented 4-year course which can be  pursued by students who have completed 10+2 with PCB subjects from a recognized board. Admission to the same is based on entrance exams like JIPMER, GGSIPU CET, MHT CET to name a few. After successful completion of the course, candidates can pursue higher studies in nursing from any of the top colleges like Christian Medical College, Vellore, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune etc. 

B.Sc Nursing program prepares its aspirants to become an exemplary citizen by adhering to a code of ethics and professional conduct at all times in fulfilling personal, social and professional obligations so as to respond to national aspirations.These graduate nurses are prepared to work as a care provider, educator, coordinator, advocator, researcher, counselor & administrator etc. in hospitals, nursing homes, defence services, railways and aeronautical zones, industrial houses, factories and various such. 

B.Sc. (Nursing) Scope

B.Sc Nursing program allows candidates to furthur pursue higher studies or opt for job once it is completed. Aspirants can opt for furthur education optons like M.Sc in the following disciplines:

• M.Sc Biotechnology
• M.Sc Medical Microbiology and Medical Biochemistry
• M.Sc Neuroscience
• M.Sc Nursing
• M.Sc Renal Sciences and Dialysis Technology
• M.Sc. Medical Sociology
• MBA in Pharmaceutical management/Hospital Management
• Post Graduate Program in Public Health Management (PGPPHM)

A person could work in the following profiles after graduating from this course-

• Case Manager
• Certified Nurse Midwife
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Director/CEO
• Manager/Administrator
• Nurse Anesthetist
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Practitioner
• Staff Nurse

B.Sc. (Nursing) Top Recruiters

A list of top recruiting companies in India with recruitments in this field are mentioned below. 

• Apollo Hospitals Enterprises
• Fortis Healthcare
• Medanta Medicity
• Columbia Asia Hospital
• Wockhardt Hospitals
• Global Hospitals
• Max Hospital
• Manipal Hospital

B.Sc. (Nursing): Salary Trends

The average salary offered to candidates of B.Sc Nursing course ranges from INR 10,000 to 25,000 depending on the college, degree and level of expertise. It increases with the candidates’ experience and efficiency. Following chart shows the salary trends of B.Sc Nursing graduates according to their work experience. 

Aspirants seeking admission to 4-year Full-time B.Sc Program should be a pass or appearing at 10+2 examination with at least 45% marks in aggregate (Physics, Chemistry & Biology taken together) and 40% marks in aggregate for SC / ST / OBC candidates and must have passed in English.