Eligibility Criteria Updated as per current KSDNEB / NNMC norms

• Age Limit: Minimum 17 years as on 31st December of the admission year. Maximum age for admission is 35 years.


• Educational Qualification:
  • Passed 10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognized board with English as a compulsory subject.
  • Science stream with Physics, Chemistry & Biology (PCB) is preferred; candidates from the Arts/Commerce streams are also considered eligible as per current state norms.
  • Minimum aggregate marks required: 40% (relaxation of up to 5% is applicable for SC/ST/Category candidates as notified by KSDNEB from time to time).


• Alternative Qualifications:
  • Passed 10+2 equivalent examination from a recognized board (CBSE, ICSE, State Board, or equivalent).
  • Candidates who have completed 10+2 through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) or State Open School are also eligible.


• Medical Fitness: Applicants must be medically fit to undertake clinical duties, as certified by a registered medical practitioner.


• Selection Process: Admission to GNM Nursing in Karnataka is purely merit-based on marks secured in the qualifying 10+2 examination, through counselling conducted by the Karnataka State Diploma in Nursing Examination Board (KSDNEB). There is presently no separate entrance examination (such as NEET) prescribed for GNM admission.


• Domicile: Preference is given to candidates domiciled in Karnataka; candidates from other states may also apply subject to seat availability and prevailing council guidelines.


• Admission Frequency: Students are admitted once every academic year, as per the schedule notified by KSDNEB.

Important Notes

• Candidates must pass all subjects individually in the qualifying examination to be eligible for admission.
• All certificates must be issued by recognized boards or universities (CBSE, ICSE, State Board, NIOS, or equivalent authorities).
• Nursing education in India is transitioning from the Indian Nursing Council (INC) framework to the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC), established under the NNMC Act, 2023. Eligibility norms are subject to periodic revision by KSNC / KSDNEB / NNMC; candidates are advised to confirm the latest requirements at the time of application.