IGNOU BSc Nursing Admission 2026
IGNOU BSc Nursing Admission 2026 offers a valuable opportunity for working nursing professionals to upgrade their qualifications through a flexible and recognized distance learning program. The Indira Gandhi National Open University conducts admission for the Post Basic B.Sc Nursing course, which is specifically designed for registered nurses who wish to enhance their academic knowledge and career prospects without leaving their jobs.
The program combines theoretical learning with practical and clinical training, making it suitable for in-service candidates aiming for higher roles in healthcare, education, or administration. Admission to this course is conducted through the OPENNET entrance exam, and only eligible candidates with GNM qualifications, valid nursing registration, and relevant work experience can apply.
With limited seats available across approved study centres in India, the competition for admission is quite high. Therefore, candidates are advised to carefully check eligibility criteria, prepare well for the entrance exam, and complete the application process within the given timeline.
IGNOU BSc Nursing Admission 2026 Highlights
| Feature |
Details |
| Course Name |
Post Basic B.Sc Nursing |
| University |
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Session |
January 2026 |
| Admission Mode |
Entrance Exam (OPENNET) |
| Course Duration |
3 to 6 Years |
| Eligibility |
GNM + RN/RM Registration + Work Experience |
| Application Mode |
Online |
| Application Fee |
₹1000 |
| Course Fee |
₹23,000 per year |
| Total Seats |
Approx. 300–320 seats |
| Selection Process |
Based on OPENNET Merit List |
IGNOU BSc Nursing Admission 2026 Important Dates
| Event |
Date / Status |
| Application Start Date |
February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply |
05 March 2026 (Extended till 10 March 2026) |
| Admit Card Release |
To be announced |
| Entrance Exam (OPENNET) |
To be announced |
| Result Declaration |
After entrance exam |
| Counselling / Admission Process |
After result declaration |
Always check official portal for updates.
IGNOU BSc Nursing Eligibility Criteria 2026
| Criteria |
Details |
| Course Type |
Post Basic B.Sc Nursing (for working nurses only)
|
| Registration |
Must be Registered Nurse (RN) & Registered Midwife (RNRM) with State Nursing Council
|
| Qualification (Option 1) |
10+2 + GNM (General Nursing & Midwifery) + Minimum 2 years experience
|
| Qualification (Option 2) |
10th + GNM + Minimum 5 years experience
|
| Work Requirement |
Must be an in-service (working) nurse
|
| Entrance Exam |
Must qualify IGNOU OPENNET entrance exam
|
| Special Condition (Male Candidates) |
Must have additional nursing certificate (6–9 months) if midwifery not studied
|
| Not Eligible |
Fresh 12th students, non-nursing candidates, or without experience
|
Important: This program is strictly for experienced nurses.
Candidates without GNM qualification and work experience are not eligible.
IGNOU BSc Nursing Entrance Exam 2026 (OPENNET)
| Feature |
Details |
| Exam Name |
OPENNET (IGNOU Nursing Entrance Test) |
| Conducting Body |
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Course |
Post Basic B.Sc Nursing |
| Exam Mode |
Offline (Pen & Paper Based) |
| Duration |
2.5 Hours |
| Total Questions |
120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Question Type |
Objective (MCQ) |
| Medium |
English |
| Marking Scheme |
+1 mark for each correct answer (No negative marking)
|
| Selection Process |
Based on merit (Entrance Exam Score)
|
| Exam Frequency |
Once a year |
Note: Only candidates who qualify the OPENNET entrance exam will be considered for admission to IGNOU Post Basic BSc Nursing program.
Only qualified candidates are selected for admission.
IGNOU BSc Nursing Fees 2026
| Fee Type |
Amount |
| Application Fee |
₹1000 (One-time, Non-refundable) |
| Course Fee (Per Year) |
₹23,000 per year |
| Total Course Fee |
₹69,000 (for full program) |
| Examination Fee |
₹200 per subject (approx.) |
Note: Fees can be paid year-wise. The total fee may vary slightly depending on practical components and updates by IGNOU.
IGNOU BSc Nursing Course Duration & Structure 2026
| Component |
Details |
| Course Name |
Post Basic B.Sc Nursing
|
| Minimum Duration |
3 Years
|
| Maximum Duration |
6 Years
|
| Mode of Study |
Distance Learning + Practical Training
|
| Theory Component |
Self-learning study material, assignments, and term-end examinations
|
| Practical Training |
Conducted at IGNOU-approved Programme Study Centres (Hospitals/Institutes)
|
| Clinical Practice |
Hands-on training in nursing procedures and patient care
|
| Assignments |
Mandatory for each course (required to appear in exams)
|
| Examination |
Term-End Exams (TEE) conducted twice a year
|
| Flexibility |
Suitable for working professionals (study + job balance)
|
Note: Practical and clinical training are compulsory components of the program.
Students must complete both theory and practical requirements to qualify for the degree.
IGNOU BSc Nursing Admission Process 2026
| Step |
Process |
| Step 1 |
Visit the official IGNOU Nursing Admission Portal (ignounursing.samarth.edu.in)
|
| Step 2 |
Register using a valid Email ID and Mobile Number
|
| Step 3 |
Fill the application form with personal, academic, and professional details
|
| Step 4 |
Upload required documents (GNM Certificate, Experience Certificate, Registration Certificate, etc.)
|
| Step 5 |
Pay the application fee of ₹1000 through online mode
|
| Step 6 |
Submit the application form and download confirmation page
|
| Step 7 |
Download admit card and appear for OPENNET entrance exam
|
| Step 8 |
Check result and merit list on official website
|
| Step 9 |
Complete admission and counselling process after selection
|
Note: Admission is granted only after qualifying the OPENNET entrance exam and verification of documents.
👉 After exam, merit list is released and admission is confirmed.
IGNOU BSc Nursing Admission 2026 – Documents Required
| Document |
Details |
| GNM Certificate |
General Nursing & Midwifery qualification proof
|
| Nursing Registration Certificate |
Proof of registration as RN/RM with State Nursing Council
|
| Experience Certificate |
Work experience certificate (2–5 years as required)
|
| 10th Marksheet |
Date of birth and basic qualification proof
|
| 12th Marksheet |
Required if applying through 10+2 eligibility route
|
| Category Certificate |
SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificate (if applicable)
|
| Photo & Signature |
Passport-size photograph and scanned signature
|
| ID Proof |
Aadhaar Card / PAN Card / Voter ID
|
| Admission Form Printout |
Filled application form for verification
|
Note: All documents must be uploaded in the prescribed format during online application
and original documents must be produced at the time of counselling or admission verification.
IGNOU BSc Nursing Seat Availability & Cut-Off 2026
| Criteria |
Details |
| Total Seats |
Approximately 320 seats across India
|
| Seat Allocation |
Based on regional centres and programme study centres
|
| Admission Basis |
Merit based on OPENNET entrance exam score
|
| Expected Cut-Off |
Around 50% marks (varies every year)
|
| Cut-Off Factors |
Number of applicants, difficulty level, seats available, category reservation
|
| Counselling |
Conducted after merit list (region-wise)
|
IGNOU BSc Nursing FAQs
Q1. Does IGNOU offer regular BSc Nursing?
No, only Post Basic BSc Nursing is available.
Q2. Is entrance exam required?
Yes, OPENNET exam is mandatory.
Q3. Can fresh 12th students apply?
No, GNM + experience required.
Q4. Is IGNOU BSc Nursing valid?
Yes, it is recognized and valid across India.
Final Conclusion
IGNOU BSc Nursing Admission 2026 is an excellent opportunity for working nurses to upgrade their qualifications without leaving their jobs. With a flexible learning system, affordable fees, and national recognition, the program helps nurses advance their careers in healthcare, education, and administration. However, candidates must ensure they meet eligibility criteria and prepare well for the entrance exam, as admission is highly competitive.
Comments
Post a Comment