MSc Nursing: Full Form, Admission, Duration, Entrance Exam, Colleges, Syllabus & Salary
Master of Science [M.Sc] (Nursing)
MSc Nursing Overview
Latest Updates
- The AIIMS MSc in Nursing Entrance Exam Application form will be released in April 2026
- The MSc in Nursing exam 2026 is scheduled for June 20, 2026
MSc nursing is a 2-year postgraduate degree course that enables candidates to gain specialisation in the field of nursing and other related profiles. Admission is through various entrance exams at different levels- National, State, and University levels. The following applicable exams are AIIMS, JIPMER, MHCET & Karnataka PGET & PGIMER. The number of government colleges offering an MSc nursing degree is 80, whereas the private colleges is 400+ in the country for the same course. The average fee ranges from ₹12,000 to ₹25,000 per year in Government colleges and ₹85,000 to ₹1,50,000 per year in private colleges.
The eligibility criteria require:
- A minimum aggregate score of 55% (60% for non-general candidates) in the BSc in Nursing /Biology.
- A valid scorecard of entrance exams - KEAM, AIIMS, JIPMER, etc
The top recruiters of MSc Nursing are Fortis Hospitals, Apollo Hospitals, Max Healthcare, Medanta, and AIIMS.
Check out: AIIMS College Predictor, AIIMS Delhi Cutoff
MSc Nursing: Quick Highlights 2026
Let's take a quick glance at important details related to MSc Nursing:
Particulars | Details |
Full Form | Master of Science in Nursing |
MSc Nursing Level | Postgraduate |
MSc Nursing Duration | 2 years |
MSc Nursing Type | Nursing Degree |
Application Mode | Online as well as offline |
Entrance Test for MSc Nursing | National Level Exam conducted by AIIMS, JIPMER and PGIMER State Level Exam- Tamil Nadu Entrance Exam, MHCET & Karnataka PGET University-specific- PGIMER |
MSc Nursing Fees | ₹30,000 - ₹1,00,000 Per Annum |
Top Colleges for the MSc Nursing |
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Top Specialisations After MSc Nursing |
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Top recruiters of MSc Nursing |
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Dont Miss:Master of Science (MSc): Full Form, Admission 2025, Course Duration, Colleges, Salary & Career Scope
MSc Nursing: Important Dates and Events 2026
The important dates and events surrounding MSc Nursing are as follows:
Particulars | Dates |
Result of Exam | June 2026 (Tentative) |
FAQs
Ques: When will applications for the Msc Nursing 2026 start?
Ans: Applications for the MSc Nursing generally start from April 2026, but exact dates vary by institute.
Ques: When are the entrance exams for the MSc Nursing scheduled?
Ans: AIIMS conducts the entrance exam for MSc Nursing every year. This year, the exam concluded on JUNE 14, 2025.
Ques: What are the top colleges in India that offer MSc in Nursing?
Ans: The top colleges in India that offer MSc in Nursing are:
- AIIMS Delhi,
- PGIMER Chandigarh,
- Christ Medical College, Vellore,
- Armed Forces Medical College, Pune
- Jamia Hamdard College, Delhi
Ques: What are the names of the top recruiters of MSc Nursing in India?
Ans: The names of the top recruiters of MSc Nursing in India are:
- AIIMS
- Apollo Hospitals
- Fortis Healthcare
- WHO and UNICEF
- TATA Hospital
- Government Institutions
Ques: What is the duration of the MSc Nursing in India?
Ans: The MSc Nursing Duration in India is 2 years.
MSc Nursing: Course Fees
The fee for the Master of Science Nursing course varies from college to college. The average cost per candidate is around ₹1,30,000. Although there are options for obtaining grants or a fee reduction by applying for various cost waivers for certain categories. These waivers are usually granted by nursing colleges. The table given below describes the fee structure :
Particular | Minimum Fees (yearly) | Maximum Fees (yearly) |
Government College | ₹57,000 | ₹3,00,000 |
Private College | ₹1,50,000 | ₹3,00,000 |
FAQs
Ques: Why is there a difference in the fee structure of government as well as private colleges?
Ans: Government and private colleges differ in fee structures due to funding sources. Government colleges receive state support, resulting in lower fees, while private colleges depend on student fees and endowments, making them more expensive.
Ques: Where can I find details about the MSc Nursing Admissions 2025?
Ans: You can check important dates, eligibility, the application process, fees, and career options on official websites.
Ques: Is there any difference in the MSc in Nursing 2026 eligibility criteria for government colleges and private colleges?
Ans: No, there is not any difference in the MSc in Nursing 2026 eligibility criteria for government colleges and private colleges.
Why Choose MSc Nursing?
Choosing a course like MSc Nursing opens up many opportunities for students aspiring to carve a niche in the medical and healthcare sector. Given below are a few pointers :
- Studying M.Sc Nursing in India enables candidates who are interested in pursuing a career in medical and clinical nursing.
- It goes beyond nursing the basic human medical needs and attending to them.
- The course allows the candidates to explore advanced options along with theoretical knowledge and practical training.
Benefits of studying the MSc Nursing course
- M.Sc in Nursing has seen a gradual growth in demand for certified nurses since COVID-19. There are many employment opportunities in hospitals, military hospitals, nursing homes, elderly care facilities, educational institutions, and more.
- The healthcare industry offers better job security and stability with a good payout. Irrespective of gender, the nurses.
- Opportunity to study in premier institutes like Jamia Hamdard University, BHU, Delhi University, Christ Medical College, Vellore, and Armed Forces Medical College, Pune.
- With an MSc Nursing degree, the applicants are qualified for senior roles like Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Administrator, or Nurse Educator, which come with higher pay and responsibilities.
Master of Science [M.Sc] (Nursing)
MSc Nursing Qualification
MSc Nursing qualifications require a Bachelor's degree in the science stream(Physics, Chemistry, Biology) or an equal qualification with at the very least 50% marks.
Qualification | Details |
Educational | Degree in B.Sc.(Nursing)/ B.Sc(Hons.) Nursing/Post-Basic B.Sc Nursing |
Minimum Marks | 55% (50% for reserved categories) |
Experience | A minimum of 1 year of work experience as :
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MSc Nursing: Course Eligibility Criteria- Category-wise
MSc Nursing eligibility ensures equality amongst all classes, though there are slight differences. These are with a view to providing opportunities to those with a less economic background but immense capabilities.
Category | Eligibility |
General | 55% in Graduation with a B.Sc in any subject |
SC/ST | 50% in Graduation with a B.Sc in any subject |
OBC | 50% in Graduation with a B.Sc in any subject |
FAQs
Ques: What is the eligibility for an MSc Nursing for different categories?
Ans: The general category requires 55% in Graduation with a B.Sc in any subject, while SC/ST and OBC candidates need at least 50% marks.
Ques: What is the duration of the MSc Nursing course?
Ans: The course duration is 2 years, including classroom learning and extensive practical training in hospitals to develop professional nursing skills.
MSc Nursing: Course Duration
The MSc nursing duration spans 2 years, combining classroom learning with full-size practical training in hospitals. This structure ensures applicants are properly equipped with theoretical information and hands-on skills for expert nursing roles.
MSc Nursing Admission Process
The admission process of every MSc Nursing college slightly differs depending on its set criteria. However, the step-by-step guide below provides an overview of the steps followed in the MSc Nursing admission process in most colleges:
STEP 1: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The Candidates must check the eligibility criteria for the college that he/she wish to apply to and ensure proper documentation before proceeding.
STEP 2: REGISTRATION & APPLICATION
After fulfilling the eligibility criteria, the candidate must log on to the college's/exam's official website. The website generates a unique credential through which the applicants can fill out the application form, which also requires them to upload necessary documents and pay the application fee.
STEP 3: ENTRANCE EXAMS
The third and most important step involves appearing for the entrance exams. The candidates should check out the entrance exams and their details and fill them out before the application window closes. It gives the date for appearing in the entrance exams.
STEP 4: RESULT/VERIFICATION
Applicants who appeared for the entrance exams will wait for the results; meanwhile, those who opted for merit-based admission have to wait for the college to verify their application.
Particulars | Details |
Entrance exam for Master of Science Nursing | KEAM Exam JEMScN Exam |
Minimum age requirement | There is no official notification regarding the age limit |
Eligibility | B.Sc. Nursing or Biology with 55% (50% in the non-general category) |
Qualifying marks | The cut-offs vary from exam to exam |
Experience | Worked as a certified medical caregiver, either before completing graduation or after the attainment of a degree |
Master of Science [M.Sc] (Nursing)
MSc Nursing Entrance Exams
MSc Nursing
Admission to the MSc Nursing relies on nursing entrance exams like AIIMS BSC Nursing, UP CNET, MH CET BSc Nursing, etc. At the state level or the institute-specific tests, the candidates are evaluated based on knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and in the general aptitude level.
FAQs
Ques: Is an entrance exam mandatory for the MSc Nursing admission process?
Ans: Some states and institutes conduct entrance exams for MSc Nursing. AIIMS conduct their examinations along with a few other institutes for admissions.
Ques: How can I prepare for the Nursing Entrance Exam 2025?
Ans: Study NCERT 10+2 PCB subjects thoroughly, take regular mock tests, and refer to coaching materials from reputed institutes for better preparation.
MSc Nursing: Cutoff
M.Sc Nursing cutoffs depend on National-level entrance exams as well as state-level exams. Few institutes take admissions based on merit listing where whereas others rely on exams like AIIMS MSc, CUET PG, etc.
Category | Cutoff |
Scheduled Caste | 15% |
Scheduled Tribe | 7.5 % |
Other Backwards Classes | 27 % |
Orthopaedic physically handicapped | 3% |
FAQs
Ques: What is the cutoff for MSc Nursing in top institutes?
Ans: The cut-off for MSc Nursing is 55–65% in entrance exams, and the top 10–15 percentile for the general category (e.g., AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER).
Ques: What is the cutoff for state colleges offering an MSc Nursing?
Ans 2. The Cutoff for state colleges offering MSc Nursing is 45–55% for the general category; lower for reserved categories. Varies by state and admission method.
MSc Nursing: Seats
MSc Nursing seats have very tough competition since the cut-offs are based on a national level, and there is a restricted seat quota.
MSc Nursing: Government Colleges in India (State-Wise)
Colleges | Location | No. of Seats |
AIIMS | New Delhi | 20-30 |
PGIMER | Chandigarh | 30-50 |
JIPMER | Puducherry | 20-30 |
Government Medical College (GMC) | Maharashtra | 30-40 |
Government Medical College | Kerala | 20-30 |
B.J. Medical College | West Bengal | 20-30 |
King George's Medical University (KGMU) | Lucknow | 20-30 |
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Banaras | 15-20 |
Lady Hardinge Medical College | New Delhi | 20-30 |
Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences | New Delhi | 15-20 |
MSc Nursing in Private Colleges in India (State-Wise)
State | College Name | Location | No. of Seats (Approx.) |
Karnataka | Manipal College of Nursing | Manipal, Karnataka | 30-40 seats |
Bangalore Medical College | Bangalore, Karnataka | 20-30 seats | |
Ramaiah Medical College | Bangalore, Karnataka | 20-25 seats | |
Tamil Nadu | Sri Ramachandra University | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 25-40 seats |
Sree Balaji College of Nursing | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 20-30 seats | |
Madras Medical College | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | 20-30 seats | |
Maharashtra | Symbiosis College of Nursing | Pune, Maharashtra | 20-30 seats |
K. J. Somaiya College of Nursing | Mumbai, Maharashtra | 25-30 seats | |
D.Y. Patil College of Nursing | Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra | 30-40 seats | |
Uttar Pradesh | Shri Ram Murti Smarak College of Nursing | Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh | 20-25 seats |
Santosh Medical College | Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh | 20-25 seats | |
Delhi NCR | Rajkumari Amrit Kaur College of Nursing | New Delhi | 20-30 seats |
Jamia Hamdard University | New Delhi | 25-30 seats | |
Andhra Pradesh | Narayana Medical College | Nellore, Andhra Pradesh | 20-25 seats |
Rama Nursing College | Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh | 20-25 seats | |
Kerala | Amrita College of Nursing | Kochi, Kerala | 20-30 seats |
Cochin University of Science & Technology | Kochi, Kerala | 20-25 seats | |
West Bengal | Calcutta National Medical College | Kolkata, West Bengal | 20-30 seats |
R.G. Kar Medical College | Kolkata, West Bengal | 20-30 seats | |
Punjab | Baba Farid University of Health Sciences | Faridkot, Punjab | 20-25 seats |
Guru Nanak Dev University | Amritsar, Punjab | 20-30 seats | |
Rajasthan | Nursing College, Jaipur | Jaipur, Rajasthan | 20-30 seats |
Geetanjali Medical College | Udaipur, Rajasthan | 20-25 seats | |
Haryana | Maharishi Markandeshwar University | Ambala, Haryana | 20-30 seats |
Chhattisgarh | All India Institute of Medical Sciences | Raipur, Chhattisgarh | 20-25 seats |
Madhya Pradesh | Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical Sciences | Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | 20-25 seats |
Career Opportunities After MSc Nursing
After completing the postgraduate MSc Nursing course, the candidates can select various options to kickstart their career as Certified nurses. Given below are a few topmost specialisations along with their details.
Specializations | Details |
Medical-Surgical Nursing |
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Pediatric Nursing |
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Psychiatric Nursing |
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Common Health Nursing |
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OBG Nursing |
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We couldn't find any exam for this course!
Master of Science [M.Sc] (Nursing)
MSc Nursing Curriculum
The MSc Nursing syllabus is spread across 2-yearly terms. In the first year, the candidates have to study 4 subjects for 150 marks each and practical. The second year has 3 subjects of 150 marks each and practical subjects.
Semester | Subjects |
1st Year |
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2nd Year |
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FAQs
Ques: What are the key subjects covered in the MSc Nursing syllabus?
Ans: The syllabus includes subjects related to clinical nursing levels 1 & 2, along with thesis management and research studies. It also gives insight into advanced nursing and other subjects.
Ques: What specialisations are available in MSc Nursing?
Ans: Candidates can pursue becoming medical-surgical nurses, pediatric nurses, common health nursing and midwifery, etc.
Top Colleges
Mata Gujri University, Kishanganj, Bihar
Kishanganj, BiharINR 5,00,000
Average Package
INR 2,50,000
Average Package
INR 3,00,000
Average Package
Charnock Hospital
Kolkata, West BengalINR 4,50,000
Average Package
PES Institute of Medical Sciences and Research - [PESIMSR], Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh
Kuppam, Andhra PradeshINR 12,00,000
Average Package
Cauvery Group of Institutions, Mysore, Karnataka
Mysore, KarnatakaINR 8,00,000
Average Package
Nopany Institute of Healthcare Studies, Kolkata, West Bengal
Kolkata, West BengalINR 3,00,000
Average Package
INR 3,00,000
Average PackageMaster of Science [M.Sc] (Nursing)
MSc Nursing Admission Process
Best Universities/Colleges for MSc Nursing(India/Abroad)
MSc Nursing colleges in India and abroad offer quality education, modern facilities, and strong placement support for aspiring nurses.
Colleges | Rank |
AIIMS | 1 |
PGIMER | 2 |
CMC Vellore | 3 |
NIMHANS | 4 |
MSc Nursing Government Colleges in India
Approximately 80 government colleges in India provide an MSc Nursing course at an affordable cost and excellent training, ensuring high employability for graduates.
Colleges | Location | Fees ( INR) |
AIIMS | Delhi | ₹ 2,830 per annum |
JIPMER | Puducherry | ₹ 5,000 per annum |
AFMC | Pune | ₹ 20,000 per annum |
PGIMER | Chandigarh | ₹ 57,000 per annum |
Madras Medical College | Chennai | ₹ 20,000 per annum |
MSc Nursing Private Colleges in India
Around 400+ MSc nursing private colleges offer advanced facilities and diverse specialisations, catering to a larger student base.
Colleges | Location | Annual Fees |
Manipal College of Nursing | Manipal, Karnataka | ₹3,56,000 Lakhs Per Annum |
SRM College of Nursing | Chennai | ₹1,50,000 - ₹ 2,00,000 Lakhs Per Annum |
M S Ramaiah College of Nursing | Bengaluru | ₹1,00,000 - ₹2,00,000 Lakhs Per Annum |
Jamia Millia Islamia Nursing College | Delhi | ₹1,00,000- ₹1,50,000 Lakhs Per Annum |
St. John’s Medical College | Bengaluru | ₹1,50,000- ₹2,00,000 Lakhs Per Annum |
MSc Nursing Colleges Abroad
The prospect of pursuing an MSc in nursing abroad is quite fascinating. Candidates often opt to go abroad to learn and blend into their ways of learning and practicing.
Colleges | Location | Fees ( INR) |
University of Windsor | Hamilton, Canada | ₹11- ₹16 Lakhs |
University of Texas | USA | ₹10 - ₹16 Lakhs |
Western University | Canada | ₹11 - ₹12 Lakhs |
MSc Nursing: Abroad vs India (Comparison Table)
Comparing nursing programs in India and abroad highlights differences in value, period, and career potential.
Aspect | India | Abroad |
Fees | ₹20,000- ₹ 1,50,000 | ₹15,00,000- ₹ 25,00,000 |
Duration | 2 Years | 2 Years |
Career Scope | Hospitals, Clinics | Global Opportunities, Research |
FAQs
Ques: Name a few famous destination abroad that gives a wide platform for MSc Nursing?
Ans: Candidates can apply in USA , UK , Canada, etc are the countries that gives vast opportunities and global career scope.
Ques: Is the career scope better after pursuing an MSc Nursing abroad?
Ans: Yes, studying abroad offers wider global opportunities, higher salary potential, and better chances for research and advanced training.
Top Recruiters/Placement Companies
These are the top recruiters for MSc Nursing in India:
- Apollo Hospitals
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital
- Medanta—The Medicity
- Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute
- Max Superspeciality Hospital
- Apollo Health City
- Fortis Hospital
MSc Nursing Salary Package
After COVID-19, the healthcare sector has seen a gradual shift in terms of certified nurses irrespective of gender, caste and race. MSc nursing provides experts in various categories, such as clinical nurses, critical care nurses, NICU experts, etc. Their average salary is based on their expertise and the job role that they pursue.
MSc Nursing Salary Package in India
Experience Level | Job Type | Average salary per month |
Fresher (0–2 years) | Hospital nurse | ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 |
3–5 years | Senior staff nurse | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 |
5+ years | Nurse educator | ₹50,000 – ₹80,000 |
Govt job (on selection) | Govt nurse officer | ₹55,000 – ₹90,000 + benefits |
MSc Nursing Salary Package Abroad
MSc Nursing is a very prominent course abroad. Especially in the UK, where the healthcare sector is booming and specialised nurses are in high demand. Given below are the various sought-after job roles, along with their expected salary and work setting.
Job Role | Work Setting | Expected Salary |
Certified Nurse | Hospitals, Maternity Clinics | ₹35,00,000 - ₹50,00,000 |
Maternal Health Nurse | Public Health | ₹32,00,000- ₹45,00,000 |
Fertility and Reproductive Health Expert | Private Clinics | ₹40,00,000- ₹55,00,000 |
Neonatal Nurse | NICU, Pediatric Hospitals | ₹37,00,000 - ₹52,00,000 |
FAQs
Ques: What is the best option after MSc Nursing?
Ans: After earning their MSc in Nursing, candidates can find employment in a variety of settings, such as nursing homes, hospitals, healthcare facilities, military hospitals, medical schools, and more.
Ques: Is MSc Nursing easy or hard?
Ans: An MSc in Nursing can be a rewarding career and relatively little difficult.
Ques: Is MSc Nursing a good career?
Ans: MSc nursing is a good career for those who want to work in the healthcare industry.
Candidates who opt for a nursing career have a variety of alternatives with improved pay scales and employment locations.
Ques: How many years is an MSc Nursing?
Ans: The Master of Science in Nursing is a 2-year-long postgraduate course.
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