How to Get Admission to IGNOU Post-Basic B.Sc. Nursing

Ignou Post Basic Bsc Admission to nursing is for working nurses who have completed General Nursing and Midwifery and wish to upgrade their qualification to a bachelor’s degree. BSCN(PB) is the programme code. Admission is based on an entrance test and regional counselling.

It is not a normal fresh B.Sc. Nursing course for students who have only completed Class 12. The candidates should be registered nurses, have the prescribed work-experience and qualify in the IGNOU nursing entrance test.

How to Get Admission to IGNOU Post-Basic B.Sc. Nursing

IGNOU Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing Programme Key Points

Programme highlights include:

  • Name of the programme: Post-Basic Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • Programme code: BSCN(PB)
  • School: School of Health Sciences, IGNOU
  • Mode: Open and Distance Learning with mandatory practical training
  • Language of instruction: English
  • Duration at least three years
  • Duration of maximum six years
  • Programme fee Rs. 23,000 per annum (subject to revision)
  • Admission cycle: Usually once a year
  • Admission process: Entrance test, regional merit and counseling

The programme is approved by the Indian Nursing Council and is meant for in-service Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives.

IGNOU B.Sc. Nursing Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet one of the following Eligibility Pathways.

10+2 Candidates- Route 1

You can apply if you have:

  • Passed 10+2 or equivalent examination
  • Completed a 3-year GNM diploma
  • Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife
  • At least two years nursing experience after RNRM registration

Route 2: Class 10 Candidates

You can also apply if you have:

  • Must have passed 10th Class or equivalent examination
  • Completed three years GNM Diploma
  • RNRM registered
  • Minimum of five years nursing experience post registration

Midwifery is a compulsory subject for GNM. Instead of midwifery, male nurses or nurses who have not studied midwifery during GNM may have to do a six-to-nine-month nursing certificate prescribed by the Indian Nursing Council. There is no maximum age limit for admission.

IGNOU BSCN(PB) Application Process Entry

Step 1: Check Admission Notification

IGNOU announces entrance test for Post-Basic Nursing apart from ordinary fresh admissions. The programme generally commences with the January academic session.

For the latest notification, application dates and entrance-test schedule, check the official IGNOU website and School of Health Sciences page and your Regional Centre website.

Step 2: Sign Up on Nursing Admission Portal

Check the dedicated portal of IGNOU nursing admission from the official notification.

To Register Again, Use The Following:

  • Complete Name
  • Working Cell Phone Number
  • Valid e-mail address
  • Birthdate
  • user name and password

Use your name as it appears on your nursing registration and educational certificates.

Step 3 - Fill out the Application Form

Please fill your personal, academic and professional details carefully.

You may need to supply:

  • Information of Class 10 and Class 12
  • GNM qualification details
  • Registration no. of State Nursing Council
  • RNRM Registration Date
  • Details of nursing work experience
  • Regional Centre (Desirable)

The notification requires experience after registration; do not include experience before registration.

Step 4: Submit the Necessary Documents

Documents for IGNOU Post-Basic Nursing may include:

  • Recent photo,
  • Digitized signature
  • Certificate of Class 10 Pass
  • Certificate of Class 12 (if applicable)
  • GNM marksheets & diploma
  • Registration certificate of RNRM
  • Nursing Council renewal certificate.
  • Certificates of experience
  • Category certificate (where applicable)
  • Proof of identity.

The exact list of documents should be checked from the existing entrance prospectus.

Step 5: Pay Entrance Application Fee

Pay the application/entrance-test fee through the mode available on the portal.

The application for admission should generally be submitted without the annual programme fee. Separate counselling or admission confirmation instructions are given to candidates regarding programme-fee payment.

Preparation for IGNOU Nursing Entrance Test

Admission is competitive as each Programme Study Centre has a limited number of seats.

The entrance test normally evaluates knowledge related to:

  • Fundamentals of nursing
  • Med-surg nursing
  • Community Health Nursing
  • maternal and child-health
  • Psychiatric nursing
  • Alimentation et nutrition
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Nursing management
  • Nurses education
  • Awareness of general health

Prepare for your GNM subjects, revise important nursing procedures and practice objective questions. Don’t just rely on remembering previous exam papers.

Admit Card Download & Test Appearance

After the release of the admit card by IGNOU, download it from the official portal.

See also:

  • Name and number of application
  • Test date
  • Time to Report
  • Centre of examination address
  • Requirements of identity documents

Arrive at the centre early and follow the instructions printed on the Admit Card.

Verify the Result of the Entry

IGNOU declares the result through its official student-services system. Admission is not assured by qualifying in the entrance test.

Admission is based upon:

  • Entrance examination results
  • Merit or Rank Regional
  • Type
  • Eligibility check
  • Seats availability in the Programme Study Centre

Candidates found eligible will be attending counselling in their respective Regional Centres in the January 2026 session on the basis of regional merit and availability of seats,” said IGNOU.

Go For It: IGNOU Nursing Counselling

The successful candidates will have to appear for counselling at the respective Regional Centre on the date to be announced.

Bring original documents with photocopies, such as:

  • Result / rank for entrance
  • Certificate of GNM
  • RNRM registration certificate
  • Certificates of experience
  • Education certificates
  • Certificate of Category
  • Identity documents
  • Passport size photographs
  • Other papers as mentioned in the counselling letter

Admission is subject to verification of documents and allotment of seat.

Confirmation of Admission

Then after the counselling and fee payment, verify your admission confirmation.

Check:

  • Program code BSCN(PB)
  • Registration No.
  • Regional Center
  • Study Centre Programme
  • Contact information and name

Keep the admission confirmation letter and fee receipt.

Download IGNOU ID Card

After your admission is confirmed, download your IGNOU ID card from the student portal.

Keep a hard copy, it may be required during:

  • Counselling appointments
  • Field assignments
  • Clinical supervision
  • Assignments turned in
  • End of Course Exams

Make Sure to Read the Programme Guide

The programme includes theory, practical work, supervised and self-activities in the workplace. Total credits of compulsory theory and practical courses is 112.

Practical and contact sessions are conducted at Programme Study Centres in recognized Nursing colleges and Hospitals. Attendance and completion of clinical requirements are critical to the course.

Finish the Assignments and Practical Records

Continuous evaluation includes Theory assignments. Students are also required to complete practical manuals, logbooks, supervised activities and clinical records.

IGNOU Galaxy provides IGNOU Solved Assignments which can help the students to understand the presentation of the answer. You can search for IGNOU Handwritten Assignments for writing help, and IGNOU Projects for general project format.

However, nursing practical records, clinical activities and log books must reflect work actually done under supervision authorized by the institution.

IGNOU Exam Form Fill Up

Eligible theory and practical courses require a separate submission of the Term-End Examination form by students.

Prior to submission:

  • Check course codes for registered courses.
  • Check that the assignment is done.
  • Review practical eligibility.
  • Choose the examination centre.
  • Pay the fee for the test.
  • Hold the recognition.

Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Not having the required nursing experience when you apply
  • Counting work experience prior to RNRM registration
  • Uploading of expired Nursing Council Certificate
  • Provided that qualifying the entrance test ensures admission
  • No Regional Centre counselling attendance
  • Payment of programme fee prior to instructions
  • Failure to attend compulsory practical sessions
  • Partial experience certificates submitted
  • Subject to unofficial admissions dates

Common Questions

1. Can I take admission in IGNOU Post-Basic B.Sc. Nursing after GNM?

Yes, provided you are an in-service RNRM with the required work-experience.

2. Is there an entrance exam?

Yes. Admission is through IGNOU nursing entrance test and counselling process.

3. What is the duration of the course?

Minimum of three years and maximum completion period of six years.

4. What is the annual programme fee?

The current official programme page mentions Rs. 23,000 per annum excluding examination fees.

5. Can a student of class 12 without GNM apply?

No, I am not. The programme is targeted at the qualified and registered GNM nurses.

6. What is the required work experience?

GNM with 10+2, two years experience after registration required. Five years for Class 10 & GNM candidates.

7. Are male nurses able to apply?

Yes, subject to RNRM and midwifery equivalent requirements as prescribed by Indian Nursing Council.

8. Is this a completely online programme?

No. It is part of the compulsory face to face counselling, practical training and clinical activities.

9. Do I get admission if I pass the entrance test?

No. Final selection is based on regional merit, document verification and availability of seats.

10. Is there an age limit?

There is no maximum age limit, according to the official programme guide.

Last Tips For Applicants

Apply after renewal of your nursing registration along with a clear experience certificate showing your designation, period of employment and institution details.

Start preparing for the entrance early and keep all original documents ready for counselling. For final details of admission dates, eligibility rules and selection instructions please visit the official IGNOU website.

Conclusion

IGNOU Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing admission is open for eligible in-service GNM nurses registered as RNRM and having the requisite professional experience. The process includes online application, entrance test, regional merit, counseling and document verification.

Official Notification Read Carefully. Fill the experience details correctly and attend counselling with full documents. Once admitted, you must attend theory, practical training and clinical activities regularly to successfully complete the programme.