GNM – General Nursing and Midwifery
Program Overview
General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) is a comprehensive 3.5-year diploma program focused on preparing students to become professional nurses capable of delivering holistic care. It equips learners with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and emotional intelligence required in modern healthcare systems.
This course forms the backbone of healthcare services, with training in clinical nursing, midwifery, pediatric care, medical-surgical nursing, psychiatric care, and community health nursing.
GNM is ideal for those who are passionate about patient care and aspire to serve in hospitals, community health centers, and nursing homes.
Key Highlights
- Diploma-level course regulated by Indian Nursing Council (INC)
- Training in real-time hospital settings with internship experience
- Coverage of nursing fundamentals, patient care, pharmacology, infection control, and health promotion
- Emphasizes ethical practice, interpersonal skills, empathy, and critical thinking
- Lateral academic mobility to B.Sc Nursing (Post Basic) or M.Sc Nursing
- Eligible for government and private healthcare employment
Curriculum & Subjects
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Psychology
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Psychiatric Nursing
- Midwifery and Gynecology
- Community Health Nursing
- Nutrition and Dietetics
- First Aid and Emergency Procedures
Eligibility Criteria & Duration
- Qualification: 10+2 (preferably Science stream with Biology)
- Minimum Marks: 40-50% depending on the institution
- Age Limit: Generally 17–35 years (may vary slightly)
- Duration: 3 years of academics + 6-month internship (Total: 3.5 years)
Advantages of Pursuing GNM
- Recognized diploma across India and abroad
- Practical, hands-on training leads to high employability
- High demand in India’s expanding healthcare sector
- Enables smooth transition to higher education or foreign licensure exams like NCLEX (USA), DHA (Dubai), etc.
Career Opportunities After GNM
- Staff Nurse in hospitals (private/public)
- Home Health Nurse / Visiting Nurse
- ICU / Trauma Care / Ward Nurse
- Nursing Tutor / Assistant Lecturer
- Military / Railway / Municipal Health Services
- Further Study: B.Sc Nursing (Post Basic), M.Sc Nursing, PG Diploma in Critical Care Nursing, etc.
ANM – Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery
Program Overview
ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery) is a 2-year diploma course tailored for students who want to enter the healthcare workforce quickly. The program focuses on basic nursing skills, maternal and child health, family planning, first aid, and community health care, especially in rural and underserved areas.
ANMs are frontline workers and often the first point of contact in rural healthcare setups, playing a vital role in health awareness, vaccination, nutrition education, and sanitation.
Train to serve as the first link in rural and primary health services.
Key Highlights
- Entry-level diploma regulated by the INC (Indian Nursing Council)
- Emphasis on mother-child care, immunization, and sanitation
- Trained for primary health centers (PHCs), community health centers (CHCs), and anganwadi services
- Balance of classroom training + fieldwork in health camps and rural postings
- Opportunity to upgrade to GNM/B.Sc Nursing after completing ANM
Curriculum & Subjects
- Community Health Nursing
- Health Promotion
- Nutrition, Hygiene & Sanitation
- Primary Medical Care & First Aid
- Maternal Health & Family Welfare
- Child Health Nursing
- Infection Control & Immunization
- Basic Pharmacology
- Human Body Structure
- Mental Health & Communication Skills
Eligibility Criteria & Duration
- Qualification: 10+2 from a recognized board (any stream)
- Minimum Marks: 40% (varies slightly)
- Age Limit: 17–35 years
- Duration: 2 years (may include 6-month field training)
Why Choose ANM?
- Quick entry into the nursing profession
- Special focus on community health & grassroots healthcare delivery
- Plays a critical role in government healthcare schemes (Ayushman Bharat, JSY, RMNCH+A)
- Vital link in maternal & child mortality reduction goals
Career Opportunities After ANM
- Auxiliary Nurse / Midwife at PHCs, CHCs, Sub-Centres
- Female Health Worker (FHW) under Government Programs
- Community Health Worker for NGOs & Rural Clinics
- Field Assistant for Immunization and Family Welfare Projects
- Eligible for GNM/B.Sc Nursing (career advancement)
- Can prepare for State-level and Central health department jobs
Comparison Chart: GNM vs ANM
Feature |
GNM (General Nursing & Midwifery) |
ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery) |
Full Form |
General Nursing and Midwifery |
Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery |
Course Type |
Diploma |
Diploma |
Duration |
3 years + 6-month internship (3.5 years total) |
2 years (may include 6-month internship) |
Eligibility |
10+2 (Science preferred); 40–50% marks |
10+2 (Any stream); Minimum 40% marks |
Age Limit |
17 to 35 years |
17 to 35 years |
Focus Area |
Clinical care, hospital-based nursing, midwifery |
Community health, basic nursing, maternal & child care |
Course Structure |
Theoretical + clinical + internship |
Basic theory + community training |
Regulatory Body |
Indian Nursing Council (INC) |
Indian Nursing Council (INC) |
Training Locations |
Hospitals, nursing colleges, healthcare institutes |
Primary Health Centres (PHC), rural clinics, ANM schools |
Career Level |
Mid-level professional nursing role |
Entry-level healthcare worker |
Career Opportunities |
Staff Nurse, ICU Nurse, Maternity Nurse, Nursing Tutor |
Female Health Worker, Community Health Assistant, ANM Nurse |
Further Education |
Eligible for B.Sc Nursing (Post Basic), M.Sc Nursing |
Can pursue GNM or B.Sc Nursing |
Government Job Eligibility |
Yes |
Yes |
Salary Range (Starting) |
₹20,000 – ₹30,000/month (varies by sector) |
₹12,000 – ₹20,000/month (varies by sector) |
Ideal For |
Students aiming for clinical/hospital nursing careers |
Students seeking early entry into public/community health |