ANM and GNM Course 2025: Eligibility, Duration, Syllabus & Career Scope

Nursing is one of the most rewarding and popular career choices in India, offering individuals an opportunity to care for others while creating the foundation of a successful professional life. With healthcare rapidly expanding in India, nurses are at the heart of patient care services as well as medical support and community care services.

Courses such as Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery (ANM) and General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) play an integral part in creating successful nursing careers. Choosing the right ANM and GNM course allows students to gain essential clinical skills as well as empathy-based training that prepares them to join the health workforce with confidence.

The year 2025 and beyond will see an explosion in demand for skilled health professionals due to increased population, technological developments, and a shift towards quality healthcare both domestically and abroad. Pursuing an ANM and GNM course can help students benefit from this growing need by finding employment, advancing to further studies, or exploring opportunities in overseas markets.

Organizations like SMET Education Trust provide students with invaluable guidance to select and enroll in the right ANM and GNM course tailored to their goals, ensuring admission into top institutions. Their expertise and experience help build a solid educational foundation while giving students confidence when entering healthcare fields. For aspirants who wish to start their nursing journey, an ANM and GNM course is a practical and rewarding pathway to a successful healthcare career.

What is the ANM Course?

ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery) is a diploma-level nursing program that trains students in basic healthcare services, especially in rural and community health settings. It focuses on maternal care, child health, and family welfare.

Duration

• 1.5 to 2
• Includes 6 months of internship/practical training

Eligibility

• Completed 10+2 (any stream, preferably Science) from a recognized board
• Minimum 40–45% marks
• Age limit: 17 to 35 years

Focus Areas

The course emphasizes:

• Maternal and child health
• Midwifery and obstetric nursing
• Community health nursing
• Primary healthcare services
• Health education and nutrition

Skills Taught in ANM

• Basics of nursing care and first aid
• Midwifery skills (assisting in childbirth, antenatal and postnatal care)
• Immunization and vaccination practices
• Community healthcare & family planning
• Handling common health issues in rural/urban settings

Career Roles after ANM

ANM graduates can work in both government and private healthcare sectors as:

• Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM)
• Community Health Worker
• Rural Health Worker
• Home Nurse / Home Care Assistant
• Basic Health Worker in PHCs and NGOs
• Maternity Assistant / Midwife

What is the GNM Course?

GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) is a diploma-level programme that prepares students to become competent nurses who can provide complete healthcare with a particular emphasis on patient care, clinical nursing, and midwifery. It is among the many highly sought-after nursing schools in India.

Duration

• 3 years + 6 months internship (mandatory practical training in hospitals and healthcare centres).

Eligibility

• 10+2 (Science/Arts/Vocational) with 40–45% marks from a recognized board.
• A preference is often given to Science students (PCB).
• Age limit: 17 to 35 years.
• Must be medically fit.

Subjects in GNM

The GNM covers both theory and practical Training in:

• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Microbiology
• Psychology
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)
• Mental Health Nursing
• Midwifery & Obstetric Nursing
• Community Health Nursing
• Nutrition & First Aid

Skills Taught in GNM

• Clinical nursing care (bedside care, patient monitoring, nursing procedures).
• Hospital-based Training in ICUs, OPDs, and general wards.
• Advanced midwifery skills (conducting deliveries, antenatal & postnatal care).
• Emergency and trauma care.
• Pharmacology basics & drug administration.

Counselling and patient communication.

ANM vs GNM – Key Differences

Which One Should You Choose?

Select ANM if you are looking for short-term Training focused on the basics of nursing as well as maternal and community health services. This is an excellent option for students looking to be employed in primary or rural health centres.

Select GNM if you’re looking for a long-lasting and in-depth nursing education that includes the option of hospital-based Training as well as broader possibilities for career advancement. GNM graduates can go on to higher learning (BSc/MSc nursing) and find employment in the private, public, and international health care sectors.

In short: ANM = Basic level (entry into nursing), while GNM = Professional level (bigger scope & higher studies path).

ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery) – Syllabus (2025 Update) 

Important Subjects

The curriculum, guided by the Indian Nursing Council (INC), ensures uniformity across India and emphasizes community and maternal health-focused Training.

First Year Core Subjects include:

• Community Health Nursing
• Health Promotion, including:
• Nutrition
• Human Body & Hygiene
• Environmental Sanitation
• Mental Health
• Primary Health Care Nursing, covering:

Infection & Immunization

Communicable Diseases

Community Health Problems

Primary Medical Care

First Aid & Referral

• Child Health Nursing.

Second Year (Pre-Internship) subjects:

• Midwifery
• Health Centre Management.

Practical Training & Internship

• The syllabus incorporates substantial hands-on practice via clinical rotations in hospitals and community health centres (sub-centres, PHCs)
• Expect approximately 880 hours of combined theoretical and field Training (from sources that report total hours)

• A 6-month mandatory internship follows, with supervised postings in:
• Antenatal, intranatal, and postnatal wards
• Neonatal care
• Child health services
• Community health settings
• Completion of more than 80% clinical attendance is required to sit for exams and obtain the diploma.

ANM and GNM Course Syllabus (2025 Update)

Nursing education in India continues to evolve, and the ANM and GNM course syllabus for 2025 has been updated to meet modern healthcare demands. These programs focus on both theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical Training, ensuring students are job-ready and capable of providing quality patient care.

Important Subjects in ANM

The ANM course syllabus emphasizes community-based healthcare and maternal-child services. Key subjects include:

• Community Health Nursing
• Health Promotion and Nutrition
• Primary Health Care Nursing
• Child Health Nursing
• Midwifery and Health Centre Management

This syllabus ensures ANM graduates are prepared for roles in rural health centres, maternity care, and community healthcare initiatives.

Important Subjects in GNM

The GNM course syllabus provides broader hospital-based Training and advanced clinical exposure. Core subjects include:

• Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, and Psychology
• Fundamentals of Nursing and Nutrition
• Medical-Surgical Nursing I & II
• Mental Health Nursing
• Child Health Nursing
• Midwifery and Gynecological Nursing
• Community Health Nursing II

This structure enables students to work in hospitals, ICUs, military healthcare, and specialized medical settings.

Practical Training and Internship Requirements

Both ANM and GNM courses include mandatory practical Training and internships to build real-world skills:

• ANM: Around 880 hours of field training followed by a 6-month internship in maternal, child, and community health settings.
• GNM: Clinical rotations are integrated each year, followed by a 6-month internship across multiple specialties such as surgery, pediatrics, psychiatry, obstetrics, and community health.

The ANM and GNM course syllabus (2025) ensures that students gain comprehensive academic knowledge, practical exposure, and the confidence to serve effectively in healthcare sectors across India and abroad.

Summary Table: ANM vs GNM – Syllabus & Training 

Choosing Between ANM & GNM: Clarity for Students

• ANM is the ideal choice for those who are interested in community-based, entry-level health care, particularly in primary or rural environments. The curriculum focuses on the health of children and mothers, along with basic midwifery skills, as well as direct outreach to communities.
• GNM is a hospital-based, more advanced education across a greater spectrum of topics, ranging from emergency and surgical nursing to pediatric and psychiatry. It’s a great option if you’re hoping to expand your clinical horizons and the possibility of further studies, such as Post-Basic Nursing.

Career Scope After ANM & GNM Job Opportunities 

Both ANM and GNM course graduates have wide career options in the government, private, and NGO sectors.

🔹 ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery)

• Primary Health Centres (PHCs)

• Community Health Worker / Rural Health Worker

• Maternal & Child Health Assistant

• NGOs working in rural health/women’s welfare

• Private maternity homes & clinics

• Home nursing / elder care services

🔹 GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery)

• Staff Nurse in hospitals (government & private)

• ICU / OT Nurse

• Pediatric / Psychiatric / Surgical Nurse

• Military Nurse (Indian Army, Navy, Air Force)

• Corporate Hospitals / Nursing Homes

• Nursing Tutor (after further studies)

• Health Officer in community health projects

Scope in India vs Abroad

In India

ANM: Most often limited to healthcare positions at the primary level in the PHCs of villages, as well as health missions run by the government (like NRHM). Upgrade to GNM and/or BSc Nursing, and the opportunities for growth may diminish significantly.

GNM: Increasing demand in hospitals with multiple specialties and recruitment by the government (Staff Nurse examinations) and armed forces, as well as the private sector. With enough experience, GNM nurses can be promoted to senior nurses or ward-in-charge.

Abroad

ANM: Very limited recognition internationally. Needs higher qualifications like GNM/BSc Nursing for overseas jobs.

GNM Nurses are recognized in numerous countries (UK, Canada, Gulf States, Australia and New Zealand) after passing relevant licensing exams such as NCLEX, HAAD, MOH, DHA, etc. In other nations, they often begin as registered or assistant nurses with potential for permanent residency after several years of experience.

Salary Expectations (2025 Update)

Why Choose SMET for ANM and GNM in 2025?

1. Career Guidance and Counselling from SMET

SMET Education Trust provides services in personalized guidance and counselling in education to students who want to pursue the ANM and GNM courses in 2025. From selecting the best nursing school to providing support for admission, SMET ensures that every student is able to make an informed choice. The expert counselling sessions assist students in planning their postgraduate education and career options in international settings after they have completed ANM and GNM.

2. Rising Demand for Nurses Post-Pandemic

The world’s healthcare sector has seen an unprecedented demand for nurses with a high level of expertise following the COVID-19 pandemic. The two ANM and GNM course graduates are highly sought-after in hospitals and community health centres and in international health systems. Through SMET’s strong tie-ups with institutions, students are able to easily gain access to careers in India as well as abroad.

3. Government Initiatives & Job Opportunities

It is worth noting that the Indian administration has rolled out numerous health missions and schemes (like Ayushman Bharat, NRHM Rural Health Programs, and more) that require skilled nurses both at the hospital and community levels. SMET helps students take advantage of these opportunities, offering admission assistance and assistance in locating institutions.

4. Growing Private Healthcare Sector

India’s private healthcare sector is expanding rapidly, with new multi-specialty hospitals, clinics, and corporate healthcare centres being established every year. This has created a huge demand for ANM and GNM course graduates. With SMET’s support, students gain access to colleges that provide practical training and internship opportunities in collaboration with leading hospitals, ensuring they are job-ready from day one.

Conclusion

The ANM and GNM courses are fantastic options for students who wish to pursue a career in nursing. While ANM is a basic program that is focused on maternal and community healthcare, GNM offers more professional education, helping students prepare for roles in hospitals and acting as a bridge to more advanced studies like the Post-Basic BSc Nursing program, MSc Nursing, and even PhD. Both programs offer an established career path that offers employment security, but also provide a wealth of opportunities for advancement as well as international work, and make Nursing one of the most admired and lucrative professions for 2025 and beyond.

FAQ