"Top BSc Nursing Entrance Exams in India for 2026: Dates, Eligibility, and Patterns "

Introduction

If you’re aiming for a BSc Nursing seat in 2025, the competition is going to be intense. From India's top nursing entrance exams like AIIMS, JIPMER, and PGIMER to state-level CETs for nursing, the options — and the challenges — are many.

This guide will walk you through the Best entrance exams for BSc nursing in 2026, including dates, eligibility, and paper patterns. Whether you’re targeting national-level institutes or state universities, knowing the BSc Nursing Entrance Exam process is the first step toward securing your dream seat.

---

1. AIIMS BSc Nursing Entrance Exam 2025

Exam Date:

• BSc (Hons.) Nursing: 1 June 2025
• BSc (Post Basic): 21 June 2025

Eligibility:

• Indian citizen
• 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English
• 50% aggregate (General), 45% (SC/ST/OBC)
• Minimum age: 17 years by 31 Dec 2026

Paper Pattern:

• Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Objective MCQs
• Negative marking: 1/3rd per wrong answer

---

2. JIPMER Nursing (BSc Nursing via NEET UG)

Exam Date:

• NEET UG: 4 May 2025

Eligibility:

• Indian citizen, 17 years minimum age
• 10+2 with PCB & English
• Minimum 50% (General), 40% (SC/ST/OBC), 45% (PwD)

Paper Pattern (NEET):

• 180 MCQs
• 4 marks per correct, -1 per wrong answer
• Physics, Chemistry, Biology focus

---

3. PGIMER BSc Nursing Entrance Exam 2026

Exam Date:

• 27 July 2025

Eligibility:

• BSc (4 Years): 10+2 with PCB & English (50% General, 40% SC/ST/OBC)
• Age: 17–25 years
• BSc (Post Basic): RN/RM registered + ≤45 years

Paper Pattern:

• CBT with MCQs
• Negative marking: -0.25 per wrong answer

---

4. AFMC/MNS BSc Nursing Exam 2026

Exam Date:

• NEET UG: 4 May 2025
• Followed by TOGIGE, Interview, Medical Test

Eligibility:

• Female candidates only
• NEET qualification + 10+2 PCB & English, 50% minimum

Paper Pattern:

• NEET UG score shortlisting
• Additional CBT for General Intelligence & English
• Psychological assessment and interview

---

5. NEET UG (for Nursing Admissions in Multiple States)

Exam Date:

• 4 May 2025

Eligibility:

• 10+2 with PCB & English
• 50% (General), 40% (OBC/SC/ST)

Paper Pattern:

• 180 MCQs, total 720 marks
• Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• -1 mark per wrong answer

---

6. State-Level CETs for Nursing 2026

Karnataka CET for Nursing

• Exam Date: 15–17 April 2025
• Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB & English
• Pattern: Multiple-choice, no negative marking

Maharashtra Nursing CET (PCB Group)

• Exam Date: 7-8 April 2025
• Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB & English, 45% aggregate
• Pattern: MCQs, no negative marking

UP CNET (Uttar Pradesh)

• Exam Date: 21 May 2025
• Eligibility: 10+2 PCB & English, age 17+
• Pattern: OMR-based MCQ paper

---

7. Other Key BSc Nursing Entrance Tests 2026

• BHU Nursing (via NEET UG) – ~75 seats, 50% min marks (General)
• CMC Ludhiana BSc Nursing Entrance – CBT, no negative marking
• HPU Nursing Entrance (Himachal Pradesh) – Female candidates only, 17+ years
• BCECE (Bihar) – 8–9 June 2025, offline test

---

Why Preparation Strategy Matters

Cracking the BSc Nursing Admission Test is not just about reading textbooks — it’s about knowing the paper pattern, mastering MCQs, and taking targeted mock tests. Platforms like NPrep specialize in exactly that — offering AIIMS-curated question banks, full-length mocks, and personalized learning paths.

---

How NPrep Can Help You Win Your Seat

NPrep offers:

• Gold Batch: 900+ hrs theory, 15,000+ QBank, daily tests — ideal for AIIMS, NEET, CETs
• Rapid Revision: 100 hrs crash course + 18,000+ QBank for last-minute prep
• CHO/RRB/Test Series: 20,000+ Qs for recruitment and entrance exams

Explore NPrep’s Complete 2026 Course Plans

---

FAQs

Q1: Is NEET compulsory for all BSc Nursing admissions? A: No. NEET is used by many top institutes (AIIMS, JIPMER, AFMC, BHU), but several states still conduct their own CETs.

Q2: Which is the toughest BSc Nursing Entrance Test? A: AIIMS and AFMC/MNS are widely regarded as the most competitive.

Q3: How early should I start preparation? A: Ideally 8–12 months before the exam for a strong base and mock test practice.

---

Also Read: List of Nursing Exams in India 2025

---

Start Your Preparation Now!

Free Mock Test

Free PYQs

Free Subject-wise Test

Free Strategy Sessions