Yes, you can study +2 (Senior Secondary) from the NIOS board, and in most cases you will be eligible for GNM government colleges and BSc Nursing entrance exams, but only if you meet the specific subject and marks requirements set by the nursing authorities and the respective state or exam body.
NIOS is a recognized national board under the Government of India, and its Senior Secondary certificate is accepted by the Indian Nursing Council (INC), State Nursing Councils, and most government institutions. However, eligibility is not decided only by the board; it also depends on the subjects you choose and your performance.
For GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) in government colleges, candidates must have passed 10+2 with Science subjects. Generally, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are required, along with English. Some states also allow candidates from Arts stream for GNM, but many government colleges now strictly prefer or require Biology. The minimum marks requirement is usually 40–45% aggregate, and age criteria (often 17 to 35 years) must also be fulfilled. If you complete your +2 from NIOS with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, you should be eligible to apply for GNM government colleges, subject to state rules.
For BSc Nursing, the requirements are stricter. You must pass 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as core subjects from a recognized board like NIOS. Most government BSc Nursing entrance exams require at least 45–50% aggregate marks in PCB (40–45% for reserved categories, depending on the state). You must also qualify the respective state-level or national entrance exam (such as state nursing entrances or exams aligned with INC norms). If you do not have Biology in +2, you will not be eligible for BSc Nursing.
One important point is that while NIOS is accepted, some state government colleges may have additional conditions, such as requiring subjects to be passed in the same year or practical components in PCB. Therefore, before enrolling in NIOS, it is strongly recommended to check the official admission brochure of your state’s nursing entrance exam or State Nursing Council to confirm exact eligibility.
In summary, completing +2 from NIOS does not disqualify you. If you choose the Science stream with PCB and English and meet the minimum marks and age criteria, you can apply for GNM government colleges and BSc Nursing entrance exams. Proper subject selection and early verification with state authorities will ensure you do not face issues during admission.
