Entrance Exams Guide

West Bengal Nursing Entrance Exams 2026

Compare different nursing entrance exams in West Bengal. Decide which exam (ANM GNM or JENPAS-UG) is right for your stream, qualification, and career goal.

🕐 Page Updated: June 10, 2026 · Created by NexZen Academic Advisory Team
Exams Comparison

All WB Nursing Entrance Exams Compared

West Bengal offers three major pathways into the nursing profession under the state joint entrance board (WBJEEB). Choose the pathway that matches your class 12 subjects and career ambitions.

Exam NameCourse DurationEligibility CriteriaFocus & Scope
ANM (R) & GNM Entrance ExamANM: 2 Years | GNM: 3 Years10+2 Pass in any stream (Science/Arts/Commerce) with 40% marks. Domicile of West Bengal required.Diploma / Rural health centers & general nurse profiles
JENPAS-UG (B.Sc Nursing)4 Years (including internship)10+2 Pass in Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English) with 45% marks. West Bengal Domicile.Degree / Staff Nurse, Clinical Specialist, and teaching jobs
Post Basic B.Sc Nursing (JENPAS-PG)2 YearsPass in GNM Diploma + Registered Nurse/Midwife under state nursing council. West Bengal Domicile.Degree / Promoted Nurse, Nursing Tutor, and Hospital Manager
Option 1

ANM & GNM Entrance Exam (WBJEEB)

This is the most popular nursing entrance exam in West Bengal due to its inclusive eligibility. Since there is **no stream restriction**, students from Arts, Science, Vocational, and Commerce streams can all apply. It leads to a diploma (2 years for ANM, 3 years for GNM).

  • Syllabus Level: Class 9 and 10 Board syllabus (Life Science, Physical Science, and Mathematics).
  • Target Jobs: Grade II Staff Nurse (GNM) or Auxiliary Nurse (ANM in village panchayats).
  • Bridge Option: GNM diploma holders can pursue Post Basic B.Sc (2 years) after 2-3 years of work to gain B.Sc status.
View ANM GNM Exam Info →
Option 2

JENPAS-UG (B.Sc Nursing)

Conducted for admission to 4-year undergraduate B.Sc Nursing courses. This requires a strong background in science. Candidates must have taken **Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB)** in their class 12 board.

  • Syllabus Level: Class 11 and 12 Board syllabus (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology).
  • Target Jobs: Nursing Officers in central/state government hospitals, Military Nursing Service (MNS), Nursing Tutors, Clinical Researchers.
  • Global Opportunity: Extremely high demand in the US, UK, and Middle East.
Expert Recommendations

Which Nursing Career Path Should You Choose?

Choose GNM / ANM if:

- You come from an Arts, Commerce, or Vocational stream.
- You want a faster route to employment (ANM is 2 years, GNM is 3 years).
- You find Class 11-12 Physics and Chemistry numericals challenging. The GNM exam science portion is easier (Class 9-10 level).
- You are a female candidate living in a rural Gram Panchayat area (ANM has excellent local government job security).

Choose JENPAS-UG if:

- You have Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12 with 45%+ marks.
- You want to obtain a professional degree (B.Sc) directly instead of a diploma.
- Your goal is to work in premium Central Govt hospitals (AIIMS, railway hospitals) or join military nursing services.
- You plan to teach in nursing colleges (M.Sc / tutoring route).

FAQ

Nursing Exam FAQs

What is the minimum age for JENPAS-UG and ANM GNM?
The minimum age for both exams is 17 years at the time of admission. The upper age limit for both exams has been removed in West Bengal.
Can male candidates apply for B.Sc Nursing in West Bengal?
Yes, male candidates can sit for JENPAS-UG. While many government nursing colleges are female-only, there are co-ed and male-only colleges offering B.Sc Nursing seats.
Do I need to qualify for English separately in JENPAS-UG?
Yes, candidates must pass English with minimum passing marks in their 10+2 board exam to be eligible for both JENPAS-UG and ANM GNM.
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ANM/GNM 2026🔴 Exam: June 14, 2026
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