Nursing Officer (Staff Nurse) is one of the most secure and respected government healthcare careers in India, with regular recruitment by AIIMS, NHM, ESIC, railways and the defence services. Here is the complete guide.
Overview
| Post | Nursing Officer / Staff Nurse |
| Recruiters | AIIMS, NHM, ESIC, Railways, Defence, State health depts |
| Qualification | B.Sc Nursing / GNM + state nursing council registration |
| Age | Around 18–35 years (varies; relaxations apply) |
| Selection | Written exam (+ interview where applicable) |
| Apply at | Respective official portals |
Eligibility
You typically need a B.Sc Nursing or GNM (General Nursing & Midwifery) qualification and registration with a State Nursing Council. Age limits vary by recruiter, with standard relaxations.
Main Recruiters & Exams
AIIMS NORCET is the common entrance for nursing officer posts in AIIMS and many central institutes. NHM recruits under the National Health Mission at the state level, while ESIC, railways and defence hold their own nursing recruitments.
Salary
Nursing Officers are usually placed in Pay Level 7 (around ₹44,900 basic and up) plus allowances, making it a well-paid and stable healthcare career.
How to Apply
- Watch official portals (AIIMS, NHM state sites, ESIC) for notifications.
- Apply online, upload your nursing qualification and registration, and pay the fee.
- Prepare for the nursing subject-based written exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NORCET?
The Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test conducted by AIIMS.
Is GNM enough for government nursing jobs?
Many posts accept GNM; some prefer or require B.Sc Nursing — check each notification.
IndianJobzz is an independent job-information portal and is not a government website. Details are compiled from official sources — always verify the latest eligibility, dates and vacancies on the official website before applying. We never charge candidates any fee.

