- As on 22nd January 2025, Applications for IGNOU BSc Nursing (PB) Program for Academic Session 2025-26 have been released now.
- Last Date To Apply for the program has been extended 28th February.
- IGNOU has declared Entrance Date for BSc Nursing (Post Basic) academic session of 2025 to be 16th March 2025.
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Post Basic), commonly known as BSCN (PB), which is designed for registered nurses aiming to enhance their professional qualifications and skills. Established in 1985, IGNOU has been a pioneer in distance education, providing flexible learning opportunities to students across India and beyond. The IGNOU BSc Nursing (Post Basic) program is structured to help nursing professionals advance their careers by acquiring advanced knowledge and practical skills in the field of nursing.
IGNOU BSc Nursing (Post Basic) Program Structure
The BSc Nursing (PB) program at IGNOU is a three-year degree course, which can be extended to a maximum of five years. The program is divided into theory courses, practical and clinical training. It aims to build on the existing knowledge and skills of registered nurses, focusing on areas such as nursing management, community health nursing, mental health nursing, and more.
Theory Courses: These include subjects like Nursing Foundation, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Child Health Nursing, Medical-Surgical Nursing, and Research and Statistics.
Practical and Clinical Training: Students must complete a certain number of hours in clinical practice, where they apply theoretical knowledge to real-world nursing scenarios under supervision.
Project Work: A compulsory part of the curriculum where students must undertake a research project related to nursing, which helps in developing research skills and evidence-based practice.
IGNOU BSc Nursing (Post Basic) Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the BSc Nursing (PB) program at IGNOU, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed 10+2 with three years’ Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) with a minimum of two years’ experience in the profession.
Registration: Candidates should be registered as a nurse and midwife (RN/RM) with the State Nurses Registration Council.
Experience: In-service nurses should have at least two years of experience as a registered nurse and midwife.
IGNOU BSc Nursing (Post Basic): Important Dates 2025
| Availability of Information Bulletin | 24th January 2025 |
| Online submission of application form Start Date | 24th January 2025 |
| Last date of online application | 28th February 2025 |
| Entrance Test date | 16th March 2025 |
How To Apply for IGNOU BSc Nursing (Post Basic) 2025 with Admission Link
Candidates interested in applying for the OPENNET exam must follow the application process outlined by IGNOU. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process:
Registration: Candidates need to register on the official link for the IGNOU BScNPB and create a user ID and password.
Filling the Application Form: After registration, candidates can fill out the application form by providing details related to their educational qualifications, professional experience, and personal information.
Uploading Documents: The next step involves uploading scanned copies of essential documents like the GNM diploma certificate, registration certificate, experience certificate, and a passport-sized photograph.
Application Fee: The application fee for OPENNET is usually Rs 1000 and can be paid online through net banking, credit card, or debit card.
Submission: After ensuring that all details are accurate and documents are uploaded correctly, candidates must submit the application form.
Admit Card: Once the application is processed, IGNOU will issue admit cards, which can be downloaded from the official website.
IGNOU BSc Nursing (Post Basic) Entrance Exam (OPENNET)
OPENNET is an entrance test conducted by IGNOU for candidates seeking admission to the BSc Nursing (Post Basic) program. The exam is usually held once a year, and the selection is based on merit. The score obtained in OPENNET, combined with the candidate’s professional experience, plays a crucial role in determining admission.
Eligibility Criteria for Entrance Exam
To appear for the OPENNET entrance exam, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates should have completed a Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) from an institution recognized by the Indian Nursing Council (INC). Additionally, they should be registered as Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife (RNRM) with the State Nursing Council.
- Experience: Candidates need to have at least two years of experience in the profession after obtaining the diploma. For male nurses, in lieu of midwifery, they should have completed a course recognized by the INC for a similar purpose.
- Age Limit: There is no age limit for appearing in the OPENNET entrance exam, making it accessible to nurses across various age groups.
IGNOU BSc Nursing (Post Basic) Entrance Test Exam Pattern 2025
The OPENNET exam follows a multiple-choice question (MCQ) format and is divided into different sections to evaluate the candidates’ theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of nursing.
- Number of Questions: The test typically consists of 120 multiple-choice questions.
- Duration: The exam duration is 2.5 hours.
- Syllabus: The syllabus for OPENNET includes topics from nursing subjects covered during the Diploma in GNM program, as well as questions assessing the candidate’s general knowledge and understanding of healthcare policies.
- Marking Scheme: Each correct answer is awarded one mark, and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers, encouraging candidates to attempt all questions.
IGNOU BSc Nursing (Post Basic) Entrance Test Syllabus 2025
The sections covered in the OPENNET exam usually include:
- Nursing Foundations: Basics of nursing, fundamental concepts, and foundational nursing practices.
- Medical-Surgical Nursing: Questions on nursing care related to surgical and medical conditions.
- Community Health Nursing: Questions on public health, preventive healthcare, and community-based nursing practices.
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Questions related to maternal and child healthcare.
- Mental Health Nursing: This includes mental health issues, psychiatric nursing, and related care practices.
- General Knowledge and English Proficiency: This section tests candidates’ understanding of current affairs, healthcare policies, and language skills.
Tips to Prepare for IGNOU BSc Nursing (Post Basic) Entrance Exam
Successfully cracking the OPENNET exam requires a solid preparation strategy. Here are some useful tips to help candidates prepare effectively:
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly go through the syllabus and understand the subjects that will be covered. Focus on core nursing subjects such as Medical-Surgical Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and Community Health Nursing.
- Use Standard Textbooks: Refer to standard nursing textbooks that you used during your GNM course. These will provide a solid foundation and help you brush up on essential concepts.
- Practice Previous Year Papers: Solving previous year question papers will give you an idea of the exam pattern, types of questions, and difficulty level.
- Time Management: Since the exam has 120 questions to be answered in 2.5 hours, time management is key. Practice solving papers within the time limit to enhance speed and accuracy.
- Stay Updated with General Knowledge: Regularly read newspapers and healthcare-related publications to stay updated with current affairs, as general knowledge forms an important part of the exam.
- Revise: Regular revision is crucial to reinforce the concepts you’ve studied. Dedicate the last few weeks before the exam to revisiting key topics and brushing up on weaker areas.
IGNOU BSc Nursing (Post Basic) Career Prospects
Graduates of the program have a wide range of career opportunities in various healthcare settings. They can pursue roles such as:
Clinical Nurse Specialist: Providing specialized care in areas such as cardiology, oncology, or pediatrics.
Nurse Educator: Teaching and training future nurses in nursing schools and colleges.
Nurse Administrator: Managing nursing teams and healthcare facilities.
Community Health Nurse: Working in community settings to improve public health outcomes.
Researcher: Conducting research to improve nursing practices and healthcare policies.
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