Applications for IGNOU BSc. Nursing (PB) for next session will be open by 12th December 2024.
The University intakes students for this course only once a year.
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Post Basic), commonly known as B.Sc. Nursing (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 B.Sc. Nursing (PB) program is structured to help nursing professionals advance their careers by acquiring advanced knowledge and practical skills in the field of nursing.
IGNOU B.Sc. Nursing (Post Basic) Program Structure
The B.Sc. 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, practicals, 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 B.Sc. Nursing (Post Basic) Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the B.Sc. 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 B.Sc. Nursing (Post Basic) Admission Process
The admission process for the IGNOU B.Sc. Nursing (PB) program involves several steps, including an entrance test and counseling:
Notification and Application: IGNOU releases an official notification for B.Sc. Nursing (PB) admissions on its website and through advertisements. Interested candidates must fill out the online application form available on the IGNOU admission portal.
IGNOU BSc. Nursing Admission Timelines 2024
| Availability of Information Bulletin | 12th December, 2023 |
| Online submission of application form Start Date | 12th December, 2023 |
| Last date of online application | 31st December, 2023 |
| Examination date | 07th January, 2024 |
IGNOU BSc Nursing Entrance Exam (OPENNET)
OPENNET is an entrance test conducted by IGNOU for candidates seeking admission to the B.Sc. 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 Entrance Test Exam Pattern 2024
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 Entrance Test Syllabus 2024
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.
Application Process for Entrance Exam
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 IGNOU website 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.
Tips to Prepare for IGNOU BSc. Nursing 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 B.Sc. Nursing (Post Basic) Career Prospects
Graduates of the B.Sc. Nursing (PB) 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.
2 thoughts on “IGNOU B.Sc. Nursing (Post Basic) Course: Eligibility, Important Dates, Entrance Syllabus, How To Apply”