Draft Bill moots common entrance test for nursing admission

New Delhi: A common national entrance test for admission to nursing institutions has been proposed in a draft bill under the new National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill. 

Not just that, after completing the studies, an exit exam will have to be cleared by the students to secure a job. These are some of the new directives included in the draft National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill, which will replace the Indian Nursing Council Act. 

The draft bill also includes changes like four boards will be set up under the Commission to monitor the functioning of the nursing institutions and ensure academic quality. Other UG and PG education boards would be formed for graduation and post-graduation education, Assessment and Rating Board will handle matters such as granting recognition for institutions and an Ethics and Registration Board will be set up for the registration of nurses.

Other directives

• Special commission in each state. An advisory council to submit recommendations to the National Commission.

• A common registration system for nurses. Those who are currently registered under the nursing council will also be included in the new registration. 

• The common entrance test will be held within three years after the Commission comes into force and the exit exam within five years.

• Those who have completed studies abroad will need to clear the exit exam to practice in India.

Any feedback about the draft Bill can be emailed to nnmcbill-mohfw@nic.in till December 6. After finalising the draft Bill, the Health Ministry will present it in the next Parliament session.