Top 10 Nursing Exams in India 2026 – Complete Guide for Nursing Aspirants
Nursing is one of the most respected and secure professions in the healthcare sector. Every year thousands of nursing graduates prepare for government nursing exams to secure a stable job in top hospitals and institutes in India.
If you are preparing for a government nursing job, knowing the top nursing exams in India is very important. In this article, we will discuss the Top 10 Nursing Exams in India 2026, including eligibility, conducting authority, and job opportunities.
1. AIIMS NORCET (Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test)
Conducting Authority: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
Eligibility:
- BSc Nursing or GNM with experience
- Registered with State Nursing Council
Why it is popular:
- Central government job
- Level 7 salary pay matrix
- Posting in AIIMS hospitals
2. ESIC Nursing Officer Exam
Conducting Authority: Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)
- Government hospital jobs across India
- Good salary and benefits
- Stable career opportunity
3. PGIMER Nursing Officer Exam
Conducting Authority: Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER)
This exam recruits nursing officers for PGIMER Chandigarh which is one of the most prestigious institutes in India.
4. JIPMER Nursing Officer Recruitment
Conducting Authority: Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER)
This recruitment provides opportunities for nurses to work in one of the top government medical institutes in India.
5. SGPGI Nursing Officer Exam
Conducting Authority: Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI)
This exam recruits nursing officers in SGPGI Lucknow and is very popular among nursing aspirants.
6. DSSSB Staff Nurse Exam
Conducting Authority: Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB)
This exam recruits staff nurses for Delhi government hospitals.
7. Railway Staff Nurse Exam
Conducting Authority: Indian Railways
- Railway hospital job
- Government benefits
- Secure career
8. NHM Staff Nurse Recruitment
Conducting Authority: National Health Mission (NHM)
NHM conducts staff nurse recruitment in different states across India.
9. Military Nursing Service Exam
Conducting Authority: Indian Army
- Military nursing career
- Free accommodation
- Respectable profession
10. State Government Staff Nurse Exams
Many state governments conduct staff nurse recruitment exams for government hospitals.
Examples:
- UP Staff Nurse Recruitment
- Bihar Staff Nurse Vacancy
- Rajasthan Staff Nurse Recruitment
How to Prepare for Nursing Government Exams
- Study nursing fundamentals and clinical subjects
- Solve previous year question papers
- Practice mock tests regularly
- Stay updated with recruitment notifications
Conclusion
Government nursing exams provide excellent career opportunities for nursing graduates in India. Exams like AIIMS NORCET, ESIC, PGIMER, and DSSSB are among the most popular options for candidates seeking a secure nursing job.
If you are preparing for nursing exams in 2026, start early preparation and stay updated with official notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best nursing exam in India?
AIIMS NORCET is considered the best nursing officer exam in India for government nursing jobs.
2. How many nursing exams are conducted in India?
Several exams are conducted including AIIMS NORCET, ESIC, PGIMER, DSSSB and State Government nursing exams.
