The second year of the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course builds on first-year basics, focusing on advanced nursing, disease management, and specialised healthcare. It covers Medical-Surgical Nursing I & II, Mental Health Nursing, and Child Health Nursing with practical training, often guided by authors like Donna D. Ignatavicius, M. Linda Workman, and Cherie Rebar.

Apart from theoretical instruction, students also need to undergo rigorous clinical training (practicals) in the following topics in order to gain practical nursing skills:
- Medical-Surgical Nursing – pre-and post-operation patient care, equipment usage, vital observation
- Mental Health Nursing – conducting mental status exams, therapeutic communication, psychiatric case management
- Child Health Nursing – tracking development, methods of immunization, pediatric emergency care
The second-year curriculum is designed not only to deliver detailed information regarding diseases, treatments, and nursing care, but also to enhance critical thinking, decision-making, and patient communication. Proper training therefore helps students handle complex clinical cases confidently and empathetically.
More on GNM Nursing
GNM Nursing Course Details
GNM Nursing is a 3-year diploma course to teach the students about patient care, nursing, and midwifery. The course equips the potential nurses with clinical and practical skills needed to work in the hospital, clinic, and community health settings. The applicants must pass 10,+2 with a minimum of 50% marks in Science. After completion of GNM, the graduates can be appointed as staff nurses, nurse supervisors, or pursue further studies like Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing to further their careers.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) |
| Course Level | Diploma |
| Duration | 3 years (2 years academic + 6 months internship + 6 months clinical training) |
| Eligibility Criteria |
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| Second Year Subjects |
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| Other Core Subjects (1st & 3rd Year) | - Anatomy & Physiology, Fundamentals of Nursing, Microbiology, Psychology, First Aid, Community Health Nursing-I (1st Year) - Midwifery and Gynecological Nursing, Community Health Nursing-II (3rd Year) |
| Average Course Fee | INR 1.2 – INR 1.8 Lakhs (varies by institute and state) |
| Top Institutes in India |
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| Career Opportunities |
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| Higher Study Options |
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GNM 2nd Year Syllabus
Duration & Structure
- Course length: 3 years total including theory, clinical training & internship.
- Second year: combination of theory and extensive practical/clinical hours.
Subjects & Hours
| Subject | Theory Hours | Practical / Clinical Hours / Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Medical-Surgical Nursing I | 120 hrs | Part of practical postings in wards (Medical-Surgical) |
| Medical-Surgical Nursing II | 120 hrs | Similar clinical exposure in specialized medical-surgical units |
| Mental Health Nursing | 70 hrs | 8 weeks clinical posting; practical exams; field work in psychiatric settings |
| Child Health Nursing | 70 hrs | 8 weeks pediatric clinical posting; practical exams in child health units |
Practical / Clinical Training
- Clinical rotations in medical, surgical, psychiatric, and pediatric wards.
- Students must maintain records & perform assignments: case studies, case presentations, drug studies, nursing care plans.
Assessment & Exams
- Each theory subject: 100 marks (includes internal assessment + board/council exams)
- Each practical subject: 100 marks, split between internal and external/practical evaluations.
- Minimum passing marks: 50% in theory and practical separately.
Other Requirements
- Attendance requirement: usually 80% in theory & practicum to be eligible for exams.
- Maintenance of practical record books, procedure logs, field and clinical diaries.
GNM Nursing 2nd Year Subjects
The second year of the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course focuses on strengthening students’ clinical knowledge and practical nursing skills through specialized subjects. These subjects cover complex medical-surgical conditions, mental health care, and pediatric nursing, enabling students to provide comprehensive and evidence-based patient care. Along with theoretical learning, students also undergo extensive clinical postings to gain hands-on experience in real healthcare settings.
Other Popular Nursing Programs:
| Subject | Focus Area | Key Topics Covered | Clinical Posting Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical-Surgical Nursing – I | Understanding common medical and surgical disorders, pre- and post-operative care, and basic surgical techniques | • Nursing assessment and health history• Pathophysiology of diseases• Altered immune responses• Fluid and electrolyte balance & imbalance• Infection control & asepsis• Operation theatre techniques• Pre/intra/post-operative care• Pain and wound management | General Medical and Surgical Wards |
| Medical-Surgical Nursing – II | Specialized care for complex diseases and surgical conditions | • Oncology nursing• Breast disorders• Integumentary system disorders (skin, burns)• Ophthalmology and eye care• ENT (ear, nose, throat) disorders• Hematological disorders• Geriatric and rehabilitation nursing• Palliative and emergency care | Specialty Units (Oncology, ENT, Eye, Emergency) |
| Mental Health Nursing | Mental health promotion, prevention, and management of psychiatric disorders | • History of psychiatry• Concepts of mental health and illness• Mental health assessment and mental status exam• Therapeutic nurse–patient relationship• Psychiatric disorders and interventions• Psychiatric emergencies & crisis care• Community mental health• Legal & ethical issues | Psychiatric Hospitals / Mental Health Units |
| Child Health Nursing | Comprehensive child care from infancy to adolescence | • Growth and development milestones• Pediatric assessment & procedures• Immunization techniques• Care of sick children• Common pediatric illnesses and congenital anomalies• Pediatric emergencies• Neonatal and child intensive care• Child welfare services | Pediatric and Neonatal Wards, Immunization Clinics |
Check also:
GNM 2nd Year Practical Training
In the 2nd year of the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course, students undergo advanced clinical training to build hands-on nursing skills and apply classroom learning in real healthcare settings.
The main practical subjects are:
- Medical-Surgical Nursing – Care of patients with medical and surgical conditions, including pre/postoperative care, wound dressing, and medication administration.
- Mental Health Nursing – Care of patients with psychiatric disorders, therapeutic communication, and mental status assessment.
- Child Health Nursing – Pediatric care, growth monitoring, immunization, and managing common childhood illnesses.
These practicals strengthen clinical competence and prepare students for professional nursing roles.
GNM 2nd Year Marks Division
In the 2nd year of the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course, students are assessed through both theory and practical exams. Each subject carries 100 marks, ensuring equal focus on academic knowledge and clinical skills.
| Subject | Type | Marks | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical-Surgical Nursing – I | Theory | 100 | Basics of medical-surgical disorders, patient assessment, and perioperative care. |
| Medical-Surgical Nursing – II | Theory | 100 | Disease processes, oncology, ENT, ophthalmic, and hematology care. |
| Mental Health Nursing | Theory | 100 | Mental health concepts, psychiatric disorders, and interventions. |
| Child Health Nursing | Theory | 100 | Growth, development, pediatric disorders, and child welfare. |
| Medical-Surgical Nursing | Practical | 100 | Clinical care of medical-surgical patients and basic procedures. |
| Mental Health Nursing | Practical | 100 | Psychiatric ward training, patient assessment, and communication. |
| Child Health Nursing | Practical | 100 | Pediatric ward work, immunization, and childhood illness care. |
GNM 2nd Year Recommended Books
To build a strong theoretical foundation and clinical understanding in the second year of the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course, students can refer to the following standard textbooks:
| Subject | Recommended Books | Authors |
|---|---|---|
| Medical-Surgical Nursing | Medical-Surgical Nursing; Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing | Donna D. Ignatavicius, M. Linda Workman, Cherie Rebar; Janice L. Hinkle, Kerry H. Cheever, Kristen Overbaugh |
| Mental Health Nursing | Prescribing Mental Health Medication; Anxiety Disorders: A Guide for Integrating Psychopharmacology and Psychotherapy | Christopher Doran; Stephen M. Stahl, Bret A. Moore |
| Child Health Nursing | Child Health Nursing | Judy E. White, Tiffany L. Johnson |
GNM Top Colleges
India has several reputed colleges offering General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) programs that provide quality education, modern facilities, and extensive clinical exposure. Along with strong academics, students should also consider GNM course fees when choosing a college. These institutions help students build strong nursing skills and improve their career prospects in the healthcare sector.
| College Name | Total Course Fees |
|---|---|
| Ambedkar Institute of Higher Education, Patna | INR 5,00,575 |
| IGIMS, Patna | INR 45,000 |
| CMC, Vellore | INR 1,12,400 |
| Tata Main Hospital School of Nursing, Jamshedpur | INR 60,000 |
| Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi | INR 2,91,000 |
| CMC, Ludhiana | INR 2,18,650 |
| St.John'S College of Nursing, Vellore | INR 80,000 |
| Holy Family College of Nursing, New Delhi | INR 2,42,600 |
| SDM College of Nursing, Dharwad | INR 75,000 |
| Datta Meghe College of Nursing, Nagpur | INR 1,98,000 |
Check also:
GNM Nursing 2nd Year Subjects: FAQs
Ques. How many books are required for General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) 2nd year?
Ans. Generally, students follow four major textbooks during the GNM 2nd year, one for each of the core subjects — Medical-Surgical Nursing I, Medical-Surgical Nursing II, Mental Health Nursing, and Child Health Nursing. These books provide in-depth knowledge on nursing care, disease conditions, treatment procedures, and patient management techniques. In addition to these core textbooks, many students also refer to supplementary materials such as clinical manuals, question banks, previous year exam papers, and guidebooks to strengthen their theoretical understanding and improve their practical skills for exams and hospital training.
Ques. What are the passing marks for GNM 2nd year?
Ans. To successfully clear the GNM 2nd year, students must obtain at least 50% marks in each subject, both in theory and in practical exams separately. This means that a student must perform consistently well in written papers as well as in hands-on clinical assessments. Furthermore, clearing internal assessments and maintaining the minimum required attendance throughout the academic year is mandatory to be eligible for final examinations. These criteria ensure that students develop not just academic knowledge but also the essential clinical competencies required for professional nursing practice.
Ques. What is the passing mark out of 75 in GNM 2nd year exams?
Ans. In subjects where the total marks are 75, students are required to secure a minimum of 50% of the total marks to pass. This means they need to score at least 37 to 38 marks out of 75. Achieving this score demonstrates that the student has grasped the basic concepts and skills taught in the subject and is ready to progress to more advanced topics and responsibilities in nursing. Regular revision, attending practical sessions sincerely, and solving previous years’ papers can help students achieve this benchmark comfortably.
Ques. What subjects are taught in GNM 2nd year?
Ans. The GNM 2nd year curriculum primarily consists of four core subjects: Medical-Surgical Nursing I, Medical-Surgical Nursing II, Mental Health Nursing, and Child Health Nursing. These subjects focus on building advanced knowledge about patient care in different specialties. Along with theoretical instruction, students undergo extensive practical training in these subjects, where they work in real hospital environments under supervision. This blend of classroom learning and clinical exposure helps them develop confidence and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life healthcare situations.
Ques. What kind of clinical training is included in the GNM 2nd year?
Ans. Clinical training is a crucial part of the GNM 2nd year syllabus. Students are posted in medical-surgical wards, pediatric units, and psychiatric departments to gain hands-on experience. During this period, they learn to provide complete bedside care to patients, including pre- and post-operative care, wound dressing, administering medications, assisting in procedures, monitoring vital signs, and maintaining patient records. They also get trained to handle basic medical equipment and interact effectively with patients and their families. This training helps them develop professional skills, confidence, and a sense of responsibility, which are essential for working as a nurse in any healthcare setting.
Ques. What is the main objective of the GNM 2nd year syllabus?
Ans. The primary goal of the GNM 2nd year syllabus is to advance students’ knowledge from basic nursing concepts to more complex and specialized areas of healthcare. It aims to enhance their understanding of different diseases, treatment protocols, and patient management strategies. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and communication skills, which are essential for dealing with medical-surgical, pediatric, and mental health patients. Ultimately, it prepares students to become competent and confident nurses capable of delivering high-quality care in diverse healthcare settings.
Ques. Is the GNM 2nd year syllabus the same in all nursing schools?
Ans. The GNM 2nd year syllabus is prescribed by the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and followed across nursing schools in India to maintain uniform standards in nursing education. However, individual institutions may incorporate slight modifications, such as additional topics, extra clinical hours, or value-added modules to enhance learning. Despite these minor differences, the core structure and objectives of the syllabus remain consistent nationwide to ensure that all students achieve the same level of competence by the end of their course.
Ques. How is the GNM 2nd year syllabus divided between theory and practical?
Ans. The GNM 2nd year syllabus is structured to balance both theory and practical training. There are four major theory subjects — Medical-Surgical Nursing I, Medical-Surgical Nursing II, Mental Health Nursing, and Child Health Nursing — which focus on advanced nursing concepts, disease pathology, and treatment. Alongside this, there are three major practical components corresponding to these subjects, where students gain clinical experience in hospitals and healthcare centers. This integration of theory and practice ensures that students not only learn concepts but also apply them effectively while caring for patients.
Ques. Which subject has the highest weightage in GNM 2nd year?
Ans. Among all the subjects in GNM 2nd year, Medical-Surgical Nursing I and II together carry the highest weightage. These subjects cover a broad range of adult health conditions, surgical procedures, and nursing interventions, requiring more theory classes, clinical hours, and detailed examinations. Since medical-surgical care forms the backbone of hospital nursing services, mastering these subjects is crucial for students who aspire to work in hospitals, surgical units, or intensive care departments.
Ques. How does the GNM 2nd year syllabus help in career preparation?
Ans. The GNM 2nd year syllabus plays a vital role in preparing students for their future nursing careers. By combining theoretical knowledge with extensive clinical exposure, it equips students with essential skills like patient care, critical thinking, decision-making, and teamwork. These skills are crucial for various roles such as Staff Nurse, Clinical Nurse, Ward In-charge, and even for pursuing higher studies like B.Sc. Nursing or Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing. The experience and competence gained in the 2nd year also boost students’ confidence and make them job-ready for opportunities in both government and private healthcare sectors.


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