Career Options in Nursing: Exams, Jobs, Salary & Growth

Career Options in Nursing are expanding fast in India due to the rising need for trained nurses in hospitals, health centres, and government services. Nursing Officers work in AIIMS, ESIC, Railways, DSSSB, and state health departments, making nursing a stable and respected career choice.

Here, we covered the central and state nursing exams details, including eligibility, age limits, exam patterns, CHO roles, and salary structure. It also highlights why Nursing Officer jobs offer good pay, job security, and long-term growth for nursing students.

Career Options in Nursing

Career Options in Nursing are important because hospitals, health centres, and government services always need trained nurses. Patients are increasing every year, so nursing jobs never stop.

A Nursing Officer works in government hospitals, railways, AIIMS, ESIC, and state health departments. This makes Career Options in Nursing one of the safest career choices.

Central Government Nursing Exams in India

Central nursing exams are conducted by the central government. These exams offer permanent jobs, a good salary, and benefits.

Below are the most important Career Options in Nursing through central nursing exams.

AIIMS NORCET: A Major Nursing Officer Exam

AIIMS conducts a common exam called NORCET for Nursing Officer posts across all AIIMS hospitals.

• The exam is held two times every year

• Age limit is between 21 and 35 years

• BSc Nursing students can apply directly

• GNM students need 2 years of hospital experience

• The job location is in AIIMS hospitals across India

AIIMS NORCET is one of the best Career Options in Nursing for government service.

Railway Nursing Exams Through RRB

Indian Railways conducts nursing exams through the Railway Recruitment Board.

• Does not follow a specific exam cycle, usually conducted as per requirements

• The age limit is from 21 to 40 years

• The exam is conducted in online mode

• The question paper has 100 MCQs

• Total time is 90 minutes

• Paper is available in Hindi and English

Railway nursing jobs are strong Career Options in Nursing because of lifetime security.

ESIC Nursing Officer Recruitment

ESIC hospitals are growing every year, so the demand for nurses is increasing.

• Exam usually comes every two years

• Age limit is 21 to 37 years

• Qualification includes BSc Nursing or GNM with experience

• Exam has 125 multiple-choice questions

• Time given is 120 minutes

• Exam is conducted online in Hindi and English

ESIC is a trusted name under Career Options in Nursing.

NVS and JIPMER Nursing Jobs

Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti and JIPMER also conduct nursing exams regularly.

For NVS:

• The exam comes every two years

• Age limit is 21 to 35 years

• 150 questions are asked

• Total exam time is 150 minutes

• Both BSc and GNM candidates can apply

For JIPMER:

• Nursing Officer vacancies come regularly

• Age limit is 21 to 35 years

• The exam has 100 questions

• Each question carries higher marks

• Total time is 90 minutes

Both exams add strong value to Career Options in Nursing.

DSSSB Nursing Officer Jobs in Delhi

DSSSB conducts exams for Delhi government hospitals.

• The exam usually comes every two years

• Age limit is 18 to 32 years

• 200 total questions are asked

• 100 questions are from nursing subjects

• 100 questions are from non-nursing subjects

• Total time is 120 minutes

DSSSB offers one of the largest Career Options in Nursing at the state capital level.

State Government Nursing Exams in India

State nursing exams recruit staff nurses, ANM, GNM, and Nursing Officers.

• Vacancies range from 3,000 to 5,000+

• Exams are conducted almost every year

• Competition is lower compared to the central exams

• Posting is usually within the state

State-level Career Options in Nursing are good for students who want jobs near home.

CHO (Community Health Officer): A Growing Nursing Role

CHO jobs are released every year under the National Health Mission.

• CHO vacancies come state-wise

• The age limit is usually 21 to 35 years

• Qualifications include a BSc or GNM with experience

• Exam has 100 MCQs

• Total time is 90 minutes

• CHOs work in rural health centres

• Monthly salary is around ₹40,000 to ₹45,000

CHO is one of the fastest-growing career options in Nursing.

UPPSC and Other State Nursing Exams

UPPSC and other state commissions conduct staff nurse exams.

• Age limit ranges from 21 to 40 years

• The exam has around 170 questions

• Time duration is 120 minutes

• Selection is based on the written exam only.

These exams further expand Career Options in Nursing.

Nursing Officer Salary and Benefits

Career Options in Nursing offer a high salary and many allowances. Central government Nursing Officers:

• Start at the Level 7 pay scale

• Basic salary starts from ₹44,900

• Dearness allowance is around ₹21,000

• House rent allowance depends on the city

• Transport allowance is also added

• Nursing and dress allowances are provided

• Total monthly salary crosses ₹90,000

CHO nurses earn around ₹40,000 to ₹45,000 per month.

Why Nursing Officer Is a Top Career Choice?

Career Options in Nursing give:

• Job security

• Regular salary increase

• Promotion opportunities

• Respect in society

• Chance to serve people

With regular study, any nursing student can achieve this goal.

Choose Career Options in Nursing Wisely

Nursing is not just one job but a wide range of career paths, each requiring different skills, qualifications, and levels of responsibility. Choosing the right career option in nursing is important because it directly affects job satisfaction, career growth, work environment, and long-term stability.