Kathmandu, Nepal – Nursing remains one of the most sought-after professions for Nepali students aiming for a stable career and opportunities abroad. Recently, however, a concerning trend has emerged: many consultancies in Nepal are sending students to Indian colleges for General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) programs months before the actual classes begin.

Students Flying Early, Classes Yet to Start

Several students have already left for India to begin their nursing journey. But according to academic calendars, most GNM Nursing classes in Indian universities and nursing colleges will only start after the Dashain and Tihar festivals.

Until then, many students are being placed in English language and orientation classes, which are not essential for the GNM curriculum. This adds two months of unnecessary living and tuition costs for families, already under financial strain.

“This practice puts vulnerable students and parents in a difficult position. They are paying for classes that are not required, simply because consultancies rushed them into leaving early,” said one education counselor.

Why GNM Nursing Is a Good Course for Nepali Students

Despite these challenges, experts agree that GNM Nursing is one of the most rewarding courses for students in Nepal who dream of becoming professional nurses.

• Duration & Eligibility: The GNM program is a 3-year professional course, open to students from any academic stream. This flexibility makes it accessible to a wider pool of students.
  
  
• No Entrance Exams: Unlike courses that require competitive exams such as CEE or NEET, GNM does not require entrance examinations, making the admission process more straightforward.
  
  
• Approved & Recognized: The GNM qualification is recognized by Nepal’s University Grants Commission (UGC), ensuring its legitimacy for both further studies and employment.
  
  
• Pathway to B.Sc. Nursing: After completing GNM, students can pursue an additional 2-year post-basic course to achieve equivalency with B.Sc. Nursing.
  
  
• Global Opportunities: GNM graduates from India can pursue advanced nursing studies and career opportunities in countries such as Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA, where the demand for skilled nurses is high.
  
  

Why India Is a Preferred Destination

India remains one of the most popular destinations for Nepali students to study nursing because of:

• Proximity and affordability: Tuition fees and living costs in India are lower compared to Western countries.
  
  
• Quality institutions: Many Indian nursing colleges are accredited by NAAC, NIRF, and NBA, ensuring international standards of education.
  
  
• Cultural similarity: Students experience familiar cultural and social environments, reducing the challenge of adjustment.
  
  
• Direct admissions: Students can secure seats in recognized institutions without going through lengthy entrance exams.
  
  

The Problem: Consultancy Competition and Misinformation

The current issue arises not from the course itself, but from the competitive practices among consultancies in Nepal.

In the race to secure admissions and tuition fees, many consultancies are:

• Rushing students to leave for India months before classes begin.
  
  
• Spreading misinformation to create a false sense of urgency.
  
  
• Exploiting parents’ fears, especially those eager to secure their child’s future quickly.
  
  

This has led to unnecessary expenses, additional stress on families, and disappointment for students who find themselves idle or attending irrelevant classes.

Expert Advice: Don’t Hurry, Research First

Education experts advise students and parents to take time before making a decision.

“GNM Nursing is a respected and valuable course, but students must research properly before joining any consultancy. Don’t let fear or pressure drive your decision,” said a senior counselor of a certified consultancy.

Indo Global Foundation encourages students to:

• Verify the college’s accreditation before enrolling.
  
  
• Compare fee structures and class start dates.
  
  
• Choose consultancies that are certified and transparent.
  
  
• Avoid hasty decisions based on rumors or pressure.
  

Conclusion

GNM Nursing in India is undoubtedly a strong pathway for Nepali students to build their careers in healthcare and move towards global opportunities. But the current practice of sending students early is creating financial and emotional burdens that could easily be avoided.

The message to students and parents is clear: Do not rush. Take your time, research thoroughly, and choose certified consultancies that prioritize your future over quick profits.