Admission Helpline :9569532611

GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) is one of the most popular nursing diploma courses in India. Every year, thousands of students choose GNM because of its strong career opportunities, practical exposure, and direct entry into the healthcare sector. If you are planning to pursue GNM nursing or have already taken admission, understanding the GNM syllabus and subjects year-wise is extremely important.

In this blog, we will explain the GNM course syllabus year by year, including subjects, practical training, and what students learn in each academic year. This guide is especially helpful for students who are searching for “GNM syllabus,” “GNM subjects year-wise,” or “GNM nursing course details.”

What is GNM Nursing Course?

GNM stands for General Nursing and Midwifery. It is a 3.5-year diploma course, which includes:

  • 3 years of academic education

  • 6 months of mandatory internship

The course is designed to prepare students to become skilled nurses who can work in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and other medical institutions. The syllabus focuses on theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and hands-on clinical training.

GNM Course Structure Overview

Before going into year-wise details, let’s understand the overall structure of the GNM course:

  • First Year: Basics of nursing, human body, and foundational subjects

  • Second Year: Medical-surgical nursing and specialized care

  • Third Year: Midwifery, child health, and community nursing

  • Internship (6 Months): Practical training in hospitals and community health settings

The syllabus is regulated by the Indian Nursing Council (INC), so it is almost the same across all recognized nursing colleges in India.

GNM Syllabus – First Year

The first year of GNM builds the foundation of nursing education. Students learn about the human body, basic nursing concepts, and the role of a nurse in healthcare.

GNM First Year Subjects

  1. Anatomy and Physiology
    This subject helps students understand the structure and functioning of the human body.
    Topics include:

    • Cells and tissues

    • Skeletal system

    • Muscular system

    • Digestive system

    • Respiratory system

    • Cardiovascular system

    • Nervous system

  2. Microbiology
    Microbiology introduces students to microorganisms and their role in health and disease.
    Key topics:

    • Bacteria, viruses, fungi

    • Infection and immunity

    • Sterilization and disinfection

    • Hospital-acquired infections

  3. Psychology
    Psychology focuses on human behavior and mental processes.
    Students learn about:

    • Human growth and development

    • Learning and intelligence

    • Emotions and motivation

    • Stress and coping mechanisms

  4. Fundamentals of Nursing
    This is one of the most important subjects in the GNM course.
    It includes:

    • Basic nursing procedures

    • Patient care techniques

    • Vital signs monitoring

    • First aid

    • Infection control

    • Bed making and patient hygiene

  5. First Aid
    This subject teaches emergency care and life-saving techniques such as:

    • CPR

    • Wound care

    • Management of burns and fractures

    • Emergency response

  6. Personal Hygiene
    Focuses on:

    • Personal cleanliness

    • Environmental hygiene

    • Hospital sanitation

    • Patient comfort and safety

Practical Training (First Year)

Students are introduced to basic clinical postings where they observe and assist senior nurses. This helps them gain confidence and understand hospital routines.

GNM Syllabus – Second Year

The second year of GNM is more advanced and focuses on medical and surgical nursing. Students learn how to care for patients with various diseases and health conditions.

GNM Second Year Subjects

  1. Medical-Surgical Nursing – I
    This subject deals with adult health and illness management.
    Topics include:

    • Diseases of respiratory system

    • Cardiac disorders

    • Gastrointestinal disorders

    • Neurological conditions

    • Endocrine disorders

  2. Pharmacology
    Pharmacology teaches students about medicines and their effects.
    Key areas:

    • Drug classification

    • Dosage calculation

    • Drug administration routes

    • Side effects and drug safety

  3. Sociology
    Sociology helps students understand society and social factors affecting health.
    Topics covered:

    • Social structure

    • Family and community

    • Culture and health

    • Social problems and healthcare

  4. Pathology
    Pathology focuses on the study of diseases.
    Students learn:

    • Causes of diseases

    • Disease progression

    • Laboratory investigations

    • Diagnostic techniques

  5. Communicable Diseases
    This subject teaches prevention and management of infectious diseases such as:

    • Tuberculosis

    • HIV/AIDS

    • Malaria

    • Hepatitis

Practical Training (Second Year)

Students are posted in:

  • Medical wards

  • Surgical wards

  • Operation theatres

  • Specialty departments

They perform nursing procedures under supervision and gain hands-on experience.

GNM Syllabus – Third Year

The third year of GNM focuses on maternal health, child health, and community healthcare. This year prepares students for independent nursing roles.

GNM Third Year Subjects

  1. Midwifery and Gynecological Nursing
    This is a core subject of the GNM course.
    Topics include:

    • Pregnancy and childbirth

    • Antenatal and postnatal care

    • Normal and complicated deliveries

    • Family planning

    • Women’s reproductive health

  2. Community Health Nursing – II
    Community health nursing focuses on public health and preventive care.
    Students learn:

    • National health programs

    • Primary healthcare services

    • Maternal and child health services

    • Health education and awareness

  3. Pediatric Nursing
    Pediatric nursing deals with child healthcare.
    Topics include:

    • Growth and development of children

    • Childhood diseases

    • Nutrition for children

    • Neonatal care

  4. Mental Health Nursing
    This subject focuses on mental health disorders and patient care.
    Areas covered:

    • Psychiatric illnesses

    • Counseling techniques

    • Patient behavior management

    • Mental health promotion

Practical Training (Third Year)

Students get extensive clinical exposure in:

  • Maternity wards

  • Pediatric units

  • Community health centers

  • Mental health institutions

GNM Internship (6 Months)

After completing three years of academic study, students must undergo a 6-month compulsory internship. This is a crucial part of the GNM course.

Internship Areas Include

  • Medical and surgical wards

  • Labor room

  • Operation theatre

  • Community health nursing

  • Pediatric and psychiatric units

During the internship, students work as trainee nurses and apply their theoretical knowledge in real-life situations.

Why Understanding GNM Syllabus is Important?

Knowing the GNM syllabus year-wise helps students:

  • Prepare better for exams

  • Understand clinical expectations

  • Build strong nursing skills

  • Plan higher education or career options

It also helps parents and aspiring students make informed decisions before taking admission.

Career Scope After GNM

After completing GNM, students can work as:

  • Staff Nurse

  • Community Health Nurse

  • Home Care Nurse

  • Nursing Tutor (after experience)

They can also pursue higher studies like:

  • Post Basic BSc Nursing

  • Specialized nursing courses

Conclusion

The GNM syllabus and subjects year-wise are carefully designed to produce skilled, compassionate, and professional nurses. From basic nursing concepts in the first year to advanced midwifery and community health training in the third year, the course provides a complete nursing education.

If you are planning a career in nursing, GNM is a strong and reliable option that opens doors to both national and international opportunities.