The IGNOU Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing (BSCN) Admission Announcement for January 2026 was released on February 6, 2026, by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi. The announcement details the online application process, eligibility criteria, and the entrance examination schedule.
Candidates looking to advance their nursing careers through this distance learning programme can apply online starting February 6, 2026, via the official portal. To learn more about the requirements and steps, please read the full article below.

IGNOU Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing Admission 2026 Out
The Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing is a specialized programme designed for in-service nurses to upgrade their skills and qualifications. Admission is granted based on the OPENNET-XIV entrance test, conducted at the national level. According to the released schedule, the online application window is currently active. Candidates must complete their registration and submit the application form by the last date, March 5, 2026.
IGNOU Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing 2026: Overview
The admission process involves a common entrance test followed by region-wise counseling based on merit. Key details regarding the admission cycle are summarized in the table below:
| Feature | Details |
| Name of Examination | IGNOU Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing Entrance Test (OPENNET-XIV) |
| Conducting Body | Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) |
| Purpose | Admission to Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing Programme |
| Academic Session | January 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 6th February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 5th March 2026 |
| Entrance Fee | Rs. 1000/- |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (OMR Based) |
| Official Website | www.ignou.ac.in |
IGNOU B.Sc. Nursing 2026 Notification PDF Download
The complete Student Handbook and Prospectus 2026 is available for download on the official IGNOU website. This document contains vital information regarding the syllabus, study centers, and regional office contacts.
- IGNOU Nursing Prospectus 2026 PDF: Click to Check/Download
IGNOU Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing 2026: Important Dates
IGNOU has specified a strict timeline for the January 2026 session admissions.
| Event | Date |
| Notification/Prospectus Release | 6th February 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 6th February 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 5th March 2026 |
| Duration of Entrance Exam | 2:30 Hours |
Check Official Timeline Notice
IGNOU Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet specific professional and educational requirements to be eligible for admission.
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Professional Status | In-service Nurses (Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife – RNRM) |
| Educational Qualification (Option 1) | 10+2 with GNM Diploma and minimum 2 years of experience after RNRM registration |
| Educational Qualification (Option 2) | 10th (Matriculation) with GNM Diploma and minimum 5 years of experience after RNRM registration |
| Male Nurses | Must have completed an INC-approved course of 6-9 months in lieu of Midwifery |
| Age Limit | No maximum age limit |
Also Read: SAT 2026 Registrations Open for March-June Tests, Check Dates, Deadlines & Fee Details
How to Apply for IGNOU B.Sc. Nursing 2026?
Eligible candidates can fill out the application form through the specialized nursing portal.
Steps to fill the Application Form at ignounursing.samarth.edu.in:
- Step 1: Visit the official portal and click on “New Registration“.
- Step 2: Create a username and password by providing your name, email, and mobile number.
- Step 3: Log in with your new credentials to access the application form.
- Step 4: Fill in personal, educational, and professional experience details accurately.
- Step 5: Select your Programme Study Centre (PSC) codes as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices.
- Step 6: Upload scanned documents (Photograph, Signature, 10th Certificate, GNM Diploma, RNRM Certificate, and Experience Certificate) in the prescribed format.
- Step 7: Pay the entrance examination fee of Rs. 1000/- online via Credit/Debit card or Net Banking.
- Step 8: Preview your form and click “Submit.” Download the final application and fee receipt for future reference.
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for IGNOU B.Sc. Nursing 2026?
Answer: The last date for online registration is 5th March 2026.
Q2. What is the entrance exam fee?
Answer: The examination fee is Rs. 1000/-, which must be remitted through an online payment gateway.
Q3. How many questions are in the entrance test?
Answer: The entrance test (OPENNET-XIV) comprises 120 multiple-choice questions based on the GNM syllabus.
Q4. Is there an age limit for this course?
Answer: No, there is no maximum age limit for admission to the Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing programme at IGNOU.