VIJAYAWADA: In a significant move to streamline nursing education and enhance its quality, the coalition government of Andhra Pradesh has announced a series of groundbreaking decisions.
For the first time in the country, admissions to nursing courses will now be conducted through a Common Entrance Test (CET), starting from the 2025-26 academic year.
Further, the admission process, traditionally held in November, will shift to July, ensuring a more efficient academic calendar.
The decisions were finalized during a marathon meeting lasting over three hours on Thursday at Dr NTR University of Health Sciences. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav chaired the discussions with representatives from nursing college associations across the state’s 13 districts.
Addressing long-standing issues, the minister emphasized that the government will not tolerate any lapses in the quality of nursing education.
Among the key reforms, the government has mandated that the CET for nursing admissions be conducted annually in the second week of June.
The process will commence in April and conclude by July, replacing the earlier November schedule.
Minister flags lack of parent hosps, warns against overcharging students
This shift has been welcomed by the Nursing Colleges Association, which believes it will resolve several operational challenges.
Approximately 13,000 students are admitted to BSc (Nursing) courses each year in the state, and Andhra Pradesh will now pioneer the use of a dedicated CET for these admissions—a departure from reliance on exams like NEET, EAMCET, or intermediate marks, which Minister Yadav noted often hinder students’ interests. He also directed the establishment of a legally recognized Board of Examinations to oversee CET-based admissions for General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) courses.
Addressing financial concerns raised by the association, he ordered a review of the current fee structure—Rs 15,000 annually for the three-year GNM course and Rs 19,000 for the four-year BSc (Nursing) course—to ensure institutions can deliver quality education without compromising standards.
The meeting also tackled administrative inconsistencies. With 52 government orders (GOs) issued over the years leading to confusion, the minister instructed officials to draft a comprehensive GO within three months, to be finalised by July, simplifying regulations for nursing institutions.
The association expressed gratitude for this initiative, noting it was the first such discussion in 20 years.
Minister Yadav voiced concerns over irregularities uncovered during recent document audits of nursing colleges, including missing no-objection certificates, inadequate trust/society documentation, and lack of owned buildings or parent hospitals.
He warned that institutions must rectify these deficiencies by the next academic year or face denial of admission approvals.
The Health Minister further cautioned against overcharging students beyond prescribed fees, promising strict action against violators.
The association thanked the government for addressing their grievances and pledged full cooperation in aligning with the state’s vision for quality nursing education.
High-Power Committee Chairman and former High Court Justice U Durga Prasad Rao, Dr NTR University Vice-Chancellor Dr Narsimham, Registrar Dr Radhika Reddy, and other senior officials attended the meeting.