New Delhi, November 18, 2025: The Indian Nursing Council (INC) has released Notification No. 18 of 2025, introducing revised guidelines for reserving seats for foreign students across nursing institutions in India. The update is expected to significantly boost international student enrollment in Indian nursing programs, which continue to attract global attention for their affordability and strong clinical exposure.
Key Features of the New Guidelines
10% Supernumerary Seats for Foreign Nationals
All nursing institutions offering programs from GNM to M.Sc. (N), including Clinical Specialty courses, can reserve 10% supernumerary seats for foreign students, provided they have at least 60 suitable seats in GNM and B.Sc. (N).
25% Seats for Larger Institutions
Institutions with 100 or more suitable seats, recognized under Sections 13 and 14 of the INC Act, 1947, and supported by a parent hospital with a minimum of 300 beds, may reserve up to 25% supernumerary seats.
Exclusively for Foreign Students
INC clarified that these additional seats cannot be filled by Indian students under any circumstances. The seats are reserved solely for overseas applicants.
Mandatory Reporting Through NRTS
All institutions must enter the details of these seats and their admissions through the Nurses Registration and Tracking System (NRTS), enabling INC to monitor and regulate foreign student intake annually.
Rising Demand for Nursing Education in India
India has become a preferred destination for international nursing students due to affordable fees, extensive clinical training opportunities, and global acceptance of Indian nursing qualifications. With the revised quota, India is poised to strengthen its position as a major global training hub for nursing professionals.
Countries Sending the Most Nursing Students to India
While the INC notification does not list specific countries, current enrollment trends show high demand from several regions:
South Asia
Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
Africa
Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Ethiopia
Middle East
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE (nationals and expatriate families)
Southeast Asia
Malaysia, Myanmar
SAARC & Sponsored Programs
Afghanistan, Maldives, and multiple East African nations with government- or NGO-funded scholarships
Impact on Indian Nursing Institutions
The expanded quota is expected to increase the global visibility of Indian nursing colleges and attract more foreign students in the coming years. Institutions may experience higher revenue from overseas enrollment, stronger international collaborations, and more culturally diverse campuses. Colleges that meet the eligibility criteria are required to update their information on the NRTS portal to remain compliant with INC regulations.
FAQs on INC’s New Foreign Student Reservation Policy
Q1: How many seats can Indian nursing colleges reserve for foreign students?
Eligible colleges may reserve 10% to 25% supernumerary seats depending on seat strength and hospital capacity.
Q2: Can Indian students apply for these seats?
No. These seats are exclusively for foreign nationals.
Q3: Why do foreign students prefer studying nursing in India?
Due to affordable education costs, strong clinical exposure, English-medium instruction, and global employability.
Q4: Which countries send the most nursing students to India?
Students commonly come from Nepal, Bangladesh, African nations, Middle Eastern countries, Malaysia, and Myanmar.
