The Indian Nursing Council (INC) has issued a new notification amending the admission terms and conditions for foreign nationals seeking entry into GNM and B.Sc Nursing programs in India.
As per Notification No. 7 of 2026, the council has aligned its admission requirements with the latest guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC), bringing a significant change in how foreign academic qualifications are recognized.
According to the notification, foreign nationals must now obtain equivalence of their academic qualifications (Class XII level) directly from the University Grants Commission (UGC) before applying for admission to nursing courses in India.
This marks a shift from the earlier system, where equivalence was typically handled by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Under the revised rules, UGC has been designated as the sole authority for granting equivalence to foreign qualifications at both school and higher education levels.
Key Highlights
- UGC equivalence mandatory for foreign students
- Applicable for GNM and B.Sc Nursing admissions
- Replaces earlier AIU-based equivalence system
- Based on UGC 2025 regulations
The notification refers to the UGC (Recognition and Grant of Equivalence to Qualifications obtained from Foreign Educational Institutions) Regulations, 2025, which empower UGC to evaluate and grant equivalence for foreign academic credentials.
Foreign students seeking admission are required to apply through the official UGC equivalence portal and complete the process before proceeding with nursing admissions.
The move aims to standardize the evaluation process, ensure transparency, and maintain uniform academic standards across institutions admitting international students.
Experts believe that this change will streamline admissions and reduce discrepancies in qualification recognition, while also strengthening regulatory oversight in nursing education.
The revised guidelines have been approved by the competent authority and are effective immediately, impacting all foreign nationals applying to GNM and B.Sc Nursing programs in India.
This development is expected to bring greater clarity and consistency in the admission process, while aligning nursing education regulations with national higher education policies.
