The Government of Nepal has officially decided to implement a three-year General Nursing program for students who have completed Grade 12 for those from non-science streams. The program, which was initially proposed as a two-year course, has been extended to three years to incorporate midwifery and align with international academic standards.
The decision was endorsed by the 17th meeting of the Medical Education Commission (MEC) held on Magh 30. According to Prof. Dr. Sarala Shrestha, Director at MEC, the duration was revised following a task force recommendation that emphasized the importance of midwifery in foundational nursing education.
Under the revised structure, students from any academic background who pass the Grade 12 examination will be eligible to pursue a three-year Advanced Diploma in Nursing (General Nursing). Candidates must score more than 50 percent in the entrance exam to qualify.
The new program will eventually replace the existing PCL Nursing program offered after Grade 10, which is expected to be phased out within the next five years. The Nepal Nursing Council is also working on developing updated licensing criteria for graduates of this course.
This initiative aims to improve the quality, global recognition, and career readiness of Nepal’s nursing workforce.
