ANM

Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM): A Complete Career Guide by Nursing Experts

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare in India, the demand for skilled and compassionate nurses has never been greater. Among the various nursing roles, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) play a crucial part in bridging the gap between rural populations and essential health services. For decades, ANMs have served as the cornerstone of grassroots healthcare delivery, particularly in India’s vast rural areas.

If you’re someone passionate about healthcare and looking to make a difference in underserved communities, then pursuing ANM could be your calling. This detailed guide from Nursing Experts is designed to walk you through everything you need to know about ANM — from course structure and eligibility to career scope, salary, and exam preparation.

What is ANM?

Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM) is a diploma course in the field of nursing that focuses primarily on maternal and child health, family planning services, immunization, communicable diseases, and community health.

The ANM is not just a stepping stone into the world of nursing—it is the very foundation of India’s rural health infrastructure. ANMs are often the first point of contact between the community and the healthcare system. They are deployed in Sub-Centres and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and are vital in implementing national health programs like Janani Suraksha Yojana, Universal Immunization Programme, and Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) initiatives.

Course Overview: ANM Diploma

  • Course Name: Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM)
  • Duration: 2 Years (1.5 Years of study + 6 months internship)
  • Level: Diploma (Pre-undergraduate)
  • Affiliated by: Indian Nursing Council (INC), State Nursing Councils
  • Admission Mode: Entrance Exam / Merit-based (varies by state)
  • Eligibility:
  1. Minimum qualification: 10+2 (Arts/Science)
  2. Minimum age: 17 years
  3. Maximum age: 35 years
  4. Must be medically fit
  • Gender: While previously it was women-only, some states are now allowing male candidates.

ANM vs. GNM: Understanding the Difference

Many candidates are often confused between ANM (Auxiliary Nurse Midwife) and GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery). Here is a simple breakdown:

General Nursing and Midwifery). Here is a simple breakdown:

Feature

ANM

GNM

Duration

2 years

3 years

Entry Qualification

10+2 (Any stream)

10+2 (Science preferred)

Job Role

Grassroot level, mostly public health

Clinical & hospital-based

Career Growth

CHO, PHC/SC worker

RN, Staff Nurse, Further studies like B.Sc Nursing

Salary

₹18,000–₹35,000

₹25,000–₹60,000

Syllabus & Subjects Covered

The ANM syllabus is designed to prepare candidates to serve in rural and semi-urban healthcare settings. The course integrates theory and practical training, focusing on maternal health, community medicine, and preventive care.

Year 1

1. Community Health Nursing
2. Health Promotion

  • Nutrition
  • Human Body and Hygiene
  • Environmental Sanitation
  • Mental Health

3. Primary Health Care Nursing-I

  • Infection and Immunization
  • Communicable Diseases
  • Community Health Problems
  • Primary Medical Care

4. Child Health Nursing

Year 2 (First 6 months)

  1.   Midwifery
  2.   Health Centre Management

Internship (Final 6 months)

Students undergo hands-on training in:

  • CHCs/PHCs/Sub-centres
  • Labour rooms
  • Community surveys
  • Outreach activities
  • Family planning units

Skills ANM Students Must Develop

Being an ANM isn’t just about completing a course. The real preparation lies in acquiring practical, on-ground skills that save lives and improve the quality of care. The top skills ANMs need include:

  • Basic obstetric and newborn care
  • Conducting deliveries and postnatal care
  • Immunization techniques
  • Counseling for family planning
  • Nutrition education
  • Health records maintenance
  • Village-level disease surveillance
  • First aid and emergency response

ANM Registration and Licensure

After completion of the ANM course, candidates must register with the State Nursing Council to receive their license to practice. Without registration, employment in government or private health sectors is not permitted.

Once registered, you become eligible for government recruitment drives, state and national level health missions, and contractual or permanent health worker roles.

ANM Career Scope and Job Opportunities

ANMs are in high demand, especially in government public health systems, NGOs, and rural-focused health programs. After registration, ANMs can be employed in:
  • Sub-Centres (SCs)
  • Primary Health Centres (PHCs)
  • Community Health Centres (CHCs)
  • Anganwadi Centres
  • Maternal and Child Health Clinics
  • Rural Health Missions (NRHM/NUHM)
  • Urban slum health projects
  • Disaster and emergency health services
  • Home-based care initiatives

Government Recruitments and ANM Exams

Each state in India releases recruitment notifications for ANMs annually or bi-annually. Some key ANM recruitment bodies include:

  • UP NHM (Uttar Pradesh)
  • Rajasthan Staff Selection Board
  • Bihar Health Department
  • West Bengal Health Recruitment Board (WBHRB)
  • MP NHM
  • Chhattisgarh Health Department
  • Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission (OSSSC)

Apart from regular state government vacancies, ANMs are also recruited under Central Government schemes like National Health Mission (NHM) on a contract basis.

Salary Structure for ANMs

The salary of an ANM varies depending on whether the position is permanent or contractual and whether it is under a central/state scheme.

  • Contractual ANM (under NHM): ₹13,000 – ₹18,000 per month
  • Permanent Government ANM: ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 basic pay (Level 3 of Pay Matrix + DA + HRA)
  • Private Hospitals/NGOs: ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 depending an experience and city

In addition to base pay, ANMs in government roles often receive:

  • Uniform allowance
  • Travel allowance for field visits
  • Annual increments
  • Pension (if permanent)

Tips for Preparation:

  • Revise NCERT 10th & 12th Biology
  • Study previous year question papers
  • Take mock tests regularly
  • Focus on INC-approved ANM syllabus
  • Stay updated with government health schemes and national programs

Career Progression After ANM

ANM is just the beginning. Dedicated and ambitious candidates can climb the ladder through further education and experience. After a few years of service, ANMs can:

  1. Pursue GNM (Lateral entry is available in some states)
  2. Enroll in B.Sc Nursing (Post Basic) after GNM
  3. Become Community Health Officers (CHOs) after a 6-month bridge program
  4. Sit for promotions in Health Departments to become Health Supervisors
  5. Move into NGO and Development Sector Work, nationally or internationally

Why ANM is a Rewarding Career

While ANMs may not always be in the limelight, their work transforms lives daily. From ensuring safe deliveries to immunizing infants, ANMs are at the frontlines of public health.

Here’s why a career as an ANM is both rewarding and respected:

  • Direct impact: You save lives every day
  • Community respect: In villages, ANMs are considered ‘doctor didi’
  • Government benefits: Job security, retirement benefits
  • Growth opportunities: Entry into formal nursing pathways
  • Work-life balance: Fixed duty hours, field-based work
  • Women empowerment: Especially in rural India, ANM jobs uplift families

Challenges Faced by ANMs

No career is without its difficulties. ANMs, especially in rural postings, face:

  • Poor infrastructure (lack of equipment, electricity)
  • Understaffing and high workload
  • Remote locations with tough travel
  • Late salary disbursements (especially in contractual jobs)
  • Security concerns in isolated postings
  • Lack of promotional avenues

However, with policy reforms and increased focus on primary healthcare, many of these issues are being addressed by state governments and central health departments.

Final Thoughts from Nursing Experts

The ANM program is more than just a diploma—it’s a mission to serve. If you’re someone driven by empathy, have a heart for rural health, and are committed to women and child welfare, ANM is your gateway.

At Nursing Experts, we believe that with the right guidance, dedication, and training, ANM students can create real change in society. Our platform offers:

  • ANM government exam test series
  • Live & recorded classes in Hindi + English
  • Doubt-solving sessions
  • Previous year paper discussions
  • Dedicated faculty for midwifery, community health, and PHC practice

Whether you’re just beginning your ANM journey or preparing for a state-level exam, Nursing Experts is here to support you every step of the way.

FAQs on ANM

Q1. Can I pursue GNM after ANM?
Yes. Some states offer lateral entry to GNM after ANM with required experience.

Q2. Can male candidates apply for ANM?
Yes, in many states male candidates are now allowed, though it varies by state.

Q3. Is ANM a good course after 12th Arts?
Absolutely. ANM is open to both Science and Arts stream candidates.

Q4. What is the age limit for ANM admission?
Usually, 17–35 years. Relaxation may apply to reserved categories.

Q5. Can ANM work abroad?
Some countries accept ANM certification, but most prefer GNM/B.Sc for licensing. Further study may be required.

For personalized guidance, preparation support, or to join our ANM courses, contact Nursing Experts today. Begin your nursing journey with a vision to serve.