BENZIGER SCHOOL OF NURSING

Benziger School of Nursing, located in the heart of the coastal city of Kollam, Kerala, continues its legacy of excellence in nursing education for the academic year 2026. Affiliated with the Kerala Nurses and Midwives Council (KNMC) and recognized by the Indian Nursing Council (INC), the institution is a pioneer in healthcare training in South Kerala.

The school is renowned for its clinical-heavy curriculum, leveraging the 600-bed parent hospital which serves as a major healthcare hub for the Kollam district.

For 2026, the primary focus of the Benziger School of Nursing remains its flagship diploma program. While the sister institution (College of Nursing) handles degree programs, the School of Nursing is the premier destination for diploma seekers.

• General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM): A 3-year comprehensive diploma program including a mandatory internship. It focuses on bedside care, community health, and surgical nursing.
• Continuing Education Modules: Short-term certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) for final-year students.

The GNM program is highly sought after due to its shorter duration and direct pathway to clinical practice in both Indian and international healthcare settings.

Admission for the 2026 session is primarily merit-based, focusing on the candidate's performance in the Higher Secondary Examination (10+2). The process is governed by the guidelines set by the Kerala Nursing Council.

• Notification Release: May 2026
• Application Deadline: July 2026
• Interview/Counseling: August 2026
• Commencement of Classes: September 2026

Applicants must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, securing a minimum of 40% marks (35% for SC/ST). Candidates must be at least 17 years of age by December 31, 2026. Application forms can be obtained directly from the school office or the Bishop Benziger Hospital administrative wing.

Note: Check exact dates on the official exam and college websites.

Note: These are approximate figures based on past trends, not official cutoffs. Check the latest official counselling cutoff before applying.

The cutoff for 2026 admission is determined by the volume of applications and the overall performance in the Kerala Plus Two board exams. While there is no entrance exam for the GNM course, the following merit trends are observed:

• General Category: 75% - 85% in PCB subjects.
• OBC/Christian Minority: 70% - 80% in PCB subjects.
• SC/ST: 60% - 70% in PCB subjects.

Proximity to Kollam city and the reputation of the parent hospital often lead to higher cutoffs compared to other private nursing schools in the district.

Note: Placement figures are indicative and not taken from the official placement report of the college. Please confirm with the college.

The 2025 placement season saw nearly 100% employability for graduates. The institution benefits from the global demand for Malayali nurses.

• Internal Placements: Approximately 40% of the batch was absorbed by Bishop Benziger Hospital and its specialized units.
• External Placements: Major recruiters included Aster Medcity (Kochi), N.S. Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences (Kollam), and KIMSHEALTH (Trivandrum).
• International Pathways: The school provides guidance for OET and IELTS, with several 2025 graduates securing roles in the UK (NHS) and the Middle East (MOH/DHA).

Average starting salaries for freshers in Kerala range from ₹15,000 to ₹22,000 per month, significantly higher for those moving to metropolitan cities or abroad.

The institution facilitates various financial aid options for deserving students in 2026:

• e-Grantz: Comprehensive educational assistance for students belonging to SC, ST, and OEC categories.
• Minority Welfare Scholarships: Provided by the Kerala State Government for students from Christian and Muslim communities.
• Institutional Merit Scholarship: Tuition fee waivers for top performers in the first and second year of GNM.
• Bishop Benziger Trust Fund: Need-based financial aid for students from economically backward families in the Kollam diocese.

The school is specialized and offers focused nursing programs:

• GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery): The most popular choice, providing a mix of theory and extensive practical hours.
• Post Basic Diploma in Nursing: Specialized short courses in areas like Operation Room (OR) Nursing and Neonatal Nursing (offered periodically based on demand).

The GNM course is particularly popular among students who wish to enter the workforce quickly or those planning to pursue a Post Basic B.Sc Nursing later.

The fee structure for 2026 is regulated by the Government of Kerala for private nursing schools. Estimated costs are as follows:

Note: Fees are subject to change based on government revisions. Additional costs for uniforms, books, and KNMC registration are extra.

The application process for 2026 is straightforward:

1. Procurement: Obtain the prospectus and application form from the school office at Pallithottam, Kollam.
2. Documentation: Attach attested copies of SSLC, Plus Two mark sheets, Transfer Certificate, and Conduct Certificate.
3. Submission: Submit the completed form along with the application fee (approx. ₹300-₹500) before the July deadline.
4. Verification: Original documents are verified during the personal interview phase.

Candidates from outside Kerala must provide an Equivalency Certificate from the Kerala Higher Secondary Board.

The campus is designed to facilitate intensive medical learning:

• Clinical Facilities: Direct access to the Bishop Benziger Hospital, which includes departments like Cardiology, Nephrology, and Obstetrics.
• Laboratories: Well-equipped Nutrition Lab, Nursing Foundation Lab, and Community Health Nursing Lab.
• Library: A specialized nursing library with international journals and digital access to medical databases.
• Hostel: On-campus safe and secure housing for female students with a focus on a disciplined lifestyle.
• Location: Proximity to the Kollam Beach provides a refreshing environment for students during breaks.

The school is organized into several functional departments to cover the GNM curriculum:

• Department of Fundamentals of Nursing: Focuses on basic patient care and ethics.
• Department of Community Health Nursing: Handles rural and urban health postings in and around Kollam.
• Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing: The largest department, integrated with hospital operations.
• Department of Pediatric & Psychiatric Nursing: Provides specialized training in child health and mental health care.