College of Nursing, Command Hospital

The College of Nursing, Command Hospital (Eastern Command), located in the Alipore area of Kolkata, stands as a premier institution for Military Nursing Services (MNS) in India. Affiliated with the West Bengal University of Health Sciences (WBUHS) and recognized by the Indian Nursing Council (INC), it prepares young women for a career in the Indian Army.

The college is known for its rigorous discipline, high academic standards, and direct integration with one of the largest tertiary care hospitals in the Eastern region of India.

The most sought-after programme at the College of Nursing, Command Hospital, Kolkata, is the B.Sc. Nursing degree. This four-year residential course is designed to train nursing officers for the Indian Armed Forces.

• B.Sc. Nursing: A comprehensive 4-year program including clinical training at the Command Hospital (EC).
• Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing: Occasionally offered for in-service nursing assistants (subject to vacancy).
• Specialized Nursing Diplomas: Short-term certifications in Critical Care and OT Techniques for serving personnel.

The B.Sc. Nursing program is popular due to the 100% job security it offers upon successful completion, as candidates are commissioned directly as Lieutenants into the Military Nursing Service.

Admission to the College of Nursing, Command Hospital, Kolkata for the 2026 session is strictly merit-based, following a multi-stage selection process managed by the Directorate General of Medical Services (Army).

• Step 1: NEET (UG) 2026: Candidates must appear for and qualify in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test.
• Step 2: Shortlisting: Based on NEET scores, candidates are called for a Test of General Intelligence & General English (ToGIGE) and a Psychological Assessment Test (PAT).
• Step 3: Interview: A personal interview conducted by a board of officers.
• Step 4: Medical Examination: Candidates must meet the physical standards set by the Armed Forces.

Important Dates (Tentative):

• NEET UG 2026 Exam: May 2026
• MNS Application Portal Opens: June 2026
• Interview/Medical: July - August 2026
• Commencement of Session: October 2026

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 the 2026 batch is determined primarily by the NEET UG scores. Since the number of seats is limited (approximately 30-40 for the Kolkata center), the competition is intense.

Final selection depends on the combined merit of NEET scores, ToGIGE, and Interview marks. Candidates are advised to aim for a NEET score above 500 to be on the safer side for the initial shortlisting.

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

Placements at the College of Nursing, Command Hospital are distinct from civilian colleges. In 2025, the placement statistics remained at 100%.

• Primary Recruiter: Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force (Military Nursing Service).
• Designation: Lieutenant (Gazetted Officer status).
• Salary Package: Starting CTC approximately ₹10,00,000 - ₹12,00,000 per annum (including DA, HRA, and Military Service Pay).
• Benefits: Free medical facilities, Canteen (CSD) facilities, and government accommodation.

Graduates are posted to various Military Hospitals across India, including field areas and peace stations.

Since the College of Nursing, Command Hospital is a government-funded military institution, traditional scholarships are replaced by financial allowances provided to all selected candidates.

• Stipend: Monthly pocket money/stipend is provided to cadets during their four years of training.
• Uniform Allowance: An initial outfit allowance and annual maintenance allowance are provided.
• Ration and Accommodation: Free messing and hostel facilities are provided to all students.
• Book Grant: Annual allowance for purchasing medical textbooks and journals.

Candidates must sign a bond to serve in the MNS for a specified period (usually 5 years) or pay a pre-determined bond money if they withdraw.

The institution focuses on nursing excellence with a military edge. The primary courses include:

• B.Sc. Nursing: The flagship 4-year degree focusing on Anatomy, Physiology, Nutrition, and specialized Nursing (Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Psychiatric, and Community Health).
• In-service Training: Short-term courses for nursing officers in specialized fields like Trauma Care, Oncology Nursing, and Dialysis.

All courses emphasize Battlefield Nursing and Disaster Management, preparing students for both hospital and field operations.

The fee structure at the College of Nursing, Command Hospital, Kolkata, is highly subsidized by the Ministry of Defence. The 2026 fee estimates are as follows:

While the tuition fees are negligible, students are required to pay for University Registration, Examination fees (to WBUHS), and personal miscellaneous expenses. The majority of the cost, including board and lodging, is borne by the government in exchange for the service bond.

The application process for 2026 is conducted online through the official Indian Army recruitment website.

1. Visit joinindianarmy.nic.in during the registration window.
2. Register using a valid email and mobile number.
3. Enter NEET (UG) 2026 Roll Number and score details.
4. Pay the application fee (approximately ₹750 for most categories).
5. Upload required documents (Class 10/12 marksheet, NEET scorecard, Category certificate).
6. Select 'Kolkata' as the preferred interview center if available.

Candidates must ensure they meet the height and weight requirements specified in the official notification before applying.

The infrastructure at Command Hospital, Kolkata, is designed to support both academic excellence and physical fitness.

• Clinical Facilities: Direct access to the Command Hospital (Eastern Command), which is a multi-specialty 1000+ bed facility.
• Laboratories: Advanced Nursing Foundation Lab, Nutrition Lab, Anatomy & Physiology Lab, and Computer Lab.
• Library: A well-stocked library with international journals and digital access to medical databases.
• Auditorium: A modern facility for seminars, workshops, and cultural events.
• Sports: Facilities for basketball, volleyball, and regular physical training (PT) drills.

The college is divided into several specialized departments to ensure focused education:

• Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Department of Child Health (Pediatric) Nursing
• Department of Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing
• Department of Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing
• Department of Community Health Nursing
• Department of Nursing Foundation

Each department is headed by experienced Nursing Officers with the rank of Major or Lieutenant Colonel.