Indian Army Nursing Assistant: Eligibility, Syllabus & Salary
Written by Ankit, Faculty at Pranav Paramedical & Nursing College | Last updated: November 2026
Quick Answer: An Indian Army nursing assistant is a Soldier Technical (Nursing Assistant) in the Army’s medical setup. You need 10+2 science with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, with 50% overall and 40% in each subject. For the 2027 recruiting year, you must have been born between 1 July 2004 and 1 July 2009. Selection starts with an online Common Entrance Exam, followed by a physical fitness test, physical measurement, medical examination, and document verification.
Every year, many students who belong to Class 12 Science opt for Indian Army nursing assistant recruitment for their service to the country and career in health care. It is indeed a good choice, but the available information on the internet is disorganized and outdated. The following guide has everything from eligibility requirements to the syllabus, physical requirements, salary, and the application process. Everything changes with every new notification, so be sure to verify this guide with every new notification on the Indian Army recruitment website.
Indian Army Nursing Assistant at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Post | Soldier Technical (Nursing Assistant / NA Veterinary) |
| Qualification | 10+2 science (PCB and English), 50% aggregate, 40% in each subject |
| Age limit | 17½ to 23 years (born 1 July 2004 to 1 July 2009 for the 2027 intake) |
| Gender and status | Unmarried male candidates |
| Domicile | Zone-wise, as per the notification |
| Written exam | Online Common Entrance Exam (CEE), objective MCQs |
| Other stages | Physical fitness test, physical measurement, medical exam, document verification |
| Application fee | ₹250 plus bank charges |
| Pay level | Level 3 |
| Last cycle | Applications opened 13 February 2026 |
What Is an Indian Army Nursing Assistant?
Nursing Assistant (NA) is a soldier who is recruited into the Army under the Soldier Technical cadre. These Soldiers work within the Indian Army medical framework. They assist doctors and nursing officers with treatment, dressing, and other nursing activities within hospitals or in the field during emergencies.
There is one thing that needs to be clarified. It is an Army trade and should not be confused with the profession of nursing through GNM or B.Sc. Nursing. Nursing, if someone wants registration from the nursing council for their career in hospital settings outside of the army. We shall see the comparison below.
Indian Army Nursing Assistant Eligibility
The Indian Army nursing assistant eligibility rules are fairly strict. Here is what the recent notification asked for:
- Educational qualification: 10+2 (Intermediate) in science with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, with at least 50% aggregate and 40% in each subject.
- Age limit: 17½ to 23 years. The notification gives a fixed date-of-birth window instead of a simple age cap. For the 2027 recruiting year, it was 1 July 2004 to 1 July 2009.
- Gender and marital status: Unmarried male candidates only.
- Nationality: Indian citizens.
- Domicile: Recruitment runs zone-wise through Zonal Recruiting Offices. In the 2026 notice from the Ambala zone, candidates had to be domiciled in Haryana (excluding a few districts), Himachal Pradesh, or Chandigarh. You can attend only one rally per recruiting year, so find the zone that covers your state.
Physical Standards and Fitness Test
Passing the written exam is not enough. Physical standards matter just as much, and they vary by region and category. These are the standards from the Ambala zone's 2026 notice:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height | 170 cm (Haryana), 163 cm (Himachal Pradesh) |
| Chest | 77 cm, with at least 5 cm expansion |
| Weight | Proportionate to height and age, as per the Army chart |
| Outstanding sportsmen | Relaxation of 2 cm height, 3 cm chest, 5 kg weight |
| Indian Gorkhas | 157 cm height |
Candidates from other states, including the North-East, should read the notification of the zonal recruiting office that covers them, because the numbers can differ.
Physical Fitness Test (PFT) Events
- 1.6 km run in 6 minutes 15 seconds
- At least 6 pull-ups
- 9-foot ditch
- Zig-zag balance
Bonus Marks
Bonus marks (up to 20) are available for NCC certificates and sports achievements.
- NCC A Certificate: 5 marks
- NCC B Certificate: 10 marks
- NCC C Certificate: 15 marks
- NCC C Certificate with Republic Day Parade: 20 marks
- Sports achievement: 5 to 20 marks, depending on the level
Selection Process
The selection process for an Indian Army nursing assistant has two phases:
Phase I: Online Common Entrance Exam (CEE). This is a computer-based objective test conducted in 13 languages. Marks are normalised across sessions.
Phase II: Recruitment Rally. Shortlisted candidates receive an admit card and go through the physical fitness test, physical measurement, medical examination and document verification.
Final selection is merit-based, so your written exam score matters a lot.
Documents Required
Carry the originals and two self-attested copies of each document to the rally:
- Laser-printed admit card
- 20 passport-size photographs with a white background
- Education certificates and marksheets
- Domicile, caste, religion, character, and unmarried certificates (the unmarried certificate is needed if you’re under 21)
- Affidavit on ₹10 non-judicial stamp paper
- PAN card and Aadhaar card (required for final enrolment)
Indian Army Nursing Assistant Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Quick Answer: The Indian Army nursing assistant syllabus covers five subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, and General Knowledge. Prep portals report a paper of 50 questions, with Biology and Chemistry carrying the most.
No specific list of subjects, as in a college curriculum, is required for this position. The Army nursing assistant course curriculum will be an examination curriculum based on the school-level science, basic mathematics, and general knowledge curriculum. As prep portals offer detailed lists of topics, the topics mentioned below are only indicative.
Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Share of Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 15 | 30% |
| Chemistry | 15 | 30% |
| General Knowledge | 10 | 20% |
| Maths | 5 | 10% |
| Physics | 5 | 10% |
| Total | 50 | 100% |
The notice mentions that the papers are computer-based multiple-choice questions. A paper having 50 questions lasts for one hour, while there are papers which have 100 questions lasting for two hours. While some sources refer to the fact that there is negative marking, no source mentions the exact penalty. You should review the instructions of the exam before attempting the paper. Biology and Chemistry form 60% of the questions.
Biology Syllabus (15 Questions)
Biology is the most important part of the Indian Army nursing assistant syllabus, and it connects directly to the work you’ll do. Commonly listed topics are:
- Basic biology and life processes
- The human body and what makes it unique
- Food and health, including a balanced diet and essentials for good health
- Food yield and wasteful food practices
- Cycles of materials in nature
- Ecological balance, living resources, habitats and organisms
- Adaptation
- Study of birds
Also revise your Class 10–12 NCERT chapters on human body systems, common diseases and reproduction. They’re the easiest marks for a student planning a nursing career.
Chemistry Syllabus (15 Questions)
- Physical and chemical changes
- Elements, mixtures and compounds
- Symbols, formulae and simple chemical equations
- Laws of chemical combination
- Properties of air and water
- Preparation and properties of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide
- Oxidation and reduction
- Acids, bases and salts
- Carbon and its forms
- Natural and artificial fertilisers
- Elementary ideas about atomic structure
- Atomic, equivalent and molecular weights, and valency
Chemistry rewards regular revision. Write equations by hand a few times a week, because you forget them quickly when you only read.
Physics Syllabus (5 Questions)
- Properties and states of matter
- Mass, weight, volume, density and specific gravity
- Archimedes’ principle and pressure
- Motion, velocity and acceleration
- Newton’s laws of motion, force and momentum
- Parallelogram of forces, stability and equilibrium
- Elementary gravitation
- Work, power and energy
- Heat and its effects
- Sound waves and their properties
- Reflection and refraction, mirrors and lenses
- Magnets, static and current electricity, Ohm’s law and simple circuits
Maths Syllabus (5 Questions)
- Number systems and basic arithmetic operations
- Algebra
- Mensuration (area, volume and surface area)
- Basic trigonometry
- Statistics and probability
With only five questions, don’t spend weeks here. Practise the basics until you can solve them quickly and accurately.
General Knowledge Syllabus (10 Questions)
- India and neighbouring countries (history, culture, geography and personalities)
- The Constitution of India
- Indian armed forces and defence awareness
- Sports, awards and prizes
- Books and authors
- Inventions and discoveries
- International organisations
- Continents, important terms and abbreviations
- Recent national and world events
Twenty to thirty minutes of newspaper reading daily is enough for this section.
Indian Army Nursing Assistant Salary and Promotions
The Indian Army nursing assistant salary is paid under Pay Level 3 of the 7th Pay Commission pay matrix. Here is how it breaks down, as reported by prep portals:
|
Component |
Detail |
|
Pay level |
Level 3 |
|
Basic pay range |
₹21,700 to ₹69,100 |
|
Military Service Pay (MSP) |
₹5,200 |
|
DA, HRA and other allowances |
As per government norms and posting |
|
Estimated monthly in-hand |
About ₹30,000 to ₹45,000, depending on posting and allowances |
|
Annual increment |
About 3% on basic pay |
Promotions follow the rank ladder, and your pay level rises with each step:
|
Rank |
Pay level |
Basic pay range |
|
Sepoy |
Level 3 |
₹21,700 to ₹69,100 |
|
Lance Naik |
Level 4 |
₹25,500 to ₹81,100 |
|
Naik |
Level 5 |
₹29,200 to ₹92,300 |
Beyond pay, the role brings free medical care for the soldier and family, canteen access, accommodation, regular leave, and pension as per the rules in force. Promotion timelines depend on service, performance, and vacancies.
How to Apply
To apply online for Indian Army nursing assistant recruitment, follow these steps:
- Register on the official Indian Army recruitment portal with a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Complete your personal and educational details.
- Upload your photo, signature, and certificates in the prescribed format.
- Select the Nursing Assistant post and review the form carefully.
- Pay the application fee of ₹250 plus bank charges.
- Download and save the confirmation page for your admit card and verification.
In the last cycle, applications opened on 13 February 2026 and closed in early April, with some zones extending the date. Notices usually follow a similar yearly pattern, but dates change, so watch the official portal.
How to Prepare
If you’re preparing for the Indian Army nursing assistant exam, start with NCERT Biology, Chemistry, and Physics for Classes 10 to 12. Make short notes and revise every week. Here is a study split you can follow, based on the question count:
- Biology: 35%
- Chemistry: 30%
- General Knowledge: 15%
- Physics and Maths: 10% each
Finish one full round of the syllabus first. Then spend most of your remaining time on previous-year papers and mock tests. Start running early, too. The 1.6 km run in 6 minutes 15 seconds is easy to underestimate, so build your stamina months before the rally.
Army Nursing Assistant vs GNM vs B.Sc Nursing
Many students ask which is better: the Indian Army nursing assistant route, GNM or B.Sc Nursing. They aren't the same kind of thing. One is a job, and the other two are courses.
| Army Nursing Assistant | GNM | B.Sc Nursing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Army trade (job) | Diploma course | Degree course |
| Qualification | 10+2 science (PCB), 50% | 10+2, any stream, 40% | 10+2 with PCB, 45% |
| Duration | Enlistment, then Army training | 3 years + 6 months internship | 4 years |
| Entry | Army exam, physical and medical tests | College admission | College admission |
| Outcome | Soldier in the Army medical set-up | Registered nurse (staff nurse) | Registered nurse with higher-study options |
The Army route suits you if you're comfortable with discipline, physical training and postings away from home, and you want to serve in uniform. A nursing course suits you if you want to work in hospitals as a registered nurse, you're a girl who wants nursing, or you're over the Army age limit. It also keeps higher studies open. Women who want a nursing career in the Army usually look at the Military Nursing Service, which is based on a B.Sc Nursing degree.
Want a Registered Nursing Career? Explore Nursing Courses at PPNC
If you’re uncertain about the right course of action, you should consult with somebody who’s familiar with both. Pranav Paramedical & Nursing College, located in Agartala, Tripura, provides courses in GNM and B.Sc Nursing. A nursing degree gives opportunities for work in hospitals, followed by nursing positions in the Government and the Army.
Conclusion
The Indian Army nursing assistant path suits students who want discipline, service, and a medical role. Be sure about the eligibility and your zone’s physical standards, prepare Biology and Chemistry first, and keep your fitness up alongside your studies. If you’d rather build a registered nursing career, a nursing course is the stronger route, and our team at Pranav Paramedical & Nursing College can guide you.
About the author: Ankit is a faculty member at Pranav Paramedical & Nursing College, Agartala, Tripura, where he guides students on nursing and paramedical career paths.
What is the age limit for an Indian Army nursing assistant?
The age limit is 17½ to 23 years. For the 2027 recruiting year, candidates had to be born between 1 July 2004 and 1 July 2009.
Is Maths included in the Indian Army nursing assistant exam?
Yes. Maths has 5 questions in the reported pattern. It’s a small section, but the marks are easy to score.
Can girls apply for Indian Army nursing assistant recruitment?
Recent notifications invited unmarried male candidates only. Women can look at the Military Nursing Service after B.Sc Nursing.
What is the height requirement for an Indian Army nursing assistant?
In the Ambala zone’s 2026 notice, it was 170 cm for Haryana and 163 cm for Himachal Pradesh, with a 77 cm chest and 5 cm expansion. Standards vary by zone, so check your zone’s notification.
Is there negative marking in the Indian Army nursing assistant exam?
Some sources mention it, but none clearly state the penalty. Check the exam instructions before you attempt the paper.
Copyright © 2026, PPNC. All Rights Reserved.