What Is PCL Nursing in Nepal?
PCL Nursing in Nepal is a three-year diploma program introduced by CTEVT in 1999 AD (2056 BS), with a curriculum aligned with the TU IOM framework to maintain standardized nursing education and support academic progression. The program prepares students to become competent staff nurses who deliver preventive, curative, and community-based healthcare services across Nepal.
The curriculum develops skills progressively, where the first year builds foundational nursing practice, the second year focuses on adult and mental healthcare, and the third year covers specialized areas such as pediatric nursing, midwifery, and basic leadership, enabling graduates to meet healthcare system requirements with practical competence.
Purpose of PCL Nursing Training
PCL Nursing training in Nepal prepares students to deliver safe and effective care while building practical skills, clinical understanding, and professional responsibility across hospital and community settings.
- Provide care to individuals, families, and communities
- Apply preventive and therapeutic health measures
- Communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams
- Use the nursing process in patient care
- Lead basic healthcare planning and improvement
- Supervise patients and support healthcare workers
- Collaborate to improve community health and sanitation
- Engage communities in local health activities
- Respect cultural values and health practices
- Continue learning for professional growth
How Is the PCL Nursing Program Structured?
- Duration: 3 years, yearly system
- Year 1: foundational nursing practice
- Year 2: adult and mental healthcare
- Year 3: specialized areas including pediatric nursing, midwifery, and basic leadership
- Format: 550 theory hours + 1,022 practical/clinical hours across the full program
- Completion leads to eligibility for NNC registration and the staff nurse licensing examination
Who Can Study PCL Nursing in Nepal?
Students who meet specific academic and health criteria can apply to PCL Nursing in Nepal. Eligibility is designed to ensure readiness for both classroom learning and the demands of clinical practice.
SEE and SLC Examination Score Conversion Table
Is an Entrance Exam Required for PCL Nursing Admission in Nepal?
No, an entrance exam is not required for PCL Nursing admission in Nepal from the academic session 2082/83 because the system now follows a GPA-based selection process. Colleges evaluate students based on their SEE GPA, where merit determines admission eligibility, and adjusted scoring adds +1.0 for community school students and +0.85 for institutional school students to ensure fairness. In case of a tie, colleges prioritize higher GPAs in Mathematics, then Science, then English. If the tie persists, preference is given to students from remote areas.
How Does the PCL Nursing Admission Process Work in Nepal?
The PCL Nursing admission process in Nepal follows a structured, merit-driven sequence. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of what students need to do:
Start by identifying a nursing college recognized by CTEVT that offers the PCL Nursing program. Consider factors such as the college’s academic reputation, faculty experience, hospital affiliations for clinical training, and seat availability to find the right fit for your goals.
Confirm that you meet all academic requirements before applying. This includes having your SEE or TSLC qualifications, meeting the minimum GPA threshold, completing the required science subjects, and obtaining a medical fitness certificate to demonstrate readiness for clinical training.
Prepare and submit your application with all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, citizenship or birth certificate, medical certificate, and passport-sized photographs. Ensure all documents are complete and accurate before submission.
Colleges assign merit rankings based on your adjusted SEE GPA, which includes the applicable bonus points for community or institutional school students. This adjusted score is used to rank all applicants fairly and transparently for the available seats.
Once selected, students receive official confirmation of admission, along with instructions for fee payment, orientation scheduling, and required documentation submission. Complete all administrative steps within the given deadline to secure your seat.
After confirmation, students commence the PCL Nursing program, following a structured three-year curriculum that integrates classroom theory, laboratory practice, and hands-on clinical training in affiliated hospitals and community health settings.
How Many Seats Are Available for PCL Nursing in Nepal?
A total of 2,520 seats are available for PCL Nursing across 63 approved institutions in Nepal. Each college offers approximately 40 seats, which includes 3 scholarship seats reserved for meritorious and financially needy students, ensuring broader access to quality nursing education.
| S.N. | Institution | No. of Seats |
| 1 | Nepal Police Hospital School of Medical Science, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu | 40 |
| 2 | APF School of Medical Science, Balambu, Kathmandu | 40 |
| 3 | Alka Health Institute, Dhobighat, Lalitpur | 40 |
| 4 | Shankharapur Academy, Satdobato, Lalitpur | 40 |
| 5 | Nepal Institute of Medical Science and Technology, Gwarko, Lalitpur | 40 |
| 6 | Greentara College of Health Science, Bhainsepati, Lalitpur-25 | 40 |
| 7 | Star Academy, Sanepa, Lalitpur | 40 |
| 8 | Iwamura College of Health Science, Sallaghari | 40 |
| 9 | Khwopa Polytechnic Institute, Bhaktapur | 40 |
| 10 | Shraddha Institute of Health Science, Thimi | 40 |
| 11 | Bharatpur Community Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan | 40 |
| 12 | Chhorolpa General Hospital, Charikot, Dolakha | 40 |
| 13 | B.P. Memorial Health Institute and Research Center, Tokha, Kathmandu | 40 |
| 14 | Helping Hands Community Hospital, KMC-07, Kathmandu | 40 |
| 15 | Kathmandu Model Hospital Institute of Health Sciences, Bagbazar, Kathmandu | 40 |
| 16 | Manmohan Memorial Institute of Medical Sciences, Soltimode, Kathmandu | 40 |
| 17 | Nepal Army Vocational Training Institute, Sanobharyang, Kathmandu | 40 |
| 18 | Nepal Bharat Maitri Hospital, Mitrapark, Kathmandu | 40 |
| 19 | Sushma Koirala Memorial Nursing Campus, Shankharapur, Kathmandu | 40 |
| 20 | Mahendra Narayan Nidhi Memorial Health Institute | 40 |
| 21 | Sahid Smarak Janaswasthya College, Ratopul | 40 |
| 22 | Charak Institute of Health Science, Pokhara, Kaski | 40 |
| 23 | Fewa City Institute of Medical Science, Pokhara, Kaski | 40 |
| 24 | Fishtail Nursing Campus, Pokhara, Kaski | 40 |
| 25 | Kalika Medical and Technical Institute, Kawasoti, Nawalpur | 40 |
| 26 | Tansen School of Nursing, Tansen, Palpa | 40 |
| 27 | Western Hospital and Research Center, Nepalgunj, Banke | 40 |
| 28 | Rapti Life Care Hospital, Tulsipur, Dang | 40 |
| 29 | Om Sai Nursing College, Bhairahawa, Rupandehi | 40 |
| 30 | Deurali Janata Polytechnic Institute, Butwal, Rupandehi | 40 |
| 31 | Sujung Hospital, Sujung Health Technical Academy, Silgadhi, Doti | 40 |
| 32 | Navajeevan College of Nursing and Health Science, Dhangadhi | 40 |
| 33 | Gurvakot Polytechnic Institute, Surkhet | 40 |
| 34 | Sant Alpamai Ramnarayan Yadav Nursing College, Malangwa, Sarlahi | 40 |
| 35 | Gaur Polytechnic Institute, Gaur, Rautahat | 40 |
| 36 | Chhinnamasta Education Academy, Rajbiraj, Saptari | 40 |
| 37 | Unique College of Medical Science and Hospital, Rajbiraj, Saptari | 40 |
| 38 | Medical Institute, Lahan, Siraha | 40 |
| 39 | Mirchaiya Health Nursing Campus, Mirchaiya, Siraha | 40 |
| 40 | Lahan Sagarmatha Educational Academy, Lahan, Siraha | 40 |
| 41 | Mithila Technical Academy, Janakpur, Dhanusha | 40 |
| 42 | National Human Resource Development Academy, Janakpur, Dhanusha | 40 |
| 43 | Nepal Technical Institute, Janakpur, Shanusha | 40 |
| 44 | Ram Janaki Health Foundation, Chhireshwarnath, Dhanusha | 40 |
| 45 | Janakpur Nursing Campus, Janakpurdham, Janakpur, Dhanusha | 40 |
| 46 | Shubha Swastik Technical Institute, Bardibas, Mahottari | 40 |
| 47 | Nepal College of Nursing and Health Science, Birgunj, Parsa | 40 |
| 48 | Evergreen Technical Institute of Health Science, Birgunj, Parsa | 40 |
| 49 | The Himal Institute of Health and Technical Science, Birgunj, Parsa | 40 |
| 50 | Gunaraj Pathak Memorial Nursing Campus, Birgunj, Parsa | 40 |
| 51 | B.H.C. Medical College, Birgunj, Parsa | 40 |
| 52 | Gyanbatika Institute of Technical and Medical Science, Parwanipur, Bara | 40 |
| 53 | Shailaja Acharya Memorial Polytechnic, Siswani, Jahada, Jhapa | 40 |
| 54 | Madan Bhandari Memorial Foundation, Urlabari, Jhapa | 40 |
| 55 | Aamda Institute of Health Science, Damak, Jhapa | 40 |
| 56 | Life Line Hospital, Jhapa | 40 |
| 57 | Om Sai Pathibhara Nursing College, Bhadrapur, Chitwan | 40 |
| 58 | Birat Health College, Biratnagar, Morang | 40 |
| 59 | Koshi Health Institute, Biratnagar, Morang | 40 |
| 60 | Life Guard Hospital, Biratnagar, Morang | 40 |
| 61 | Neuro Cardio and Multispecialty Hospital, Biratnagar, Morang | 40 |
| 62 | Golden Hospital, Biratnagar, Morang | 40 |
| 63 | Purbanchal Swastha Sahakari Sanstha, Birtamode | 40 |
How Much Does It Cost to Study PCL Nursing in Nepal?
The PCL Nursing program fee in Nepal is approximately NPR 475,000 to NPR 624,230 for the full 3-year course under CTEVT, with the base tuition often set around NPR 475,000 (tuition only). Actual costs can be higher when including hostel, books, uniforms, and other expenses. Fees are regulated by CTEVT for affiliated colleges and may vary slightly by institution.
What Subjects Are Included in PCL Nursing Courses in Nepal?
The PCL Nursing program in Nepal spans 3 years and covers 31 subjects in total, combining classroom instruction with extensive hands-on training. The full curriculum includes 550 theory hours and 1,022 practical hours, ensuring graduates are equipped with both the academic knowledge and real-world clinical competence required for professional nursing practice.
PCL Nursing Curriculum Structure – Year-wise Subjects and Hours Distribution
| S.N. | Course No. | Subject Name | Theory Hours | Practical Hours |
| First Year | ||||
| 1 | 501 | Fundamental of Nursing (T) | 160 | – |
| 2 | 502 | Fundamental of Nursing (P) | – | 630 |
| 3 | 503 | Community Health Nursing I (T) | 120 | – |
| 4 | 504 | Community Health Nursing I (P) | – | 210 |
| 5 | 505 | Anatomy and Physiology | 100 | – |
| 6 | 506 | Basic Science Applied to Nursing (Pharmacology 40, Biochemistry 30, Microbiology 30) | 100 | – |
| 7 | 507 | English | 120 | – |
| 8 | 521 | Nepali | 120 | – |
| Second Year | ||||
| 1 | 508 | Medical and Surgical I (T) | 150 | – |
| 2 | 509 | Medical and Surgical I (P) | – | 446 |
| 3 | 510 | Medical and Surgical II (T) | 50 | – |
| 4 | 511 | Medical and Surgical II (P) | – | 175 |
| 5 | 514 | Geriatric Nursing (T) | 50 | – |
| 6 | 515 | Geriatric Nursing (P) | – | 70 |
| 7 | 519 | Mental Health and Behavior Nursing (T) | 100 | – |
| 8 | 520 | Mental Health and Behavior Nursing (P) | – | 70 |
| 9 | 516 | Community Health Nursing II (T) | 100 | – |
| 10 | 517 | Community Health Nursing II (P) | – | 240 |
| 11 | 518 | Social Science | 50 | – |
| Third Year | ||||
| 1 | 524 | Midwifery Nursing I (T) | 100 | – |
| 2 | 525 | Midwifery Nursing I (P) | – | 150 |
| 3 | 526 | Midwifery Nursing II (T) | 100 | – |
| 4 | 527 | Midwifery Nursing II (P) | – | 170 |
| 5 | 528 | Midwifery Nursing III (T) | 100 | – |
| 6 | 529 | Midwifery Nursing III (P) | – | 150 |
| 7 | 530 | Gynecology Nursing (T) | 50 | – |
| 8 | 531 | Gynecology Nursing (P) | – | 70 |
| 9 | 512 | Child Health Nursing (T) | 100 | – |
| 10 | 513 | Child Health Nursing (P) | – | 140 |
| 11 | 522 | Leadership and Management (T) | 100 | – |
| 12 | 523 | Leadership and Management (P) | – | 342 |
| Total | 550 | 1022 | ||
Why Do Students Choose PCL Nursing in Nepal?
PCL Nursing remains one of the most sought-after diploma programs among students entering the healthcare field in Nepal. Several practical advantages make it an attractive choice:
How Do PCL Nursing Graduates Get a Nursing License in Nepal?
After completing the PCL Nursing program, graduates must register with the Nepal Nursing Council (NNC) and pass the licensing examination before practicing professionally. This process ensures all licensed nurses meet national standards for clinical competence, ethical practice, and patient safety.
Graduates submit their PCL Nursing certificate, citizenship document, and completed application form to the NNC. Upon review, the council registers them as eligible nursing candidates and issues a registration number required for the licensing examination.
Candidates sit for the NNC-administered licensing examination, which includes both written and practical components. The exam assesses clinical skills, patient care knowledge, and the professional competencies expected of a qualified staff nurse in Nepal.
Only graduates who have successfully completed the full 3-year PCL Nursing program, met all academic and health requirements of the NNC, and cleared all required documentation are permitted to obtain and practice under a professional nursing license.
What Career Opportunities Exist After PCL Nursing?
PCL Nursing graduates in Nepal are qualified to work across a range of clinical, community, and administrative healthcare roles. The diploma also serves as a stepping stone for those who wish to advance their nursing education.
Staff Nurse in Government and Private Hospitals
Work in hospitals delivering direct patient care, assisting physicians with clinical procedures, managing ward documentation, and supporting day-to-day patient management across general and specialized departments.
Community Health Nurse in Health Posts and Rural Clinics
Serve communities through health posts and rural clinics by implementing public health programs, conducting health education sessions, supporting immunization drives, and delivering preventive and primary care services.
Medical-Surgical Unit Roles in Specialized Hospital Wards
Manage patient care in specialized wards such as surgical units, ICUs, and emergency departments, supporting pre-operative and post-operative care and coordinating with multidisciplinary clinical teams.
Maternal and Child Health Care Roles
Assist in maternity wards, neonatal units, antenatal care clinics, and child health programs, providing essential support to mothers, newborns, and children across both hospital and community settings.
Pathway to Further Nursing Education (BN, BSc Nursing)
Use the PCL Nursing diploma as a recognized entry point to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing (BN) or BSc Nursing degree, either through direct entry or bridging programs at accredited universities in Nepal and abroad.
Healthcare Administration Support Roles
Contribute to hospital operations through administrative roles involving patient record management, ward coordination, supply and inventory oversight, and support for hospital quality improvement programs.
How Can Smart Educational Academy Help Students Get PCL Nursing Admission?
Smart Educational Academy provides end-to-end guidance for students seeking PCL Nursing admission in Nepal. From evaluating your eligibility to confirming your seat in a CTEVT-affiliated college, our experienced academic counselors support you at every stage of the process.
- College selection guidance – identifying the right institution based on your GPA, location preference, and career goals
- Merit-based admission and GPA optimization guidance – helping students understand how adjusted GPA scores and bonus points affect their merit ranking
- Admission documentation support – preparing and organizing all required documents to meet institutional and CTEVT requirements
- Application submission assistance – ensuring your application is correctly submitted within the specified deadline
- Career counseling – advising on post-admission pathways, licensing preparation, and further education options
Start Your Nursing Career with PCL Nursing Today
Navigating multiple colleges, eligibility requirements, and admission procedures on your own can be overwhelming. Smart Educational Academy simplifies the entire process with personalized mentoring, college selection support, and full assistance with documentation and applications, helping you secure admission to PCL Nursing efficiently and with confidence. Call 9868295462 today to speak with a certified academic counselor and take the first step toward your nursing career with clear, honest guidance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. As of academic session 2082/83, entrance examinations have been discontinued for PCL Nursing admission. Selection is now based entirely on SEE GPA-based merit, with bonus points applied for community and institutional school students to ensure a fair and transparent ranking process.
The total fee for PCL Nursing in Nepal, including tuition fee and other costs such as hostel, food, books, uniforms, equipment, clinical fees, and miscellaneous expenses, typically ranges from NPR 6,00,000 to NPR 8,50,000 or more for the full 3-year program in most CTEVT-affiliated private colleges. The base CTEVT-regulated tuition fee is around NPR 475,000 to 624,230, but actual out-of-pocket expenses rise significantly depending on the institution’s location, hostel facilities, and personal spending. Government or scholarship seats can reduce the overall burden substantially. Students are advised to confirm exact figures directly with the chosen college or CTEVT for the current session.
Yes. PCL Nursing graduates are eligible to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing (BN) program in Nepal. Most universities that offer BN programs recognize PCL Nursing qualifications, and some institutions provide bridging programs or lateral entry pathways that allow PCL graduates to advance their academic credentials and expand their career opportunities in nursing.
Salaries for PCL Nursing graduates in Nepal vary depending on the type of employer, work location, and years of experience. In government health facilities, staff nurses typically earn between NRs. 30,000 and NRs. 45,000 per month at entry level, in line with government pay scales. In private hospitals and clinics, monthly salaries generally range from NRs. 20,000 to NRs. 40,000 depending on the institution and specialty. Nurses working in international organizations, NGOs, or community health programs may earn higher remuneration. With additional qualifications such as a BN or BSc Nursing, earning potential increases significantly.