To secure a Bachelor in Nursing Science (BNS) seat in Nepal, candidates must pass the Medical Education Commission (MEC) Common Entrance Examination (MECEE-BL). Admission is strictly merit-based, determined through a centralized online priority-setting and matching algorithm.
BNS CEE Seat Distribution
Seats for the BNS program across over 50 nursing colleges in Nepal are generally divided into two main categories:
- Scholarship Seats: Awarded based purely on merit from the CEE. These are further divided into:
- General (Open) Category (55% of total scholarship seats)
- Reserved Category (45% of total scholarship seats for candidates from government schools, Dalit, indigenous, Khas Arya, and other targeted groups)
- Paid (Self-Finance) Seats: Available to candidates who pass the CEE but do not qualify for a scholarship.
Selection & Admission Process
The selection process operates in sequential phases:
1. Eligibility & Application
- Candidates must have at least a 2.4 GPA in +2 Science or equivalent, with required minimum grades in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Must hold a proficiency certificate level (PCL) / Diploma in Nursing and be registered with the relevant professional council.
- You must register and apply online through the MEC Entrance Portal.
2. Entrance Examination
- The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be completed in 3 hours.
- Each correct answer yields 1 mark, with negative marking (0.25 marks deducted) for every incorrect response.
- Candidates must secure the 50th percentile or above to be included in the merit list.
3. Priority Setting & Online Matching
- Following the publication of results, qualified candidates must submit an online priority list, ranking their preferred nursing colleges and programs.
- MEC runs an automated matching system that places students based on their merit rank, reservation category, and chosen priorities. Scholarship seats are allocated first, followed by fee-paying matches.
- A “wrap-up” or open house matching session is held for any vacant seats.
4. Final Admission
- Once successfully matched, students must download their matching letter and report to the designated college within the stipulated deadline with all original academic and council documents for final enrollment.