Government Nursing Colleges in Kerala: Top 10 Institutions for 2026 Admissions
- Jan 6
- 5 min read
Are you aspiring to build a career in the noble field of healthcare? Choosing the right institution is the first and most critical step. For students in South India, government nursing colleges in Kerala represent the gold standard of medical education, offering a blend of rigorous academic training, extensive clinical exposure, and highly affordable fee structures.
As we move into 2026, the demand for highly skilled nursing professionals is at an all-time high. Kerala, often called the "Nurse Provider to the World," continues to upgrade its medical infrastructure. This blog provides an exhaustive guide to the top 10 government nursing colleges in Kerala, updated with the latest 2026 data on seat intake, facilities, and admission processes.
Why Choose Government Nursing Colleges in Kerala?
Before diving into the list, it is essential to understand why these institutions are so highly coveted. Unlike private colleges, government institutions in Kerala are attached to major multi-specialty Government Medical Colleges (GMCs).
Clinical Exposure:
Students handle a high volume of diverse cases in busy government hospitals.
Affordability:
The total tuition fee for B.Sc. Nursing in government colleges remains approximately ₹18,000 to ₹22,000 per year, significantly lower than private counterparts.
Recognition:
All colleges listed are recognized by the Indian Nursing Council (INC) and the Kerala Nurses and Midwives Council (KNMC).
Placement:
Graduates from these colleges are preferred by top-tier hospitals globally due to their hands-on experience.
Top 10 Government Nursing Colleges in Kerala (2026 Update)
1. Government College of Nursing, Thiruvananthapuram
Established in 1963, this is the premier nursing institution in the state. Located within the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College campus, it offers an unparalleled academic environment.
2026 Seat Intake:
190 seats (including main and annex).
Courses:
B.Sc., M.Sc., Post Basic B.Sc., and Ph.D. in Nursing.
Highlight:
It serves as a regional center for excellence in nursing research.
2. Government College of Nursing, Kozhikode
A close second, the Kozhikode college is famous for its strict academic discipline and high pass percentage.
2026 Seat Intake:
100 seats for B.Sc. Nursing.
Key Feature:
Attached to the Government Medical College, Kozhikode, which is one of the largest tertiary care centers in Asia.
Specializations:
Known for its M.Sc. programs in Psychiatric and Paediatric Nursing.
3. Government College of Nursing, Kottayam
Located in Gandhinagar, this college is affiliated with the Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS).
Status:
Recently received the QAS Accreditation of A+, making it one of the most technologically advanced government colleges.
2026 Seat Intake:
80 seats.
Facilities:
State-of-the-art simulation labs and a high-tech library.
4. Government College of Nursing, Alappuzha (T.D. Medical College)
Part of the T.D. Medical College complex, this institution offers a serene learning environment near the backwaters.
2026 Update:
The college has expanded its research wing, now offering a dedicated Ph.D. center.
B.Sc. Intake:
80 seats.
Focus:
Strong emphasis on Community Health Nursing and rural healthcare services.
5. Government College of Nursing, Thrissur
Situated at Mulagunnathukavu, this college is known for its excellent faculty-to-student ratio.
2026 Seat Intake:
80 seats.
Curriculum:
Follows the latest INC integrated curriculum with a heavy focus on digital health records and telehealth training.
6. Government College of Nursing, Kannur (Pariyaram)
Formerly a self-financing institution, it is now a full-fledged government college, providing a massive boost to students in North Malabar.
Admission:
Conducted through the LBS Centre for Science and Technology.
Seats:
80 seats.
Infrastructure:
One of the largest campuses in Kerala with modern hostel facilities.
7. Government College of Nursing, Ernakulam
Located in Kalamassery, this college is the preferred choice for students wanting to stay in the commercial hub of Kerala.
2026 Seat Intake:
80 seats.
Clinical Training:
Students rotate through the Government Medical College, Ernakulam, gaining experience in urban emergency medicine.
8. Government College of Nursing, Kollam
Situated at Parippally, this relatively newer college has quickly climbed the rankings due to its modern infrastructure.
2026 Seat Intake:
60 seats.
Vibe:
Known for its vibrant campus life and active participation in national-level health programs.
9. Government College of Nursing, Manjeri (Malappuram)
Serving the healthcare needs of Malappuram, this college is pivotal for medical education in the region.
2026 Seat Intake:
60 seats.
Development:
In 2026, the college inaugurated a new advanced skill lab for maternal and child health.
10. Government College of Nursing, Idukki
Located in the hilly terrain of Idukki, this college offers a unique clinical experience in tribal and rural healthcare management.
2026 Seat Intake:
60 seats.
Pros:
Quiet environment, ideal for focused study, with a brand-new hostel building.
Admission Process for 2026
To secure a seat in any of the government nursing colleges in Kerala, students must follow the standardized admission protocol:
Eligibility:
Must have passed 10+2 with 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) and English.
Entrance Exam/Allotment:
Admissions are primarily managed by the LBS Centre for Science and Technology via a centralized allotment process based on merit.
Age Limit:
Minimum 17 years as of December 31, 2026.
Application Timeline:
Usually begins in June–July 2026.
Comparative Data: Seat Intake & Fees 2026
College Name | Location | B.Sc. Seats (2026) | Approx. Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
GCN Thiruvananthapuram | Trivandrum | 190 | ₹21,000 |
GCN Kozhikode | Kozhikode | 100 | ₹19,500 |
GCN Kottayam | Kottayam | 80 | ₹20,000 |
GCN Alappuzha | Alappuzha | 80 | ₹20,000 |
GCN Thrissur | Thrissur | 80 | ₹20,000 |
GCN Ernakulam | Kalamassery | 80 | ₹20,000 |
GCN Kannur | Pariyaram | 80 | ₹21,000 |
GCN Kollam | Parippally | 60 | ₹18,000 |
GCN Manjeri | Malappuram | 60 | ₹18,000 |
GCN Idukki | Idukki | 60 | ₹18,000 |
Conclusion
The year 2026 promises to be a landmark year for nursing education in Kerala. With the government's renewed focus on digital health and specialized care, graduating from one of these top 10 government nursing colleges in Kerala will set you on a path of global career success. These institutions offer not just a degree, but a legacy of excellence and a heart for service.
Ready to start your nursing journey? Keep a close eye on the official notification portals and prepare your documents today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many government nursing colleges in Kerala are there in total?
As of 2026, there are 14 government nursing colleges in Kerala offering B.Sc. Nursing programs, including the ten major colleges mentioned above and newer ones in Pathanamthitta, Palakkad, Wayanad, and Kasaragod.
Q2: Can students from outside Kerala apply for these colleges?
Yes, but the majority of seats are reserved for Kerala residents. A small percentage may be available under specific quotas, but non-Keralite students usually need to apply through the management or NRI quota in private colleges, as government seats are highly competitive for locals.
Q3: What is the salary of a nurse after graduating from a Kerala government college?
Graduates often start with a salary of ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month in reputed Indian hospitals. However, those who clear international exams (like NCLEX-RN or IELTS/OET) can earn between ₹2 Lakhs to ₹4 Lakhs per month abroad.
Q4: Is there an entrance exam for B.Sc. Nursing in Kerala in 2026?
Currently, admission is based on the normalized marks obtained in the Higher Secondary (10+2) examinations. However, students should check the official LBS Centre website for any 2026 updates regarding a potential common entrance test.
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