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There is an opportunity in India to pursue medical and nursing education at no cost.
In an era when medical and nursing education is increasingly expensive, the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) and Military Nursing offer a unique opportunity for free medical and nursing studies post-high school. While this year's admission notification is yet to be released, understanding the general admission procedures can be invaluable for those preparing to apply. Let's delve into the details of these esteemed institutions and how they provide cost-free education in the medical and nursing fields.

Study MBBS at AFMC:
The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune offers a unique opportunity to pursue an MBBS degree entirely free of cost. In addition to complimentary education, students receive free accommodation and various other benefits. Graduates also have the chance to be appointed as commissioned officers in the Defence Forces Medical Services department. Furthermore, after a certain period of service, they can pursue higher studies at no cost.
AFMC offers 145 seats, including 30 reserved for female candidates. Applicants must have completed their Plus Two education with at least 60% marks in English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and must have secured a minimum of 50% in each subject. Students currently awaiting their final exam results are also eligible to apply. Additionally, there are 10 seats reserved for scheduled caste candidates.

Admission Process for AFMC MBBS:
To qualify for the MBBS program at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, candidates must pass the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET-UG 2024) conducted by the National Testing Agency. Upon the release of application invitations, candidates must register on the Union Health Ministry's website, [mcc.nic.in](https://www.mcc.nic.in/).
Approximately 1,700 students will be selected from the registered applicants to take the Test of English Language, Comprehension, Logic, and Reasoning (ToELR), undergo a psychological analysis test, participate in an interview, and pass a medical examination. The final selection will be based on a combined score from the ToELR, interview, and NEET-UG exam.
Upon completing the MBBS program, graduates are required to sign a bond committing to serve as a commissioned officer. Failure to fulfill this commitment will result in a penalty of Rs 63 lakh (as of 2023).

Military Nursing: An Excellent Learning Opportunity.
For those deterred by the high costs of nursing education, military nursing offers an exceptional opportunity to study nursing with financial support. The four-year BSc Nursing program under the Military Nursing Service provides not only free tuition but also a stipend, free food, uniforms, and accommodation. This program is exclusively for female candidates. Graduates have the opportunity to serve their country as part of the Permanent or Short Service Commission in military nursing services.
There are 220 seats available across various institutions: Armed Forces Medical College in Pune, Command Hospital in Kolkata, Indian Navy Hospital in Ashwini, Army Hospital-Research and Referral in New Delhi, Command Hospital-Central Command in Lucknow, and Command Hospital of the Air Force in Bengaluru. Selected candidates will serve in the Military Nursing Service upon completing their studies.
Applicants must be unmarried, divorced, legally separated, or widowed without dependents. They must have passed their Plus Two or equivalent examination on the first attempt, studying Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, and English, and securing a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate. Candidates who appeared for the exam in 2024 are also eligible to apply. Applicants must meet the height requirement of 152 cm and other medical fitness conditions.
When applications are invited, candidates should submit their applications through the website [joinindianarmy.nic.in](https://joinindianarmy.nic.in/). Applicants must qualify through the NEET (UG)-2024 medical entrance exam. After the NEET-UG results are published, scores must be uploaded on the website. Candidates selected based on their NEET-UG scores will undergo further assessments, including a General Intelligence & General English exam, a psychological assessment test, an interview, and a medical examination.

Article By: Mujeebulla K.M
CIGI Career Team