Nursing college nods in MP likely in a day or two after two-month delay

Nursing colleges in Madhya Pradesh are finally set to get their recognition cleared in the next couple of days, ending a two-month delay that stalled admissions.

Around 200 colleges are expected to receive approval, unlocking over 20,000 seats. The Indian Nursing Council had fixed 30 September as the last date to complete admissions, but inspections dragged, pushing the process off track. Now the state government will need special permission to go ahead beyond the deadline.

Officials said 172 colleges had applied for recognition, but inspections assigned to district collectors moved slowly. After repeated reminders from the health commissioner, the work is now done. Colleges cleared by CBI in its earlier probe will get renewal without fresh checks.

The delay has left thousands of nursing aspirants hanging. Entrance exams were conducted and results declared by the selection board, but counselling never started. Students say they’ve lost two months, while neighbouring states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have already wrapped up their admission process. Many fear they’ll miss out on seats elsewhere too.

This year, a few new colleges may also get approval after a two-year freeze triggered by a nursing scam case in court. The health department has indicated that once recognition letters are issued, counselling will be rolled out at the earliest.

“Colleges will get recognition in a day or two, and counselling will begin soon,” said Manoj Saryam, nursing director in the health and medical education department.