Punjab Ends Free Nursing Education. In a significant policy change, the Punjab government has officially ended free nursing education in its government colleges. Nursing students will now be required to pay tuition fees, hostels charges, and other costs, marking a major shift in the province’s education system.
Free Stipends for Nursing Students Discontinued
Alongside tuition fees, the monthly stipends previously offered to nursing students have also been stopped. Students who once relied on these allowances to support their studies will now need to manage their expenses independently.
Additionally, charges for government hostels will now apply, meaning students living on campus will face further financial responsibilities.
New Admission Policy for Nursing Colleges
The Punjab government has released a revised admissions policy for nursing colleges:
- Eligibility: Female students must secure at least 50% marks in FSc to apply.
- Domicile Requirement: Only students with a Punjab domicile can gain admission.
- Male Admissions: Male students will be admitted exclusively to the Nursing College at Shahdara Teaching Hospital.
This policy aims to regulate admissions while focusing on local candidates for nursing programs.
Seat Allocation in Government Nursing Colleges
The government has also defined seat allocations for nursing programs:
- Morning Shift: 3,100 seats in government colleges.
- Evening Shift: 3,000 seats in government colleges.
- Teaching Hospital-Affiliated Colleges: 100 seats per college for both shifts.
- District Hospital-Affiliated Colleges: 50 seats per college for both shifts.
These measures will streamline the admission process and ensure that colleges manage their resources effectively.
What This Means for Nursing Students
The removal of free education and stipends is expected to impact many students who relied on government support. Families will now need to budget for tuition and living expenses, and students may seek scholarships or loans to continue their studies.
Conclusion
The Punjab government’s decision to end free nursing education marks a major change for aspiring nurses. With tuition fees, hostel charges, and the removal of monthly stipends, students will now face higher costs. The new admission policy prioritizes female students with Punjab domicile and sets clear seat allocations across government and hospital-affiliated colleges. Aspiring nurses should plan accordingly to manage these new financial and academic requirements.
