ANM Syllabus 2026 is designed to provide students with essential knowledge and practical skills in community health nursing, health promotion, primary health care, child health, midwifery and health centre management. The Indian Nursing Council lists the ANM Syllabus as a 2-year programme.
This article provides the ANM syllabus 2026, important topic-wise notes and 50 practice MCQs with answers for ANM students and nursing exam preparation.
Note: The exact syllabus and examination pattern for an ANM recruitment/entrance examination may vary by state or recruiting authority. The course structure below is based on the ANM curriculum published by the Indian Nursing Council.
ANM Syllabus 2026 – Overview
The ANM course is divided into two academic years.
First Year
Community Health Nursing
Health Promotion
Primary Health Care Nursing
Child Health Nursing
Second Year
Midwifery
Health Centre Management
The INC examination scheme specifies four theory papers in the first year and two theory papers in the second year, along with practical examinations.
ANM First Year Syllabus 2026
1. Community Health Nursing
Important topics:
Concept of community health
Community health nursing
Family and community
Community health problems
Health assessment
Home visits
Family health care
Health education
Communication skills
Community resources
Records and reports
Referral services
Role of ANM
National health programmes
Important Notes
Community Health Nursing focuses on providing preventive, promotive and basic healthcare services to individuals, families and communities.
An ANM plays an important role in:
Maternal and child health
Immunization
Family planning
Health education
Communicable disease control
Nutrition
Community-level healthcare
2. Health Promotion
Health Promotion includes important areas such as:
A. Nutrition
Balanced diet
Macronutrients
Micronutrients
Proteins
Carbohydrates
Fats
Vitamins
Minerals
Water
Malnutrition
Deficiency diseases
Therapeutic diet
Infant and child nutrition
Food hygiene
B. Human Body and Hygiene
Human anatomy
Human physiology
Body systems
Personal hygiene
Oral hygiene
Skin hygiene
Menstrual hygiene
Hand washing
Healthy lifestyle
C. Environmental Sanitation
Safe drinking water
Water purification
Waste disposal
Sewage disposal
Environmental pollution
Housing
Sanitation
Vector control
D. Mental Health
Concept of mental health
Mental hygiene
Stress
Anxiety
Common mental disorders
Emotional health
Mental health services
3. Primary Health Care Nursing
Important topics include:
Primary health care
Principles of primary health care
Essential health services
Infection prevention
Immunization
Communicable diseases
Non-communicable diseases
First aid
Basic emergency care
Referral system
Community health problems
National health programmes
Health education
Primary Health Care
The major principles of primary health care include:
Accessibility
Community participation
Intersectoral coordination
Appropriate technology
4. Child Health Nursing
Important topics:
Growth and development
Newborn care
Infant care
Breastfeeding
Complementary feeding
Child nutrition
Immunization
Common childhood diseases
Prevention of childhood illness
Child safety
Child welfare
Management of common childhood problems
Important Point
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life unless medically contraindicated.
ANM Second Year Syllabus 2026
5. Midwifery
Midwifery is one of the most important subjects for ANM students.
Important topics include:
Female reproductive system
Male reproductive system
Menstrual cycle
Fertilization
Pregnancy
Antenatal care
Normal pregnancy
High-risk pregnancy
Labour
Stages of labour
Normal delivery
Postnatal care
Newborn care
Breastfeeding
Complications of pregnancy
Family planning
Reproductive health
Maternal health
Antenatal Care
Important areas include:
Registration of pregnancy
Regular antenatal check-ups
Maternal nutrition
Iron and folic acid supplementation
Immunization as recommended
Monitoring maternal health
Monitoring fetal growth
Identification of danger signs
Timely referral
Stages of Labour
The major stages of labour are:
First stage – cervical dilatation
Second stage – delivery of baby
Third stage – delivery of placenta
Fourth stage – immediate postpartum observation
6. Health Centre Management
Important topics:
Primary health centre
Sub-centre
Health records
Registers
Reports
Inventory management
Drug and equipment management
Referral services
Health team
Community participation
National health programmes
Supervision
Health education
Documentation
Role of ANM in Health Centre Management
An ANM may be involved in:
Maintaining health records
Maintaining registers
Supporting immunization activities
Maternal and child health services
Family welfare services
Health education
Community visits
Reporting health-related information
Referral of patients
ANM Examination Pattern
According to the INC-published examination scheme, the first year includes four theory papers:
| Paper | Subject | External | Internal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Community Health Nursing | 75 | 25 |
| Paper II | Health Promotion | 75 | 25 |
| Paper III | Primary Health Care Nursing | 75 | 25 |
| Paper IV | Child Health Nursing | 75 | 25 |
Each theory paper has a 3-hour duration. First-year practical examinations are also conducted. The published first-year total is 800 marks, including theory and practical/internal assessment.
Second Year
| Paper | Subject | External | Internal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper V | Midwifery | 75 | 25 |
| Paper VI | Health Centre Management | 75 | 25 |
The second year also includes practical examinations in Midwifery and Primary Health Care & Health Centre Management. The published second-year total is 600 marks.
ANM Important Topics for Exam Preparation
For ANM entrance/recruitment-oriented preparation, students should give special attention to:
Human Body
Cell
Tissues
Blood
Heart
Respiratory system
Digestive system
Nervous system
Urinary system
Reproductive system
Endocrine system
Maternal Health
Pregnancy
Antenatal care
Labour
Postnatal care
Newborn care
High-risk pregnancy
Family planning
Child Health
Growth and development
Breastfeeding
Nutrition
Immunization
Childhood diseases
Community Health
Primary health care
Community health
Communicable diseases
Sanitation
Health education
National health programmes
General Nursing
First aid
Infection prevention
Vital signs
Hygiene
Nutrition
Emergency care
ANM 50 Important MCQs with Answers
1. ANM stands for:
A. Auxiliary Nursing Medical
B. Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery
C. Advanced Nursing Midwifery
D. Assistant Nurse Management
Answer: B. Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery
2. The normal resting pulse rate of an adult is approximately:
A. 20–40/min
B. 40–50/min
C. 60–100/min
D. 120–150/min
Answer: C. 60–100/min
3. Which organ pumps blood throughout the body?
A. Liver
B. Kidney
C. Heart
D. Lung
Answer: C. Heart
4. The normal number of chambers in the human heart is:
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
Answer: C. 4
5. Which blood cells carry oxygen?
A. Platelets
B. RBCs
C. WBCs
D. Plasma cells
Answer: B. RBCs
6. Which blood component helps in clotting?
A. RBC
B. WBC
C. Platelets
D. Plasma
Answer: C. Platelets
7. The main organ of respiration is:
A. Heart
B. Kidney
C. Lung
D. Liver
Answer: C. Lung
8. The functional unit of the kidney is:
A. Neuron
B. Nephron
C. Alveolus
D. Villus
Answer: B. Nephron
9. The functional unit of the nervous system is:
A. Nephron
B. Neuron
C. Alveolus
D. Platelet
Answer: B. Neuron
10. Which organ is primarily responsible for detoxification and metabolism of many substances?
A. Liver
B. Heart
C. Lung
D. Spleen
Answer: A. Liver
11. The normal body temperature is approximately:
A. 30°C
B. 37°C
C. 42°C
D. 45°C
Answer: B. 37°C
12. Which vitamin is important for normal vision?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin B12
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin K
Answer: A. Vitamin A
13. Vitamin C deficiency causes:
A. Rickets
B. Scurvy
C. Beriberi
D. Night blindness
Answer: B. Scurvy
14. Vitamin D deficiency in children can cause:
A. Scurvy
B. Rickets
C. Anaemia
D. Goitre
Answer: B. Rickets
15. Iron deficiency commonly causes:
A. Anaemia
B. Diabetes
C. Hypertension
D. Asthma
Answer: A. Anaemia
16. Which nutrient is mainly responsible for body building and tissue repair?
A. Protein
B. Water
C. Mineral
D. Fibre
Answer: A. Protein
17. Exclusive breastfeeding is generally recommended for:
A. 1 month
B. 3 months
C. 6 months
D. 12 months
Answer: C. 6 months
18. Colostrum is:
A. A digestive enzyme
B. The first breast milk
C. A blood component
D. A vaccine
Answer: B. The first breast milk
19. The first milk after childbirth is rich in:
A. Antibodies
B. Fat only
C. Salt only
D. Glucose only
Answer: A. Antibodies
20. The period from fertilization to birth is called:
A. Lactation
B. Pregnancy
C. Menstruation
D. Ovulation
Answer: B. Pregnancy
21. The hormone commonly detected by pregnancy tests is:
A. Insulin
B. hCG
C. Thyroxine
D. Adrenaline
Answer: B. hCG
22. The normal duration of pregnancy is approximately:
A. 20 weeks
B. 28 weeks
C. 40 weeks
D. 50 weeks
Answer: C. 40 weeks
23. The first stage of labour ends with:
A. Delivery of placenta
B. Complete cervical dilatation
C. Birth of baby
D. Breastfeeding
Answer: B. Complete cervical dilatation
24. The second stage of labour ends with:
A. Cervical dilatation
B. Delivery of baby
C. Delivery of placenta
D. Recovery
Answer: B. Delivery of baby
25. The third stage of labour involves:
A. Cervical dilatation
B. Delivery of baby
C. Delivery of placenta
D. Pregnancy confirmation
Answer: C. Delivery of placenta
26. The period after childbirth is called:
A. Antenatal period
B. Postnatal period
C. Ovulation
D. Fertilization
Answer: B. Postnatal period
27. Which is an important danger sign during pregnancy?
A. Mild hunger
B. Vaginal bleeding
C. Normal fetal movement
D. Normal appetite
Answer: B. Vaginal bleeding
28. Immunization helps to:
A. Cause disease
B. Prevent specific infections
C. Increase dehydration
D. Reduce nutrition
Answer: B. Prevent specific infections
29. BCG vaccine is primarily associated with protection against:
A. Tuberculosis
B. Malaria
C. Typhoid
D. Cholera
Answer: A. Tuberculosis
30. ORS is mainly used for preventing and treating:
A. Dehydration
B. Fracture
C. Hypertension
D. Anaemia
Answer: A. Dehydration
31. The best way to reduce the spread of many infections is:
A. Avoiding water
B. Proper hand hygiene
C. Avoiding food
D. Sleeping less
Answer: B. Proper hand hygiene
32. Which disease is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
A. Malaria
B. Tuberculosis
C. Dengue
D. Measles
Answer: B. Tuberculosis
33. Malaria is transmitted mainly by:
A. Housefly
B. Female Anopheles mosquito
C. Rat
D. Dog
Answer: B. Female Anopheles mosquito
34. Dengue is primarily transmitted by:
A. Aedes mosquito
B. Housefly
C. Sandfly
D. Louse
Answer: A. Aedes mosquito
35. Which is a communicable disease?
A. Diabetes
B. Hypertension
C. Tuberculosis
D. Cancer
Answer: C. Tuberculosis
36. Primary health care emphasizes:
A. Only treatment
B. Accessible essential health services
C. Only surgery
D. Only hospital care
Answer: B. Accessible essential health services
37. Health education primarily aims to:
A. Increase illness
B. Promote healthy behaviour
C. Stop communication
D. Increase risk factors
Answer: B. Promote healthy behaviour
38. Which is an important method of health education?
A. Communication
B. Isolation from information
C. Misinformation
D. Neglect
Answer: A. Communication
39. Safe drinking water helps prevent:
A. Water-borne diseases
B. Fractures
C. Genetic disorders
D. Eye colour changes
Answer: A. Water-borne diseases
40. Which practice helps prevent food-borne infections?
A. Poor food storage
B. Proper food hygiene
C. Leaving food uncovered
D. Using contaminated water
Answer: B. Proper food hygiene
41. The normal human respiratory gas exchanged in the lungs includes:
A. Oxygen and carbon dioxide
B. Sodium and potassium
C. Calcium and iron
D. Glucose and protein
Answer: A. Oxygen and carbon dioxide
42. The main function of the digestive system is:
A. Digestion and absorption of nutrients
B. Pumping blood
C. Producing urine
D. Controlling body movement
Answer: A. Digestion and absorption of nutrients
43. Which organ produces insulin?
A. Liver
B. Pancreas
C. Kidney
D. Spleen
Answer: B. Pancreas
44. Which hormone regulates blood glucose levels and lowers blood glucose?
A. Insulin
B. Adrenaline
C. Thyroxine
D. Estrogen
Answer: A. Insulin
45. The uterus is the organ where:
A. Urine is stored
B. Fetus develops during pregnancy
C. Blood is filtered
D. Digestion occurs
Answer: B. Fetus develops during pregnancy
46. Family planning helps couples to:
A. Avoid all healthcare
B. Plan the number and spacing of children
C. Prevent nutrition
D. Avoid immunization
Answer: B. Plan the number and spacing of children
47. First aid means:
A. Definitive hospital treatment
B. Immediate basic care given to an injured or ill person
C. Surgical treatment
D. Long-term rehabilitation
Answer: B. Immediate basic care given to an injured or ill person
48. A health record is important because it:
A. Provides useful information for patient care and reporting
B. Has no practical value
C. Replaces treatment
D. Prevents communication
Answer: A. Provides useful information for patient care and reporting
49. Which is an important responsibility of an ANM?
A. Providing community-level maternal and child health services
B. Performing every type of major surgery
C. Prescribing every medicine independently
D. Conducting all specialist procedures
Answer: A. Providing community-level maternal and child health services
50. Which subject is included as a second-year ANM theory course?
A. Midwifery
B. Advanced Cardiology
C. Neurosurgery
D. Radiotherapy
Answer: A. Midwifery
Quick Revision for ANM 2026
First Year
Community Health Nursing → Community, family, health education, home visits, records
Health Promotion → Nutrition, human body, hygiene, sanitation, mental health
Primary Health Care Nursing → Infection, immunization, communicable diseases, first aid
Child Health Nursing → Growth, development, breastfeeding, nutrition, immunization
Second Year
Midwifery → Pregnancy, antenatal care, labour, delivery, postnatal care, newborn care
Health Centre Management → Records, reports, registers, inventory, referral and health-centre services
How to Prepare for ANM Exams
Start with Human Anatomy and Physiology.
Learn important maternal and child health concepts.
Revise immunization and communicable diseases regularly.
Practice questions on nutrition and deficiency diseases.
Give special attention to Midwifery and Community Health Nursing.
Practice at least 50–100 MCQs daily.
Revise important nursing terminology and abbreviations.
Solve previous-year questions wherever available.
Make short notes for important facts.
Take regular mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
Conclusion
The ANM Syllabus 2026 covers essential areas of community health nursing, health promotion, primary health care, child health nursing, midwifery and health centre management. The Indian Nursing Council continues to list the ANM programme as a 2-year syllabus, with theory and practical examinations across both years.
For competitive ANM examinations, candidates should combine syllabus-based study with topic-wise notes, previous-year questions and regular MCQ practice.
