TN DGNM Counselling 2026 applications are now open for candidates seeking admission to the Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery programme across Tamil Nadu. The online registration window runs from 21/06/2026 at 12:01 PM to 03/07/2026 at 05:00 PM. Candidates who completed their Class 12 (Higher Secondary Certificate) with a minimum aggregate of 40% (or pass marks for SC/ST/SCA categories) can register through the official portal at tnmedicalselection.net. This article is based on the official notification released by Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University and the Directorate of Medical Education.
The admission process is merit-based, meaning your rank is determined entirely by your HSC aggregate marks â there is no separate entrance examination. Seats are allocated through online counselling based on your merit rank, reservation category, and choice of institutions. Government college seats are reserved exclusively for women, while self-financing college government quota seats are open to both men and women. The application fee is ₹300 for general candidates; reserved category candidates are exempt from payment.
Understanding TN DGNM Counselling 2026
The Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM) is a professional 2-year healthcare programme governed by the Board of Nursing under the Directorate of Medical Education and Research, Tamil Nadu. The course prepares candidates for careers in hospital nursing, community health, and patient care across government and private nursing institutions. Admission is strictly merit-based, ranking candidates solely on their Class 12 board examination performance in relevant subject combinations. This transparent selection process ensures that candidates with the strongest academic foundation in science subjects are prioritized for seats in this in-demand healthcare field.
Key Highlights of TN DGNM Counselling 2026
- Online registration opened on 21/06/2026 at 12:01 PM and closes on 03/07/2026 at 05:00 PM.
- Merit-based admission â no entrance examination required; your HSC aggregate marks determine your rank.
- Minimum eligibility is 40% aggregate in HSC for general and backward classes, or pass marks for SC/ST/SCA candidates.
- Application fee is ₹300 for eligible candidates; SC/ST/SCA candidates are exempt from payment.
- Seats are allocated across five reservation categories following the Tamil Nadu Government’s reservation policy strictly.
- Candidates must be 17 years of age as on 31/12/2026 to qualify for admission.
Important Dates
| Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Opens | 21/06/2026 at 12:01 PM |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 03/07/2026 at 05:00 PM |
| Merit List Release | To be notified |
| Online Counselling and Seat Allotment | To be notified |
| Academic Session Begins | 2026-27 |
Eligibility Criteria for TN DGNM Admission 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Passed Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examination from Tamil Nadu State Board or any recognized equivalent board, including Open School candidates |
| Language Requirement | Studied Tamil as the first language during schooling |
| Subject Combination for Merit Ranking | Category 1 (65% seats): Physics + Chemistry + Biology/Botany/Zoology; Category 2 (25% seats): Vocational Nursing or Foundation Science as Vocational Subject; Category 3 (10% seats): Any other subject group |
| Minimum Marks Required | OC/BC/BCM/MBC/DNC: 40% aggregate in HSC; SC/SCA/ST: Pass marks (no minimum percentage) |
| Age Limit | Must have completed 17 years of age as on 31/12/2026; a grace period of up to 15 days beyond 31/12/2026 is permitted |
| Reservation Category | OC (31%), BC (30%, including 3.5% sub-quota for BC Muslims), MBC/DNC (20%), SC/SCA (18%), ST (1%) |
As per the official notification released by Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University on 21/06/2026, the above eligibility criteria are mandatory for all applicants.
How to Apply for TN DGNM Counselling 2026
- Visit the official portal at https://tnmedicalselection.net.
- Navigate to the TN DGNM 2026 Online Application link on the homepage.
- Click “Register” and enter your basic details: full name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID.
- Verify your email and mobile number using the OTP sent to each.
- Log in to your account and fill in your HSC academic details, including marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Botany/Zoology, and your aggregate percentage.
- Select your relevant subject combination category (Category 1, 2, or 3) based on your HSC subjects.
- Select your community/reservation category (OC, BC, MBC/DNC, SC/SCA, or ST) with supporting documentation if applicable.
- Upload scanned copies of your HSC mark sheet, Class 10 certificate (for date of birth verification), and category certificate (if applicable) in the prescribed format.
- Review all entered information carefully to ensure accuracy before proceeding.
- Pay the application fee of ₹300 online through debit card, credit card, or net banking if you are not exempt (SC/ST/SCA candidates are fee-exempt).
- Submit your completed application form and download/print the confirmation receipt for your records.
Before You Apply for TN DGNM Counselling 2026
- Verify that you meet the minimum HSC aggregate marks requirement (40% for OC/BC/MBC/DNC; pass marks for SC/SCA/ST) by calculating your total marks from all subjects across both years.
- Confirm your date of birth as recorded in your Class 10 certificate; this must match exactly with what you enter in the application form, as any mismatch will cause rejection.
- Ensure you studied Tamil as the first language during your schooling; this is a mandatory language eligibility requirement that will be verified.
- Scan your HSC mark sheet and Class 10 certificate in colour as PDF or JPG files (size and resolution as specified in the prospectus).
- If you belong to a reserved category (SC/ST/SCA/OBC), obtain your community certificate issued by the appropriate district authority and scan it in the required format.
- Keep your active mobile number and email ID ready, as the official portal will send all updates (merit list, counselling schedule, seat allotment) to these addresses.
- Note that the application fee of ₹300 is non-refundable once submitted; verify all eligibility conditions fully before paying.
What You Should Do Right Now
Calculate your exact HSC aggregate percentage across all subjects to confirm you meet the 40% minimum requirement (or pass marks if you belong to the SC/ST/SCA category). Download the Information Prospectus PDF from the official website to understand the complete seat allocation structure, college list, and counselling procedure before starting your application. Gather and scan all required documents â HSC mark sheet, Class 10 certificate, and community certificate (if applicable) â in the specified format to avoid delays during form submission. Complete your online registration before 03/07/2026 at 05:00 PM; the registration window is not extended, and applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
Seat Allocation and Reservation Breakdown
Understanding how seats are distributed across reservation categories helps you assess admission prospects and plan accordingly.
| Reservation Category | Percentage of Seats |
|---|---|
| Open Competition (OC) | 31% |
| Backward Class (BC) | 30% (includes 3.5% sub-quota for BC Muslims) |
| Most Backward Community/Denotified Community (MBC/DNC) | 20% |
| Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Caste Arunthathiyar (SC/SCA) | 18% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 1% |
Selection Process for TN DGNM Admission 2026
The selection of candidates is entirely merit-based, with no entrance examination involved. After the registration window closes, the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University prepares a consolidated merit list ranking all applicants by their HSC aggregate marks within their respective subject combination categories and reservation groups. Seats are then allocated through online counselling rounds based on merit rank, reservation category, choice of colleges filled by the candidate, and seat availability. Candidates who secure merit rank are called for online counselling, where they select their preferred nursing colleges in order of priority. Seat allotment is done algorithmically to match the highest-ranked candidate with their preferred available college, ensuring transparent and fair distribution across all government and affiliated self-financing nursing institutions in Tamil Nadu.
Application Fee Details
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| SC/SCA/ST Candidates | Nil (No Fee) |
| All Other Candidates (OC, BC, MBC/DNC) | ₹300 |
Payment must be completed online only through the official portal using a debit card, credit card, or net banking. The fee is non-refundable once the application is submitted successfully.
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | Visit Website |
| Download Information Prospectus | Download Prospectus |
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for TN DGNM Counselling 2026?
Ans. The final deadline for online registration is 03/07/2026 at 05:00 PM. Applications submitted after this time will not be accepted. Candidates are advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid technical issues or last-minute problems.
Q2. Is there an entrance examination for TN DGNM admission, or is it merit-based?
Ans. TN DGNM Counselling 2026 is entirely merit-based. There is no entrance exam. Your rank is determined solely by your HSC aggregate marks in the relevant subject combination. The merit list is prepared immediately after the registration deadline, and counselling follows the published rank list.
Q3. My child scored 38% in HSC. Can they apply for TN DGNM even if they do not meet the 40% minimum?
Ans. No, unless your child belongs to the SC/ST/SCA category. For candidates in OC, BC, MBC, and DNC categories, a minimum of 40% aggregate in HSC is mandatory. SC/ST/SCA candidates need only pass marks, with no percentage threshold. If your child is in an eligible reserved category, they can apply despite scoring below 40%.
Q4. I studied Tamil as the second language, not the first language. Can I still apply?
Ans. No. The eligibility criteria explicitly state that candidates must have studied Tamil as the first language during schooling. This is a mandatory requirement and cannot be waived. If you studied Tamil as a second or optional subject, you do not meet the eligibility criteria for TN DGNM Counselling 2026.
Q5. What happens if I do not submit my application before 03/07/2026 at 05:00 PM?
Ans. The registration window will close, and no further applications will be accepted. You will have to wait for the next admission cycle (2027-28) to apply for DGNM admission. There is no provision for late applications or extension of the deadline.
Q6. Are government college seats open to male candidates, or only females?
Ans. Government nursing college seats under TN DGNM Counselling 2026 are exclusively reserved for female candidates. However, male candidates can apply and secure admission to self-financing college government quota seats if they meet the merit and eligibility criteria. Self-financing college seats are open to both men and women.
Q7. What is the minimum age requirement to apply for DGNM in Tamil Nadu?
Ans. Candidates must be 17 years of age as on 31/12/2026. A grace period of up to 15 days beyond this date is also permitted, meaning candidates born between 01/01/2027 and 15/01/2027 are also eligible. Your date of birth as recorded in your Class 10 certificate is the proof of age.
Your Next Step
Check your eligibility carefully against all stated criteria â minimum HSC marks, language requirement, subject combination, age limit, and reservation category â before starting your application. Register online at tnmedicalselection.net between 21/06/2026 at 12:01 PM and 03/07/2026 at 05:00 PM, upload all required documents accurately, and pay the application fee if applicable. After the registration closes, depending on the university’s process timeline, a merit list will be released, followed by online counselling rounds where you will select your preferred nursing colleges. Check the official website regularly for announcements of the merit list release date and counselling schedule. Subscribe to our free job alert service at MyNaukriAlert.com to receive instant notifications about all future updates regarding TN DGNM counselling, merit list release, and seat allotment announcements.
