The preperation and launching of Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing degree programme has been agreed upon by IGNOU, at the request of Indian Nursing Council. The need for this was felt as the pace of providing higher education to working nurses was very slow due to shortage of Colleges of Nursing and paucity of seats available in each at that time. As per the New National Policy of Education, the emphasis is on the need for making higher education available within the reach of all. Launching of Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing Programme through Open University will meet such objectives. Further, it will also contribute towards the growth of nursing profession, promote Nation’s idea of accelerating women’s education and uplifting the expanded and extended role of the nursing personnel. The development of this programme has been undertaken with the involvement of nursing experts, scientists and educationists from related disciplines all over the country. The programme is under revision.

Objectives

The broad objectives of this programme are to:
• provide an opportunity to a large segment of in-service nurse to upgrade their knowledge and skills in order to respond to the changing health needs of the society:
• motivate nurses to maintain clinical competence for providing quality are:
• develop teaching, administrative and research skills; and
• promote personal and professional growth for better opportunities
• administrative competence with effective supervision to provide quality nursing care.

Admission Process
National entrance examination is conducted for admission to Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing Programme. Regional Centre wise merit list is prepared by the SED and counselling for final admission is conducted at respective regional centres.

Implementation of the Programme
The programme is implemented through a network of Programme Study Centres (PSCs) all over the country. These PSCs are located in Indian Nursing Council (INC) approved Colleges of Nursing recognized by INC . 

The induction meeting is held in the beginning of the session at respective PSCs. Students receive information regarding this from Regional Centre or PIC. Students are given orientation about the IGNOU, details of programme and activities related to contact sessions, assignments and TEE etc. PSC send information to all the students regarding theory and practical contact sessions. Assignments to be submitted at PSC and evaluated by Academic Counsellor. PIC send marks to Regional Centre. Practical Examination also conducted by PSC.

For successful completion of programme, a student is required to have minimum of 75% attendance in the counselling sessions, in each course to be eligible to appear in the examination.
90% attendance for practical work in each course is compulsory for becoming eligible to appear in the practical examinations.