Studied Nursing Abroad? How to Get INC Equivalency in India (Step-by-Step Guide)

This Nursing Manthra blog explains:

• Who needs INC equivalency (Indian nationals + foreign nationals)
• Official procedure & rules
• Document checklist
• Transcript proforma rules (handwritten, sealed, stamped)
• Latest notification point about “deficient hours” (INC Notification No. 15 of 2022)

What is “INC Equivalency” and why is it required?

1) Indian Nationals (including many OCI/Indian passport holders)

INC states that Indian citizens possessing a foreign nursing qualification are examined individually, and equivalency approval is granted on the recommendation of the Equivalency Committee under the relevant provisions of the INC Act, 1947.

A key circular (F.No. 1-6/2012-INC dated 25/03/2013) clarifies:

• If you are already registered as Nurse & Midwife in India and later obtained a foreign nursing degree, you should obtain INC equivalency before registering that additional qualification with your State Nursing Council.
• If you completed basic/higher nursing qualification outside India after 10+2, you must submit detailed credentials and transcript (in English) to INC, and you can be registered in a State Nursing Registration Council only after getting INC equivalency.

2) Foreign Nationals (non-Indian citizens)

INC notes that foreign nationals with foreign nursing qualifications may be granted temporary permission for a limited period for employment in charitable institutions, subject to evaluation and approval under the INC Act.

Also, INC’s 25/03/2013 circular includes important points for foreign nationals who want to study in India (admission eligibility and restrictions).

Important Update: “Deficient Hours” (INC Notification No. 15 of 2022)

As per INC Notification No. 15 of 2022 (dated 21/10/2022) (the image you shared), INC resolved that candidates with foreign nursing qualification having deficient hours are allowed to complete those deficient hours only from Government Nursing Institutions (GNM / P.B.B.Sc(N) / B.Sc(N) / M.Sc(N)).
This matters if your course credits/hours do not match Indian standards during equivalency review.

Official Procedure for Obtaining INC Equivalency (Step-by-step)

INC’s published workflow is straightforward, but documentation must be perfect.

Step 1: Download the correct “Transcript Proforma”

INC provides different transcript proformas for different programs (ANM, GNM, B.Sc, P.B.B.Sc, M.Sc, etc.).

For your convenience, here are two transcript proformas you uploaded (use as per qualification type):

• B.Sc transcript proforma (uploaded) BSC TRANSCRIPT FORM
• Diploma/GNM transcript proforma (uploaded) DIPLOMA TRANSCRIPT FORM TO BE F…

Step 2: The awarding authority must fill the transcript — and send it directly to INC

INC requires the University/Board (awarding authority) to:

• Fill the proforma
• Send it directly to INC (candidate should not forward it)

Step 3: Strict writing + stamping rules (VERY IMPORTANT)

INC clearly mentions:

• Transcript proforma should be handwritten
• No correction/overwriting
• Seal/stamp of the awarding authority on each page
• Otherwise, INC will not accept it

Your uploaded proformas also carry the same instruction (no overwriting; handwritten).

Step 4: Credit-to-hour conversion must be shown

If your university uses credits, INC needs clear conversion:

• “1 credit of theory = how many hours”
• “1 credit of practical = how many hours”

Without this, equivalency decisions may be delayed.

Step 5: Pay the equivalency fee (Demand Draft)

INC states:

• Demand Draft of ₹5000/-
• In favour of Secretary, Indian Nursing Council, New Delhi

Step 6: Equivalency Committee review + decision

After receiving the transcript:

• INC places it before the Equivalency Committee
• The decision is communicated to the candidate

Document Checklist (What to Submit)

Below is a practical, “don’t-miss-anything” checklist used by most candidates. (Exact requirements can vary by case, so treat this as a strong best-practice list, aligned with INC’s process.)

A) Documents from the University/Board (must be sent directly to INC)

1. Duly filled INC Transcript Proforma (handwritten, no overwriting, stamped each page)
2. Official transcript record / marks statement (often attached/endorsed by the university)
3. Credit-to-hour conversion statement (theory + practical)
4. Syllabus / curriculum outline (preferably stamped/signed by the institution/university)
5. If available: clinical posting/rotation hours summary (ward-wise)

All documents should be in English , if not , translate to English and get seal and sign.

B) Documents from the Candidate (send along with DD + covering letter)

1. Covering letter/application stating: purpose of equivalency (registration in India / additional qualification / etc.)
2. Passport copy (ID page + any relevant pages)
3. Foreign nursing qualification certificate (degree/diploma)
4. Marksheets / consolidated mark statement
5. Nursing registration certificate from the country where you qualified (and/or licensing authority)
6. Good Standing Certificate (recommended if available)
7. Name change proof (if name differs across documents): affidavit/marriage certificate/gazette
8. Demand Draft ₹5000 (as per INC instructions)
9. Contact details (email, phone, Indian address for communication)

What outcomes can INC give after evaluation?

Typically, the Equivalency Committee may conclude:

1. Equivalent (approved)
2. Equivalent with deficient hours → you may need to complete the deficiency, and as per the 2022 notification, this should be done via Government Nursing Institutions only (as applicable).
3. Not equivalent / need more information (often due to missing hours conversion, missing stamps, non-verified transcript, etc.)

After you get INC Equivalency — What’s next?

For Indian Nationals

Use the INC equivalency decision to proceed with your State Nursing Council for:

• registration, or
• adding an additional foreign qualification (as applicable).

For Foreign Nationals

Temporary permission (where applicable) is linked to the purpose (charitable/teaching/research) and the period approved under the Act.

Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection/Delay

1. Transcript proforma typed instead of handwritten
2. Overwriting/corrections on transcript
3. Missing seal/stamp on every page
4. Credits given but no conversion into hours
5. Transcript not sent directly by the university/board
6. Name mismatch without proof (passport vs certificate vs transcript)

INC Contact Address:

Indian Nursing Council
8th Floor, NBCC Center, Plot No. 2, Community Center, Okhla Phase-I, New Delhi – 110020
Phone: +91-11-66616800 / 66616821 / 66616822
Email: [email protected]

FAQ (SEO-friendly)

1) Can I send the transcript proforma myself to INC?

INC states the University/Board should send the proforma directly to INC.

2) Can the transcript proforma be typed or computer-filled?

INC requires it to be handwritten, and should have no correction/overwriting.

3) My university uses credits, not hours. What should I do?

INC specifically requires credit-to-hour conversion for theory and practical.

4) What is the equivalency fee?

INC mentions ₹5000/- Demand Draft in favour of Secretary, Indian Nursing Council, New Delhi.

5) If INC finds “deficient hours,” how can I complete them?

INC Notification No. 15 of 2022 (dated 21/10/2022) states deficient hours (if any) should be completed from Government Nursing Institutions only (as applicable to GNM / P.B.B.Sc(N) / B.Sc(N) / M.Sc(N)).

6) Do foreign nationals get permanent registration in India through this process?

INC discusses temporary permission for foreign nationals employed for specific purposes (charitable/teaching/research) with approval under the Act.

If you need any additional support or assistance , Kindly contact Nursing manthra.

WhatsApp number-+971502515717

Calling number : UAE-+971502515717, India-+916282756689

Mrs. Shincy George, MSN, RN, Author