To investigate the demographic determinants influencing nursing students’ intentions to volunteer during health emergencies in India, providing insights that can inform policy and educational interventions to enhance their engagement and effectiveness in crisis situations.

A comprehensive cross-sectional survey was conducted among final-year nursing students, utilizing an online self-administered questionnaire developed through an extensive review of existing literature. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS software tool.

Four hundred nursing students participated in the study. The analysis showed that age, marital status, location, family income, educational program, and district strongly influence volunteer inclinations. Although they face challenges, nursing students’ desire to help during emergencies shows their dedication and importance within health care. Strategic assistance, flexible training, and recognition can increase volunteerism. Giving nursing students resources and support makes them confident, equipped, and motivated to respond to emergencies, improving community resilience and emergency health care.

This study enhances our understanding of demographic influences on volunteerism and informs strategies to foster a more robust and willing nursing workforce in India for future health emergencies. Future research should focus on understanding psychological factors in other states of India.