Background <p>Nursing students face significant academic stress, which can negatively impact their learning and performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the INFINITI mind mapping technique as a strategy to reduce stress and improve academic performance among first-year B.Sc. Nursing students.</p> Methods <p>A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with 192 first-year B.Sc. Nursing students from selected colleges in Puducherry. The intervention group (<i>n</i> = 96) utilized the INFINITI mind mapping learning technique over 15 days, with a focus on the ‘vital signs’ topic. The control group (<i>n</i> = 96) received standard instruction. Stress levels were measured using the Student Nurse Stress Index (SNSI), and academic performance was evaluated through unit test and university exam scores.</p> Results <p>The intervention group showed a statistically significant reduction in stress scores (t = 4.44, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.57) and a significant improvement in academic performance (f = 119.29, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.94) when compared to the control group. No significant changes were observed in the control group.</p> Conclusion <p>The INFINITI mind mapping technique is a promising and effective strategy for enhancing learning outcomes and reducing stress in nursing students. However, the generalizability of these findings is limited due to the single-site nature of the study, the absence of blinding for participants and instructors, and the lack of long-term follow-up.</p> Trial registration <p>Clinical trial number: not applicable.</p>