AIIMS NORCET 2026 Exam Guide: Dates, Syllabus, and Winning Strategy
- Dec 22, 2025
- 4 min read
Are you aspiring to wear the white coat and serve at the most prestigious medical institutions in India? The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has officially paved the way for nursing aspirants by lining up the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET) for the year 2026.
This comprehensive AIIMS NORCET 2026 Exam Guide is designed to provide you with a roadmap to navigate the upcoming recruitment cycles, ensuring you stay ahead of the competition. With over 10,000+ vacancies expected across various AIIMS branches, NITRD, and other central hospitals, 2026 is set to be a landmark year for the nursing community.
Key Highlights of AIIMS NORCET 2026
The AIIMS NORCET 2026 recruitment will be conducted in two distinct cycles to accommodate the growing demand for healthcare professionals in India:
NORCET 10:
Scheduled for the first half of the year (April).
NORCET 11:
Scheduled for the second half of the year (September).
Important Exam Dates (2026)
Staying updated with the timeline is the first step toward a disciplined preparation. Based on the official AIIMS exam calendar, here are the projected dates for both cycles:
Event | NORCET 10 (Cycle 1) | NORCET 11 (Cycle 2) |
|---|---|---|
Notification Release | Jan–Feb 2026 | June–July 2026 |
Stage-I (Prelims) Exam | April 11, 2026 | September 13, 2026 |
Stage-I Result | April 16, 2026 | September 18, 2026 |
Stage-II (Mains) Exam | April 30, 2026 | September 30, 2026 |
Final Result Declaration | May 11, 2026 | October 10, 2026 |
AIIMS NORCET 2026 Exam Pattern & Structure
Understanding the exam structure is vital to managing time during the actual test. The recruitment process follows a strict two-stage Computer-Based Test (CBT).
Stage-I: Preliminary Examination
This stage is qualifying in nature. Your score here will not be added to the final merit list, but you must pass it to appear for the Mains.
Total Questions: 100 MCQs.
80 Questions: Nursing subjects.
20 Questions: General Knowledge & Aptitude.
Duration: 90 minutes (divided into 5 sections of 18 minutes each).
Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deduction for every incorrect answer.
Stage-II: Mains Examination
This is the "merit decider." Your rank and institute allocation depend entirely on your performance in this stage.
Total Questions: 160 MCQs.
Focus: Case-scenario based, priority-based, and image-based nursing questions.
Duration: 180 minutes (divided into 4 sections of 45 minutes each).
Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deduction.
Eligibility Criteria for Aspirants
Before diving into your studies, ensure you meet the official eligibility requirements for the Nursing Officer Recruitment 2026:
1. Educational Qualification
B.Sc. (Hons.) Nursing / B.Sc. Nursing from an INC-recognized institute.
OR Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing.
For GNM Holders: Diploma in General Nursing Midwifery + 2 years of experience in a minimum 50-bed hospital after acquiring the qualification.
2. Registration
Candidates must be registered as a Nurse & Midwife with the State or Indian Nursing Council (INC).
3. Age Limit
General Age Bracket: 18–30 years.
Relaxations: SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), and PwBD candidates receive age relaxations as per government norms. Some cycles may allow up to 35 years depending on the specific hospital requirements (refer to the official notification).
In-Depth AIIMS NORCET Syllabus Overview
To rank high, you must master both the clinical and non-clinical aspects of the syllabus.
Core Nursing Subjects (Prelims & Mains)
The questions are aligned with the B.Sc. Nursing curriculum but emphasize clinical application:
Medical-Surgical Nursing:
High-weightage area focusing on disease conditions and interventions.
Fundamentals of Nursing:
Covers basic procedures, ethics, and first aid.
Obstetrics & Gynecology (OBG):
Maternal health and neonatal care.
Community Health Nursing:
National health programs and epidemiology.
Pediatrics & Mental Health:
Child health and psychiatric nursing.
Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology:
The foundational science of the medical domain.
Non-Nursing Subjects (Stage-I Only)
Don't ignore the 20 marks in Stage-I. They can be the difference between qualifying and failing:
General Knowledge:
Current affairs, Indian History, Geography, and General Science.
Aptitude:
Quantitative topics like Time & Work, Percentages, Ratios, and Basic Reasoning.
Strategic Tips to Crack NORCET 2026
Master the Sectional Clock:
Practice with a timer. Since AIIMS has introduced sectional timing, you must learn to solve 20 questions in exactly 18 minutes.
Focus on Case Scenarios:
Stage-II is no longer about rote learning. You need to understand "Priority Nursing Actions"—what would you do first in a clinical emergency?
Analyze Mock Tests:
Don't just take mocks; analyze your mistakes. If you are losing marks in Pharmacology, dedicate an extra week to drug calculations and classifications.
Stay Updated:
Visit the AIIMS Official Website weekly for the latest 2026 notifications and seat matrix updates.
Final Thoughts
The journey to becoming a Nursing Officer at AIIMS is a marathon, not a sprint. With the AIIMS NORCET 2026 Exam Guide now in your hands, you have the dates, the pattern, and the resources to begin your preparation. Remember, consistent revision of the medical domain subjects and practicing clinical scenarios will be your biggest assets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is there any negative marking in the 2026 exam?
Yes, both Stage-I (Prelims) and Stage-II (Mains) have a negative marking of 1/3 mark for every wrong answer. It is better to skip a question than to guess blindly.
Q2. Can GNM students apply for NORCET 10 or 11 in 2026?
Yes, GNM diploma holders are eligible provided they have 2 years of experience in a hospital with at least 50 beds. This experience must be acquired after completing the diploma and registration.
Q3. How many times is the NORCET exam conducted in a year?
As of current trends, AIIMS conducts the NORCET exam twice a year (usually in April and September), designated as NORCET 10 and NORCET 11 for the year 2026.