Nursing Entrance Exam Difficulty Level Compared (AIIMS, CET, CUET): A Complete 2026 Guide
- Swarangi Nawge
- 33 minutes ago
- 5 min read
The landscape of nursing education in India has undergone a massive shift as we enter 2026. Gone are the days when a simple high school score could land you a seat in a prestigious nursing college. Today, the profession is highly competitive, and the gateway to a successful career lies in cracking one of three major entrance pathways: AIIMS, State CETs, or CUET.
If you are a medical aspirant, the question isn't just "which exam should I take?" but rather, "how hard are they?" This blog provides a detailed Nursing Entrance Exam Difficulty Level Compared analysis for AIIMS, CET, and CUET to help you strategize your preparation for the 2026 academic session.
1. AIIMS BSc Nursing 2026: The Gold Standard of Difficulty
When we talk about the Nursing Entrance Exam Difficulty Level Compared to others, AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) consistently sits at the top of the pyramid. AIIMS is not just an institute; it is a brand that represents the pinnacle of medical education in India.
Exam Pattern & Complexity
The AIIMS BSc Nursing entrance exam is widely regarded as Moderate to Tough. Unlike other exams that stay strictly within the NCERT boundaries, AIIMS often includes application-based questions that test your clinical logic.
Total Marks: 100
Subjects: Physics (30), Chemistry (30), Biology (30), and General Knowledge (10).
Negative Marking: -1/3 (This is a major hurdle that increases difficulty).
Key Challenge: The Physics section is known to be more "NEET-like," requiring deep conceptual clarity rather than just formula memorization.
Why it's Difficult in 2026
In 2026, the number of applicants for the 18+ AIIMS campuses has surged. With only a limited number of seats (roughly 1,200 for BSc Hons), the competition ratio is nearly 1:150. This high "rejection rate" makes it the toughest nursing exam in the country.
2. State-Level Nursing CET: The Balanced Pathway
Most states, such as Maharashtra (MH-CET), Uttar Pradesh (CNET), and Rajasthan (RUHS), conduct their own Common Entrance Tests (CET). In our Nursing Entrance Exam Difficulty Level Compared scale, these are generally classified as Easy to Moderate.
Exam Pattern & Focus
State CETs are designed to cater to students from various boards (State Board + CBSE). The syllabus is almost entirely based on the Class 12th curriculum.
Difficulty Level: Moderate.
Language: Often available in regional languages along with English.
Negative Marking: Many state CETs (like MH-CET) still do not have negative marking, which significantly reduces the stress level for students.
Subjects: Standard PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and sometimes an added section on English or Nursing Aptitude.
The 2026 Shift
For 2026, many states have updated their difficulty level to align with the Indian Nursing Council (INC) recommendations. While still easier than AIIMS, the questions are becoming more "Assertion-Reason" oriented to filter better candidates.
3. CUET (Common University Entrance Test): The New Contender
The CUET UG has revolutionized admissions for central universities. Many universities now offer BSc Nursing based on CUET scores instead of conducting separate exams.
CUET Nursing Syllabus 2026
The CUET approach is unique because it allows students to choose "Domain Subjects." For nursing, you must choose Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Difficulty Level: Moderate.
Syllabus: Strictly NCERT Class 12 (Class 11 is usually not included, which makes it "easier" than AIIMS).
Marking: +5 for correct, -1 for incorrect.
Unique Factor: You also have to appear for a Language Test and a General Test, which adds a different kind of preparation load.
Nursing Entrance Exam Difficulty Level Compared: CUET vs. Others
CUET is technically "easier" in terms of subject depth compared to AIIMS, but it is "harder" in terms of Time Management. You have to solve 40 out of 50 questions in just 45–60 minutes per subject.
Comparison Table: At a Glance 2026
Feature | AIIMS BSc Nursing | State CET (e.g., MH-CET) | CUET (Nursing) |
Difficulty | High | Moderate | Moderate |
Syllabus | Class 11 & 12 (NCERT+) | Class 12 (Majorly) | Class 12 (Strictly NCERT) |
Negative Marking | Yes (-1/3) | Usually No | Yes (-1) |
GK/Aptitude | Yes (10 Marks) | Varies by State | Yes (General Test) |
Competition | Extremely High | High | High (Due to volume) |
Preparation Strategy for 2026 Aspirants
To navigate the Nursing Entrance Exam Difficulty Level Compared results above, you need a tailored plan:
For AIIMS: Focus on solving NEET-level MCQs. Don't ignore the 10 marks of General Knowledge—they are often the tie-breaker.
For State CETs: Master your state board or NCERT textbooks. Practice speed-solving to ensure you finish the paper since there is no negative marking to hold you back.
For CUET: Stick strictly to the Class 12 NCERT. Since there is no Class 11 syllabus, you can achieve 100% accuracy if you revise the 12th-grade topics thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which is the hardest exam in the Nursing Entrance Exam Difficulty Level Compared study?
Answer: In any Nursing Entrance Exam Difficulty Level Compared analysis, the AIIMS BSc Nursing exam is considered the hardest. This is due to its inclusion of both Class 11 and 12 syllabus, the presence of negative marking, and the high-level conceptual questions in Physics and Chemistry.
Q2: Can I get into Nursing through CUET in 2026?
Answer: Yes, several Central Universities and some state-affiliated colleges have adopted CUET scores for BSc Nursing admissions. However, top-tier institutes like AIIMS and PGIMER still conduct their own entrance exams.
Q3: Is there any common syllabus for all three exams?
Answer: Yes. The core of all three exams—AIIMS, CET, and CUET—is the NCERT Biology, Physics, and Chemistry of Class 12. If you prepare for AIIMS, you are essentially covered for the others.
Q4: Are male candidates eligible for AIIMS BSc Nursing?
Answer: As of the 2026 guidelines, the BSc (Hons) Nursing course at AIIMS is primarily reserved for female candidates. Male candidates can apply for BSc Nursing (Post-Basic) or other paramedical courses offered by AIIMS.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Path
The Nursing Entrance Exam Difficulty Level Compared shows that while AIIMS is the most challenging, it also offers the best career prospects and clinical exposure. State CETs are excellent for those who wish to study within their home state, and CUET is a fantastic "middle-ground" for students who want to study in central universities with a slightly less punishing syllabus.
No matter which exam you choose, 2026 will require a "concept-first" approach. Start your preparation early, focus on NCERT, and take as many mock tests as possible.
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