SGPGI Nursing Officer Exam 2026: Complete Guide to Vacancies, Syllabus, and Preparation
- Jan 8
- 4 min read
The healthcare sector in India is witnessing a monumental shift, and at the heart of this transformation is the SGPGI Nursing Officer Exam. For nursing professionals aiming to secure a prestigious Group 'B' government position, the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, remains a top-tier destination. As we move into the 2026 recruitment cycle, the competition is expected to be more intense than ever, requiring a strategic and data-driven approach to preparation.
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the SGPGI Nursing Officer Exam—from updated eligibility criteria and the 2026 tentative schedule to a deep dive into the syllabus and salary benefits.
What is the SGPGI Nursing Officer Exam?
The SGPGI Nursing Officer Exam (formerly known as the Sister Grade-II recruitment) is a highly competitive national-level entrance test. Conducted by SGPGIMS Lucknow, this exam selects skilled nursing professionals to manage critical care, specialized wards, and outpatient departments in one of India’s premier medical research and tertiary care institutes.
For the 2025–26 cycle, SGPGI has already made headlines by announcing a massive 1,200 vacancies, with additional backlog posts expected to be merged or filled in early 2026. This makes it a "golden window" for B.Sc. Nursing and GNM graduates.
SGPGIMS Recruitment 2026: Important Dates and Timeline
Staying ahead of the schedule is the first step toward success. Based on the 2025 cycle and recent administrative updates from January 2026, here is the projected timeline for the upcoming SGPGI Nursing Officer Exam phases:
Event Phase | Tentative Dates (2026 Cycle) |
|---|---|
Official Notification Release | June 2026 |
Online Application Window | June – July 2026 |
Admit Card Release | August 2026 |
Common Recruitment Test (CRT) | September 2026 |
Results & Merit List | October 2026 |
Document Verification (DV) | November 2026 |
Eligibility Criteria for SGPGI Nursing Officer Exam 2026
To apply for the SGPGI Nursing Officer Exam, candidates must satisfy strict academic and professional requirements. As of the latest 2026 guidelines, these include:
1. Educational Qualifications
Candidates must possess one of the following:
B.Sc. (Hons.) Nursing / B.Sc. Nursing from an Indian Nursing Council (INC) recognized institute.
Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing from an INC-recognized university.
Diploma in GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) with at least 2 years of experience in a minimum 50-bedded hospital after acquiring the qualification.
2. Mandatory Registration
All applicants must be registered as a Nurse and Midwife with either the State Nursing Council or the Indian Nursing Council (INC).
3. Age Limit (As of January 1, 2026)
Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years
Relaxations: SC/ST/OBC and other reserved categories receive age relaxations as per the Uttar Pradesh Government norms (typically +5 years for SC/ST/OBC candidates of UP domicile).
SGPGI Nursing Officer Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Understanding the SGPGI Nursing Officer Exam pattern is vital because of the 100% weightage given to the Common Recruitment Test (CRT). There is no interview for this post; your merit depends entirely on this single computer-based test.
Exam Pattern Breakdown
Mode: Online (CBT)
Language: English Only
Duration: 120 Minutes (2 Hours)
Total Questions: 100 MCQs
Marking Scheme: +1 for correct; -0.33 (1/3rd) for incorrect.
Detailed Subject Distribution
Subject Category | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
Nursing Core Subjects (MSN, OBG, CHN, etc.) | 60 | 60 |
General English | 10 | 10 |
General Knowledge | 10 | 10 |
Reasoning | 10 | 10 |
Mathematical Aptitude | 10 | 10 |
Total | 100 | 100 |
Focus Areas in the Nursing Syllabus
To ace the nursing section, focus on:
Medical-Surgical Nursing (MSN): Critical care and emergency management.
Obstetrics & Gynecology (OBG): Antenatal and postnatal care.
Community Health Nursing (CHN): National health programs and epidemiology.
Pediatric Nursing: Growth, development, and neonatal care.
Anatomy & Physiology: Fundamental biological structures.
Salary and Career Growth at SGPGIMS
The financial rewards for clearing the SGPGI Nursing Officer Exam are substantial. Selected candidates are placed under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) guidelines.
Pay Level: Level 7
Basic Pay Scale: ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400
Monthly Gross Salary: Including Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and Transport Allowance (TA), the initial gross salary typically ranges between ₹68,000 and ₹75,000 per month.
Perks: Medical facilities, LTC, and pension benefits under the New Pension Scheme (NPS).
Preparation Strategy for the 2026 Exam
Master the Non-Nursing Section: While most candidates excel in nursing subjects, the 40 marks in English, Math, and Reasoning often decide the final merit. Devote 1 hour daily to these "rank-booster" subjects.
Negative Marking Management: Since there is a 1/3rd penalty, practice with mock tests to improve accuracy. Avoid "blind guessing."
Focus on Clinical Case Studies: Recent trends in the SGPGI Nursing Officer Exam show an increase in scenario-based questions rather than direct theory.
Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Focus on medical advancements, new health policies launched in 2025, and UP-specific general knowledge.
Conclusion
Securing a position at SGPGIMS is more than just a job; it is a prestigious career move that offers stability and the opportunity to serve at one of the world's most advanced medical facilities. With 1,200 vacancies and a clear 2026 roadmap, now is the time to begin your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difficulty level of the SGPGI Nursing Officer Exam?
The exam is considered moderate to difficult. While the nursing section is standard, the negative marking and the 40% weightage of non-nursing subjects require a well-rounded preparation strategy.
2. Can GNM diploma holders apply for the SGPGI Nursing Officer 2026 vacancy?
Yes, GNM diploma holders are eligible to apply, provided they have a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in a hospital with at least 50 beds.
3. Is the SGPGI Nursing Officer Exam conducted in Hindi?
No, the official notification specifies that the Common Recruitment Test (CRT) for Nursing Officers is conducted in English only.
4. What is the qualifying mark for the SGPGI Nursing Officer Exam?
To be considered for the merit list, General, EWS, and OBC candidates must score at least 50%, while SC and ST candidates must secure a minimum of 45%.
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