AIIMS NORCET 2026: Exam Dates, Pattern, Syllabus & Preparation Guide

The Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET), conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, is the gateway to recruitment for Nursing Officers (Staff Nurse Grade-II, Group B) across all AIIMS institutes and participating central government hospitals in India.

With the September 2026 examination cycle approaching, here is the complete breakdown of exam dates, paper patterns, subject-wise syllabus, and strategy.

AIIMS NORCET September 2026: Important Dates

Keep track of the official schedule for the upcoming recruitment cycle:

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification:

  • B.Sc. (Hons.) Nursing / B.Sc. Nursing from an Indian Nursing Council (INC) recognized institute/university, OR

  • B.Sc. (Post-Certificate) / Post-Basic B.Sc. Nursing, OR

  • Diploma in General Nursing Midwifery (GNM) with 2 years of experience in a minimum 50-bedded hospital.

• Registration: Registered as a Nurse & Midwife with the State / Indian Nursing Council.

• Age Limit: 18 to 30 years (relaxations applicable as per government norms for SC/ST/OBC/PWBD).

Exam Pattern Breakdown: Stage I vs Stage II

NORCET is conducted in two computer-based test (CBT) stages.

Stage I: Preliminary Examination (Qualifying)

The Prelims examination serves as a screening test to shortlist candidates for Stage II (approximately 5 times the total vacancies per category).

• Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Total Marks: 100

• Duration: 90 Minutes

• Structure: 5 sections with 20 questions each; 18 minutes allocated per section (section locks automatically once the timer ends).

• Subject Split:

  • 80 MCQs: Core Nursing subjects

  • 20 MCQs: General Knowledge, Current Affairs, and General Aptitude

• Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for every incorrect response.

Stage II: Mains Examination (Merit Determination)

Marks scored in Stage II determine the final merit list and institute allocation.

• Total Questions: 100 to 160 MCQs (focused heavily on clinical scenarios, nursing skill assessment, image-based, and video/priority questions).

• Duration: 90 to 180 Minutes (sectional timer applied).

• Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deduction.

Syllabus Overview

1. Nursing Subjects (High Weightage)

• Medical-Surgical Nursing: Cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and neurological systems, emergency & critical care management.

• Fundamentals of Nursing: Vital signs, nursing procedures, IV calculations, fluid therapy, catheterization, aseptic techniques.

• Obstetrics & Gynaecological (OBG) Nursing: Antenatal, intranatal, and postnatal care, stages of labor, obstetric emergencies.

• Child Health (Pediatrics) Nursing: Growth & development, pediatric CPR, immunization schedules, congenital anomalies.

• Mental Health (Psychiatry) Nursing: Psychiatric disorders, psychopharmacology, defense mechanisms, therapeutic communication.

• Pharmacology & Microbiology: High-alert medications, antidote charts, emergency drugs, sterilization protocols.

• Community Health Nursing (CHN): National health programs, epidemiology, communicable diseases.

2. General Knowledge & Aptitude

• Current Affairs: National health initiatives, awards, appointments, major national events.

• Basic Aptitude: Ratio and proportion, percentages, time and work, averages, number series.

• General Reasoning: Coding-decoding, blood relations, directions, syllogisms.

High-Yield Last-Minute Preparation Strategy

1. Master the 18-Minute Sectional Clock: Prelims sections auto-submit after 18 minutes. Do not get stuck on lengthy calculation-heavy aptitude questions; secure the direct theory marks first.

2. Prioritize Scenario & Image-Based Questions: High-scoring topics include ECG strip interpretation, OT/ICU equipment identification, tray setups, positioning, and drug dosage calculations.

3. Control Negative Marking: Because a $1/3$ penalty applies, avoid blind guessing. Eliminate two options before taking a calculated risk.

4. Target Mock Tests: Take at least 3–5 full-length timed mock tests under strict exam conditions to train speed and sectional transition.

How to Download the Admit Card

1. Visit aiimsexams.ac.in.

2. Click on Recruitments -> Nursing Officer -> NORCET.

3. Log in using your Candidate ID and Password.

4. Access the Admit Card tab, verify center details and reporting time, and print clear copies for exam day.