AIIMS Nursing Officer (NORCET-11) Syllabus Overview 2026
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), based in New Delhi, has published the official syllabus and exam pattern for the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET-11) through Notice No. 103/2026 on July 24, 2026. This examination is crucial for recruiting Nursing Officers in AIIMS Delhi and affiliated institutions. It consists of two distinct stages, each with unique marks, duration, and qualifying standards. To assist candidates in their preparation, this article details the syllabus, the exam structure, the selection criteria, and preparation strategies related to NORCET-11.
Overview of AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
| Exam Name | Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET) - 11 |
| Notice Number | 103/2026 dated 24.07.2026 |
| Post | Nursing Officer |
| Number of Stages | Two - Stage I: NORCET Preliminary, Stage II: NORCET Main |
| Total Questions | Stage I: 100; Stage II: 160 |
| Total Marks | Stage I: 100; Stage II: 160 |
| Duration | Stage I: 90 minutes; Stage II: 180 minutes |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted for each incorrect answer in both stages |
| Mode of Exam | Online, Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | aiimsexams.ac.in |
Download the AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
To access the complete AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 PDF, which includes the recent exam pattern, marking scheme, selection details, and stage-specific curriculum outlined by AIIMS New Delhi, please click on the link below:
Download AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
Exam Pattern for AIIMS Nursing Officer 2026
The examination pattern for NORCET-11 varies between the Preliminary and Main phases. Candidates need to be aware that once a section's allotted time concludes, they cannot return to that section.
Stage I: NORCET Preliminary Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs (four options each) |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Subject-wise Split | 20 questions - General Knowledge & Aptitude; 80 questions - Nursing courses relevant to the necessary qualification level |
| Sectional Pattern | 5 sections of 18 minutes each, 20 questions for each section, released consecutively |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted per incorrect response |
| Nature of Exam | Qualifying only; scores not included in final merit |
Qualifying Criteria for Stage I (category-wise percentile):
The qualifying percentiles for different categories are as follows:
- UR / EWS: 50 percentile
- OBC: 45 percentile
- SC / ST: 40 percentile
- PWBD (UR/EWS): 45 percentile
- PWBD (OBC): 40 percentile
- PWBD (SC/ST): 35 percentile
Stage II: NORCET Main Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 180 minutes |
| Total Questions | 160 MCQs (four options each) |
| Total Marks | 160 |
| Subject Coverage | Covers the entire nursing syllabus relevant to essential qualification level, focusing on scenario-based questions assessing nursing skills and competence |
| Sectional Pattern | 4 sections of 45 minutes each, comprising 40 questions each, released consecutively |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted for each wrong answer |
| Nature of Exam | Determines the final merit list |
Qualifying Criteria for Stage II (category-wise percentage):
The qualifying percentages for different categories are established as follows:
- UR / EWS: 50%
- OBC: 45%
- SC / ST: 40%
- PWBD (UR/EWS): 45%
- PWBD (OBC): 40%
- PWBD (SC/ST): 35%
In cases where Stage II is conducted across multiple shifts, the AIIMS normalization procedure will be applied to the scores, as detailed in Notice No. 35/2023 dated January 20, 2023.
AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
The official notification notes that "the syllabus will align with the educational qualifications and experience outlined in the eligibility section/advertisement." Consequently, AIIMS has not published a specific, detailed NORCET syllabus PDF listing individual topics or chapters for NORCET-11. Based on the official notice, the syllabus structure is defined as follows:
1. General Knowledge & Aptitude (Only applicable to Stage I)
This segment consists of 20 out of 100 questions in Stage I and does not apply to Stage II. Specific topics within General Knowledge & Aptitude are not mentioned in the official notification.
2. Nursing Subject (Applicable to Both Stages)
For Stage I, 80 out of 100 questions derive from the nursing courses syllabus at the essential qualification level (B.Sc Nursing/Post-Basic B.Sc Nursing/GNM). In Stage II, all 160 questions encompass the entire nursing syllabus pertinent to that qualification level, focusing on clinical scenario-based questions assessing nursing skills and competencies (including clinical reasoning and practical applications rather than merely theoretical knowledge).
As the official NORCET-11 notification does not provide a topic-wise syllabus breakdown, candidates are advised to prepare using their B.Sc Nursing/GNM curriculum per the standards set by the Indian Nursing Council or their respective State Nursing Council. Candidates should also stay updated with the latest official announcements or any syllabus annexes that AIIMS may release as the exam date approaches, as these details may be amended or enhanced by AIIMS at any time.
AIIMS Nursing Officer Selection Process 2026
According to the official notification, selection for the Nursing Officer position under NORCET-11 follows a methodical stage-by-stage process:
- Stage I – NORCET Preliminary: This stage is purely qualifying, and the marks obtained in this stage do not contribute to the final merit list.
- Shortlisting for Stage II: Candidates who meet the category-specific qualifying percentiles, up to five times the number of seats in each category (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS), will be invited to Stage II. Additionally, all qualifying PWBD candidates and individuals involved in tie cases at the last shortlisted position are also called to Stage II.
- Stage II – NORCET Main: This exam determines the final merit list, with candidates ranked based on their performance in Stage II according to the specified qualifying marks for each category.
- Choice-filling and Allocation: Qualified candidates will have the opportunity to fill in their choices/preferences for participating AIIMS institutes. Seat allocation will be executed strictly based on merit against the submitted choices, involving a single round of allocation with no waiting list, as NORCET is conducted biannually.
- Document Verification: Candidates provisionally selected must present original certificates for verification as directed by the respective participating AIIMS/Institute.
In the event of ties in Stage II results, tie-breaking is resolved in the following order: fewer incorrect answers in Stage II, followed by higher marks in Stage I, then fewer incorrect answers in Stage I, older birth dates, and finally, the alphabetical order of the candidates' names.
Preparation Tips for AIIMS Nursing Officer Exam 2026
- Focus on the Qualifying Course Syllabus: As NORCET questions are based on the syllabus of Nursing courses at the essential qualification level, systematically review your B.Sc Nursing/GNM coursework instead of seeking a distinct NORCET syllabus PDF.
- Practice Sectional, Timed Sets: Given the sectional nature of both test stages, practice answering fixed-time question sets to enhance your speed and accuracy within each section.
- Prioritize Accuracy: With a 1/3 negative marking scheme for both stages, refrain from blindly guessing answers on uncertain questions.
- Prepare for Case-Scenario Questions in Stage II: Since this stage emphasizes scenario-based questions assessing clinical competencies, practice applying nursing concepts to patient care scenarios instead of memorizing theoretical content.
- Track Qualifying Marks: Familiarize yourself with the qualifying percentiles (for Stage I) or percentages (for Stage II) relevant to your category to set a realistic target score.
- Revise General Knowledge & Aptitude Separately: Since this section is exclusive to Stage I, allocate adequate time for revision without over-investing in it.
Important Links for AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
For additional resources, please refer to the following links:
Frequently Asked Questions about AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
What is the AIIMS Nursing Officer syllabus 2026?
The syllabus for NORCET-11 is based on the educational qualifications and experience specified in the eligibility section, encompassing Nursing courses at the necessary qualification level (B.Sc Nursing/GNM) along with General Knowledge & Aptitude for Stage I. AIIMS has not issued a separate topic-wise syllabus PDF for NORCET-11.
What is the exam pattern for AIIMS Nursing Officer NORCET-11?
NORCET-11 consists of two stages: Stage I (Preliminary) features 100 MCQs worth 100 marks in 90 minutes (20 questions related to General Knowledge & Aptitude + 80 questions related to Nursing) and is purely qualifying. Stage II (Main) includes 160 MCQs for 160 marks in 180 minutes, covering the complete nursing syllabus with scenario-based questions that determine the final merit list.
How many questions are included in the AIIMS Nursing Officer exam?
The official notification indicates that Stage I comprises 100 questions and Stage II comprises 160 questions.
What are the qualifying marks for NORCET-11?
In Stage I, the minimum qualifying marks are 50 percentile for UR/EWS, 45 percentile for OBC, and 40 percentile for SC/ST, with an extra 5 percentile relaxation afforded to PWBD candidates in each category. In Stage II, the qualifying marks are 50% for UR/EWS, 45% for OBC, and 40% for SC/ST, with a similar 5% relaxation for PWBD candidates.
Where can I download the AIIMS Nursing Officer syllabus PDF?
The official NORCET-11 notification (Notice No. 103/2026 dated July 24, 2026) does not provide a separate downloadable syllabus PDF with a breakdown of topics. Candidates are encouraged to verify the links provided earlier and visit the official AIIMS Examination website (www.aiimsexams.ac.in) for potential updates or annexes.