AIIMS Nursing Officer NORCET-11 Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
Explore the AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 for the NORCET-11, including details about the official exam layout, marking systems, qualifying criteria based on categories, selection processes, and study strategies.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has issued the official syllabus and exam framework for the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET-11) via Notice No. 103/2026, dated 24 July 2026. This recruitment examination is designed to appoint Nursing Officers at AIIMS New Delhi and other connected institutions. Grasping the exam structure and syllabus for both phases is essential for candidates to effectively plan their preparation. This article offers detailed insights into the exam framework, selection techniques, marking instructions, and study tips based on the official announcement.
AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 - Overview
| 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 | For each wrong answer, 1/3 of a mark will be subtracted in both stages |
| Mode of Exam | Online, Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | aiimsexams.ac.in |
Download AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
Access the AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 PDF to review the latest NORCET-11 exam structure, marking criteria, selection process, and detailed syllabus for each phase. This knowledge will enhance your preparation strategy for the 2026 exam.
Download AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
AIIMS Nursing Officer Exam Pattern 2026
The format for the NORCET-11 examination differs between the Preliminary and Main phases, with each segment conducted under timed conditions. Once the allotted time for a section is finished, candidates will not be able to revisit it.
Stage I: NORCET Preliminary Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs (with four options each) |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Subject-wise Split | 20 questions - General Knowledge & Aptitude; 80 questions - Nursing subjects relevant to the required qualification |
| Sectional Pattern | 5 sections, each lasting 18 minutes, containing 20 questions presented sequentially |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark will be taken off for incorrect answers |
| Nature of Exam | Qualifying only; scores do not contribute to the final merit |
Qualifying Criteria (Stage I, Category-Wise Percentile)
- 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 (with four options each) |
| Total Marks | 160 |
| Subject Coverage | Full content for Nursing subjects at the necessary qualification level, emphasizing scenario-based questions to evaluate nursing skills |
| Sectional Pattern | 4 sections of 45 minutes each, with 40 questions per section, released one at a time |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark will be deducted for incorrect responses |
| Nature of Exam | Used to formulate the final merit list |
Qualifying Criteria (Stage II, Category-Wise Percentage)
- UR/EWS: 50%
- OBC: 45%
- SC/ST: 40%
- PWBD (UR/EWS): 45%
- PWBD (OBC): 40%
- PWBD (SC/ST): 35%
If the Stage II CBT is conducted in multiple shifts, the normalization process by AIIMS, as specified in Notice No. 35/2023 dated 20 January 2023, will be implemented to the scores.
AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
As noted in the published notice, "the syllabus will align with the educational qualifications and experience specified in the Eligibility Section/Advertisement." This indicates that AIIMS has not provided a distinct, topic-wise syllabus PDF for NORCET-11. According to the official information, the syllabus structure comprises:
1. General Knowledge & Aptitude (Stage I only)
In Stage I, 20 out of 100 questions pertain to General Knowledge & Aptitude, which is not relevant for Stage II. Specific subjects within this category are not outlined in the official notice.
2. Nursing Subject (Stage I and Stage II)
Stage I includes 80 out of 100 questions derived from the syllabus for Nursing programs at the required qualification level (B.Sc Nursing / Post-Basic B.Sc Nursing / GNM, as applicable). Stage II consists of all 160 questions, encompassing the entire syllabus for Nursing subjects at this level, concentrating on scenario-based inquiries that assess clinical reasoning and application rather than just theoretical comprehension. The official notification does not specify the subjects/units or their weightage.
Considering that the official NORCET-11 notification does not present a detailed topic-wise syllabus, candidates are advised to structure their exam study around their B.Sc Nursing or GNM coursework as outlined by the Indian Nursing Council or their respective State Nursing Council. It is also prudent to stay informed about any syllabus updates or annexures issued by AIIMS as the exam date approaches.
AIIMS Nursing Officer Selection Process 2026
The selection process for the Nursing Officer position through NORCET-11 consists of the following stages:
- Stage I – NORCET Preliminary: This is solely a qualifying examination. Stage I scores do not affect the final merit list.
- Shortlisting for Stage II: Candidates who meet the Stage I qualifying criteria, based on category-wise percentiles, will progress to Stage II. This includes five times the total seats available for each category (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS) and all qualifying PWBD candidates. Tiebreaker cases at the last position will also qualify for Stage II.
- Stage II – NORCET Main: This exam determines the final merit list. The merit of eligible candidates is based solely on their Stage II performance, subject to category-wise qualifying scores.
- Choice-Filling and Allocation: Qualified candidates will be invited to indicate their preferences for different AIIMS institutions. Seat assignments will strictly follow merit based on these preferences. Only one allocation round will take place, and no waiting list will be maintained since NORCET is held biannually.
- Document Verification: Provisionally chosen candidates must present original documents for verification as directed by the respective participating AIIMS or Institute.
In the event of a tie during Stage II, it will be resolved in the following order: fewer incorrect responses in Stage II, followed by higher marks in Stage I, fewer incorrect answers in Stage I, older birth dates, and finally, alphabetical order of candidate names.
How to Prepare for AIIMS Nursing Officer Exam 2026
- Begin with your current course syllabus: Since NORCET is based on the nursing syllabus taught at the essential qualification level, concentrate on systematically revising your B.Sc Nursing or GNM materials instead of looking for a separate NORCET syllabus PDF.
- Practice with timed question sets: Each stage is strictly sectional, so engage in solving timed question sets to improve your speed and precision within each section.
- Prioritize accuracy over guesswork: Given the negative marking of 1/3 in both stages, avoid guessing on questions you aren't sure about.
- Focus on case-scenario questions for Stage II: This phase emphasizes scenario-based questions that appraise clinical abilities, so it is vital to practice applying nursing principles in patient-care contexts.
- Keep track of qualifying scores by category: Be aware of the qualifying percentile for Stage I or percentage for Stage II specific to your category to establish realistic score goals.
- Review General Knowledge & Aptitude separately: Since this section is only present in Stage I (20 out of 100 questions), allocate your study time accordingly.
AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 - Important Links
Download AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
For further details, visit the AIIMS Official Website.
AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 - FAQs
What is the AIIMS Nursing Officer syllabus 2026?
In accordance with the official NORCET-11 announcement, the syllabus is based on the educational qualifications and experience outlined in the eligibility section, encompassing Nursing courses at the essential qualification level (B.Sc Nursing/GNM) and General Knowledge & Aptitude for Stage I. A separate, topic-wise syllabus PDF for NORCET-11 is not available.
What is the exam pattern for AIIMS Nursing Officer NORCET-11?
NORCET-11 is structured into two stages. Stage I (Preliminary) includes 100 MCQs for 100 marks within 90 minutes (20 General Knowledge & Aptitude + 80 Nursing) and serves solely as a qualifying exam. Stage II (Main) contains 160 MCQs for 160 marks in 180 minutes, covering the entire nursing syllabus with case-scenario questions, and establishes the final merit list.
How many questions are asked in the AIIMS Nursing Officer exam?
Stage I consists of 100 questions, while Stage II comprises 160 questions, according to the official announcement.
What are the qualifying marks for NORCET-11?
In Stage I, the qualifying marks are set at 50 percentile for UR/EWS, 45 percentile for OBC, and 40 percentile for SC/ST (including an additional 5 percentile relaxation for PWBD candidates in each category). For Stage II, qualifying marks stand at 50% for UR/EWS, 45% for OBC, and 40% for SC/ST, which also includes a 5% relaxation for PWBD candidates.
Where can I download the AIIMS Nursing Officer syllabus PDF?
The official NORCET-11 announcement (Notice No. 103/2026 dated 24.07.2026) does not provide a separate downloadable syllabus PDF with topic-wise chapters. Candidates should refer to the "Important Links" section above and the official AIIMS Examination website (www.aiimsexams.ac.in) for any updates or annexures.