AIIMS Nursing Officer (NORCET-11) Syllabus and Exam Pattern for 2026
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has announced the syllabus and examination format for the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET-11) in Notice No. 103/2026, dated July 24, 2026. This test aims to recruit Nursing Officers for various positions at AIIMS New Delhi and its affiliated institutions. Since NORCET consists of two unique stages with different scoring systems, time limits, and eligibility requirements, it is crucial for candidates to understand both the syllabus and the exam format for effective preparation. This article provides insights into the exam layout, selection procedure, scoring standards, and studying strategies as per the official notification.
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 point penalized for each wrong answer across both stages |
| Mode of Exam | Online, Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | aiimsexams.ac.in |
Syllabus Download Link for AIIMS Nursing Officer 2026
Candidates can obtain the PDF with the AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 to review the most recent information regarding the NORCET-11 exam structure, scoring standards, selection method, and detailed syllabus provided by AIIMS New Delhi. This document is crucial for grasping the framework of both the Preliminary and Main exams, along with qualifying criteria and useful study tips.
Download AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
Exam Pattern for AIIMS Nursing Officer 2026
The NORCET-11 includes two phases, each characterized by its own examination format. Candidates should keep in mind that both sections will be conducted in a sequential manner and are time-restricted, which means that once the time limit for any section has expired, it cannot be revisited.
Stage I: NORCET Preliminary Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs (each with four options) |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Subject-wise Split | 20 questions on General Knowledge & Aptitude; 80 questions on Nursing topics relevant to the essential qualification level |
| Sectional Pattern | 5 sections, each lasting 18 minutes, with 20 questions per section, distributed sequentially |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 point deducted for each incorrect answer |
| Nature of Exam | Qualifying only; scores do not influence the final merit list |
Qualifying Criteria (Stage I, Category-wise Percentile)
| Category | Qualifying 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 (each with four choices) |
| Total Marks | 160 |
| Subject Coverage | Comprehensive nursing syllabus emphasizing case-based questions that assess nursing skills and competencies |
| Sectional Pattern | 4 sections, each lasting 45 minutes, containing 40 questions per section, released sequentially |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted for each incorrect response |
| Nature of Exam | Determines inclusion in the final merit list |
Qualifying Criteria (Stage II, Category-wise Percentage)
| Category | Qualifying Percentage |
|---|---|
| UR / EWS | 50% |
| OBC | 45% |
| SC / ST | 40% |
| PWBD (UR/EWS) | 45% |
| PWBD (OBC) | 40% |
| PWBD (SC/ST) | 35% |
If Stage II is administered in multiple shifts, AIIMS will apply normalization to ensure consistency in the results.
AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
The formal announcement states that the syllabus aligns with the educational qualifications and experiences specified in the eligibility requirements, particularly relating to the Nursing courses that satisfy the essential qualifications. Notably, AIIMS has not made a comprehensive topic-wise syllabus PDF available that breaks down specific subjects or chapters for NORCET-11.
The syllabus can be outlined as follows:
- General Knowledge & Aptitude (Only for Stage I)
- 20 of the 100 questions in Stage I: NORCET Preliminary
- Not applicable for Stage II: NORCET Main
- Nursing Subject (Applicable for Stage I and Stage II)
- Stage I: 80 out of 100 questions based on the essential qualification-level Nursing courses (B.Sc Nursing / Post-Basic B.Sc Nursing / GNM, as relevant)
- Stage II: All 160 questions covering the complete Nursing syllabus at the essential qualification level, with an emphasis on case-scenario-based questions that evaluate clinical capabilities and application
Given that the official NORCET-11 release does not specify a detailed topic-wise syllabus, candidates are encouraged to study according to the B.Sc Nursing or GNM curriculum set by either the Indian Nursing Council or their corresponding State Nursing Council. It is recommended to keep checking for updates or syllabus appendices that AIIMS might publish as the exam date nears.
Selection Process for AIIMS Nursing Officer 2026
The process for choosing candidates for the Nursing Officer role through NORCET-11 is a structured, phase-wise process outlined below:
- Stage I – NORCET Preliminary: This phase serves as a qualifying examination. The outcomes from this stage are excluded from the final merit list.
- Shortlisting for Stage II: Candidates who qualify in Stage I according to category-specific percentiles will be shortlisted, allowing up to five times the total available vacancies in each category (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS). Additionally, all qualifying PWBD candidates and instances of ties at the final shortlist position will also be eligible for Stage II.
- Stage II – NORCET Main: This stage is significant for compiling the final merit list. The merit list will be generated based solely on candidates' performances in Stage II, adhering to category-wise qualifying marks.
- Choice-filling and Allocation: Eligible candidates will be invited to indicate their preferences for participating AIIMS institutions. Seat allocation is strictly based on merit corresponding to the stated preferences, with a single allocation round and no waiting list since NORCET occurs biannually.
- Document Verification: Provisional selected candidates must present their original papers for verification, as required by the respective AIIMS/Institute.
In case of ties in Stage II outcomes, resolution will follow this order: fewer incorrect answers in Stage II, higher scores in Stage I, fewer incorrect answers in Stage I, earlier date of birth, and finally, alphabetical order based on the candidate's name.
Preparation Tips for AIIMS Nursing Officer Exam 2026
- Focus on your qualifying syllabus: Since NORCET derives its questions from the content of Nursing courses at the essential qualification level, it is more effective to review your B.Sc Nursing or GNM coursework rather than looking for a separate NORCET syllabus PDF.
- Practice with timed sets: Considering the sectional format of both stages, practice answering timed sets of questions to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Emphasize precision over guessing: With a deduction of 1/3 for incorrect answers in both stages, it’s important to avoid random guessing.
- Work on clinical case-scenario questions for Stage II: As this stage prioritizes clinical competencies, practice applying nursing theories to real patient-care scenarios.
- Be mindful of qualifying marks: Understand the qualifying percentile or percentage relevant to your category to set appropriate score objectives.
- Allocate time for General Knowledge & Aptitude: This section, exclusive to Stage I, includes 20 out of 100 questions, so manage your study time accordingly.
Important Links for AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
Download AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
AIIMS Official Website: https://www.aiimsexams.ac.in
AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AIIMS Nursing Officer syllabus 2026?
The syllabus, as detailed in the official NORCET-11 announcement, is founded on the educational qualifications and experiences specified in the eligibility criteria, comprising Nursing courses provided at the essential qualification level (B.Sc Nursing/GNM) along with General Knowledge & Aptitude for Stage I. AIIMS has not released a separate topic-wise syllabus PDF for NORCET-11.
What is the exam pattern for AIIMS Nursing Officer NORCET-11?
NORCET-11 comprises two stages: Stage I (Preliminary) holds 100 MCQs amounting to 100 marks, to be completed in 90 minutes, consisting of 20 questions on General Knowledge & Aptitude and 80 on Nursing. This initial stage serves as a qualifying examination. Conversely, Stage II (Main) entails 160 MCQs totaling 160 marks within 180 minutes, encompassing the entire nursing syllabus with case-scenario questions that contribute to the final merit list.
How many questions are asked in the AIIMS Nursing Officer exam?
The official announcement states that Stage I includes 100 questions while Stage II consists of 160 questions.
What are the qualifying marks for NORCET-11?
For Stage I, the qualifying scores are 50 percentile for UR/EWS, 45 percentile for OBC, and 40 percentile for SC/ST, with a 5 percentile concession for PWBD candidates in all categories. Stage II has qualifying benchmarks of 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 announcement (Notice No. 103/2026 dated July 24, 2026) does not provide a distinct downloadable syllabus PDF that includes topic-wise chapters. Candidates should refer to the "Important Links" section above and the official AIIMS Examination website for any potential updates or annexes.