AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 for NORCET-11: Exam Details and Preparation Guide
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has officially released the syllabus for the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET-11) along with the exam structure. This announcement, detailed in Notice No. 103/2026 on July 24, 2026, is essential for candidates looking to secure Nursing Officer positions in AIIMS New Delhi and other affiliated institutions. The examination consists of two distinct stages, each with unique marks, duration, and qualifying standards. A thorough understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. This article will delve into the official exam pattern, selection process, marking scheme, and key preparation strategies for NORCET-11, as per the official information provided.
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 July 24, 2026 |
| Post | Nursing Officer |
| Number of Stages | Two - First Stage: NORCET Preliminary, Second Stage: NORCET Main |
| Total Questions | For First Stage: 100; For Second Stage: 160 |
| Total Marks | For First Stage: 100; For Second Stage: 160 |
| Duration | For First Stage: 90 minutes; For Second Stage: 180 minutes |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 of a mark is deducted for each incorrect response in both stages |
| Mode of Exam | Online, Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | aiimsexams.ac.in |
AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 - Download Link
Candidates can download the official AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 PDF to review the latest exam pattern, marking details, selection process, and syllabus for each stage. This document provides vital information to help strategize preparation effectively for the NORCET 2026 exam.
Download AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
AIIMS Nursing Officer Exam Pattern 2026
The NORCET-11 exam consists of a Preliminary and a Main stage, each with its own unique structure. Candidates must adhere to the timed, sectional format where once time is up for a section, 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 courses at the essential qualification level |
| Sectional Pattern | 5 sections, each lasting 18 minutes, containing 20 questions per section, presented one at a time |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted for incorrect answers |
| Nature of Exam | Qualifying only; does 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 (four options for each) |
| Total Marks | 160 |
| Subject Coverage | Comprehensive syllabus of Nursing courses at the essential qualification level, concentrating on questions that are case-scenario-based to assess nursing skills and competency |
| Sectional Pattern | 4 sections, each with a duration of 45 minutes, comprising 40 questions per section, displayed one at a time |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted for incorrect answers |
| Nature of Exam | Utilized for preparing 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%
In situations where Stage II CBT is held in multiple shifts, scores will be adjusted according to AIIMS procedures as specified in Notice No. 35/2023 dated January 20, 2023.
AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
The official notification states that the syllabus aligns with the educational qualifications and experiences outlined in the eligibility criteria. Consequently, AIIMS has not published a separate, topic-wise syllabus PDF for NORCET-11. The subject structure is summarized as follows:
1. General Knowledge & Aptitude (Stage I only)
Out of 100 questions in Stage I, 20 pertain to General Knowledge & Aptitude, which does not apply to Stage II. Detailed topics for this section are unspecified in the announcement.
2. Nursing Subject (Stage I and Stage II)
Stage I features 80 questions sourced from Nursing courses pertinent to the essential qualification level (B.Sc Nursing/Post-Basic B.Sc Nursing/GNM). Stage II encompasses all 160 questions, emphasizing case-scenario-based inquiries that evaluate clinical skills and comprehension rather than mere theoretical knowledge. Weightage for individual nursing subjects or units was not outlined in the official notice.
As a result of the lack of a detailed topic-wise syllabus, candidates are advised to prepare using their existing B.Sc Nursing or GNM curriculum recognized by the Indian Nursing Council or relevant State Nursing Council. This ensures candidates are aligned with the Nursing courses instructed at the required qualification level. Candidates should also keep an eye on any additional syllabus annexure AIIMS might release as the exam date approaches, as this information could evolve.
AIIMS Nursing Officer Selection Process 2026
The selection process for the Nursing Officer role under NORCET-11 follows a structured, stage-wise approach:
- Stage I - NORCET Preliminary: This is strictly a qualifying exam, meaning the scores obtained here do not contribute to the final merit.
- Shortlisting for Stage II: Candidates who meet the qualifying requirements of Stage I will be shortlisted based on category-specific percentiles, with selections made for 5 times the total vacancies in each group (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS). Additionally, all qualifying PWBD candidates and tie cases at the last shortlist position will proceed to Stage II.
- Stage II - NORCET Main: This stage is critical as it is used to formulate the final merit list, which is determined solely by performance in Stage II, adhering to the category-wise qualifying marks.
- Choice-filling and Allocation: Candidates who qualify will have the opportunity to fill their preferences for participating AIIMS institutes. Seat assignments will be strictly merit-based according to the submitted choices, with a single round of allocation and no waiting list maintained since NORCET is conducted biannually.
- Document Verification: Candidates provisionally chosen must present original documents for verification as instructed by the relevant AIIMS/Institute.
In the event of a tie in Stage II results, tiebreakers will be applied in the following order: fewer wrong answers in Stage II, higher scores in Stage I, fewer wrong answers in Stage I, older date of birth, and finally, alphabetical order of names.
How to Prepare for the AIIMS Nursing Officer Exam 2026
- Begin with your qualifying course syllabus: Concentrate on your B.Sc Nursing/GNM coursework as NORCET questions are based on this educational material. Methodical revision is key, rather than searching for a separate syllabus.
- Practice timed sectional sets: Given the strictly sectional format (5x18 minutes in Stage I; 4x45 minutes in Stage II), hone your skills by practicing fixed-time question sets to enhance speed.
- Prioritize accuracy over guessing: With negative marking in place (1/3 mark deducted for incorrect answers), it's advisable to avoid random guessing.
- Focus on case-scenario questions for Stage II: Emphasize application of nursing concepts in practical scenarios rather than solely theoretical memorization.
- Monitor category-wise qualifying marks: Be aware of the qualifying percentiles for Stage I and percentages for Stage II, allowing you to set achievable score goals.
- Revise General Knowledge & Aptitude separately: Since this section is exclusive to Stage I, ensure you allocate appropriate study time without overemphasizing it.
AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 - Important Links
AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 - FAQs
What is the AIIMS Nursing Officer syllabus 2026?
The syllabus is derived from the educational qualifications and experiences outlined in the eligibility criteria, specifically the Nursing courses at the essential qualification level (B.Sc Nursing/GNM), alongside General Knowledge & Aptitude for Stage I. AIIMS has not provided a separate topic-wise syllabus PDF for NORCET-11.
What is the exam pattern for AIIMS Nursing Officer NORCET-11?
NORCET-11 features two stages. Stage I (Preliminary) consists of 100 MCQs worth 100 marks, having a duration of 90 minutes (20 General Knowledge & Aptitude + 80 Nursing) and is qualifying only. Stage II (Main) includes 160 MCQs for 160 marks over 180 minutes, covering the complete nursing syllabus with case-scenario-based questions, which determines the final merit.
How many questions are asked in the AIIMS Nursing Officer exam?
Stage I contains 100 questions, while Stage II consists of 160 questions, as stated in the official notification.
What are the qualifying marks for NORCET-11?
For Stage I, the qualifying marks include a minimum of 50 percentile for UR/EWS, 45 percentile for OBC, and 40 percentile for SC/ST (with an additional 5 percentile relaxation for PWBD candidates in each category). In Stage II,
the qualifying marks are set at 50% for UR/EWS, 45% for OBC, and 40% for SC/ST (with 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 contain a separate downloadable syllabus PDF with topic-wise chapters. Candidates should refer to the "Important Links" section above and the official AIIMS Examination website for any updates or additional materials.