AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 for NORCET-11: Exam Pattern and Preparation Guide
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has published the syllabus for the AIIMS Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET-11) along with the exam structure, as per Notice No. 103/2026 dated July 24, 2026. This examination serves to recruit Nursing Officers across various AIIMS institutions including AIIMS New Delhi. Given that the NORCET comprises two distinct stages, candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the syllabus and exam structure to effectively tailor their study strategies. This article outlines the formal examination framework, selection process, marking scheme, and essential preparation tips for NORCET-11, drawing from 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 July 24, 2026 |
| Post | Nursing Officer |
| Number of Stages | Two - Phase I: NORCET Preliminary, Phase II: NORCET Main |
| Total Questions | Phase I: 100; Phase II: 160 |
| Total Marks | Phase I: 100; Phase II: 160 |
| Duration | Phase I: 90 minutes; Phase II: 180 minutes |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer in both phases |
| Mode of Exam | Online, Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Official Website | aiimsexams.ac.in |
Download AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
Candidates can download the AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 PDF and review the updated exam pattern, marking scheme, selection criteria, and stage-specific syllabus disclosed by AIIMS New Delhi. Comprehensive details regarding the Preliminary and Main examinations, qualifying criteria, and effective preparation strategies for NORCET 2026 are available through the link below:
Download AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
AIIMS Nursing Officer Exam Pattern 2026
The exam pattern for NORCET-11 varies between the Preliminary and Main phases. Each phase is timed, and once the designated time for a section has elapsed, candidates cannot return to that section.
Phase 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 from General Knowledge & Aptitude; 80 questions from Nursing courses relevant to the essential qualification level |
| Sectional Pattern | 5 sections, each lasting 18 minutes, featuring 20 questions presented one at a time |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted for incorrect answers |
| Nature of Exam | Qualifying only; scores not counted for final merit |
Qualifying Criteria (Phase 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 |
Phase II: NORCET Main Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 180 minutes |
| Total Questions | 160 MCQs (each with four options) |
| Total Marks | 160 |
| Subject Coverage | Full syllabus of Nursing courses at the essential qualification level, focusing on questions based on case scenarios that assess nursing skills and competencies |
| Sectional Pattern | 4 sections of 45 minutes each, with 40 questions in each section, shown one at a time |
| Negative Marking | 1/3 mark deducted for incorrect answers |
| Nature of Exam | Used to establish the final merit list |
Qualifying Criteria (Phase 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% |
In instances where Phase II CBT is conducted over multiple sessions, the AIIMS normalization process will be applied to standardize the scores, as indicated in Notice No. 35/2023 dated January 20, 2023.
AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026
As mentioned in the official announcement, the syllabus aligns with the educational qualifications and experience detailed in the Eligibility Section/Advertisement. Therefore, AIIMS has not released a comprehensive topic-wise syllabus PDF that lists individual chapters or units for NORCET-11. The confirmed syllabus layout is as follows:
1. General Knowledge & Aptitude (Phase I only)
20 of the 100 questions in Phase I: NORCET Preliminary. This section is not applicable in Phase II: NORCET Main. Specific topics within General Knowledge & Aptitude are not elaborated upon in the official notification.
2. Nursing Subject (Phase I and Phase II)
Phase I: 80 out of 100 questions derive from the curriculum of Nursing courses pertinent to the essential qualification level (B.Sc Nursing/Post-Basic B.Sc Nursing/GNM, where applicable). Phase II: All questions encompass the complete syllabus of Nursing courses at the essential qualification level, emphasizing case-scenario-based questions aimed at evaluating clinical reasoning and practical applications, rather than just theoretical knowledge. The notification does not specify individual nursing subjects/units or their weightage.
Given the lack of a topic-wise syllabus in the official NORCET-11 notification, candidates are encouraged to prepare based on their B.Sc Nursing or GNM curriculum as endorsed by the Indian Nursing Council or their respective State Nursing Council. It is also advisable to regularly check for updates or additional syllabi that AIIMS may provide leading up to the exam.
AIIMS Nursing Officer Selection Process 2026
The selection process for the Nursing Officer position under NORCET-11 will adopt a structured, sequential approach:
- Phase I – NORCET Preliminary: This stage acts solely as a qualifying exam. The scores achieved in Phase I will not factor into the final merit list.
- Shortlisting for Phase II: Candidates who meet the qualifying standards in Phase I, corresponding to category-wise percentiles, equal to five times the total available positions in each category (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS), will be invited to participate in Phase II. Additionally, all qualifying PWBD candidates and those tied for the last position in the shortlist will also advance to Phase II.
- Phase II – NORCET Main: This stage will determine the final merit list. Candidates' ranks will be established solely on their performance in Phase II, subject to the qualifying marks of each category.
- Choice-filling and Allocation: Qualified candidates will be requested to indicate their preferences for the participating AIIMS institutions. Seats will be allocated strictly according to merit along with the preferences indicated; no waiting list will be maintained as NORCET occurs biannually.
- Document Verification: Candidates who are provisionally selected must present original certificates for verification as instructed by the relevant AIIMS/Institute.
In instances of tied scores during Phase II, the following order will be used for resolution: fewer incorrect answers in Phase II, followed by higher marks in Phase I, then fewer incorrect answers in Phase I, followed by older date of birth, and lastly alphabetically by the name of the candidate.
How to Prepare for AIIMS Nursing Officer Exam 2026
- Begin with your qualifying course syllabus: Concentrate on the curriculum relevant to B.Sc Nursing or GNM programs since NORCET questions are based on these subjects. Systematic revision is preferable to seeking an independent NORCET syllabus PDF.
- Practice sectional, timed sets: Given the strict sectional format (5x18 minutes in Phase I, 4x45 minutes in Phase II) and lack of opportunity to revisit sections, practice completing fixed-time question sets to enhance speed and efficiency.
- Prioritize accuracy over guesswork: With negative marking of 1/3 for both phases, refrain from making random guesses on uncertain questions.
- Work on case-scenario questions for Phase II: Given that Phase II emphasizes case-scenario-based questions that assess clinical competency, practice applying nursing concepts to real-life patient care situations rather than focusing solely on theoretical knowledge.
- Monitor category-wise qualifying marks: Familiarize yourself with the qualifying percentiles (Phase I) or percentages (Phase II) applicable to your category to establish a realistic target score.
- Revise General Knowledge & Aptitude separately: As this section comprises only 20 questions in Phase I, allocate your time accordingly to ensure thorough preparation without over-investing.
AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 - Important Links
AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 - FAQs
What is the AIIMS Nursing Officer syllabus 2026?
The syllabus as outlined in the official NORCET-11 notification is based on educational qualifications and experience specified in the Eligibility section, primarily covering nursing courses at the essential qualification level (B.Sc Nursing/GNM), along with General Knowledge & Aptitude for Phase I. A separate topic-wise syllabus PDF has not been provided by AIIMS for NORCET-11.
What is the exam pattern for AIIMS Nursing Officer NORCET-11?
NORCET-11 consists of two stages. Phase I (Preliminary) features 100 MCQs for 100 marks within a duration of 90 minutes, comprising 20 questions from General Knowledge & Aptitude and 80 from Nursing. This phase is qualifying only. Phase II (Main) includes 160 MCQs for 160 marks, with a duration of 180 minutes, encompassing the entire nursing syllabus with case-scenario-based questions, which determines the final merit.
How many questions are asked in the AIIMS Nursing Officer exam?
Phase I presents 100 questions while Phase II comprises 160 questions, as specified in the official notification.
What are the qualifying marks for NORCET-11?
For Phase I, the qualifying marks are 50 percentile for UR/EWS, 45 percentile for OBC, and 40 percentile for SC/ST, with an additional relaxation of 5 percentile for PWBD candidates in each category. In Phase II, qualifying marks are set at 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?
Candidates are encouraged to refer to the "Important Links" section above and the official AIIMS Examination website (www.aiimsexams.ac.in) for potential updates or additional documents.