AIIMS Nursing Officer Syllabus 2026 (NORCET-11)

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has released the syllabus and exam pattern for the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET-11), vide Notice No. 103/2026 dated 24.07.2026. This examination is conducted to fill Nursing Officer vacancies across AIIMS New Delhi and other participating AIIMS institutes. NORCET-11 is conducted in two stages: Stage I (NORCET Preliminary) and Stage II (NORCET Main). Understanding both the syllabus and the detailed exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation.

AIIMS NORCET-11 Exam Pattern 2026

The NORCET-11 examination comprises two distinct stages, each with a specific format and marking scheme. Both stages are conducted online as a Computer Based Test (CBT) and feature negative marking where 1/3 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.

Stage I: NORCET Preliminary Exam Pattern This stage is qualifying in nature, and its marks are not considered for the final merit list. Candidates must achieve a minimum qualifying percentile based on their category:

• 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 This stage determines the final merit list. Candidates who qualify Stage I (up to 5 times the total seats in each category) are eligible for Stage II. Minimum qualifying percentages for Stage II are:

• UR / EWS: 50%
• OBC: 45%
• SC / ST: 40%
• PWBD (UR/EWS): 45%
• PWBD (OBC): 40%
• PWBD (SC/ST): 35%

If Stage II is conducted in multiple shifts, AIIMS's normalisation procedure will be applied to the scores.

AIIMS NORCET-11 Syllabus 2026

According to the official notification, the syllabus aligns with the educational qualifications and experience mentioned in the eligibility criteria. AIIMS has not released a separate, topic-wise syllabus PDF listing individual chapters or units for NORCET-11. The syllabus structure is primarily divided into two sections:

1. General Knowledge & Aptitude (Stage I only)

   • This section accounts for 20 out of 100 questions in Stage I (NORCET Preliminary).
   • Specific topics within General Knowledge & Aptitude are not detailed in the official notification.
   • This section is not applicable to Stage II (NORCET Main).

2. Nursing Subject (Stage I and Stage II)

   • Stage I: 80 out of 100 questions are drawn from the syllabus of Nursing courses at the essential qualification level (B.Sc Nursing / Post-Basic B.Sc Nursing / GNM, as applicable).
   • Stage II: All 160 questions cover the entire syllabus of Nursing courses at the essential qualification level, with a strong emphasis on case-scenario-based questions. These questions are designed to test nursing skills and competency, focusing on clinical reasoning and practical application rather than just theoretical knowledge.
   • Individual nursing subjects, units, or their specific weightage are not listed in the official notification.

Candidates are advised to thoroughly revise their B.Sc Nursing / GNM curriculum as prescribed by the Indian Nursing Council or their respective State Nursing Council, as both stages explicitly link the syllabus to "the syllabus of Nursing courses being taught at the essential qualification level." Any revisions or expansions to the syllabus by AIIMS should be verified against the latest official notices or annexures.

AIIMS NORCET-11 Selection Process 2026

The selection for the Nursing Officer post under NORCET-11 involves a multi-stage process:

1. Stage I – NORCET Preliminary: This is a mandatory qualifying examination. Marks obtained in Stage I are not factored into the final merit calculation.
2. Shortlisting for Stage II: Candidates who meet the category-wise qualifying percentile in Stage I, equal to five times the total seats in each category (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS), are shortlisted for Stage II. All qualifying PWBD candidates and those in tie cases at the last shortlisted position are also called.
3. Stage II – NORCET Main: This examination is crucial for determining the final merit list. The merit list is prepared solely based on performance in Stage II, subject to meeting category-wise qualifying marks.
4. Choice-filling and Allocation: Qualified and eligible candidates are invited to provide their preferences for participating AIIMS institutes. Seat allocation is strictly based on merit and the choices filled, with only one round of allocation and no waiting list.
5. Document Verification: Provisionally selected candidates must present original certificates for verification as directed by the respective participating AIIMS/Institute.

In case of a tie in Stage II scores, it is resolved by considering fewer wrong answers in Stage II, then higher marks in Stage I, followed by fewer wrong answers in Stage I, older date of birth, and finally, alphabetical order of the candidate's name.

Preparation Tips for AIIMS Nursing Officer Exam 2026

• Focus on Essential Qualification Syllabus: Concentrate on your B.Sc Nursing/GNM coursework, as the exam is directly linked to it.
• Practice Sectional, Timed Tests: Both stages have strict sectional timings; practice solving questions within fixed time limits to improve speed and time management.
• Prioritize Accuracy: Due to negative marking (1/3rd), avoid blind guessing. Focus on attempting questions confidently and accurately.
• Work on Case-Scenario Questions: Especially for Stage II, practice applying nursing concepts to clinical situations to enhance problem-solving and competency skills.
• Know Qualifying Marks: Be aware of the category-wise qualifying percentile (Stage I) and percentage (Stage II) to set realistic targets.
• Allocate Time Proportionately: For Stage I, dedicate appropriate time to General Knowledge & Aptitude (20% weightage) without over-investing.