AIIMS NORCET 10 Registration Begins: Key Dates, Eligibility, Exam Pattern and Application Details
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has formally commenced the registration process for AIIMS NORCET 10, inviting applications for the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test. Aspirants seeking appointment as Nursing Officers across AIIMS institutions can now apply through the official examination portal, aiimsexams.ac.in.
The recruitment examination represents one of the most significant national-level opportunities for nursing professionals in India’s premier public healthcare institutions. With a structured selection process, defined eligibility parameters, and a transparent computer-based examination system, NORCET 10 is poised to attract thousands of qualified candidates.
The last date to submit the online application is 16 March 2026. Candidates are advised to complete the process well in advance to avoid last-minute technical congestion.
Examination Schedule: Stage I and Stage II
AIIMS has released the tentative examination calendar for NORCET 10:
- Stage I (Preliminary Examination): 11 April 2026
- Stage II (Main Examination): 30 April 2026
The two-tier structure is designed to ensure rigorous evaluation of both foundational knowledge and professional competence in nursing sciences.
Stage I serves as a screening examination, while Stage II is intended to determine final merit for appointment. Only candidates qualifying in the preliminary stage will be eligible to appear in the mains examination.
Understanding NORCET: A National Recruitment Framework
The Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET) was introduced to streamline recruitment across AIIMS institutions located in various states. Rather than conducting separate recruitment drives, AIIMS employs a common eligibility test to ensure uniform standards and merit-based selection.
This centralised model reflects a broader commitment to transparency, administrative efficiency and quality assurance in public healthcare staffing.
Nursing Officers appointed through NORCET play a pivotal role in patient care, clinical coordination, and hospital management systems. The recruitment therefore demands not only academic proficiency but also professional readiness.
Eligibility Criteria: Academic Qualifications and Age Limit
Candidates intending to apply must carefully review the prescribed eligibility requirements before initiating registration.
Educational Qualifications
Applicants must fulfil one of the following academic conditions:
- B.Sc. (Hons.) Nursing / B.Sc. Nursing from an Indian Nursing Council (INC) or State Nursing Council recognised institute or university;
OR - B.Sc. (Post-Certificate) / Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing from an INC/State Nursing Council recognised institute or university;
OR - Diploma in General Nursing Midwifery (GNM) from an Indian Nursing Council/State Nursing Council recognised institute, board, or council.
The emphasis on recognised institutions ensures that candidates possess training aligned with national professional standards.
Age Criteria
The prescribed age limit is:
- Minimum: 18 years
- Maximum: 30 years
Age relaxation, if applicable, will be governed by prevailing Government of India norms for reserved categories.
Candidates are strongly advised to verify eligibility thoroughly before submitting the application, as discrepancies discovered at later stages may lead to disqualification.
Selection Process: A Two-Stage Competitive Evaluation
The selection process for NORCET 10 comprises:
- Preliminary Examination (Stage I)
- Main Examination (Stage II)
Stage I: Preliminary Examination
The preliminary examination will consist of:
- 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Total Marks: 100
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Negative Marking: 1/3 mark deducted for each incorrect answer
The question paper will include:
- 20 MCQs related to General Knowledge and Aptitude
- 80 MCQs based on the core nursing syllabus corresponding to the essential qualification level
The paper will be divided into five sections, each of 18 minutes duration, with 20 questions per section. Candidates must complete each section within its allotted time, reflecting a time-bound structured approach to assessment. The inclusion of negative marking underscores the importance of accuracy over guesswork. Aspirants must therefore balance speed with precision.
Stage II: Main Examination
While detailed specifics of the mains examination are elaborated in the official notification, it is designed to assess deeper professional competence, analytical reasoning, and applied nursing knowledge. Final merit and appointment consideration will be determined on the basis of Stage II performance.
Application Fee Structure
Candidates are required to pay the prescribed application fee through online payment modes such as debit card, credit card or net banking.
The fee structure is as follows:
- General / OBC Candidates: ₹3000
- SC / ST / EWS Candidates: ₹2400
Any transaction or processing charges levied by the bank will be borne by the candidate.
Applicants should ensure that the fee payment is successfully processed and reflected in their application status. Incomplete applications due to unsuccessful payment will not be entertained.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for AIIMS NORCET 10
Candidates can follow the steps below to complete the registration process:
Step 1: Visit the Official Portal
Navigate to the AIIMS examination website: aiimsexams.ac.in.
Step 2: Access the NORCET 10 Registration Link
Click on the link for “AIIMS NORCET 10” under active recruitment notifications.
Step 3: Complete Registration
Provide essential personal details including name, date of birth, contact number and valid email address to generate login credentials.
Step 4: Fill in Application Form
Log in using generated credentials and enter:
- Academic qualifications
- Professional registration details
- Category information
- Examination centre preference
Accuracy is essential, as data discrepancies may affect eligibility verification.
Step 5: Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of:
- Passport-sized photograph
- Signature
- Relevant certificates (as specified)
Ensure that the documents meet the prescribed size and format guidelines.
Step 6: Pay the Application Fee
Proceed to the payment gateway and complete the transaction using approved digital modes.
Step 7: Submit and Print Confirmation
After final submission, download and retain the confirmation page for future reference.
Why NORCET 10 Matters for Nursing Professionals
India’s healthcare infrastructure continues to expand in both scale and complexity. Institutions under AIIMS are widely regarded as centres of clinical excellence, research innovation and medical education.
Securing a Nursing Officer position within AIIMS offers:
- Structured career progression
- Exposure to advanced clinical environments
- Participation in multidisciplinary medical teams
- Enhanced professional credibility
Moreover, centralised recruitment through NORCET ensures equal opportunity for candidates across states, eliminating regional disparities in hiring practices.
Strategic Preparation for the Examination
Given the competitive nature of the examination, candidates should adopt a disciplined preparation strategy:
- Thorough revision of core nursing subjects
- Regular practice of MCQs with negative marking in mind
- Strengthening general knowledge and aptitude skills
- Time-bound mock tests to simulate sectional restrictions
Understanding the sectional time constraints in Stage I is particularly crucial. Efficient time management may prove decisive in differentiating high-performing candidates.
Important Reminders for Applicants
Before final submission, candidates should verify:
- Correct spelling of name as per official documents
- Accurate date of birth
- Valid nursing qualification details
- Proper category selection
- Successful payment confirmation
It is prudent not to wait until the final day for submission, as heavy portal traffic may slow processing times.
Conclusion
The commencement of registration for AIIMS NORCET 10 marks a significant opportunity for nursing professionals aspiring to serve in India’s premier medical institutions. With clearly defined eligibility norms, a structured two-stage examination, and transparent evaluation mechanisms, the recruitment process embodies administrative rigour and meritocratic fairness. Candidates interested in applying should visit the official AIIMS examination portal without delay, carefully review the detailed notification, and complete their registration well before the deadline of 16 March 2026. In the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery, skilled and committed Nursing Officers form the backbone of patient care systems. NORCET 10 is not merely a recruitment examination, it is a pathway to professional distinction within India’s most respected public healthcare network.
