AIIMS Nursing Officer Exam Pattern: NORCET Stages

The AIIMS Nursing Officer exam pattern has two computer-based stages under NORCET. Stage I is a 100-question qualifying test in 90 minutes, and Stage II is a 160-question merit test in 180 minutes. Both have one-third negative marking and sections that lock when their time runs out. This pattern follows the NORCET-11 notice issued by AIIMS New Delhi.

Only Stage II decides your rank and institute, so Stage I is about crossing the qualifying percentile and making the shortlist. This page explains both stages, the qualifying rules and how to manage the locked-section format.

Table of Contents

• NORCET Exam Pattern at a Glance

• Stage I Pattern

• Stage II Pattern

• Sectional Timing and Locked Sections

• Negative Marking Explained

• Qualifying Criteria and Merit

• What the Pattern Means for You

NORCET Exam Pattern at a Glance

Stage I Pattern

Stage I has 100 multiple-choice questions with four options each. Eighty questions test nursing at the level of the essential qualification, and twenty test general knowledge and aptitude. Each correct answer earns 1 mark.

Candidates who reach the qualifying percentile are shortlisted for Stage II at up to 5 times the seats in each category (UR, OBC, SC, ST, EWS). All qualified PwBD candidates are called, and candidates tied with the last shortlisted candidate are included.

Stage II Pattern

Stage II has 160 multiple-choice questions with four options each, based on case scenarios across the full nursing syllabus. Each correct answer earns 1 mark. If the exam runs in more than one shift, scores are normalised under the method set out by AIIMS. Subject topics are on the AIIMS Nursing Officer syllabus page.

Sectional Timing and Locked Sections

Both stages are split into sections with their own timers. Sections open one after another, and once a section's time ends you move to the next and cannot return.

You cannot save time in one section to use in another. Practise finishing each section within its own time, and review marked questions before the section closes.

Negative Marking Explained

One-third of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer, and an unanswered question costs nothing. Suppose you attempt 140 questions in Stage II and get 120 right:

With four options, a blind guess breaks even on average under a one-third penalty. Once you can rule out one option, a guess is in your favour. Guess only when you can narrow the choice.

Qualifying Criteria and Merit

Merit is based only on Stage II. If two candidates tie, the one with fewer wrong answers in Stage II ranks higher, then the higher Stage I score, then fewer wrong answers in Stage I, then the older candidate. How these rules translate into real cut-offs is on the AIIMS Nursing Officer cut-off page.

What the Pattern Means for You

• Treat Stage I as a shortlist race: The qualifying percentile is only the floor. With up to 5 candidates per seat called, you need to rank well within your category.

• Wrong answers can break ties: Fewer negative marks in Stage II is the first tie-breaker, so careless guessing can cost you rank as well as marks.

• Build section discipline: Locked sections punish slow starts. Practise 20-question sets in 18 minutes and 40-question sets in 45 minutes.

• Do not ignore the 20 non-nursing questions: In a crowded Stage I, a few marks from general knowledge and aptitude can decide the shortlist.

To practise in the same sectional format, you can take full-length online tests on Testkart with negative marking and review the section-wise analysis after each attempt.

Official source: AIIMS Examinations (NORCET-11 notice No. 103/2026).