
NORCET 10 Exam Pattern 2026 provides a clear direction to candidates appearing for the AIIMS Nursing Officer exam. The official notification for NORCET 10 is yet to be released. However, the exam generally follows a two-stage process. Stage I is a qualifying test that filters candidates for Stage II.
Stage II decides the final merit and rank. In addition, both stages follow strict sectional timings, automatic submission, and negative marking as per the general trends. At the same time, learning about the exam pattern helps candidates understand how to manage time and answer questions carefully for better results.
NORCET 10 Exam Pattern 2026 can help candidates learn the complete view of the exam structure. According to the past year's trends, Stage I qualifies candidates, while Stage II determines the final merit. In addition, both stages use a computer-based system with fixed section durations.
Candidates are required to follow the sequence of sections because earlier sections cannot be reopened. At the same time, the exam uses multiple-choice questions to check knowledge and skills in nursing and general aptitude.
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AIIMS NORCET 10 Exam Pattern 2026 Overview |
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Feature |
Details |
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Exam Conducting Body |
AIIMS, New Delhi |
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Exam Mode |
Computer-Based Test |
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Stages |
Stage I (Preliminary) and Stage II (Main) |
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Total Questions |
Stage I - 100, Stage II - 160 |
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Sectional Timing |
Yes, fixed for all sections |
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Negative Marking |
1/3 in both stages |
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Merit Basis |
Stage II only |
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Qualifying Requirement |
Percentile-based (Stage I), Percentage-based (Stage II) |
Note: It should be noted that stage II marks of the NORCET alone determine the final selection of the candidates. Further, the confirmed exam pattern can be accessed once AIIMS publishes the latest notification about NORCET 10 2026.
As per past trends, NORCET Exam Pattern 2026 - Stage 1 exam lasts 90 minutes and contains 100 multiple-choice questions. At the same time, the paper is divided into five sections of 20 questions each. Each section is active for 18 minutes. Once the time ends, the system closes the section automatically. Candidates cannot revisit it.
Stage I scores do not affect the final merit. However, applicants are required to qualify to appear in the next stage paper.
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NORCET Exam Pattern 2026 - Stage 1 Details as per past trends |
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|---|---|
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Component |
Details |
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Exam Nature |
Qualifying only |
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Duration |
90 minutes |
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Total Questions |
100 MCQs |
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Distribution |
20 GK/Aptitude + 80 Nursing |
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Sections |
5 sections × 20 questions |
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Section Time |
18 minutes per section |
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Navigation |
One section at a time, cannot return later |
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Negative Marking |
1/3 per wrong answer |
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Automatic Submission |
Yes |
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Qualifying Percentiles |
UR/EWS 50, OBC 45, SC/ST 40 |
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PWBD Relaxation |
Extra 5th percentile |
Note: It should be noted that the stage 1 exam is qualifying in nature. Candidates who will qualify NORCET stage 1 will be eligible to appear in the stage 2 paper. Also, they are advised to go through the official notification once released.
Like the previous year trends, NORCET Exam Pattern 2026 - Stage 2 can determine the final merit. Candidates face 160 multiple-choice questions. The paper is divided into four sections of 40 questions each. Each section stays active for 45 minutes. The system automatically closes the section when the time ends.
At the same time, candidates cannot go back to previous sections. Stage II includes case-based nursing questions to test clinical judgement, decision-making, and practical knowledge of the candidates. Further, here are the details related to the stage 2 NORCET pattern as per the general trends
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NORCET Exam Pattern 2026 - Stage 2 Details as per past trends |
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|---|---|
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Component |
Details |
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Exam Nature |
Final Merit Deciding |
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Duration |
180 minutes |
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Total Questions |
160 MCQs |
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Focus |
Full Nursing Syllabus and Case Scenarios |
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Sections |
4 sections × 40 questions |
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Section Time |
45 minutes each |
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Navigation |
One section at a time; no return allowed |
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Negative Marking |
1/3 per wrong answer |
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Automatic Submission |
Yes |
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Qualifying Percentage |
UR/EWS 50%, OBC 45%, SC/ST 40% |
Note: It should be noted that Stage II scores alone can decide the final ranking of the candidates. However, applicants are recommended to go through the official notification for NORCET 10 once it is released for more details.
NORCET 10 Syllabus 2026 can cover subjects taught at the essential nursing qualification level. Candidates should revise both theory and practical concepts related to nursing. In addition, Stage I includes general knowledge, aptitude, and curriculum from nursing courses, while Stage II focuses on case-based questions from nursing courses.
Furthermore, revising the syllabus helps candidates understand clinical applications and decision-making skills.
Here is the indicative syllabus for NORCET 10 2026:
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NORCET 10 Syllabus 2026 Details |
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Subject Areas |
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Fundamentals of Nursing |
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Medical-Surgical Nursing |
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Obstetrics & Gynaecology Nursing |
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Paediatric Nursing |
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Mental Health Nursing |
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Community Health Nursing |
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Anatomy & Physiology |
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Pharmacology |
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Microbiology |
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Nutrition |
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First Aid & Emergency Care |
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Nursing Research & Ethics |
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General Knowledge & Aptitude (Stage I only) |
Note: Candidates should note that Stage II NORCET mainly tests practical understanding and case-based nursing skills. To learn about the updated syllabus, they can visit the official portal.
NORCET 10 Marking Scheme 2026 may follow a similar exam scheme to that of NORCET 9. Candidates can get one mark for each correct answer. Further, here is the estimated marking scheme for NORCET 10 in 2026:
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Estimated NORCET 10 Marking Scheme 2026 for Stage 1 and 2 |
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Response Type |
Marks |
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Correct Answer |
+1 |
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Wrong Answer |
-1/3 |
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Not Attempted |
0 |
Note: Candidates should note that both Stage I and Stage II NORCET papers have negative marking as per general trends. They can check the marking scheme in the latest notification once it is released on the AIIMS portal.
NORCET 10 Qualifying Marks 2026 differ for Stage I and Stage II. Stage I uses percentile-based qualification, while Stage II uses percentage-based qualification of the applicants. Further, here are the details of the qualifying marks in NORCET for Stage 1 and 2 as per previous trends:
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NORCET 10 Qualifying Marks 2026 (Indicative) |
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|---|---|---|
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Category |
Stage I Qualifying Percentile |
Stage II Qualifying Percentage |
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UR/EWS |
50 percentile |
50% |
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OBC |
45 percentile |
45% |
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SC/ST |
40 percentile |
40% |
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PWBD |
5 percentile relaxation |
Same as per category |
Note: The above-mentioned data is based on NORCET 9 notification details. Candidates are recommended to check the official PDF notification for NORCET 10 when it is released.
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