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NORCET 10 Exam Pattern 2026 for Stage 1 and 2, Marking Scheme, Qualifying Marks

NORCET 10 Exam Pattern 2026 can help candidates learn the types of questions and the marking scheme under the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test. It shows the structure of Stage I and Stage II, section timings, negative marking, and qualifying marks. In addition, it helps candidates plan their preparation in a clear way.
authorImagePriyanka Agarwal10 Jan, 2026
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NORCET 10 Exam Pattern 2026

 

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 Overview

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.

AIIMS NORCET 10 Exam Pattern 2026 Overview

Feature

Details

Exam Conducting Body

AIIMS, New Delhi

Exam Mode

Computer-Based Test

Stages

Stage I (Preliminary) and Stage II (Main)

Total Questions

Stage I - 100, Stage II - 160

Sectional Timing

Yes, fixed for all sections

Negative Marking

1/3 in both stages

Merit Basis

Stage II only

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.

NORCET 10 Exam Pattern 2026 - Stage 1

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.

NORCET Exam Pattern 2026 - Stage 1 Details as per past trends

Component

Details

Exam Nature

Qualifying only

Duration

90 minutes

Total Questions

100 MCQs

Distribution

20 GK/Aptitude + 80 Nursing

Sections

5 sections × 20 questions

Section Time

18 minutes per section

Navigation

One section at a time, cannot return later

Negative Marking

1/3 per wrong answer

Automatic Submission

Yes

Qualifying Percentiles

UR/EWS 50, OBC 45, SC/ST 40

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.

NORCET 10 Exam Pattern 2026 - Stage 2

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

NORCET Exam Pattern 2026 - Stage 2 Details as per past trends

Component

Details

Exam Nature

Final Merit Deciding

Duration

180 minutes

Total Questions

160 MCQs

Focus

Full Nursing Syllabus and Case Scenarios

Sections

4 sections × 40 questions

Section Time

45 minutes each

Navigation

One section at a time; no return allowed

Negative Marking

1/3 per wrong answer

Automatic Submission

Yes

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 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:

NORCET 10 Syllabus 2026 Details 

Subject Areas

Fundamentals of Nursing

Medical-Surgical Nursing

Obstetrics & Gynaecology Nursing

Paediatric Nursing

Mental Health Nursing

Community Health Nursing

Anatomy & Physiology

Pharmacology

Microbiology

Nutrition

First Aid & Emergency Care

Nursing Research & Ethics

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

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:

Estimated NORCET 10 Marking Scheme 2026 for Stage 1 and 2

Response Type

Marks

Correct Answer

+1

Wrong Answer

-1/3

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

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:

NORCET 10 Qualifying Marks 2026 (Indicative)

Category

Stage I Qualifying Percentile

Stage II Qualifying Percentage

UR/EWS

50 percentile

50%

OBC

45 percentile

45%

SC/ST

40 percentile

40%

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.

Explore the Nursing Courses 2025 to access essential resources for Nursing exam preparation, including detailed insights and strategies. Dive into the Nursing 2025 for structured courses and focused study plans designed to help aspirants in their exams.

 

NORCET Exam Pattern FAQs

What is the NORCET Exam Pattern for 2024?

The NORCET Exam Pattern for 2024 consists of two stages: Preliminary and Main. The preliminary stage is a qualifying test, while the main stage evaluates in-depth nursing skills and knowledge through 160 MCQs across four sections.

What are the key changes in the NORCET Exam Pattern from previous years?

The NORCET 2024 exam features an increased number of questions (160), extended exam duration (180 minutes), and the addition of four sections, including a focus on Nursing Subjects. These changes allow for a more comprehensive assessment of nursing candidates.

How is the NORCET Preliminary Exam structured?

The NORCET Preliminary Exam is a 90-minute test with 100 MCQs, divided into five sections. It includes questions on General Knowledge & Aptitude (20 questions) and Nursing-related subjects (80 questions), with a negative marking scheme of 1/3 for each wrong answer.

What are the qualifying criteria for the NORCET Preliminary and Main Exam?

The qualifying criteria for Stage I and Stage II differ by category. For UR/EWS, 50% is required, while OBC needs 45%, SC/ST needs 40%, and PWBD candidates receive a 5% relaxation as per their category.

How are ties resolved in the NORCET Exam?

In case of a tie, candidates' date of birth is considered, with older candidates being placed higher. If the tie persists, the candidate with fewer wrong answers will be ranked higher.
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