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NORCET Exam Pattern, Check Qualifying Criteria, Changes from Previous to New Pattern

NORCET Exam Pattern 2024 provides an updated structure with details on the Preliminary and Main exams, marking scheme, qualifying criteria, and section breakdown to help you prepare effectively
authorImagePriyanka Agarwal20 Dec, 2024
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NORCET Exam Pattern

NORCET Exam Pattern: The NORCET Exam Pattern 2024 is designed to evaluate the nursing skills and knowledge of candidates applying to AIIMS. The exam is divided into two stages: Stage I (Preliminary) and Stage II (Main). Stage I serves as a qualifying exam with 100 MCQs, while Stage II tests nursing competencies through 160 MCQs across four sections. The structure includes negative marking and specific qualifying criteria based on categories. This updated pattern ensures a comprehensive assessment, preparing candidates for roles in the healthcare sector.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the NORCET Exam Pattern 2024, including changes from the previous year's pattern and detailed insights into the examination process.

Stage I: NORCET Exam Pattern Prelims

The NORCET Preliminary Exam is the first step in the recruitment process. This stage acts as a qualifying test, and candidates who pass it will be eligible to appear for Stage II. However, it's important to note that the marks obtained in the preliminary stage do not contribute to the final merit list.
Parameter Details
Duration 90 minutes
Number of Questions 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Marks 100 marks
Marking Scheme Negative marking of 1/3 marks for every wrong answer
Sections 5 sections, each containing 20 questions
Time per Section 18 minutes per section
Question Types - 20 MCQs on General Knowledge & Aptitude
- 80 MCQs on the syllabus of Nursing courses taught at the essential qualification level

Also Check : AIIMS NORCET 8

NORCET Exam Pattern : Qualifying Criteria for Stage I

Candidates who qualify in the NORCET Preliminary Exam are selected based on the total number of seats available, with five times the number of vacancies being called for Stage II, plus any ties from the last list of candidates. To move to the Stage II: NORCET Main Exam , candidates need to meet the following qualifying marks:
Category Qualifying Percentile
UR/EWS 50 percentile
OBC 45 percentile
SC/ST 40 percentile
PWBD Relaxation of 5 percentile as per category (UR/EWS-PWBD: 45%, OBC-PWBD: 40%, SC/ST-PWBD: 35%)
Also Read: Tips To Prepare For AIIMS NORCET Exam With Job

Stage II: NORCET Exam Pattern Main Exam

Candidates will be able to access and attempt only the active section within the specified time. After the time for each section expires, candidates cannot revisit it. The NORCET Main Exam is the final stage in the recruitment process. This stage is far more comprehensive and involves a thorough assessment of candidates' nursing knowledge and skills.
Parameter Details
Duration 180 minutes
Number of Questions 160 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Marks 160 marks
Marking Scheme Negative marking of 1/3 marks for incorrect answers
Sections The paper is divided into four sections, each containing 40 questions
Time per Section 45 minutes per section
Question Types Case scenario-based assessments to test nursing skills competency

Also Check : AIIMS NORCET 8 Syllabus

NORCET Exam Pattern : Qualifying Criteria for Stage II

Candidates who score equal marks will be subject to tie-breaking criteria such as date of birth and the number of wrong answers . The following are the qualifying marks for NORCET Main Exam :
Category Qualifying Marks
UR/EWS 50%
OBC 45%
SC/ST 40%
PWBD Relaxation of 5% as per category (UR/EWS-PWBD: 45%, OBC-PWBD: 40%, SC/ST-PWBD: 35%)

Also Check : AIIMS NORCET 8 Exam Pattern

Important Changes in AIIMS NORCET Exam Pattern

The NORCET Exam Pattern has undergone significant changes, particularly in the structure and scope of the exam. The table below compares the previous and the new exam patterns, highlighting the key differences in terms of subject breakdown, number of questions, duration, and other important features of the exam.
Feature NORCET Exam Previous Pattern NORCET Exam New Pattern
Subject Breakdown General Intelligence/Aptitude, Functional Subject General Intelligence/Aptitude, Functional Subject, Nursing Subjects
Number of Questions 100 (20 General Intelligence/Aptitude, 80 Functional Subject) 160 (40 questions in each of 4 sections)
Maximum Marks 100 160
Time Duration 90 Minutes (1.5 hours) 180 Minutes (3 hours)
Marking Scheme +1 for each correct answer; -⅓ for each wrong answer +1 for each correct answer; -⅓ for each wrong answer
Exam Mode Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Total Sections Not specified 4 Sections
Questions per Section Not specified 40 questions per section
Types of Questions General Awareness & Aptitude, General English, Nursing Subjects General Awareness & Aptitude, General English, Nursing Subjects

Key Observations:

  • Increased Number of Questions : The total number of questions has increased from 100 to 160, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of candidates.
  • Extended Time Duration : The exam duration has been extended from 90 minutes to 180 minutes, providing candidates with more time to complete the exam.
  • Addition of Sections : The introduction of four distinct sections in the exam pattern allows for better organization and focus on different subject areas.
  • Inclusion of Nursing Subjects : The explicit mention of Nursing Subjects in the breakdown reflects an enhanced focus on relevant knowledge for nursing candidates.
These changes aim to improve the assessment process and ensure that candidates are evaluated on a broader range of competencies necessary for nursing professionals.

Important Considerations for NORCET 2024 Exam

  • Negative Marking : Be mindful of the negative marking for incorrect answers. With 1/3 marks deducted for each wrong answer, it's crucial to answer only those questions you are confident about.
  • Section-wise Time Limit : Adhere strictly to the time limit for each section. Once the time for a section ends, you cannot go back to that section.
  • Tie-Breaking Method : In case of a tie in marks, older candidates will be placed higher in the merit list. If the tie persists, fewer wrong answers will break the tie.
  • Special Considerations for PWBD : Candidates with Benchmark Disabilities are granted an additional relaxation of 5%, ensuring fairness across all categories.
The NORCET Exam Pattern 2024 is structured to assess nursing candidates in a thorough, methodical way, ensuring that only the most qualified individuals are selected. From the Preliminary Exam to the Main Exam , the exam tests a range of competencies, from general knowledge and aptitude to case-based nursing scenarios. The change in the exam structure from six to seven sections reflects a growing need to evaluate nursing skills in more depth, providing a clearer picture of a candidate’s readiness to work in the healthcare sector. With this updated structure, NORCET 2024 promises to provide a fair and rigorous platform for selecting the best candidates. Therefore, candidates preparing for the exam should focus on a comprehensive study plan, practice thoroughly with mock tests, and ensure that they are familiar with the exam’s structure and timing.

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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