NORCET: the complete guide for nursing officer aspirants
NORCET — the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test — is the national exam that the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, conducts to recruit Nursing Officers for AIIMS institutions across India. It is one of the most sought-after nursing jobs in the country: a central government post, structured career growth, and work in some of India’s best teaching hospitals.
This guide explains the exam in plain language — who can apply, how it is structured, how marking works, and how to prepare.
| Full name | Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET) |
|---|---|
| Conducted by | AIIMS, New Delhi |
| Posts | Nursing Officer (Group “B”) at AIIMS institutions; some cycles also cover other central government institutions named in the notice |
| How often | Usually twice a year in recent years |
| Mode | Computer-based test (CBT) at centres across India |
| Stages | Stage I (Prelims) → Stage II (Mains) |
| Marking | +1 correct, −⅓ wrong, 0 unattempted |
| Pay | Level 7 of the 7th CPC pay matrix (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400) plus allowances |
| Official website | aiimsexams.ac.in |
What is NORCET?
Before NORCET, each AIIMS ran its own nursing recruitment. NORCET replaced that with one common exam, so one attempt can lead to a posting at any participating AIIMS. Your rank, and the order of institutes you choose, decide where you are offered a post.
Who can apply?
You need either a B.Sc Nursing (or Post-Basic B.Sc Nursing) with registration as a Nurse & Midwife, or a GNM diploma with registration and at least two years’ hospital experience after it. Age limit: 18–30 years on the cut-off date in the notice, with relaxation for reserved categories.
Practise NORCET questions free
NORCET marking, timed mocks and practice that adapts to your weak topics.
How the exam works
There are two computer-based stages. Prelims (100 questions in 90 minutes) screens candidates; Mains (160 questions in 180 minutes) decides your rank. Both have negative marking: +1 correct, −⅓ wrong, 0 unattempted.
Syllabus in brief
The exam is overwhelmingly nursing: every subject of the B.Sc Nursing curriculum, from Anatomy and Fundamentals to Medical-Surgical, Obstetric, Paediatric, Community and Mental Health Nursing, plus a small General Knowledge and Aptitude component.
The selection process, step by step
- Notification
- Online registration (basic details)
- Final application and fee
- Admit card
- Prelims
- Prelims result (qualifying)
- Mains
- Result and merit list
- Institute allocation by rank and preference
- Document verification and joining
Exact dates and steps are set by each notification. Check aiimsexams.ac.in for the current one.
Salary and career
Pay: Level 7 of the 7th CPC pay matrix (₹44,900 – ₹1,42,400) plus allowances. Allowances: DA, HRA, nursing allowance and uniform allowance, as applicable.
Promotion path: Nursing Officer → Senior Nursing Officer → Assistant Nursing Superintendent → Deputy Nursing Superintendent → Nursing Superintendent → Chief Nursing Officer (titles per institute rules).
How Nursing Vidyarthi helps
We built Nursing Vidyarthi for NORCET specifically: NORCET marking, Prelims-length mocks, the complete NORCET syllabus as our topic map, and practice that adapts to your weak topics.
Practise NORCET questions free
NORCET marking, timed mocks and practice that adapts to your weak topics.
NORCET questions
All questionsWhat is NORCET?
The Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test, conducted by AIIMS New Delhi to recruit Nursing Officers for AIIMS institutions. Read the full guide.
Who can apply for NORCET?
B.Sc / B.Sc (Hons) / Post-Basic B.Sc Nursing graduates, or GNM diploma holders with 2 years’ experience in a 50+ bed hospital — registered as Nurse & Midwife, and aged 18–30 with category relaxations. Details.
Does NORCET have negative marking?
Yes: −⅓ mark for each wrong answer, +1 for a correct one, and 0 for unattempted. How to use it to your advantage.
When is the next NORCET?
AIIMS has recently held NORCET about twice a year. Dates are announced in each notification on aiimsexams.ac.in.
Can GNM diploma holders apply?
Yes, with registration as Nurse & Midwife and at least 2 years’ experience in a hospital of 50 or more beds after GNM.
How long should I prepare?
Most students plan 4–6 months, but it depends on where you start. Take a diagnostic to find out — then plan around your weak areas. Preparation strategy.