The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has just announced a major recruitment opportunity for nurses across India. Through the AIIMS NORCET 10 exam, they are planning to hire over 3000 Nursing Officers for various AIIMS hospitals in 2026.
NORCET stands for Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test. It's a nationwide exam run by AIIMS New Delhi to fill Nursing Officer positions in different AIIMS locations, like New Delhi, Bhopal, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur, Bhubaneswar, Rishikesh, and more. This is the 10th time they're conducting this test, and it's designed to pick the best-qualified nurses fairly and transparently.
Why is this such a big deal? Nursing jobs in government sectors like AIIMS come with job security, regular salary increases, pensions, and the pride of serving in advanced hospitals. With thousands of openings, many deserving candidates have a real shot at getting selected this year.
The official short notice came out around mid-February 2026, and the full details are available on the AIIMS exams website. Applications open soon, so let's break down everything you need to know in simple terms.
First, the key dates to mark on your calendar:
- Notification release: Around 13 February 2026 (short notice already out).
- Online applications start: 24 February 2026.
- Last date to apply online: 16 March 2026 (usually till 5:00 PM — don't wait till the last minute!).
- Stage-I (Preliminary) exam: 11 April 2026.
- Stage-I result: Around 16 April 2026.
- Stage-II (Main) exam: 30 April 2026.
- Stage-II result: Around 11 May 2026.
These dates come from official sources and recent updates. Always double-check on aiimsexams.ac.in because small changes can happen. Missing the deadline means missing the chance, so set reminders now.
Who can apply? The eligibility rules are straightforward but strict.
For education, you need one of these:
- A B.Sc. Nursing degree, B.Sc. (Hons.) Nursing, or Post-Basic B.Sc. Nursing from a recognized university or college.
- Or a Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) from a recognized institute. If you have GNM, you also need at least two years of experience working in a hospital with 50 or more beds after finishing your diploma.
No matter which qualification you have, you must be registered as a Nurse and Midwife with your State Nursing Council or the Indian Nursing Council. This registration is mandatory and has to be valid.
Age-wise, candidates should be between 18 and 30 years old as of the last application date (16 March 2026). Relaxations apply as per government rules:
- SC/ST candidates get 5 years extra.
- OBC candidates get 3 years.
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) can get up to 10 years.
- Other categories like ex-servicemen may qualify for additional relaxations under central government norms.
Make sure your age fits before applying — it's calculated based on your birth date and the cutoff.
The application fee is reasonable and paid online:
- General/OBC: ₹3000
- SC/ST/EWS: ₹2400
- PwBD: No fee (exempted)
You pay through the portal using debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI. Keep your payment receipt safe.
The selection happens in two main stages, both computer-based tests (CBT):
Stage-I is the preliminary exam. It checks your basic knowledge in nursing subjects, general awareness, reasoning, aptitude, and English. This acts like a filter — only those who score well move forward.
Stage-II is the main exam for qualified candidates. It goes deeper into nursing topics, testing your technical knowledge, professional skills, and understanding of patient care.
After both exams, shortlisted people go through document verification. If everything matches, you get the appointment letter. The process is merit-based, so higher scores matter a lot.
What about the salary? It's one of the best parts. Nursing Officers start at Pay Level 7 in the central government pay matrix. The basic pay ranges from about ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400 per month, depending on your experience and increments. On top of that, you get:
- Dearness Allowance (DA) to cover rising costs.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) based on your posting city.
- Medical facilities for you and your family.
- Other perks like leave travel concession and pension benefits.
Over time, with promotions, you can move up to higher levels. Plus, working in AIIMS exposes you to advanced treatments, research, and training — great for building a strong career in nursing.
Applying is all online and pretty simple if you follow these steps:
1. Go to the official website: https://aiimsexams.ac.in.
2. Find the NORCET 10 2026 section or recruitment link.
3. Register with your name, email, phone number, and other basic details to get a registration ID.
4. Log in and fill the application form carefully — enter your education, work experience (if any), category, and personal info.
5. Upload scanned copies of your photo, signature, educational certificates, nursing registration proof, and any category certificates.
6. Pay the fee online if required.
7. Review everything one last time — check for typos or wrong details.
8. Submit and download/print the confirmation page for your records.
Be extra careful with uploads and information because changes after submission are usually not allowed. Use a good internet connection and scan clear documents.
Preparing for NORCET takes effort, but it's doable with the right approach. Start by reading the official syllabus and exam pattern from the website. Focus on key nursing areas like:
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
- Child Health (Pediatric) Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Midwifery and Obstetrical Nursing
- Fundamentals of Nursing
Don't forget general knowledge, current affairs, basic math, reasoning, and English. Many questions come from standard nursing textbooks.
Also Read HAl Recruitment 2026
Useful tips:
- Study previous years' question papers to see the pattern and difficulty.
- Take regular mock tests to build speed and confidence.
- Make short notes for quick revision.
- Join coaching if you need guidance, but self-study works well too.
- Stay healthy — good sleep and breaks help during prep.
Conclusion
The AIIMS NORCET 10 Recruitment 2026 notification is a major opportunity for nurses across India who want a central government job with excellent growth prospects.
Meet the eligibility, apply between 24 February and 16 March 2026 without delay, and kickstart your exam preparation right away.