All Practice Exams

100+ Free AIIMS NORCET Practice Questions

Pass your AIIMS Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

✓ No registration✓ No credit card✓ No hidden fees✓ Start practicing immediately
100+ Questions
100% Free

Loading practice questions...

Same family resources

Explore More India Nursing Entrance & Registration

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AIIMS NORCET Exam

2 stages

NORCET has a qualifying Prelims (Stage I) and a merit-deciding Mains (Stage II)

AIIMS NORCET official advertisement (aiimsexams.ac.in)

100 MCQs

Stage I has 100 four-option MCQs (80 nursing + 20 GK/aptitude) in 90 minutes

AIIMS NORCET advertisement

160 MCQs

Stage II (Mains) has 160 nursing MCQs in 180 minutes and decides final merit

AIIMS NORCET advertisement

1/3 negative marking

One-third of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer in both stages

AIIMS NORCET advertisement

18 minutes/section

Stage I is split into five time-locked sections of 20 questions and 18 minutes each

AIIMS NORCET advertisement

50/45/40 percentile

Qualifying percentile cut-offs are 50 for UR/EWS, 45 for OBC and 40 for SC/ST

AIIMS NORCET advertisement

Computer-based

NORCET is delivered as a computer-based test by AIIMS, New Delhi

AIIMS Exams (aiimsexams.ac.in)

100

Free original practice questions in this bank

OpenExamPrep

AIIMS NORCET is the two-stage computer-based exam conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi to recruit Nursing Officers across AIIMS and other participating hospitals. Stage I (Prelims) has 100 four-option MCQs (80 nursing + 20 GK/aptitude) in 90 minutes across five time-locked 18-minute sections and is qualifying only. Stage II (Mains) has 160 nursing MCQs in 180 minutes across four sections and decides the final merit, with heavy use of case-scenario, image and priority-based questions. Both stages apply 1/3 negative marking, and candidates must reach a category percentile cut-off (UR/EWS 50, OBC 45, SC/ST 40). Eligibility requires B.Sc. Nursing, Post-Basic B.Sc. Nursing or GNM with RN&RM registration. This 100-question bank gives original, exam-style multiple-choice practice across all the core nursing subjects.

Sample AIIMS NORCET Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your AIIMS NORCET exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A patient with left-sided heart failure is most likely to present with which of the following findings?
A.Pedal oedema and ascites
B.Pulmonary congestion and dyspnoea
C.Jugular venous distension and hepatomegaly
D.Weight loss and bradycardia
Explanation: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the pulmonary circulation, producing pulmonary congestion, crackles, orthopnoea and dyspnoea. Right-sided failure causes systemic venous congestion instead.
2Which position best relieves dyspnoea in a patient with acute pulmonary oedema?
A.Supine flat
B.High Fowler's position with legs dependent
C.Trendelenburg position
D.Left lateral position
Explanation: High Fowler's position with the legs in a dependent position reduces venous return (preload) and allows fuller lung expansion, easing the work of breathing in acute pulmonary oedema.
3The earliest and most reliable sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in an adult is:
A.Fixed dilated pupils
B.Altered level of consciousness
C.Cushing's triad
D.Projectile vomiting
Explanation: A change in the level of consciousness is the earliest and most sensitive indicator of rising intracranial pressure, because the cerebral cortex is highly sensitive to changes in perfusion and pressure.
4A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is administered oxygen. The nurse keeps the flow low (1-2 L/min) primarily because:
A.High oxygen dries the airways excessively
B.High oxygen can depress the hypoxic respiratory drive
C.Low oxygen prevents oxygen toxicity in the eyes
D.Low oxygen reduces the cost of therapy
Explanation: In some patients with chronic CO2 retention, breathing is driven mainly by low oxygen levels (the hypoxic drive). High-flow oxygen can blunt this drive and cause hypoventilation and CO2 narcosis, so controlled low-flow oxygen is used with monitoring.
5Which laboratory value is most specific for myocardial infarction?
A.Serum troponin I
B.Total leucocyte count
C.Serum amylase
D.C-reactive protein
Explanation: Cardiac troponin I (and T) is the most specific and sensitive biomarker for myocardial injury, rising within a few hours of infarction and remaining elevated for several days.
6A patient with cirrhosis develops confusion and a flapping tremor of the hands (asterixis). This indicates:
A.Hypoglycaemia
B.Hepatic encephalopathy
C.Hypocalcaemia
D.Wernicke's encephalopathy
Explanation: Asterixis with altered mental status in a patient with cirrhosis indicates hepatic encephalopathy, caused by accumulation of ammonia and other toxins the diseased liver cannot clear. Treatment includes lactulose and reducing protein/ammonia load.
7The nursing priority for a patient immediately after a thyroidectomy is to:
A.Encourage early ambulation
B.Keep a tracheostomy set at the bedside
C.Restrict all oral fluids for 24 hours
D.Apply heat to the neck incision
Explanation: After thyroidectomy, airway obstruction from haematoma or laryngeal oedema is a life-threatening risk, so a tracheostomy set and suction must be kept at the bedside. The nurse also watches for signs of haemorrhage and hypocalcaemia.
8In a patient with acute pancreatitis, which serum enzyme rises early and is commonly used for diagnosis?
A.Alkaline phosphatase
B.Serum amylase
C.Lactate dehydrogenase
D.Creatine kinase
Explanation: Serum amylase rises within hours of the onset of acute pancreatitis and is a standard diagnostic marker; serum lipase is more specific and remains elevated longer.
9A patient with chronic kidney disease has a serum potassium of 6.8 mEq/L. The nurse should anticipate which immediate ECG-related risk?
A.Cardiac arrhythmia
B.Hypertensive crisis
C.Seizures
D.Respiratory alkalosis
Explanation: Severe hyperkalaemia (above about 6.5 mEq/L) destabilises cardiac membranes and can cause peaked T waves, widened QRS and life-threatening arrhythmias including ventricular fibrillation and asystole.
10The classic triad of symptoms in diabetes mellitus is:
A.Polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia
B.Bradycardia, hypotension and oliguria
C.Fever, rash and arthralgia
D.Tremor, sweating and pallor
Explanation: The classic triad of diabetes mellitus is polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst) and polyphagia (excessive hunger), reflecting hyperglycaemia, osmotic diuresis and cellular glucose starvation.

About the AIIMS NORCET Exam

The AIIMS Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET) is the national computer-based examination conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi to recruit Nursing Officers for AIIMS institutes and several other participating central government hospitals. It is held in two stages. Stage I (Prelims) is a 90-minute qualifying paper of 100 four-option MCQs - 80 from nursing subjects and 20 from general knowledge and aptitude - divided into five time-locked sections of 20 questions. Stage I scores do not count toward the final merit but candidates must clear the category percentile cut-off to advance. Stage II (Mains) is a 180-minute paper of 160 nursing MCQs across four sections, emphasising case-scenario, image-based and priority-based questions to test clinical competency, and it decides the final merit. Both stages carry a negative marking of one-third mark for each wrong answer. The clinical syllabus spans medical-surgical, community health, paediatric, obstetric and gynaecological (midwifery), and mental health nursing, plus fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, nutrition and nursing management.

Assessment

Two stages. Stage I (Prelims): 100 MCQs (80 nursing + 20 general knowledge and aptitude) in five time-locked sections of 20 questions. Stage II (Mains): 160 nursing MCQs in four sections of 40 questions, including case-scenario, image and priority-based items.

Time Limit

Stage I: 90 minutes (five sections of 18 minutes each). Stage II: 180 minutes (four sections of 45 minutes each). A section closes automatically when its time expires and cannot be revisited.

Passing Score

Stage I is qualifying only and is not used for final merit. Candidates must reach the category percentile cut-off (UR/EWS 50, OBC 45, SC/ST 40, with a 5-percentile relaxation for PwBD). Final selection is based on Stage II marks followed by document verification and medical examination.

Exam Fee

Rs. 3000 for General/OBC and Rs. 2400 for SC/ST/EWS; PwBD candidates are exempt. Paid online by debit card, credit card or net banking. (All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi)

AIIMS NORCET Exam Content Outline

25%

Medical-Surgical Nursing

The dominant clinical area: nursing assessment and management of cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal and genitourinary, endocrine, neurological, musculoskeletal and integumentary disorders, plus critical care, fluid/electrolyte balance, oncology and perioperative nursing.

11%

Fundamentals of Nursing

Nursing process, vital signs, infection prevention and asepsis, hygiene, positioning and mobility, oxygen therapy, wound and pressure-injury care, documentation, patient safety and basic procedures.

11%

Community Health Nursing

Epidemiology and levels of prevention, the Universal Immunization Programme schedule, national health programmes, family welfare and contraception, vital and health statistics, environmental sanitation and communicable disease control in India.

10%

Paediatric (Child Health) Nursing

Growth and development milestones, neonatal and newborn care, IMNCI, immunisation, common childhood infections and disorders, nutritional deficiency diseases and care of the hospitalised child.

10%

Midwifery and Obstetrical/Gynaecological Nursing

Antenatal, intranatal and postnatal care, mechanism and stages of labour, partograph, high-risk pregnancy and obstetric emergencies, postpartum haemorrhage, family planning and selected gynaecological conditions.

8%

Mental Health (Psychiatric) Nursing

Common psychiatric disorders, therapeutic communication and nurse-patient relationship, psychotropic drug groups, ECT, defence mechanisms and the Mental Healthcare Act 2017.

8%

Pharmacology

Drug classes and mechanisms, routes and dosage forms, adverse effects and antidotes, drug-dose calculation and the nurse's role in safe medication administration and the rights of medication.

7%

Anatomy and Physiology

Structure and function of the major body systems that underpin clinical nursing judgement, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, nervous system and endocrine glands.

10%

Microbiology, Nutrition and Nursing Management/Ethics

Microorganisms, sterilisation and disinfection and infection control; balanced and therapeutic diets, vitamins and macronutrients; and nursing administration, leadership, professional ethics and legal responsibilities.

How to Pass the AIIMS NORCET Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Stage I is qualifying only and is not used for final merit. Candidates must reach the category percentile cut-off (UR/EWS 50, OBC 45, SC/ST 40, with a 5-percentile relaxation for PwBD). Final selection is based on Stage II marks followed by document verification and medical examination.
  • Assessment: Two stages. Stage I (Prelims): 100 MCQs (80 nursing + 20 general knowledge and aptitude) in five time-locked sections of 20 questions. Stage II (Mains): 160 nursing MCQs in four sections of 40 questions, including case-scenario, image and priority-based items.
  • Time limit: Stage I: 90 minutes (five sections of 18 minutes each). Stage II: 180 minutes (four sections of 45 minutes each). A section closes automatically when its time expires and cannot be revisited.
  • Exam fee: Rs. 3000 for General/OBC and Rs. 2400 for SC/ST/EWS; PwBD candidates are exempt. Paid online by debit card, credit card or net banking.

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

AIIMS NORCET Study Tips from Top Performers

1Prioritise the clinical subjects that carry the most weight - medical-surgical, OBG, paediatric, community health and mental health nursing - before spending time on smaller topics.
2Practise full-length timed mocks with five time-locked sections so you get used to the 18-minute-per-section pace and learn to abandon time-wasting questions.
3Master the Indian Universal Immunization Programme schedule, national health programmes and key vital statistics; community health questions repeat these almost every year.
4Drill drug doses, antidotes and the rights of medication administration, because pharmacology and case-based safety questions reward exact numbers.
5Use 1/3 negative marking strategically: skip questions where you cannot eliminate at least two options rather than guessing blindly.
6Review previous-year and memory-based NORCET questions to learn the recurring high-yield topics and the case-scenario question style used in the Mains.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the AIIMS NORCET exam?

Stage I (Prelims) has 100 four-option MCQs - 80 nursing and 20 general knowledge/aptitude - in 90 minutes. Stage II (Mains) has 160 nursing MCQs in 180 minutes. Both stages apply 1/3 negative marking for wrong answers.

Is AIIMS NORCET a computer-based exam?

Yes. NORCET is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi. Questions are presented on screen in time-locked sections that close automatically and cannot be revisited once their time expires.

What is the difference between NORCET Prelims and Mains?

Stage I (Prelims) is qualifying only and does not count toward final merit; candidates only need to reach the category percentile cut-off. Stage II (Mains) is the merit-deciding paper of 160 nursing MCQs, with more case-scenario and image-based questions.

Is there negative marking in NORCET?

Yes. One-third (1/3) of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer in both Stage I and Stage II. Each correct answer earns one mark, so accuracy and selective answering matter.

Who is eligible to apply for AIIMS NORCET?

Candidates with a B.Sc. (Hons) Nursing, B.Sc. Nursing, Post-Basic B.Sc. Nursing or GNM diploma who are registered as Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife (RN&RM). GNM candidates usually need work experience as specified in the notification, and the upper age limit is generally 30 years with statutory relaxations.

Are these official AIIMS NORCET questions?

No. These are original OpenExamPrep practice questions modelled on the NORCET syllabus and style. Always check the official AIIMS advertisement on aiimsexams.ac.in for the current pattern, syllabus and dates.