The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is one of India’s most prestigious healthcare institutions, and its 2026 recruitment cycle has already delivered significant opportunities for hospital attendants and nursing staff through two major channels: the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE-5) and the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET-11). The CRE-5 drive, which closed on July 3, 2026, covered 1,484 Group B and Group C posts across 28 AIIMS institutions nationwide, including Hospital Attendant Grade III, Nursing Attendant, and various support staff roles . Separately, NORCET-11 announced 2,216 Nursing Officer vacancies with applications closing on August 13, 2026, and examinations held in September . While these specific application windows have closed, understanding their structure, eligibility criteria, and selection processes is essential for candidates preparing for the next cycle and for those who may have applied and are awaiting results. This comprehensive guide covers the available positions, salary structures, eligibility criteria, essential documents, interview preparation, career growth pathways, and helpful application links to help you navigate AIIMS recruitment successfully.
Table of Contents
- Quick Job Overview
- Vacant Positions and Salary Table
- Pros and Cons of AIIMS Jobs
- Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria
- Essential Documents Required
- Key Skills and Keywords for Your Resume
- Career Growth Opportunities
- Common Interview Questions and Sample Answers
- How to Apply: Helpful Links
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Quick Job Overview
AIIMS recruitment operates through centralized examinations managed by the Examination Section at AIIMS New Delhi, with selected candidates posted across 28 participating AIIMS institutions and central government hospitals nationwide . The CRE-5 examination, conducted in July 2026, was a Computer-Based Test covering 100 multiple-choice questions across general knowledge, aptitude, computer knowledge, and domain-specific subjects, with a duration of 90 minutes and a total of 400 marks . The examination included a negative marking component, with one mark deducted for each wrong answer according to some sources . The Hospital Attendant Grade III and Nursing Attendant positions represented the most accessible entry points, requiring only matriculation (10th pass) from a recognized board, with a certificate course in hospital services listed as an essential or desirable qualification depending on the specific AIIMS institution . For nursing professionals, NORCET-11 offered 2,216 Nursing Officer posts at Pay Level 7, requiring B.Sc. Nursing or GNM with two years of hospital experience . Both recruitment drives have concluded their application phases, but the structural information remains valuable for future cycles and for candidates tracking their application status.
Vacant Positions and Salary Table
The following table outlines the positions advertised under AIIMS CRE-5 and NORCET-11 in 2026. Note that application windows for both drives have closed. Salary figures reflect the 7th CPC pay levels as specified in the recruitment notifications.
|
Job Title / Vacant Position |
Recruitment Drive |
Vacancies |
Pay Level / Salary (Approx.) |
Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Hospital Attendant Grade III (Nursing Orderly) |
CRE-5 |
38 |
Pay Level 2 (₹19,900–₹63,200) |
Matriculation (10th pass); hospital services certificate desirable |
|
Nursing Attendant |
CRE-5 |
32 |
Pay Level 2 |
Matriculation; hospital experience preferred |
|
Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) |
CRE-5 |
2 |
Pay Level 4/5 |
ANM qualification; nursing registration |
|
Senior Nursing Officer (Female) |
CRE-5 |
22 |
Pay Level 7 |
B.Sc. Nursing or GNM with experience |
|
Senior Nursing Officer (Male) |
CRE-5 |
5 |
Pay Level 7 |
B.Sc. Nursing or GNM with experience |
|
Staff Nurse Grade I (Female) |
CRE-5 |
11 |
Pay Level 7 |
B.Sc. Nursing; registration |
|
Staff Nurse Grade I (Male) |
CRE-5 |
3 |
Pay Level 7 |
B.Sc. Nursing; registration |
|
Nursing Officer (NORCET-11) |
NORCET-11 |
2,216 |
Pay Level 7 (₹44,900–₹1,42,400) |
B.Sc. Nursing or GNM with 2 years experience |
|
MTS / Office Attendant / Cook / Dresser |
CRE-5 |
Various |
Pay Level 1–2 |
10th pass; post-specific requirements |
|
Lab Attendant |
CRE-5 |
Various |
Pay Level 2 |
12th pass with science; lab experience preferred |
Pros and Cons of AIIMS Jobs
Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of working at AIIMS helps you make an informed career decision.
Pros:
Premier Institution with National Recognition: AIIMS is India’s foremost healthcare institution, and employment there carries significant professional prestige. The institute’s brand recognition is unmatched in the Indian healthcare sector, and experience at AIIMS is valued across government and private healthcare organizations.
Central Government Pay Scales and Benefits: AIIMS employees receive 7th CPC pay scales with allowances, medical benefits, pension provisions under the National Pension System, and the job security associated with central government employment. Nursing Officers at Pay Level 7 receive ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400 monthly .
Nationwide Opportunities Across 28 Institutions: The CRE-5 examination covered posts at 28 participating AIIMS institutions and central government hospitals, allowing candidates to be considered for positions across the country through a single examination .
Structured Selection Process with Transparent Criteria: The Computer-Based Test format with published syllabus, marking scheme, and qualifying criteria provides a clear and predictable selection pathway. The 90-minute, 100-question format is standardized across post groups .
Accessible Entry Point for Matriculation Pass Candidates: Hospital Attendant Grade III positions require only 10th pass, making AIIMS employment accessible to candidates without advanced educational qualifications. A certificate course in hospital services is desirable but not always mandatory .
Cons:
Application Windows Have Closed for 2026: Both CRE-5 (closed July 3, 2026) and NORCET-11 (closed August 13, 2026) have completed their application phases. Candidates who missed these windows must wait for the next cycle, which may not occur within the same year .
Highly Competitive Selection: With 1,484 posts across CRE-5 and lakhs of applicants nationwide, the competition ratio is extremely high. Nursing Officer posts under NORCET-11 attracted applications from across India for 2,216 positions .
Computer-Based Test with Negative Marking: The CRE-5 examination included negative marking, with one mark deducted for each wrong answer according to some sources, penalizing guesswork and requiring careful preparation .
Post-Specific Eligibility Variations: Eligibility criteria varied significantly by post and by AIIMS institution. For example, some Hospital Attendant positions required a hospital services certificate while others did not, and age limits ranged from 18–30 to 21–30 depending on the specific post and institution . Candidates had to carefully verify requirements for each group.
Location Assignment Based on Merit and Availability: Selected candidates are posted across participating AIIMS institutions based on merit, vacancy availability, and recruitment rules, meaning candidates may not have control over their final posting location .
Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria
Hospital Attendant Grade III / Nursing Attendant (CRE-5)
The essential qualification is matriculation (10th pass) from a recognized school or board. A certificate course in hospital services conducted by a recognized organization (such as St. John’s Ambulance) is listed as essential for some AIIMS institutions and desirable for others. Experience of having worked in a hospital is desirable. The age limit is typically between 18 and 30 years, with relaxation of 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), and 10 years for PwBD candidates .
Nursing Officer (NORCET-11)
Candidates must hold a B.Sc. (Hons.) Nursing or B.Sc. Nursing from a recognized institute or university, or a Post-Basic B.Sc. Nursing qualification. Alternatively, a General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) diploma from a recognized institute with registration as a Nurse and Midwife, plus two years of work experience in a hospital with at least 50 beds, is acceptable. The age limit is 18 to 30 years, with standard relaxations for reserved categories .
Other CRE-5 Posts
Educational qualifications varied by post group: 10th/Matriculation for MTS, Hospital Attendant, Cook, and Dresser; 12th/10+2 for LDC, Stenographer, DEO, OT Assistant, and Lab Attendant; Diploma for Junior Engineer, Pharmacist, and JMLT; Bachelor’s degree for UDC, Personal Assistant, and Store Keeper; and Post-Graduation for Senior Nursing Officer and Dietitian . Age limits ranged from 18–27 for Group C clerical/technical posts to 21–35 for Group B posts, with standard relaxations .
Essential Documents Required
When applying for AIIMS positions, prepare the following documents for online upload and verification.
- Updated Resume/CV: Detailing educational qualifications, experience, and any relevant certifications.
- Matriculation Certificate: Proof of 10th pass for Hospital Attendant and MTS roles.
- 12th Pass Certificate: For LDC, Lab Attendant, and other 10+2 level posts.
- Nursing Degree/Diploma and Registration: For Nursing Officer and Staff Nurse positions, including B.Sc. Nursing or GNM certificate and state nursing council registration .
- Hospital Services Certificate: For Hospital Attendant positions where specified as essential .
- Government-Issued ID: Aadhaar, PAN, or passport for identity verification.
- Caste/Category Certificate: For SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD candidates seeking age relaxation and fee concessions.
- Passport-Sized Photograph and Signature: In prescribed format for online application.
- Application Fee Payment Proof: ₹3,000 for General/OBC, ₹2,400 for SC/ST/EWS, exempted for PwBD .
Key Skills and Keywords for Your Resume
For AIIMS applications, emphasize patient care capability, hospital experience, and relevant certifications.
Core Keywords to Include:
AIIMS, CRE-5, NORCET, Hospital Attendant, Nursing Attendant, Nursing Officer, Staff Nurse, Patient Care, Matriculation, B.Sc. Nursing, GNM, Hospital Services, Computer-Based Test, Pay Level 7, Group B, Group C.
Highlighted Skills:
Patient Care and Assistance: For attendant and nursing roles, demonstrate experience or willingness to assist patients with mobility, hygiene, and daily needs in a hospital environment.
Hospital Experience: Any prior work in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare settings is valued, even for attendant roles where it is listed as desirable .
Nursing Competence: For Nursing Officer roles, specify clinical experience, registration status, and familiarity with ward procedures and patient assessment.
Reliability and Shift Availability: AIIMS operates 24/7, and attendants and nurses work rotational shifts including nights and weekends.
Communication Skills: Ability to interact with patients, families, and medical staff clearly and compassionately.
Career Growth Opportunities
AIIMS offers structured career progression within its healthcare hierarchy. Hospital Attendants and Nursing Attendants can advance to senior attendant and supervisory roles with experience and additional qualifications. Nursing Officers at Pay Level 7 can progress to Senior Nursing Officer and Nursing Superintendent positions through departmental promotions and experience. The institute’s affiliation with teaching and research programs creates opportunities for skill development and specialization. AIIMS employees also benefit from the institute’s reputation when seeking advancement in other government healthcare institutions or private hospitals. The CRE-5 examination itself represents a pathway to regular government employment, and candidates who clear the CBT and subsequent stages join a workforce that serves millions of patients annually across India’s premier healthcare network.
Common Interview Questions and Sample Answers
While AIIMS CRE-5 selection is primarily through the Computer-Based Test, document verification and skill tests may include practical assessments. For Nursing Officer roles under NORCET, the examination is the primary selection tool. The following questions reflect the type of practical and situational assessment that may be relevant.
1. Why do you want to work at AIIMS?
Sample Answer: AIIMS is India’s premier healthcare institution, and working here means contributing to patient care at the highest standard. I want to be part of a team that serves patients from across the country and to learn from the best professionals in the field. The opportunity to work in a central government institution with structured career growth and job security is also a significant motivation.
2. For Hospital Attendant: How would you assist a patient who needs help moving from bed to wheelchair?
Sample Answer: I would first ensure the patient’s comfort and safety by explaining what I am doing. I would check that the wheelchair is stable and brakes are locked. I would use proper body mechanics to support the patient, asking them to assist if they are able, and ensuring they are securely seated before moving. I would also check for any tubes or lines attached to the patient and coordinate with nursing staff if needed.
3. For Nursing Officer: How do you prioritize care when managing multiple patients?
Sample Answer: I assess patients based on acuity and immediate needs. Patients with unstable vital signs, active bleeding, or respiratory distress receive attention first. I use the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) framework for rapid assessment. I also communicate with colleagues to delegate tasks appropriately and document my assessments and interventions clearly so the care team has complete information.
4. How do you handle a distressed patient or family member?
Sample Answer: I listen patiently and acknowledge their concerns without being defensive. I provide clear information about what is being done and why, within the limits of my role. If I cannot resolve the issue, I escalate to the nursing supervisor or doctor. The goal is to ensure the patient and family feel heard and supported during a difficult time.
How to Apply: Helpful Links
AIIMS Official Examination Portal
The sole authorized portal for all AIIMS recruitment examinations, including CRE and NORCET. All future notifications, application forms, admit cards, and results will appear here. Monitor this page regularly for the next recruitment cycle.
Link: https://www.aiimsexams.ac.in
AIIMS New Delhi Official Website
For institutional updates, recruitment notices, and information about AIIMS departments and services.
Link: https://www.aiims.edu
AIIMS CRE-5 Official Notification (Reference)
The detailed recruitment advertisement for CRE-5, containing post-wise eligibility, vacancy distribution, and examination pattern, is available on the examination portal. While the application window is closed, this document remains the authoritative reference for future cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there current Hospital Attendant vacancies at AIIMS in 2026?
The CRE-5 recruitment drive, which included Hospital Attendant Grade III and Nursing Attendant posts, closed its application window on July 3, 2026. No new Hospital Attendant vacancies are currently open. Candidates should monitor the AIIMS examinations portal for the next CRE cycle .
2. What is the qualification for a Hospital Attendant at AIIMS?
The essential qualification is matriculation (10th pass) from a recognized board. A certificate course in hospital services (such as St. John’s Ambulance) is listed as essential for some AIIMS institutions and desirable for others. Hospital work experience is desirable .
3. What is the salary for a Nursing Officer at AIIMS?
Nursing Officers are placed at Pay Level 7 of the 7th CPC matrix, with a salary range of ₹44,900 to ₹1,42,400 monthly. This applies to both NORCET-11 selections and Nursing Officer posts within CRE-5 .
4. Can I apply for AIIMS jobs if I have a GNM diploma instead of B.Sc. Nursing?
Yes, for Nursing Officer posts. GNM diploma holders with registration as a Nurse and Midwife plus two years of work experience in a hospital with at least 50 beds are eligible for NORCET and Nursing Officer positions .
5. Is there negative marking in the AIIMS CRE exam?
According to some sources, the CRE-5 examination included negative marking of one mark for each wrong answer. Candidates should verify this in the official notification for each specific recruitment cycle .
6. When will the next AIIMS recruitment cycle be announced?
AIIMS typically announces CRE and NORCET examinations on an annual or periodic basis. The 2026 cycle has concluded, and the next cycle is expected to be announced on the official examinations portal. Candidates should monitor https://www.aiimsexams.ac.in regularly .
7. What documents do I need for AIIMS application?
Prepare your educational certificates (10th, 12th, degree/diploma), nursing registration (for nursing posts), hospital services certificate (for attendant posts), category certificate (if applicable), photograph, signature, and payment method. All documents must be uploaded in the prescribed format during online application.
Conclusion
AIIMS jobs in 2026, as advertised through the CRE-5 and NORCET-11 examinations, offered significant opportunities for hospital attendants, nursing staff, and support personnel across India’s premier healthcare network. The CRE-5 drive covered 1,484 Group B and Group C posts, including 38 Hospital Attendant Grade III and 32 Nursing Attendant positions, with eligibility beginning at 10th pass for the most accessible roles . NORCET-11 separately offered 2,216 Nursing Officer vacancies at Pay Level 7 for B.Sc. Nursing and GNM qualified candidates . Both application windows have now closed, with CRE-5 ending on July 3, 2026 and NORCET-11 on August 13, 2026. For candidates who applied, the focus should now be on examination results and subsequent stages. For those who missed this cycle, the key to success lies in understanding the standardized Computer-Based Test format—90 minutes, 100 questions, 400 marks, covering general knowledge, aptitude, computer knowledge, and domain-specific subjects—and in preparing the required documents in advance for the next announcement . The official AIIMS examinations portal at https://www.aiimsexams.ac.in is the only authorized source for notifications, applications, and results. Whether you are a matriculation pass candidate targeting a Hospital Attendant role or a nursing graduate seeking a Staff Nurse position, monitoring this portal regularly and preparing thoroughly for the CBT are the essential steps toward securing employment at one of India’s most respected healthcare institutions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The application process is free of cost; beware of fraudulent recruiters. Always verify job postings through official channels and never share personal financial information with unauthorized parties.
