Medical & Healthcare · Updated October 2026
AIIMS CRE ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
The AIIMS Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) is a combined examination for Group B and Group C non-faculty posts at AIIMS New Delhi, other AIIMS and several participating central government institutes. It is conducted by AIIMS New Delhi.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- Healthcare
Start for free with AIIMS CRE syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
AIIMS CRE exam overview and highlights
About AIIMS CRE
The AIIMS Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) is a combined examination for Group B and Group C non-faculty posts at AIIMS New Delhi, other AIIMS and several participating central government institutes. It is conducted by AIIMS New Delhi. Posts range from technical and paramedical roles to administrative, clerical and support positions, and the question paper is set according to the post group.
The examination process for AIIMS CRE comprises 2 stages: Computer-based test, followed by Skill test or document verification. The official syllabus tests candidates across 3 core areas — Post-specific domain knowledge, General knowledge and awareness, Reasoning and aptitude — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Merit is drawn from the computer-based test, followed by a skill test, trade test or document verification where the notification requires it. Candidates are offered posts in order of merit and preference.
Key subjects
- Post-specific domain knowledge
- General knowledge and awareness
- Reasoning and aptitude
What clearing AIIMS CRE leads to
- Group B and Group C non-faculty posts at AIIMS and participating institutes (technicians, assistants, clerks, stenographers, paramedical staff and others)
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Group B and C posts across AIIMS institutes, with pay from Pay Level 2 up to Pay Level 7 depending on the post
- Central / Institutional appointment through All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi merit recommendation
- Structured time-scale promotions, Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) elevation, and central allowances (DA, HRA, TA, Medical & NPS)
- All-India or zonal ministry, department, PSU, or public sector field and headquarters postings
- Deputation opportunities to central autonomous bodies, ministries, regulatory authorities, and international assignments
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Frequency
- As and when vacancies are notified, usually once a year or more
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test)
- Languages
- English and Hindi
- Stages & papers
- 2 stages (1 paper total)
- Negative marking
- Usually one-third of a mark deducted per wrong answer; confirm in the notification
- Official website
- www.aiimsexams.ac.in
AIIMS CRE — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of AIIMS CRE conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | AIIMS CRE |
| Conducting Body | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
| Exam Category | Medical & Healthcare |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | As and when vacancies are notified, usually once a year or more |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Notified as vacancies arise, usually once a year or more; the computer-based test is held a few weeks after the notification |
| Mode of Application | Online on aiimsexams.ac.in |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English and Hindi |
| Selection Stages | 2 Stages (1 Paper Total): Computer-based test → Skill test or document verification |
| Negative Marking | Usually one-third of a mark deducted per wrong answer; confirm in the notification |
| Selection / Merit Process | Merit is drawn from the computer-based test, followed by a skill test, trade test or document verification where the notification requires it. Candidates are offered posts in order of merit and preference. |
| Educational Qualification | Varies by post: from Class 10 or 12 for support and clerical posts, to diploma, graduation or post-graduation in the relevant discipline for technical, paramedical and supervisory posts. |
| Age Limit | Varies by post, generally between 18 and 30 to 35 years, with relaxation for reserved categories. |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Group B and C posts across AIIMS institutes, with pay from Pay Level 2 up to Pay Level 7 depending on the post |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | High national-level competition across test cities nationwide |
| Official Website | www.aiimsexams.ac.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
AIIMS CRE exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for AIIMS CRE. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Healthcare website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| AIIMS CRE Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Notified as vacancies arise, usually once a year or more; the computer-based test is held a few weeks after the notification | As and when vacancies are notified, usually once a year or more |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
| AIIMS CRE — Computer-based test | Notified as vacancies arise, usually once a year or more; the computer-based test is held a few weeks after the notification | Online (computer-based test) |
| AIIMS CRE — Skill test or document verification | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Vacancies & Competition
- Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official AIIMS CRE recruitment advertisement published by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Payable online via Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking on the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi portal. Statutory fee concessions or exemptions apply for SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and eligible female/state-reserved categories as notified in the official AIIMS CRE advertisement.
How to apply online for AIIMS CRE
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit www.aiimsexams.ac.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on aiimsexams.ac.in.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the AIIMS CRE application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English and Hindi), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final AIIMS CRE Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
AIIMS CRE eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for AIIMS CRE must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Healthcare.
Educational qualification
Varies by post: from Class 10 or 12 for support and clerical posts, to diploma, graduation or post-graduation in the relevant discipline for technical, paramedical and supervisory posts.
Age limit & relaxations
Varies by post, generally between 18 and 30 to 35 years, with relaxation for reserved categories.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Citizen of India (or eligible subjects of Nepal/Bhutan and categories of Indian origin as notified under Government of India recruitment/admission rules).
Other conditions & standards
Some posts need registration with a professional council or prior work experience; skill tests apply to typing and stenography posts.
AIIMS CRE — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
AIIMS CRE selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: Usually one-third of a mark deducted per wrong answer; confirm in the notification. Selection & Merit Weightage: Merit is drawn from the computer-based test, followed by a skill test, trade test or document verification where the notification requires it. Candidates are offered posts in order of merit and preference.
Stage 1: Computer-based test
Online (computer-based test) • 1 Paper (Post-specific paper) • Questions: Multiple-choice questions; typically around 100 • Duration: Around 90 minutes • A single online test of multiple-choice questions on the subject of the post along with general knowledge, reasoning and aptitude.
A single online test of multiple-choice questions on the subject of the post along with general knowledge, reasoning and aptitude. The number of questions and duration vary by post group.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration Post-specific paperPattern varies by post; follow the notification Multiple-choice questions; typically around 100 Varies Around 90 minutes Stage 2: Skill test or document verification
Online (computer-based test) • Depending on the post, candidates may face a typing or stenography skill test, a trade test or only document verification before final selection and institute allocation.
Depending on the post, candidates may face a typing or stenography skill test, a trade test or only document verification before final selection and institute allocation.
AIIMS CRE subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
Post-specific domain knowledge: Technical subjects for laboratory, radiography & Accounting and office procedures for
- Technical subjects for laboratory, radiography, OT and other paramedical posts
- Accounting and office procedures for administrative posts
- Library science, dietetics, physiotherapy and other specialised areas as applicable
- Computer applications for data entry and clerical posts
General knowledge and awareness: Indian polity, history and geography & Current affairs
- Indian polity, history and geography
- Current affairs
- Science and health awareness
- Basic computer knowledge
Reasoning and aptitude: Verbal and non-verbal reasoning & Arithmetic and numerical ability
- Verbal and non-verbal reasoning
- Arithmetic and numerical ability
- Data interpretation
- Basic English
Previous Year Trend Analysis & High-Weightage Topics (AIIMS CRE)
- Recurring multi-concept questions from past AIIMS CRE cycles
- High-yield chapters and section-wise mark distribution patterns
- Statement-based, assertion-reason and matching question formats
- Elimination techniques and negative-marking risk management
- Time allocation strategy across sections and papers
Current Affairs, Official Schemes, Economic Survey & Static GK
- National and international current events of the last 12 months
- Union and State Budget highlights, Economic Survey and flagship welfare schemes
- Constitutional amendments, landmark Supreme Court judgments and governance bills
- Science, space missions (ISRO), defence exercises, awards and sports
- Reports, indices, summits, international organisations and static general awareness
Language Comprehension, Administrative / Academic Expression & Communication
- Reading comprehension of dense analytical, policy and scientific passages
- Contextual vocabulary, idioms, phrases, synonyms and antonyms
- Grammatical accuracy, sentence correction, para-jumbles and cloze tests
- Structured essay/précis writing or verbal reasoning inference
- Official terminology, formal communication and logical coherence
Quantitative Reasoning, Data Interpretation & Mental Ability
- Percentages, ratios, averages, profit & loss and interest calculations
- Tables, bar graphs, line charts, pie charts and mixed caselet DI
- Number series, coding-decoding, syllogisms and analytical puzzles
- Seating arrangements, blood relations, direction sense and logical deductions
- Critical reasoning: assumptions, conclusions, arguments and course of action
Mock Test Strategy, Revision Architecture & Exam-Day Execution
- Full-length simulated test temperament and section-switching discipline
- Error-log maintenance for conceptual vs calculation vs reading mistakes
- Spaced repetition schedule for formulas, articles, dates and definitions
- Question selection priority: two-pass strategy for maximising net score
- Accuracy calibration under negative marking rules
AIIMS CRE salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Group B and C posts across AIIMS institutes, with pay from Pay Level 2 up to Pay Level 7 depending on the post. Appointments under All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Group B and C posts across AIIMS institutes, with pay from Pay Level 2 up to Pay Level 7 depending on the post.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi)
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
AIIMS CRE cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi releases stage-wise and category-wise AIIMS CRE cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
AIIMS CRE — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When AIIMS CRE is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by usually one-third of a mark deducted per wrong answer; confirm in the notification, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining AIIMS CRE Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the AIIMS CRE cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
AIIMS CRE admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
AIIMS CRE Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official AIIMS CRE Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on www.aiimsexams.ac.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the AIIMS CRE e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
AIIMS CRE Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on www.aiimsexams.ac.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
AIIMS CRE Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi declares the AIIMS CRE result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on www.aiimsexams.ac.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official AIIMS CRE Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
AIIMS CRE mock tests
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AIIMS CRE Full Mock Test 1
Computer-based test · Multiple-choice questions; typically around 100 questions · Around 90 minutes
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AIIMS CRE Full Mock Test 2
Computer-based test · Multiple-choice questions; typically around 100 questions · Around 90 minutes
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AIIMS CRE Full Mock Test 3
Computer-based test · Multiple-choice questions; typically around 100 questions · Around 90 minutes
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AIIMS CRE Full Mock Test 4
Computer-based test · Multiple-choice questions; typically around 100 questions · Around 90 minutes
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AIIMS CRE Full Mock Test 5
Computer-based test · Multiple-choice questions; typically around 100 questions · Around 90 minutes
AIIMS CRE previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all AIIMS CRE previous year papers by year
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Recent AIIMS CRE question papers
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Complete 10-year AIIMS CRE paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
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Predicted questions for AIIMS CRE
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for AIIMS CRE
- Read the post-wise syllabus in the notification, because the subject portion is different for each post group.
- Give most of your time to the domain subject, as it usually carries the largest share of questions.
- Prepare a compact set of general knowledge and reasoning notes to score quickly in the non-domain section.
- Practice online mock tests to get comfortable with the computer-based interface and time limit.
- If your post has a typing or stenography test, start speed practice early since it is qualifying.
- Read the official AIIMS CRE notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
AIIMS CRE FAQs
Which posts are filled through AIIMS CRE?
Group B and Group C non-faculty posts such as technicians, lab and OT assistants, data entry operators, junior administrative assistants, stenographers, store keepers and many other support and paramedical roles at AIIMS and participating institutes.
What is the AIIMS CRE exam pattern?
It is a computer-based test of multiple-choice questions on the post's subject plus general knowledge, reasoning and aptitude. The number of questions and duration depend on the post group and are given in the notification.
Is there negative marking in AIIMS CRE?
Usually one-third of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer, but confirm the current notification.
Can I apply for more than one post in AIIMS CRE?
Candidates can usually apply for multiple posts for which they are eligible, subject to the application rules and exam schedule given in the notification.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for AIIMS CRE?
AIIMS CRE is conducted by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi across 2 stages: Computer-based test → Skill test or document verification. Merit is drawn from the computer-based test, followed by a skill test, trade test or document verification where the notification requires it. Candidates are offered posts in order of merit and preference.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for AIIMS CRE?
Educational Qualification: Varies by post: from Class 10 or 12 for support and clerical posts, to diploma, graduation or post-graduation in the relevant discipline for technical, paramedical and supervisory posts. Age Limit: Varies by post, generally between 18 and 30 to 35 years, with relaxation for reserved categories.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing AIIMS CRE?
Group B and C posts across AIIMS institutes, with pay from Pay Level 2 up to Pay Level 7 depending on the post.
When is the AIIMS CRE notification released and how can I apply online?
AIIMS CRE is held as and when vacancies are notified, usually once a year or more (Notified as vacancies arise, usually once a year or more; the computer-based test is held a few weeks after the notification). Online on aiimsexams.ac.in.
Where can I practice free AIIMS CRE mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select AIIMS CRE as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Post-specific domain knowledge, General knowledge and awareness, Reasoning and aptitude, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact AIIMS CRE pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for AIIMS CRE on SmartRank?
Select AIIMS CRE as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Post-specific domain knowledge, General knowledge and awareness, Reasoning and aptitude, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact AIIMS CRE pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.