AIIMS CRE Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme, CBT Format, Sectional Time & Syllabus Overview

The AIIMS Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) 2026 is conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) for recruiting candidates to various Group B and Group C Non-Faculty posts across participating AIIMS institutions and other Central Government organizations. Since the examination is held for multiple posts under a common recruitment process, understanding the latest AIIMS CRE Exam Pattern 2026 is essential before starting your preparation. A clear understanding of the marking scheme, sectional timing, qualifying marks, and syllabus helps candidates prepare strategically and avoid surprises on exam day.

Unlike many government examinations, AIIMS CRE follows a section-wise timed CBT where candidates cannot return to a previous section after its allotted time expires. The paper tests both general aptitude and post-specific professional knowledge, with the domain section carrying the highest weightage. In this article, you'll find the complete AIIMS CRE Exam Pattern 2026, marking scheme, qualifying criteria, and a brief overview of the syllabus to help you build an effective preparation strategy.

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AIIMS CRE Exam Pattern 2026: Highlights

Particulars	Details
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Question Type	Objective (MCQs)
Total Questions	100
Total Marks	400
Duration	90 Minutes
Marks per Correct Answer	+4
Negative Marking	-1 for each incorrect answer
Unanswered Questions	0 Marks
General Section	20 Questions
Domain-Specific Section	80 Questions

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AIIMS CRE Exam Pattern 2026

The AIIMS CRE CBT consists of 100 multiple-choice questions carrying a total of 400 marks. Every correct answer awards 4 marks, while 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect response. Questions are divided between a common section and a domain-specific section based on the post applied for.

Section-wise Distribution

Section	Questions	Marks
General Knowledge, Aptitude & Computer Knowledge	20	80
Domain-Specific Subject	80	320
Total	100	400

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AIIMS CRE Marking Scheme 2026

Understanding the marking scheme is important for maximizing your score.

Response	Marks
Correct Answer	+4
Incorrect Answer	-1
Unattempted	0

Since the exam includes negative marking, candidates should avoid random guessing and focus on attempting questions they can answer confidently.

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AIIMS CRE Sectional Timing

One of the unique aspects of AIIMS CRE is its sectional time limit.

• The CBT is divided into 5 sections.
• Each section lasts 18 minutes.
• Once the allotted time for a section ends, the system automatically moves to the next section.
• Candidates cannot revisit or modify answers from previous sections.

This pattern makes effective time management an important part of the examination strategy.

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AIIMS CRE Qualifying Marks

Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying percentage prescribed for their category.

Category	Minimum Qualifying Marks
UR / EWS	40%
OBC	35%
SC / ST	30%
PwBD	30%

Meeting the qualifying marks does not guarantee selection, as the final merit depends on CBT performance, post-wise merit, and subsequent stages such as skill tests (where applicable) and document verification.

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AIIMS CRE Syllabus Overview

The AIIMS CRE syllabus is divided into two broad parts.

Part A: General Knowledge, Aptitude & Computer Knowledge

This section is common for all candidates and generally includes:

• General Knowledge & Current Affairs
• General Science
• Indian History & Geography
• Indian Polity
• Logical Reasoning
• Quantitative Aptitude
• Analytical Ability
• Basic Mathematics
• Computer Fundamentals
• MS Office
• Internet & Networking
• Operating Systems
• Basic Cyber Security

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Part B: Domain-Specific Syllabus

The domain section carries 80% of the total marks and is based on the educational qualification and post applied for.

Depending on the post, candidates may be tested on subjects such as:

• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Medical Laboratory Technology
• Radiography
• Physiotherapy
• Nutrition & Dietetics
• Medical Records
• Accounts
• Engineering
• Administration
• Library Science
• Social Work
• Other technical disciplines

The exact syllabus varies according to the respective post group.

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Preparation Strategy Based on the Exam Pattern

Since 320 out of 400 marks come from the domain-specific section, candidates should devote the majority of their preparation time to their core subject. However, the common section can make a significant difference in close competitions, making it equally important to practice General Knowledge, Aptitude, and Computer Awareness regularly.

A balanced preparation strategy should include:

• Complete coverage of the domain syllabus.
• Daily practice of aptitude and reasoning questions.
• Regular revision of current affairs and computer basics.
• Full-length mock tests following the actual 90-minute CBT format.
• Time management practice to adapt to the sectional timing.

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Related Read

• AIIMS CRE Eligibility Criteria

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