A Complete Guide to AIIMS CRE-5: Posts, Exam Pattern, and Important Dates

If you have been preparing for government sector jobs in the medical, technical, or administrative fields, you must have come across the AIIMS Common Recruitment Examination (CRE). I noticed that many candidates are still unaware of the exact mechanics of this exam. Previously, recruitment for nursing officers and other staff used to happen through separate exams like NORCET, but now, a massive variety of Group-B and Group-C posts have been brought under one umbrella: the AIIMS CRE.

Currently, the 5th edition of this centralized exam, officially known as CRE-5, is underway. I have thoroughly reviewed the official notification (Notice No. 93/2026), and I have compiled this highly detailed, easy-to-understand guide to help you navigate through the exam structure, the participating institutes, the exact list of posts, and the unique time-bound testing pattern.

What is the AIIMS CRE?

The Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) is a centralized computer-based test (CBT) conducted by AIIMS New Delhi on behalf of multiple participating AIIMS branches and other Central Government Institutes across India. It serves as a single-window application system. By paying one examination fee per group, candidates can compete for similar posts across various prestigious institutes like AIIMS Bhopal, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, ICMR, ESIC, and many more.

Important Dates & Current Schedule

For those who have applied for CRE-5, the application phase is now officially over. Here is the current timeline you need to keep track of:

• Online Registration Closed On: 3rd July 2026
• Status of Application (Acceptance/Rejection): 11th July 2026
• Tentative Dates of CBT (Exam Dates): 25th July to 27th July 2026

Admit cards will be issued approximately 3 days before your exam date, with the exam city being notified 7 days in advance. Since the exam is fast approaching, your entire focus should now be on revision.

Which Posts are Covered Under AIIMS CRE? (Group-Wise List)

Because there are thousands of vacancies across different institutes, AIIMS has smartly categorized these posts into 59 specific “Groups” based on similar educational qualifications and syllabi. You have to apply for a specific Group, and your merit will dictate your allocation. Here is a detailed table outlining the major groups and the posts they include:

Note: This is a summarized list of the most prominent categories out of the 59 groups. Each group has its own specific skill test (where applicable) and domain syllabus. See the original detailed pdf from AIIMS attached below .

Detailed Exam Pattern & The Strict “5-Section” Rule

The AIIMS CRE is notorious for its strict time management rules. It is not a standard exam where you can freely navigate through all 100 questions. You have to be incredibly fast and accurate.

• Total Exam Duration: 90 minutes
• Total Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Maximum Marks: 400 Marks (4 marks awarded for every correct answer)
• Negative Marking: Yes, a deduction of 1/4th (1 mark) for every incorrect answer.

The Syllabus Split

The 100 MCQs are divided into two distinct areas:

1. General Knowledge & Aptitude (20 MCQs): This includes basic general awareness, quantitative aptitude, English/Hindi language, and knowledge of computer concepts.
2. Domain Specific (80 MCQs): This section will test your core professional knowledge based on the educational qualification of the group you applied for.

Understanding the 5-Section Layout

This is the most critical part of the exam. The 100 questions are broken down into 5 separate sections. Each section contains 20 questions, and you are allotted exactly 18 minutes per section.

You will only see one section on your screen at a time. Once the 18 minutes for that section are over, it will auto-submit, and you will be immediately moved to the next section. You cannot return to a previous section once the time is up. Therefore, you must attempt, review, and finalize your answers for those 20 questions strictly within that 18-minute window.

Qualifying Criteria and Merit

To be considered for the merit list, candidates must score the minimum qualifying marks in the CBT:

• UR / EWS: 40%
• OBC: 35%
• SC / ST / PwBD: 30%

For posts that require a Skill Test (like Typing for LDC/UDC, Stenography, or Trade tests for engineering roles), candidates who qualify the CBT will be called for the Skill Test, which is usually qualifying in nature.

Written & Verified by Prakash Joshi

Expert Faculty

Subject Matter Expert & Content Creator at Solotutes. Dedicated to providing highly accurate and syllabus-oriented study materials for your exam preparation.

View All Materials by Prakash →