AIIMS MSc Entrance Examination Exam Pattern 2026
AIIMS MSc Entrance Examination Exam Pattern
AIIMS MSc Entrance Examination 2026: Exam Pattern
The AIIMS MSc Entrance Examination 2026 is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). It is used for admission to postgraduate programmes such as MSc Nursing and MSc Biotechnology. The exam has 90 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for 90 marks, to be completed in 90 minutes.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 90 Minutes |
| Total Questions | 90 |
| Total Marks | 90 |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Negative Marking | Yes (−1/3 mark per wrong answer) |
| Medium of Exam | English |
- The AIIMS MSc 2026 exam is a 90-minute computer-based test with 90 questions for 90 marks.
- All questions are MCQs with four options and a single correct answer.
- A correct answer earns +1 mark; a wrong answer deducts 1/3 mark as negative marking.
- There is no penalty for leaving a question unattempted.
- The exam runs in separate sittings for different programmes.
- In the MSc Nursing paper, Nursing Core Subjects carry the highest weightage with 50 out of 90 marks.
- The admit card must be downloaded from aiimsexams.ac.in and carried on exam day.
Important Dates for AIIMS MSc 2026
The AIIMS MSc Nursing 2026 exam is scheduled for June 20, 2026. Admit cards for the nursing sitting were released on June 15, 2026, and are available at aiimsexams.ac.in.
The MSc Biotechnology exam was held on June 13, 2026. Results for that exam are expected on June 20, 2026.
Detailed Exam Pattern for AIIMS MSc 2026
The exam structure is the same for all postgraduate programmes under AIIMS MSc. Candidates appearing for MSc Nursing or MSc Biotechnology face the same format: 90 MCQs in 90 minutes for 90 marks.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | AIIMS MSc Entrance Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Body | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 90 Minutes |
| Total Questions | 90 |
| Total Marks | 90 |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +1 |
| Negative Marking | −1/3 mark per wrong MCQ |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) — single correct answer |
| Medium | English |
| Official Website | aiimsexams.ac.in |
Each question carries one mark, giving an average of one minute per question. The test is conducted in English only.
Marking Scheme for AIIMS MSc 2026
The marking scheme is straightforward. A correct answer gives +1 mark, while a wrong answer takes away 1/3 mark.
- Correct answer: +1 mark
- Wrong answer: −1/3 mark
- Unattempted question: no penalty
Skipping a question when unsure is a safe option, as there is no deduction for it.
Subject-Wise Exam Pattern for AIIMS MSc 2026
In the MSc Nursing paper, Nursing Core Subjects carry the highest weightage. These subjects account for 50 out of the 90 total marks.
The remaining marks are distributed across other subjects in the paper. The exact split for other programmes is not specified in the official pattern.
Question Types in AIIMS MSc 2026
All questions in the exam are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Each MCQ has four options, and only one option is the correct answer.
Candidates must select the single correct option for each question. There are no other question formats in this exam.
Changes in AIIMS MSc Exam Pattern: 2026 vs Previous Year
The source does not mention any specific changes in the exam pattern for 2026 compared to the previous year. The structure remains 90 MCQs in 90 minutes for 90 marks.
Candidates should refer to the official website aiimsexams.ac.in for any updates or notifications regarding pattern changes.
How to Prepare Based on AIIMS MSc Exam Pattern
Preparation should focus on the weightage given to different subjects. For MSc Nursing, Nursing Core Subjects deserve the most attention as they carry 50 out of 90 marks.
Practice solving MCQs within the 90-minute time limit. Since negative marking applies, accuracy matters more than attempting every question.
Download the admit card from aiimsexams.ac.in before the exam date. It is mandatory to carry the admit card on the day of the examination.
AIIMS MSc Exam Pattern FAQs
What is the duration of the AIIMS MSc exam?
The exam duration is 90 minutes.
How many questions are there in the AIIMS MSc exam?
There are 90 Multiple Choice Questions in total.
Is there negative marking in the AIIMS MSc exam?
Yes, a wrong answer deducts 1/3 mark.
What is the medium of the AIIMS MSc exam?
The exam is conducted in English.
When is the AIIMS MSc Nursing 2026 exam?
The exam is scheduled for June 20, 2026.
Where can the admit card be downloaded?
The admit card is available at aiimsexams.ac.in.
AIIMS MSc 2026: Important Dates
The AIIMS MSc 2026 application process has closed. The entrance exams for Biotechnology and Nursing were held in June 2026, with results expected later that month.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form Release | March 25, 2026 | Over |
| Application Form Last Date | April 24, 2026 | Over |
| AIIMS MSc Biotechnology Entrance Exam 2026 | June 13, 2026 | Over |
| Admit Card Release — MSc Nursing 2026 | June 15, 2026 | Over |
| AIIMS MSc Nursing Entrance Exam 2026 | June 20, 2026 | Upcoming |
| AIIMS MSc Biotechnology Result 2026 | June 20, 2026 | Upcoming |
| AIIMS MSc Nursing Result 2026 | June 27, 2026 | Upcoming |
AIIMS MSc 2026: Exam Pattern
The AIIMS MSc Nursing 2026 paper has two sections: Basic Sciences (40 questions) and Nursing Core Subjects (50 questions). Each MCQ carries 1 mark, and there is no per-section time limit; candidates manage all 90 minutes across the full paper.
AIIMS MSc Nursing 2026 — Paper Pattern
| Section | Subject(s) | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Basic Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry) | 40 | 1 | 40 | — |
| Section 2 | Nursing Core Subjects (Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Psychiatric, Obstetrical, Community Health Nursing, Nursing Research) | 50 | 1 | 50 | — |
| Total | — | 90 | — | 90 marks | 90 minutes |
There is no separate time cap per section. Candidates can move freely between questions and sections within the 90-minute window.
AIIMS MSc Biotechnology 2026 — Paper Pattern
The AIIMS MSc Biotechnology 2026 exam was held on June 13, 2026, and follows the same 90-question, 90-mark, 90-minute CBT format. The paper tests undergraduate-level knowledge across Biotechnology and Life Sciences disciplines.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 90 |
| Total Marks | 90 |
| Duration | 90 Minutes |
| Subjects Covered | Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Embryology, Histology, Cell Biology, and Applied Biotechnology |
| Negative Marking | −1/3 per wrong MCQ |
Source: AIIMS Official Exams Portal — aiimsexams.ac.in
AIIMS MSc Marking Scheme 2026
The AIIMS MSc 2026 marking scheme is uniform across all sections and programmes. Each correct MCQ earns +1 mark, each wrong MCQ loses −1/3 mark, and unattempted questions earn zero marks with no penalty. There is no partial marking or question-type-specific scoring variation.
| Question Type | Marks for Correct Answer | Marks for Wrong Answer | Marks for Unattempted |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ (Single Correct Answer) | +1 | −1/3 | 0 |
Negative marking of −1/3 mark applies to every wrong MCQ in AIIMS MSc 2026. Selecting more than one answer option for a single question is treated as a wrong response and deducts 1/3 mark. Leaving the question blank is safer than random guessing when two options cannot be eliminated.
AIIMS MSc Subject-Wise Exam Pattern 2026
In the AIIMS MSc Nursing 2026 paper, the 40-mark Basic Sciences section is dominated by Anatomy, while the 50-mark Nursing Core section draws questions from six clinical domains. Here is the subject-wise breakdown.
Basic Sciences — 40 Questions | 40 Marks
Basic Sciences tests pre-clinical knowledge at the BSc Nursing level. Anatomy is the highest-weighted subject in this section, contributing roughly half the Basic Sciences marks.
| Subject | Approximate Questions | Approximate Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy | ~20 | ~20 |
| Physiology | ~15 | ~15 |
| Biochemistry and Others | ~5 | ~5 |
| Total — Basic Sciences | 40 | 40 |
Nursing Core Subjects — 50 Questions | 50 Marks
The Nursing Core section covers six clinical nursing domains. Each subject contributes to the 50-mark total for this section.
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Psychiatric Nursing
- Obstetrical Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
- Nursing Research
Nursing Core Subjects in AIIMS MSc 2026
Nursing Core Subjects make up the larger section of the AIIMS MSc 2026 paper with 50 questions. AIIMS does not publish a fixed per-topic question split within this section.
Questions appear from all six clinical nursing domains listed below.
| Nursing Subject | Key Areas Tested |
|---|---|
| Medical-Surgical Nursing | Critical care, post-operative management, drug therapy, disease management protocols |
| Pediatric Nursing | Child growth and development, vaccination schedules, neonatal care, pediatric disease management |
| Psychiatric Nursing | Mental health disorders, therapeutic communication techniques, psychopharmacology |
| Obstetrical and Gynecological Nursing | Antenatal care, labour and delivery management, postnatal care, reproductive health |
| Community Health Nursing | Epidemiology, public health principles, primary healthcare delivery, family welfare programmes |
| Nursing Research and Statistics | Research methodology, biostatistics, evidence-based nursing practice, data interpretation |
| Total — Nursing Core | 50 Questions | 50 Marks |
Nursing Core Subjects carry the highest weightage in AIIMS MSc Nursing 2026. 50 out of 90 marks come from clinical nursing domains, making this section critical for the overall score.
AIIMS MSc Question Types 2026
The AIIMS MSc 2026 exam features only Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Each question has four answer options and exactly one correct answer.
There are no numerical type, MSQ (multi-select), assertion-reason, or descriptive questions in this exam.
| Question Type | Description | No. of Questions | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ (Single Correct Answer) | Four options; select exactly one correct response | 90 | −1/3 per wrong answer |
All 90 questions in AIIMS MSc 2026 are MCQs. Selecting more than one option for any question is treated as a wrong answer and attracts the −1/3 penalty.
Since the exam uses only one question type, a consistent time-management strategy can be applied throughout. Aim for no more than 60 seconds per question. Flag difficult questions and return with the time remaining after completing the rest of the paper.
AIIMS MSc Exam Pattern: Changes in 2026 vs Previous Year
The AIIMS MSc 2026 exam pattern is unchanged from 2025. AIIMS has retained the 90-question, 90-mark, 90-minute MCQ format with the same negative marking rule of −1/3 per wrong answer.
The table below compares key parameters year-on-year.
| Parameter | AIIMS MSc 2025 | AIIMS MSc 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 90 | 90 |
| Total Marks | 90 | 90 |
| Duration | 90 minutes | 90 minutes |
| Question Type | MCQ only | MCQ only |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +1 | +1 |
| Negative Marking | −1/3 per wrong MCQ | −1/3 per wrong MCQ |
| Medium | English | English |
| MSc Nursing Exam Date | June 2025 | June 20, 2026 |
The AIIMS MSc pattern is fully stable in 2026 with no structural changes from 2025. Practice papers, past question resources, and preparation strategy from the previous cycle remain entirely applicable.
How to Prepare Based on AIIMS MSc Exam Pattern
The AIIMS MSc 2026 exam pattern provides a precise preparation blueprint. With 90 MCQs in 90 minutes and negative marking in play, subject accuracy and time discipline are needed in equal measure.
These seven tips are drawn directly from the official pattern structure.
- Master the six nursing core domains first, as they carry 50 of the 90 marks.
- Practice MCQs with four options and one correct answer to match the exam format.
- Build speed to stay within 60 seconds per question across all 90 questions.
- Use the −1/3 negative marking rule to decide when to skip uncertain questions.
- Attempt full-length mock tests in the 90-minute CBT format.
- Review past year papers from the 2025 cycle since the pattern is unchanged.
- Focus on accuracy over attempting every question, given the penalty for wrong answers.
Preparation Strategy for AIIMS MSc Nursing 2026
Prioritise Anatomy in Basic Sciences
Anatomy is the highest-scoring subject in the Basic Sciences section. It contributes approximately 20 out of 40 Basic Science questions.
Invest the maximum share of Basic Sciences revision time in Anatomy before moving to Physiology.
Build Speed for the 90-Minute Paper
The exam has 90 questions to be answered in 90 minutes. This allows about 60 seconds per question.
Take full-length timed mock tests regularly to build the reflex of answering within a minute and moving on.
Use Unattempted Questions Wisely
Negative marking is −1/3 mark per wrong answer. Skipping a question where you cannot eliminate at least two options costs nothing.
Random guessing risks net negative returns. Treat unattempted questions as a tool to protect your score.
Cover All Six Nursing Core Domains
AIIMS does not publish sub-topic question weights within the Nursing Core section. You cannot afford to drop any of the six areas.
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Psychiatric Nursing
- Obstetrical Nursing
- Community Health Nursing
- Nursing Research
Practise Clinical-Reasoning MCQs
AIIMS questions are application-driven, not definition recall. Practise scenario-based nursing MCQs that require deciding the correct intervention or assessment.
Use Nursing Research and Statistics as a Score Booster
This subject is predictable and formula-based. Most students underinvest here.
Strong preparation can yield 4–6 additional marks that make a decisive rank difference.
Verify Admit Card Details Before June 20
AIIMS MSc Nursing 2026 admit cards are available at aiimsexams.ac.in from June 15, 2026. Confirm your exam centre address, shift time, and reporting time in advance.
AIIMS MSc Exam Pattern FAQs
Total Number of Questions
The AIIMS MSc 2026 exam has 90 questions in total. All questions are MCQs with a single correct answer.
The total marks are also 90, making a 1:1 question-to-mark ratio.
Negative Marking
Yes, AIIMS MSc 2026 applies negative marking. You lose 1/3 mark for every wrong MCQ answer.
Unattempted questions carry no penalty. Skip questions where you are genuinely unsure.
Exam Duration
The AIIMS MSc 2026 exam lasts 90 minutes. This gives approximately 60 seconds per question across the full paper.
There is no per-section time limit.
Exam Mode
AIIMS MSc 2026 is conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT). You appear at an allotted test centre and attempt all questions on a computer interface.
Subjects Covered
The AIIMS MSc Nursing 2026 exam covers Basic Sciences and Nursing Core Subjects.
- Basic Sciences: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry (40 questions)
- Nursing Core: Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Psychiatric, Obstetrical, Community Health Nursing, Nursing Research (50 questions)
Marks Distribution
Basic Sciences carries 40 marks and Nursing Core Subjects carries 50 marks, totalling 90 marks. Each correct MCQ earns 1 mark and each wrong answer loses 1/3 mark.
Exam Date
The AIIMS MSc Nursing 2026 exam is on June 20, 2026. Admit cards were released on June 15, 2026.
Download the admit card from aiimsexams.ac.in before the exam day.
Comparison with 2025 Pattern
No, the AIIMS MSc 2026 exam pattern has not changed from 2025. The format remains identical.
- 90 MCQs
- 90 marks
- 90 minutes
- CBT mode
- −1/3 negative marking per wrong MCQ
Anatomy Weightage
Anatomy carries approximately 20 marks in the AIIMS MSc Nursing 2026 exam. It is the single highest-weighted subject within the 40-mark Basic Sciences section.
Question Types
AIIMS MSc 2026 features only Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with four options and a single correct answer. There are no numerical, MSQ (multi-select), assertion-reason, or descriptive question types.
Admit Card Download
Download the AIIMS MSc Nursing 2026 admit card from the official portal aiimsexams.ac.in. The admit card was released on June 15, 2026.
Print a copy and carry it to the exam centre on June 20, 2026.
Exam Language
The AIIMS MSc 2026 exam is conducted in English. All questions are presented in English only.
AIIMS MSc 2026 Exam Pattern
The AIIMS MSc 2026 exam has 90 questions in total. All questions are MCQs with a single correct answer.
The total marks are also 90, making it a 1:1 question-to-mark ratio. The exam lasts 90 minutes.
- Total questions: 90
- Total marks: 90
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Question type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with four options
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
There are no numerical, MSQ (multi-select), assertion-reason, or descriptive question types in this exam.
Negative Marking
Yes, AIIMS MSc 2026 applies negative marking. You lose 1/3 mark for every wrong MCQ answer.
Unattempted questions carry no penalty. Skip questions where you are genuinely unsure.
Subject-wise Marks Distribution for AIIMS MSc Nursing 2026
The AIIMS MSc Nursing 2026 exam covers Basic Sciences and Nursing Core Subjects. Basic Sciences carries 40 marks and Nursing Core Subjects carries 50 marks, totalling 90 marks.
| Section | Subjects | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Sciences | Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry | 40 |
| Nursing Core Subjects | Medical-Surgical, Pediatric, Psychiatric, Obstetrical, Community Health Nursing, and Nursing Research | 50 |
Anatomy carries approximately 20 marks in the AIIMS MSc Nursing 2026 exam. It is the single highest-weighted subject within the 40-mark Basic Sciences section.
Exam Language
The AIIMS MSc 2026 exam is conducted in English only. No regional language option is available.
All questions, instructions, and answer options appear in English.
Important Dates
The AIIMS MSc Nursing 2026 exam is on June 20, 2026. Admit cards for this exam were released on June 15, 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Admit card release | June 15, 2026 |
| Exam date | June 20, 2026 |
Admit Card Download
You can download the AIIMS MSc Nursing 2026 admit card from the official portal aiimsexams.ac.in. Print a copy and carry it to your exam centre on June 20, 2026.
Comparison with 2025 Exam Pattern
No, the AIIMS MSc 2026 exam pattern has not changed from 2025. The format remains identical: 90 MCQs, 90 marks, 90 minutes, conducted as CBT, with negative marking of 1/3 per wrong MCQ.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.