The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Examination Section, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, has initiated the online choice filling and institute allocation process for Common Recruitment Examination Phase 5 (CRE-AIIMS 2026). Qualified candidates shortlisted in the computer-based written test for various Group-B and Group-C non-faculty posts across AIIMS New Delhi, AIIMS Bhopal, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, AIIMS Jodhpur, AIIMS Rishikesh, and participating central institutions can exercise their institute and cadre preferences on aiimsexams.ac.in from 30 September 2026 until 08 October 2026 (5:00 PM).
AIIMS CRE Phase 5: Choice Filling Schedule and Participating Institutes
Choice filling determines the physical allotment of candidates across 14 premier autonomous medical institutes:
| Allotment Event | Prescribed Dates & Timeline Limits |
|---|---|
| Commencement of Choice Filling | 30 September 2026 (11:00 AM) |
| Closing of Preference Submission | 08 October 2026 (5:00 PM Sharp) |
| Auto-Locking of Exercised Choices | 08 October 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Declaration of Phase 1 Seat Allotment | 14 October 2026 (via aiimsexams.ac.in) |
| Physical Document Verification at Allocated AIIMS | 20 October 2026 to 28 October 2026 |
Selection Process and Examination Scheme
Seat allocation is conducted strictly according to merit rank obtained in the CRE-AIIMS CBT examination:
- Computer Based Test (CBT): The CBT comprised General Domain subjects (40 marks) and Post-Specific Core Domain subjects (40 marks) totaling 80 marks. Each wrong answer incurred a negative deduction of 0.25 marks.
- Mandatory Choice Locking: Candidates must order their institutional preferences. If a candidate fails to submit choices by 08 October 2026, their allocation will be decided administratively based on vacancies remaining after accommodating active applicants.
- Document Verification & Joining: Allocated candidates must present original academic certificates, experience letters, and category credentials at the allocated AIIMS institute.
Previous Year Cutoff Marks and Category Standards
In the previous CRE-AIIMS recruitment drive, the minimum qualifying score in CBT was set at 50% for Unreserved/EWS (40 marks out of 80), 45% for OBC (36 marks), and 40% for SC/ST (32 marks). Allocation cutoffs for AIIMS New Delhi closed highest, followed by AIIMS Bhubaneswar, AIIMS Rishikesh, and AIIMS Bhopal.
Aspirant Suggestions and High-Yield Preparation Strategy
- Order of Preference Strategy: Rank AIIMS centres based on personal geographic preferences and departmental career prospects. Once choices are auto-locked on 08 October 2026, changes will not be entertained.
- Category Certificate Validity: Ensure your OBC-NCL or EWS certificate was issued within the validity window specified in the CRE-AIIMS Phase 5 advertisement.
- Candidate Login Credentials: Access the portal using your Candidate ID and password on the CRE portal tab at aiimsexams.ac.in.
- Offer Acceptance Mandate: Allocated candidates must log in within 5 working days of seat declaration to choose Option 1 (Accept and Freeze) or Option 2 (Accept and upgrade in subsequent round). Refusal to exercise either option results in forfeiture of candidature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the last date to complete choice filling for CRE-AIIMS Phase 5?
Online choice filling and preference locking closes on 08 October 2026 at 5:00 PM on aiimsexams.ac.in.
What happens if a candidate fails to lock choices before the deadline?
Saved choices will be automatically locked at 5:00 PM on 08 October 2026. If no choices are saved, the candidate will be allocated an institute by system default subject to vacancy availability.
When will AIIMS publish the Phase 1 seat allocation result?
The Phase 1 institute allocation list will be released on 14 October 2026 on the official website aiimsexams.ac.in.
Is there any fee charged for submitting institute preferences?
No fee is payable; the choice preference registration is completely free with Rs. 0 charge on aiimsexams.ac.in for all qualified candidates.
What is the minimum qualifying score for OBC candidates in CRE-AIIMS CBT?
OBC candidates must achieve a minimum qualifying score of 45 percent marks in the CBT examination to be eligible for choice allocation.