Every Indian who is in healthcare dreams of working in AIIMS. AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) is one of India’s biggest medical institutions. It is famous for its hospitals and research. This is everyone’s favorite because it is a government job with good benefits.
But did you know that pharmacists can also work in AIIMS? The AIIMS Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) is a popular job for pharmacy graduates.
This blog covers everything about AIIMS Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) 2026. Read on to more about the notification, eligibility, vacancies and exam pattern.
AIIMS Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) 2026 — Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Advertisement upload & online registration start | 14.11.2025 |
| Online registration closes | 02.12.2025 |
| Last date for submission of NOC | 06.12.2025 |
| Status of application form | 08.12.2025 |
| Issue of Admit Card | As per Scheme of Examination |
| CBT Dates | 22–24 December 2025 (Tentative) |
| Skill Test Date | To be notified later |
AIIMS Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) - Vacancies 2026
S.No. | Post Name | Institute | UR | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | Total |
1 | Dispensing Attendant | AIIMS Rishikesh | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
2 | Pharmacist | AIIMS Awantipora | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
3 | Pharmacist | AIIMS Bilaspur | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
4 | Pharmacist | AIIMS New Delhi | 3 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 9 |
5 | Pharmacist | AIIMS Raebareli | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
6 | Pharmacist | AIIMS Rajkot | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
7 | Pharmacist Grade II | AIIMS Guwahati | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
8 | Pharmacist Grade II | AIIMS Jodhpur | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
9 | Store Keeper (Drugs) | AIIMS New Delhi | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
Total Vacancies for Pharmacists in AIIMS CRE 2026 | 40 | |||||||
Why Join AIIMS as a Pharmacist?
- This is a central government job which means you have long-term security.
- You will get pension, allowances, medical benefits, and sometimes housing.
- Pride in working in India’s leading hospitals and research institutes.
- You get to participate in clinical trials and pharmaceutical research.
Salary Structure
| Pay Level | Pay Scale (7th CPC) | Approx. Monthly In-Hand Salary | Who Gets This Level |
| Level 4 | ₹25,500 – ₹81,100 | ₹38,000 – ₹48,000 | Dispensing Attendant (AIIMS Rishikesh) |
| Level 5 | ₹29,200 – ₹92,300 | ₹45,000 – ₹60,000 | Pharmacist (Most AIIMS: Bilaspur, Raebareli, Rajkot, Jodhpur, Guwahati, etc.) |
| Level 6 | ₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400 | ₹55,000 – ₹70,000 | Pharmacist (AIIMS Awantipora) + Store Keeper (AIIMS New Delhi) |
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
| Educational Qualification | Diploma or Degree in Pharmacy from a recognized institute |
| Registration | Must be registered with State Pharmacy Council / Pharmacy Council of India |
| Age Limit | 18 to 30 years (relaxation as per government norms) |
| Nationality | Indian |
Selection Process
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) – Objective-type questions
- Document Verification – For shortlisted candidates
- Final Merit List – Based on CBT score
The CBT is the main stage of selection, with document verification conducted after candidates qualify in the exam.
Exam Pattern
| Point | Details |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes |
| Total Questions & Marks | 100 MCQs → 400 marks (4 marks per question) |
| Negative Marking | 1/4 mark deducted for each wrong answer |
| Question Distribution | - 20 MCQs: General Knowledge, Aptitude, Computer Knowledge - 80 MCQs: Pharmacy/Pharmacist domain-related subjects |
| Section Division | The exam is divided into 5 sections: - Each section: 20 questions - Time per section: 18 minutes |
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer
AIIMS Pharmacist Syllabus 2026
Candidates can expect questions from:
- Pharmacology (major weightage)
- Pharmaceutics
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Pharmacognosy (moderate weightage)
- Biochemistry, Microbiology, Toxicology
- General Aptitude & General Knowledge
If you want to crack the AIIMS Pharmacist 2026 exam, then you should enroll in Acadmically’s Government exam preparation course. By joining this course, you will get live and recorded lectures, study materials, practice questions, AI-based mock tests, personalised guidance and so much more.
How to Apply
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| General / OBC | ₹3,000 |
| SC / ST / EWS | ₹2,400 |
| Persons with Disabilities | Exempted |
Career Growth And Perks
| Category | Details |
| Career Progression | Start as Pharmacist Grade II, advance to Grade I, and potentially Senior Pharmacist based on performance. |
| Benefits & Allowances | DA (Dearness Allowance), HRA (House Rent Allowance), TA (Travel Allowance), pension, and other perks. |
| Work Environment | Collaborate with doctors, researchers, and healthcare professionals in top hospitals. |
| Transfer Opportunities | Gain broader experience across different AIIMS campuses through transfers. |
Post-Wise Details for Pharmacy-Related Positions
| S.No. | Post Name | Institute | Age Limit | Pay Level | Essential Qualification |
| 1 | Dispensing Attendant | AIIMS Rishikesh | 21–27 years | Level 4 | Diploma in Pharmacy + Registered Pharmacist (Pharmacy Act, 1948) |
| 2 | Pharmacist | AIIMS Awantipora | 21–27 years | Level 6 | Diploma in Pharmacy + Registered Pharmacist |
| 3 | Pharmacist | AIIMS Bilaspur | 21–27 years | Level 5 | Diploma in Pharmacy + Registered Pharmacist |
| 4 | Pharmacist | AIIMS New Delhi | 18–30 years (Relaxable up to 40 yrs for AIIMS employees) | Level 5 | Diploma in Pharmacy + Registered Pharmacist |
| 5 | Pharmacist | AIIMS Raebareli | 21–27 years | Level 5 | Diploma in Pharmacy + Registered Pharmacist |
| 6 | Pharmacist | AIIMS Rajkot | 18–30 years | Level 5 | Diploma in Pharmacy + Registered Pharmacist |
| 7 | Pharmacist Grade II | AIIMS Guwahati | 21–27 years | Level 5 | Diploma in Pharmacy + Registered Pharmacist |
| 8 | Pharmacist Grade II | AIIMS Jodhpur | 21–27 years | Level 5 | Diploma in Pharmacy + Registered Pharmacist |
| 9 | Store Keeper (Drugs) | AIIMS New Delhi | 18–30 years (Relaxable up to 40 yrs for AIIMS employees) | Level 6 | Option A: Degree in Pharmacy OR Option B: Diploma in Pharmacy + 3 yrs experience in hospital/pharma drug store |
Expected Competition
- 2025: 262 posts released across AIIMS campuses
- Competition: Very high due to the prestige and central government benefits
- 2026 Expectation: Vacancies may be similar or slightly higher, so early preparation is key
AIIMS Pharmacist vs Other Pharmacy Jobs
| Feature | AIIMS Pharmacist | Other Government Jobs (State/Central Hospitals) | Private Pharmacy Jobs |
| Salary | ₹45,000–₹60,000 approx. per month | ₹30,000–₹50,000 (varies by state) | ₹15,000–₹25,000 (entry-level) |
| Allowances | DA, HRA, TA, pension, central govt perks | Some allowances, pension depends on state | Usually none; occasional incentives |
| Job Security | Very high | High, but less than central govt | Low to moderate, depends on company |
| Growth Opportunities | Promotions to Senior Pharmacist, transfers across AIIMS campuses | Promotions exist but slower; limited transfers | Promotions depend on company; may need further studies |
| Prestige | Very high, nationally recognized | Moderate | Low to moderate |
| Work Environment | Exposure to top hospitals and research | Decent hospital environment | Varies; usually retail or corporate setting |
| Research Opportunities | Yes, can collaborate in clinical trials | Limited | Rare |
Final Thoughts
The AIIMS Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) 2026 notification is out. This is an excellent opportunity for pharmacy graduates seeking a stable, high-paying government career.
All you have to do is clear the exam. For that, get good coaching and pass the exam. Academically’s preparation courses are known to be the best out there. So, start your preparation soon and crack the exam with confidence.
For any more information or guidance, get a personalised 1-on-1 guidance session with our experts.
