What is the AIIMS CRE Lab Technician Exam?
AIIMS CRE is a national-level recruitment examination conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi to fill Group-B and Group-C non-faculty posts across AIIMS institutes in India. Paramedical posts such as Lab Technician / Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) are recruited through this exam.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | AIIMS CRE (Common Recruitment Examination) |
| Conducting Body | AIIMS, New Delhi |
| Post (in this guide) | Lab Technician / Medical Laboratory Technologist |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) — Online |
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 400 |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Language | English & Hindi (bilingual)* |
| Official Website | www.aiimsexams.ac.in |
*The bilingual paper is generally offered for 10th/12th-level posts; for higher/technical posts, confirm the language in the official notification.
AIIMS CRE Lab Technician Exam Pattern 2026
The exam is divided into 5 sections, with 18 minutes fixed for each section. During an active section you can attempt questions only from that section.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Section (GA, Reasoning, Quant, Computer) | 20 | 80 |
| Domain Specific (Medical Laboratory Technology) | 80 | 320 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
Marking Scheme (remember this)
- Each correct answer → +4 marks
- Each wrong answer → −0.25 marks (1/4 negative marking)
- 5 sections, each of 18 minutes (90 minutes total)
- Question type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Qualifying Marks (minimum %)
| Category | Minimum Qualifying % |
|---|---|
| UR / EWS | 40% |
| OBC | 35% |
| SC / ST / PwBD | 30% |
Note: For technical posts like Lab Technician / OT, a Skill Test / Practical (viva-voce) may be held after the CBT, often of a qualifying nature. Always check the exact details in the official notification.
AIIMS CRE Lab Technician Syllabus 2026 (Subject-Wise)
The full syllabus is in two parts. Both are detailed topic-wise below.
Part A — General Section (20 Questions, 80 Marks)
1. General Awareness / GK
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Indian History & National Movement
- Indian Polity & Constitution
- Geography (India & World)
- Indian Economy & Budget
- General Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology basics)
- Important Days, Awards, Sports, Books & Authors
2. Reasoning
- Analogies, similarities & differences
- Problem-solving and analysis
- Space visualization, visual memory
- Figure classification & relationships
- Number & non-verbal series
3. Quantitative Aptitude
- Number System, Decimals & Fractions
- Percentage, Ratio & Proportion
- Average, Profit & Loss, Interest
- Time & Work, Speed-Distance, Mensuration
- Tables & Graphs (Data Interpretation)
4. Computer Knowledge
- Computer basics, parts & functions
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Email and Internet basics
Part B — Domain Section: Medical Laboratory Technology (80 Questions, 320 Marks)
This is the most important section (80% weightage). For the Lab Technician post, domain questions are based on the level of your MLT/DMLT qualification.
1. Clinical Pathology
- Urine analysis (physical, chemical, microscopic)
- Stool examination
- Body fluids (CSF, synovial, pleural, ascitic)
- Semen analysis
2. Haematology
- Blood composition & cells (RBC, WBC, Platelets)
- Haemoglobin estimation, PCV, ESR
- Blood counts (TLC, DLC), indices
- Anaemia, leukaemia & disorders
- Coagulation tests (BT, CT, PT, APTT)
3. Clinical Biochemistry
- Carbohydrate, protein, lipid metabolism
- Blood glucose, lipid profile, LFT
- Kidney function tests (KFT), electrolytes
- Enzymes & normal reference values
- Hormones & basic endocrinology
4. Microbiology
- Bacteria, virus, fungi — classification & structure
- Sterilization & disinfection
- Staining (Gram, AFB/ZN)
- Culture media & methods
- Common pathogens & diseases
5. Immunology & Serology
- Antigen-antibody reactions
- Types of immunity
- Serological tests (Widal, VDRL, CRP, RA factor)
- ELISA & rapid diagnostic tests
6. Blood Banking / Immunohaematology
- Blood groups (ABO & Rh)
- Grouping & cross-matching
- Collection, storage & transfusion
- Transfusion reactions & precautions
7. Histopathology & Cytology
- Tissue processing & fixation
- Microtomy & section cutting
- Routine staining (H&E)
- Basic cytology (PAP smear)
8. Parasitology
- Common parasites (Malaria, filaria, worms)
- Sample collection & identification
9. Lab Instruments & Techniques
- Microscope, centrifuge, colorimeter, spectrophotometer
- Autoanalyzer, incubator, autoclave
- Pipetting, calibration & maintenance
10. Lab Safety, Quality & Ethics
- Biomedical Waste Management (colour coding)
- Infection prevention & bio-safety
- Quality Control & NABH guidelines
- HIV, Hepatitis-B & C — PEP guidelines
- Medical ethics & patient rights
11. Basic Anatomy & Physiology
- Human body systems — basic overview
- Cell, tissue & organ basics
Important: AIIMS officially bases the domain syllabus on the level of the educational qualification (Annexure-I) — it does not publish a separate detailed topic list. The subjects above are the standard MLT/DMLT qualification topics. For exact weightage and any updates, always refer to the official notification.
Preparation Strategy (How to Prepare)
- Focus most on the domain section — it carries 80% weightage. Make Pathology, Haematology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Blood Banking strong.
- 30–40 minutes of General section daily — Reasoning & Quant through practice, GK through current affairs.
- Memorise normal values — biochemistry & haematology reference values are asked in every exam.
- Solve previous year questions (PYQs) — they reveal the pattern and repeated topics.
- Daily MCQs + weekly mock tests — because of negative marking, improving accuracy is essential.
- Revision schedule — make short notes for each subject and revise regularly.
Best Books for AIIMS CRE Lab Technician
For MLT preparation, keep one good book for each of these subjects for concept clarity:
- Clinical Pathology & Haematology (standard MLT text)
- Clinical Biochemistry (with normal values)
- Microbiology & Immunology
- Blood Banking / Immunohaematology
- An AIIMS CRE Lab Technician practice set / MCQ book (bilingual — English + Hindi)
