AIIMS CRE exam-day guide
AIIMS CRE · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Print or save your AIIMS CRE admit card
Download the admit card from the official AIIMS examination portal once released and carry a printed copy to the centre. Verify that the exam name, date, shift timing, and centre address printed on it match your application. If the admit card is not yet available or the download window is unclear, confirm with the provider.
Carry the original photo ID used in your application
Bring the original government-issued photo ID (such as Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or driving licence) that matches the details on your application and admit card. Photocopies and digital copies are generally not accepted as primary ID. Confirm the exact list of accepted IDs with the provider.
Carry a recent passport-size photograph
Keep one or two recent colour passport photographs in the size specified in the information brochure, in case the centre requires pasting or verification. Confirm the required size and number with the provider.
Reach the centre before the reporting time
Plan to arrive at least 60-90 minutes before the shift start so that security checks, biometric verification, and seating are completed without stress. Gates typically close before the exam begins, and late entry is usually refused. Confirm the exact reporting and gate-closing times on your admit card.
Know the centre location and route in advance
Do a dry run or map the route the day before, accounting for traffic, metro/bus changes, and parking. Identify a landmark near the gate and keep the centre phone number handy in case of delay.
Follow the dress and accessory instructions
Wear simple, comfortable clothing as specified in the instructions; avoid heavy jewellery, watches, and items that may be barred from the hall. Confirm the exact dress-code and prohibited-items list with the provider.
Leave prohibited items at home or with a companion
Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, calculators, study material, and bags are usually not allowed inside the exam hall. There may be no secure storage at the centre, so plan accordingly.
Carry a transparent water bottle if permitted
Some centres allow a clear, unlabelled water bottle; others provide water inside. Confirm the policy with the provider before relying on it.
Read the instructions on the admit card carefully
Go through every line of the admit card and information brochure for reporting time, shift, centre code, and any special instructions such as biometric capture or document verification.
Plan for document verification
Keep originals and one set of photocopies of your qualification certificates, internship completion, registration, and category certificate ready in case verification is done on the exam day. Confirm whether verification happens on the exam day or later.
Get adequate sleep and a light meal
Avoid last-minute cramming the night before. A normal night's sleep and a light, familiar breakfast or lunch before the shift improve focus more than an extra hour of revision.
Keep a backup plan for transport
Identify a second route or a backup mode of transport and leave a buffer of at least 30 minutes over your estimated travel time.
Plan the day
Download and print the admit card; check centre address, shift timing, and reporting time. Re-read the information brochure for prohibited items and ID requirements. Do a route dry run or map the journey. Revise only high-yield, condensed notes and your own error log rather than starting new topics. Confirm your ID, photographs, and certificates are in one folder.
Pack your bag with the admit card, original ID, photographs, and any permitted items. Lay out clothes. Charge your phone but plan to leave it outside the hall. Sleep at your usual time. Avoid discussing difficult topics with other candidates, which tends to increase anxiety.
Eat a light, familiar meal and drink water. Leave with a large time buffer. Re-check the admit card for the exact gate and reporting time. At the centre, complete security and biometric checks calmly, locate your seat, and read the on-screen instructions before the timer starts.
Read the instructions and confirm the total number of questions, marking scheme, and negative marking before starting. Do a quick first pass on questions you are confident about, mark uncertain ones for review, and return to them. Watch the clock and reserve the final minutes for checking that every attempted answer is saved and no accidental marks remain. Do not panic over one hard question; the goal is to maximise correct answers within the time.
Rules to check
Carry only the original photo ID specified in the instructions; photocopies or digital IDs are generally not accepted. Confirm the accepted ID list with the provider.
Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, calculators, and study material are prohibited inside the exam hall. Possession may lead to disqualification.
Follow all instructions from invigilators and security staff, including biometric capture and seat allocation.
Do not communicate with other candidates or exchange material during the exam; any suspicious activity may be treated as unfair means.
Understand the scoring and negative-marking scheme before the exam; if unsure, confirm the marking scheme in the official information brochure.
Breaks are generally not allowed during the exam; plan hydration and restroom visits before the shift begins. Confirm the policy with the provider.
Keep the admit card and ID on your desk for verification throughout the exam.
Any candidate found using unfair means may face cancellation of candidature; follow the code of conduct printed in the brochure.