AIIMS CRE-5 MLT Exam Pattern and Preparation
Preparing for the AIIMS Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) for laboratory posts? Understanding the examination pattern and Medical Laboratory Technology syllabus is the first step toward effective preparation.
The AIIMS CRE-5 recruitment notification places laboratory-related posts under Group 17, covering Junior Medical Laboratory Technologists, Laboratory Technicians, Lab Attendants Grade II and Technical Officers (Medical Laboratory Technology).
This guide explains the officially notified examination structure, recommended MLT subjects, important topics and a practical 30-day preparation strategy.
1. AIIMS CRE Group 17 Exam Pattern
According to the AIIMS CRE-5 notification, the Computer-Based Test (CBT) follows this structure:
| Exam detail | Pattern |
|---|---|
| Examination mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Total questions | 100 MCQs |
| Maximum marks | 400 |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| MLT domain questions | 80 |
| General Knowledge, Aptitude & Computer | 20 |
| Correct answer | +4 marks |
| Incorrect answer | −1 mark |
| Examination sections | 5 sections, 18 minutes each |
Important: Candidates cannot return to an earlier section after its allotted 18 minutes have expired.
What is the medium of examination?
The Group 17 syllabus table in the CRE-5 notification lists the examination as bilingual (English/Hindi). However, the general examination rules state that groups involving technical qualifications or bachelor's-level education are English-only. Candidates should verify the applicable language through the final official instructions and admit card.
2. AIIMS CRE Group 17 Official Syllabus
The notification specifies Medical Laboratory Technology as the domain subject for the 80 technical questions.
The level of questions is linked to the qualifications and experience required for the relevant posts.
AIIMS does not provide a detailed chapter-wise marks distribution in this examination scheme.
The following subjects form a recommended preparation checklist based on standard Medical Laboratory Technology curricula. They should not be interpreted as individually prescribed subject weightages.
3. Subject-Wise MLT Preparation Syllabus
Hematology
- RBC, WBC and platelet physiology
- Complete blood count and RBC indices
- Anemia classification
- Peripheral blood smear examination
- Hemostasis and coagulation investigations
- Hematological disorders and laboratory findings
Microbiology
- Bacterial morphology and staining
- Culture media and identification tests
- Sterilization and disinfection
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing
- Clinical bacteriology
- Virology, mycology and parasitology
Clinical Biochemistry
- Carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism
- Liver and renal function tests
- Blood glucose and diabetes investigations
- Enzymes and clinical enzymology
- Electrolytes and acid-base balance
- Spectrophotometry and biochemical analyzers
Clinical Pathology and Body Fluids
- Routine urine examination
- Urine sediment microscopy
- Stool examination
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis
- Semen analysis
- Other body fluid investigations
Blood Banking and Immunology
- ABO and Rh blood grouping
- Compatibility testing and crossmatching
- Direct and indirect antiglobulin tests
- Blood component preparation and storage
- Transfusion reactions
- Antigen-antibody reactions and immunoassays
Histopathology and Cytology
- Tissue fixation and processing
- Microtomy
- Routine and special staining
- H&E staining
- Cytological sample preparation
- Laboratory artifacts
Laboratory Instruments and Techniques
- Microscopy
- Centrifugation
- Spectrophotometry
- Electrophoresis
- Chromatography
- Automated laboratory analyzers
Quality Control, Safety and Specimen Handling
- Internal and external quality control
- Accuracy, precision and laboratory errors
- Levey-Jennings charts and Westgard rules
- Biosafety and biomedical waste management
- Sample collection, anticoagulants and transport
- Pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical errors
Molecular Diagnostics and Basic Sciences
- DNA and RNA fundamentals
- Polymerase chain reaction
- Molecular diagnostic methods
- Basic anatomy and physiology
- General laboratory science principles
4. Non-Technical Syllabus
The remaining 20 questions cover General Knowledge, Aptitude and Computer Knowledge.
Recommended areas to prepare include:
- General awareness and current affairs
- Basic arithmetic and percentages
- Ratios, averages and numerical reasoning
- Logical reasoning and number series
- Computer fundamentals
- MS Office and basic internet concepts
Because this section accounts for 20% of the total paper, candidates should not neglect it while focusing on MLT subjects.
5. AIIMS CRE Lab Technician 30-Day Preparation Plan
| Days | Main focus |
|---|---|
| 1–4 | Hematology |
| 5–8 | Microbiology |
| 9–11 | Clinical Biochemistry |
| 12–14 | Blood Banking and Immunology |
| 15–17 | Clinical Pathology and Body Fluids |
| 18–19 | Histopathology and Cytology |
| 20–21 | Instruments and Laboratory Techniques |
| 22–23 | Quality Control, Safety and Molecular Diagnostics |
| 24–25 | General Knowledge, Aptitude and Computer |
| 26–27 | Mixed-subject MCQ revision |
| 28 | Full-length mock test |
| 29 | Review of incorrect answers and weak subjects |
| 30 | Final mock test and focused revision |
This timetable is a suggested plan. Candidates should adjust the schedule according to their existing knowledge and available preparation time.
6. How to Prepare Effectively
Start with your weaker subjects. Review the subjects where you are least confident before spending too much time on familiar topics.
Practice MCQs alongside theory. After completing each topic, attempt relevant questions to check whether you can apply the concept.
Maintain an incorrect-answer revision list. Questions answered incorrectly often reveal gaps that are missed during passive reading.
Practice under timed conditions. The CRE examination has five time-limited sections. Getting used to the pace and restricted navigation is important.
Attempt full-length mock tests. Use them to identify subject-wise weaknesses, pacing problems and avoidable errors.
7. Practice AIIMS CRE Group 17 MCQs
Reading the syllabus is only the beginning. Regular practice helps candidates identify frequently tested laboratory concepts and revise important investigations.
Start practicing with MLT Recall:
- [Free Daily MLT Practice] — Subject-wise questions with answers and explanations
- [AIIMS CRE Free Mock Test] — Full-length examination practice
- [MLT Subject-Wise Question Bank] — Additional questions with revision tools
Replace these labels with live links to the corresponding MLT Recall pages.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are asked in AIIMS CRE Group 17?
The CRE-5 examination contains 100 MCQs: 80 domain-specific questions and 20 questions on general knowledge, aptitude and computer knowledge.
What is the total duration of the exam?
The examination lasts 90 minutes, divided into five sections of 18 minutes each.
Is there negative marking?
Yes. Each correct answer carries four marks, while each incorrect answer results in a deduction of one mark.
Is the Group 17 syllabus the same for all laboratory posts?
The group has a common Medical Laboratory Technology domain, but the expected level is tied to the qualifications and experience specified for the relevant posts.
Where can I check the official syllabus?
Visit the AIIMS examination website at https://www.aiimsexams.ac.in and consult the applicable Common Recruitment Examination notification.
Source: AIIMS CRE-5 Detailed Recruitment Advertisement, Notice No. 93/2026, Sections VIII–IX and Annexure I. Preparation recommendations and chapter-wise topic lists are educational guidance from MLT Recall, not an official chapter-wise syllabus.