AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026 – Complete Guide for BSc Optometrists
Optometrist | Ophthalmic Technician Grade-I | Technical Officer Ophthalmology
Apply Online: 30 June 2026 | Exam: 25–27 July 2026 (Tentative)
AIIMS has released the AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026 notification as part of its Common Recruitment Examination – 5 (CRE-5). This is a golden opportunity for BSc Optometrists and Ophthalmic Technicians to join one of the most prestigious central government healthcare institutions in India. Under Group Code 23, a total of 8 vacancies have been advertised across 6 AIIMS campuses for the posts of Optometrist, Ophthalmic Technician Grade-I, and Technical Officer Ophthalmology (Refractionist). The examination is conducted centrally by AIIMS New Delhi, making it a single-window opportunity to land a permanent government job with Pay Level 6 benefits.
This article covers every aspect of the AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026 – from eligibility, vacancy breakdown, pay scale, and exam pattern to the best preparation strategy using the Smart Optometry Academy Gov Job Preparation Course.
What is AIIMS CRE-5? – AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026
AIIMS CRE-5 Recruitment 2026 – Common Recruitment Examination for Non-Faculty Posts | AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026
The Common Recruitment Examination – 5 (CRE-5) is a special-purpose centralised recruitment process conducted by the Examination Section, AIIMS New Delhi. It aims to fill regular Non-Faculty Group-B and Group-C positions across multiple AIIMS campuses and other Central Government Institutes in a single, transparent examination.
The CRE platform provides a single-window application system, meaning a candidate pays one examination fee and can be considered for the same post at multiple AIIMS campuses based on merit and their submitted choices. The Recruitment Rules (RRs) of each respective Institute apply independently, and AIIMS New Delhi acts solely as the examination conducting body.
Why is AIIMS CRE-5 Important for Optometrists? | AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Jobs 2026, Central Govt Optometry Recruitment
- Permanent Central Government job with job security
- Pay Level 6 salary (₹35,400 – ₹1,12,400) + DA + HRA + other allowances
- Opportunity to work at India’s top medical institutes
- One exam, multiple AIIMS campuses considered
- Career growth with government service benefits
- Pension, medical, and other Central Government perks
AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026 – Post-wise Vacancy Details
AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Post Details 2026 – All 8 Vacancies at a Glance | AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026
Under Group Code 23, the official title is “Technical Officer (Ophthalmic) / Technical Officer Ophthalmology (Refractionist)”. This group includes posts titled as Ophthalmic Technician Grade-I, Optometrist, Technical Officer (Ophthalmic), and Technical Officer Ophthalmology (Refractionist), all suitable for candidates with a B.Sc. in Ophthalmic Techniques/Optometry. Here is the complete post-wise and institute-wise vacancy breakdown:
Institute-wise Vacancy Table – AIIMS CRE-5 Ophthalmic Technician, Optometrist Posts 2026 | Government Optometry Vacancies India
| S.No. | Post Name | AIIMS Institute | UR | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ophthalmic Technician Grade-I | AIIMS New Delhi | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2 | Optometrist | AIIMS Bathinda | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Technical Officer (Ophthalmic) | AIIMS Raebareli | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 4 | Technical Officer Ophthalmology (Refractionist) | AIIMS Bhopal | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 5 | Technical Officer Ophthalmology (Refractionist) | AIIMS Raipur | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 6 | Technical Officer Ophthalmology (Refractionist) | AIIMS Vijaypur | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Grand Total | 8 | |||||||
Eligibility Criteria – AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026
Educational Qualification, Age Limit & Experience for AIIMS CRE-5 Optometrist Post 2026 | AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026
Essential Educational Qualification | BSc Optometry AIIMS Government Job 2026, Ophthalmic Techniques Degree Required
Post-wise Age Limit & Experience Details – AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry 2026 | Age Limit for Optometrist Government Job
| Institute | Post Name | Age Limit | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIIMS New Delhi | Ophthalmic Technician Grade-I | Up to 30 years | Not specified (fresh B.Sc. eligible) |
| AIIMS Bathinda | Optometrist | 21–35 years | 5 years’ experience required |
| AIIMS Raebareli | Technical Officer (Ophthalmic) | 21–35 years | 5 years’ experience required |
| AIIMS Bhopal | Technical Officer Ophthalmology (Refractionist) | 21–30 years | Not specified (fresh B.Sc. eligible) |
| AIIMS Raipur | Technical Officer Ophthalmology (Refractionist) | 21–30 years | Not specified (fresh B.Sc. eligible) |
| AIIMS Vijaypur | Technical Officer Ophthalmology (Refractionist) | 21–35 years | 5 years’ experience required |
What Counts as “Equivalent Qualification”? | BSc Optometry Equivalent for AIIMS CRE-5 Job
The notification mentions “B.Sc. in Ophthalmic Techniques or equivalent” as the essential qualification. The following degrees are generally considered equivalent by central government institutes:
- B.Sc. in Ophthalmic Techniques (3-year course)
- B.Sc. Optometry (3 or 4-year programme)
- B.Sc. Vision Science (from recognized universities)
- B.Sc. Allied Health Sciences with Optometry specialisation
- Any other B.Sc. programme in the ophthalmic/optometry domain from a recognized university
Pay Scale & Salary – AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026
Pay Level 6 Salary for AIIMS Optometrist & Technical Officer 2026 | AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026, 7th CPC Pay
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Matrix Level | Level 6 |
| Basic Pay (Entry) | ₹35,400 per month |
| Basic Pay (Maximum) | ₹1,12,400 per month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As applicable to Central Govt. employees (currently ~55%) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | 8%–27% of Basic Pay (depending on city) |
| Transport Allowance (TA) | As per 7th CPC norms |
| Gross Salary (Approximate) | ₹55,000 – ₹65,000+ per month (with all allowances) |
Other Benefits & Perks – AIIMS Government Optometry Job | Central Govt Pay Level 6 Benefits
- Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) for employee and family
- Pension under National Pension Scheme (NPS)
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Annual Leave, Casual Leave, Medical Leave as per CCS Rules
- Residential accommodation (subject to availability at respective AIIMS)
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Loan facilities (House Building Advance, Vehicle Advance, etc.)
- Job security and career progression as a Central Government employee
Important Dates – AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026
AIIMS CRE-5 2026 Application Date, Exam Date, Admit Card – Key Dates for Optometrists | AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026
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11 June 2026📢 Official Notification Released – DRA published on aiimsexams.ac.in. Online registration opens.
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30 June 2026⏰ Last Date to Apply Online – Application portal closes at 5:00 PM. Do not wait for the last day!
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6 July 2026📄 NOC Submission Deadline – Last date to submit NOC for candidates working in Government/Semi-Government/PSUs/Autonomous Bodies.
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9 July 2026✅ Application Status Published – Check if your application is accepted or rejected on the AIIMS website.
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3 days before exam🪪 Admit Card Released – Download from aiimsexams.ac.in. City/state notified 7 days before admit card release.
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25–27 July 2026📝 Computer Based Test (CBT) – Tentative. AIIMS may change with 10 days advance notice.
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To be notified🔬 Skill Test – To be notified later (Group 23 has no Skill Test as per current scheme).
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Post Result🎯 Choice & Preference Submission – Qualified candidates fill preferences for AIIMS institutes. Document verification follows.
Application Fee – AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026
How Much is the AIIMS CRE-5 Application Fee for Optometrists? | AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026, Exam Fee Details
| Category | Application Fee | Refund Policy |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC (NCL) | ₹3,000 | Non-refundable |
| SC / ST | ₹2,400 | Refunded after exam (if appeared) |
| EWS | ₹2,400 | Non-refundable |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwBD) | Exempted | No fee applicable |
Payment Mode for AIIMS CRE-5 Application Fee | Online Payment for AIIMS Optometrist Recruitment
- Payment accepted via Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking only
- Transaction/processing fees (if any) are to be paid by the candidate
- Fee once paid is non-refundable in all cases (except SC/ST candidates who appeared in exam)
- If applying for multiple groups, a separate fee is required for each group
- Applications without prescribed fee will be summarily rejected
How to Apply Online – AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Post 2026 | AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026 Application Process
All applications must be submitted online only at www.aiimsexams.ac.in. No physical/offline application is accepted. Follow these steps carefully:
- Register via OTR (One Time Registration) – All candidates must register through the AIIMS OTR (One Time Registration) portal. This is mandatory and creates your unique Candidate ID.
- Login & Select the Post – Log in using your OTR credentials. Select Group 23 (Technical Officer Ophthalmic/Ophthalmology) from the list of available groups under CRE-5.
- Fill Application Form – Enter your personal details, educational qualifications, work experience, and category information accurately. Ensure all details match your original documents.
- Upload Required Documents – Upload a clear photograph, signature, and thumb impression as per the specified size/format guidelines. Incorrect uploads lead to rejection.
- Pay the Application Fee – Pay the prescribed fee online (₹3,000 for General/OBC; ₹2,400 for SC/ST/EWS) through Debit/Credit Card or Net Banking.
- Upload NOC (if applicable) – Candidates currently working in Government/PSU/Autonomous bodies must upload their NOC by 6th July 2026. Without NOC, candidature will be cancelled.
- Submit & Download Registration Slip – Submit the completed application and download/save the registration slip. Keep it for future reference (no physical submission needed).
- Check Application Status – Application acceptance/rejection status will be published on 9th July 2026. Rejected candidates will not be allowed to sit for the exam.
🚀 Apply Now – Last Date: 30 June 2026
Online applications for AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026 are open. Don’t delay – apply before 5:00 PM on 30 June 2026!
🔗 Apply Online at aiimsexams.ac.inImportant Instructions for AIIMS CRE-5 Online Application | AIIMS Optometrist Job Application Tips 2026
- Use a valid email ID and mobile number – all communication will be through these only
- No correction will be allowed after the specified dates – fill the form with extreme care
- Duplicate applications with different Candidate IDs will be rejected outright
- All eligibility criteria must be fulfilled as of the closing date (30 June 2026)
- Eligibility is checked at the time of document verification, not at application stage
- Keep all original documents ready – they will be required at the time of document verification after selection
Exam Pattern & Syllabus – AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026
AIIMS CRE-5 CBT Exam Pattern for Optometry Group 23 | AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026, Exam Structure & Syllabus
Computer Based Test (CBT) Structure – AIIMS Optometrist Exam 2026 | Group 23 Exam Pattern
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1–4 (any 4) | Ophthalmic Techniques – Domain Knowledge | 80 MCQs | 320 marks | ~72 min |
| Section 5 | General Knowledge, Aptitude & Computer Knowledge | 20 MCQs | 80 marks | ~18 min |
| Total | 100 MCQs | 400 Marks | 90 Min | |
Negative Marking & Qualifying Marks | AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Marking Scheme 2026
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Marks per correct answer | +4 marks |
| Negative marking (wrong answer) | –1 mark (1/4th of 4 marks) |
| Unattempted question | 0 marks |
| Qualifying marks – UR / EWS | 40% (160 marks out of 400) |
| Qualifying marks – OBC | 35% (140 marks out of 400) |
| Qualifying marks – SC / ST | 30% (120 marks out of 400) |
| Qualifying marks – PwBD | 30% (irrespective of category) |
| Language of Exam | English Only (Group 23) |
| Skill Test | No Skill Test for Group 23 |
AIIMS CRE-5 Group 23 Syllabus – Domain Topics for Ophthalmic Techniques | Optometry Exam Syllabus for Government Job
The 80 domain MCQs for Group 23 are based on Ophthalmic Techniques – in accordance with the level of B.Sc. education qualification. Key topic areas include:
How Ties are Resolved in AIIMS CRE-5 Merit List | AIIMS Optometrist Selection Criteria
In case of equal marks between candidates, the tie is resolved in the following order:
- Higher marks in the domain-specific part (80 MCQs of Ophthalmic Techniques)
- Fewer wrong answers / negative marks – candidates with less negative marking are ranked higher
- Date of Birth – older candidates are placed higher in merit
- Alphabetical order of Name, then Father’s Name, then Mother’s Name
Age Relaxation – AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026
Age Relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen in AIIMS CRE-5 2026 | AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 5 years beyond upper age limit |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 5 years beyond upper age limit |
| Other Backward Class (OBC – NCL) | 3 years beyond upper age limit |
| Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) | 10 years beyond upper age limit |
| Ex-Servicemen (Group B&C posts) | Length of military service + 3 years |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees (UR) | Upto 40 years (for Group C, with ≥3 yrs regular service) |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees (OBC) | Upto 43 years (for Group C, with ≥3 yrs regular service) |
| Central Govt. Civilian Employees (SC/ST) | Upto 45 years (for Group C, with ≥3 yrs regular service) |
| J&K Domicile Candidates (UR) | 5 years additional relaxation |
| Widows / Divorced Women (UR) | Upto 35 years of age |
Selection Process – AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026
How is the Final Selection Done in AIIMS CRE-5 for Optometrists? | AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026 Selection Procedure
Stage-wise Selection Process | AIIMS Optometrist Merit List, Document Verification 2026
- Computer Based Test (CBT): Candidates who score above the qualifying marks (40% for UR/EWS) will be shortlisted. Merit list is prepared solely based on CBT scores.
- Normalization (if multiple shifts): If CBT is conducted in multiple shifts, AIIMS applies a normalization procedure (as per Notice No. 35/2023 dated 20.01.2023) to ensure fairness across shifts.
- Choice & Preference Submission: Qualified candidates are invited to submit their institute preferences online. This is a critical step – fill all eligible choices. Failing to exercise a choice means you lose the seat for that institute.
- Seat Allocation Based on Merit: Seats at respective AIIMS are allocated based on CBT merit rank and the order of preferences filled. Higher merit = better chance of getting preferred AIIMS.
- Document Verification: Provisionally selected candidates must produce original documents at the respective AIIMS by the notified date. All certificates including educational qualification, age proof, category, experience, and NOC must be produced.
- Final Appointment: After successful document verification, the respective AIIMS issues the appointment letter. Reporting date is strictly as announced.
Documents Required at Document Verification | AIIMS CRE-5 Document Checklist for Optometrists
- Downloaded Registration Slip and Admit Card
- Date of Birth certificate (10th Marksheet / Birth Certificate)
- B.Sc. Degree Certificate and Marksheets (all years)
- Experience Certificate(s) – if applicable (clearly mentioning dates, pay, and nature of work)
- Caste Certificate / EWS Certificate – issued by competent authority, valid for FY 2026-27
- Disability Certificate – if applied under PwBD category
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) – if working in Government/Semi-Govt/PSU
- Age Relaxation Certificate – if claiming age relaxation (other than caste/PwBD)
- Any other certificates as required by the respective AIIMS
How to Crack AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Exam 2026? Prepare with Our Gov Job Preparation Course!
The AIIMS CRE-5 CBT tests your Ophthalmic Techniques knowledge at B.Sc. level. With 80 domain MCQs on topics like Refraction, Optics, Diseases of Eye, Instruments, and more — you need structured, exam-focused preparation. Smart Optometry Academy’s Gov Job Preparation Course has helped 40+ students crack AIIMS CBT exams with 9 final seat selections!
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This 5-step sequence is the most battle-tested and successful method followed by our top-performing students. Join the course today and follow this exact path to clear AIIMS CRE-5!
What’s Inside the Gov Job Preparation Course? – For AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Exam 2026
Best Online Course to Crack AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Exam 2026 | Smart Optometry Academy Gov Job Course, AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026
Course Features – Gov Job Preparation | SOA Optometry Govt Job Course, Best Study Material for AIIMS Optometrist Exam
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 📖 Subject-wise Theory Notes | Comprehensive notes covering all B.Sc. Optometry subjects – Optics, Refraction, Ocular Diseases, Instruments, Contact Lenses, Low Vision, Community Ophthalmology, and more |
| 🎬 Fundamental Optometry Videos | Video lectures on core optometry concepts, clinical procedures, and exam-relevant topics to build a visual understanding of difficult subjects |
| ❓ Subject-wise MCQs | Thousands of MCQs organised by subject for targeted practice and self-assessment after each topic |
| 📝 Previous Year MCQs | Actual MCQs from AIIMS, RRB, ESIC, and other government optometry exams – the most valuable practice material |
| 🧩 Non-Optometry MCQs | GK, Aptitude, Computer Knowledge, and Reasoning MCQs to help you score the bonus 20 marks in every government exam |
| 🏆 Proven Results | 40+ AIIMS CBT passes, 9 final seat selections by SOA students across India |
Frequently Asked Questions – AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026
Top FAQs About AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026 | AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026, Common Doubts Answered
🏛️ AIIMS CRE-5 Optometry Vacancy 2026 – Apply Now!
8 permanent Central Government posts across 6 prestigious AIIMS campuses. Pay Level 6 (₹35,400+). Don’t miss this golden opportunity! Last date: 30 June 2026 at 5:00 PM.
🔗 Apply Online at aiimsexams.ac.in🎓 Start Preparing – Gov Job Course
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- SOA Success Stories – Students Who Cleared Govt Optometry Exams

