ICMR Nursing JRF sample questions with answers
Preparing for the ICMR Junior Research Fellowship – Nursing Stream requires a strong grasp of nursing research methodology, biostatistics, and core nursing subjects. The exam is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with 100 questions, each carrying +1 mark and a penalty of -0.25 for incorrect answers. To help you assess your readiness, we have curated 8 sample questions across three difficulty levels. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation. Always confirm dates, fees and eligibility on the official notification before applying.
Easy-level sample questions
Question 1 Which of the following is the primary purpose of a literature review in a research study? A) To prove the researcher’s hypothesis B) To summarise existing knowledge and identify gaps C) To collect primary data D) To test statistical tools
Answer: B Explanation: A literature review synthesises existing research, identifies gaps, and provides a theoretical framework for the study. It does not prove hypotheses (that is the role of data analysis) nor collect primary data.
Question 2 The term ‘reliability’ in research refers to: A) Whether the instrument measures what it intends to measure B) The consistency of the measurement tool C) The ethical approval of the study D) The sample size adequacy
Answer: B Explanation: Reliability indicates the consistency and stability of a measurement tool. Validity (option A) refers to accuracy. Ethics (C) and sample size (D) are separate concepts.
Question 3 Which sampling method gives every member of the population an equal chance of selection? A) Convenience sampling B) Purposive sampling C) Simple random sampling D) Snowball sampling
Answer: C Explanation: Simple random sampling ensures equal probability of selection. Convenience (A) and purposive (B) are non-probability methods; snowball (D) is used for hard-to-reach populations.
Moderate-level sample questions
Question 4 A nurse researcher wants to study the effect of a new wound care protocol on healing time. The dependent variable in this study is: A) The wound care protocol B) Healing time C) The type of wound D) Patient age
Answer: B Explanation: The dependent variable is the outcome being measured – healing time. The independent variable is the wound care protocol (A). Patient age (D) and wound type (C) are potential confounding variables.
Question 5 In a normal distribution, what percentage of data lies within ±1 standard deviation of the mean? A) 68% B) 95% C) 99.7% D) 50%
Answer: A Explanation: In a normal distribution, approximately 68% of values fall within one standard deviation of the mean. Two standard deviations cover about 95% (B), and three cover about 99.7% (C).
Question 6 Which of the following is an example of a qualitative research method? A) Randomised controlled trial B) Cohort study C) Phenomenology D) Cross-sectional survey
Answer: C Explanation: Phenomenology is a qualitative approach that explores lived experiences. RCTs (A), cohort studies (B), and cross-sectional surveys (D) are quantitative methods.
Advanced/hard sample questions
Question 7 A researcher obtains a p-value of 0.03 after testing a null hypothesis. Which of the following is the correct interpretation at α = 0.05? A) There is a 3% chance that the null hypothesis is true B) The result is statistically significant; reject the null hypothesis C) The result is not statistically significant; fail to reject the null hypothesis D) There is a 97% probability that the alternative hypothesis is false
Answer: B Explanation: A p-value less than α (0.03 < 0.05) indicates statistical significance, leading to rejection of the null hypothesis. The p-value is not the probability that the null hypothesis is true (A) – that is a common misconception.
Question 8 In a mixed-methods study, which design collects quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously and gives equal priority to both? A) Sequential explanatory design B) Sequential exploratory design C) Convergent parallel design D) Embedded design
Answer: C Explanation: The convergent parallel design collects both types of data concurrently and integrates them during analysis. Sequential designs (A and B) collect one phase after the other. Embedded design (D) nests one type within the other.
How to interpret distractors
Distractors are the incorrect answer options in a multiple-choice question. In the ICMR Nursing JRF exam, distractors are carefully designed to test your depth of understanding. Here are strategies to handle them:
- Look for absolute words: Options containing “always”, “never”, or “all” are often incorrect in nursing research contexts.
- Identify similar pairs: Two options that sound very similar may both be wrong, or one may be correct and the other a near-miss.
- Recall the definition: For conceptual questions, mentally recall the precise definition before reading the options.
- Eliminate first: Cross out clearly wrong options to improve your odds of guessing correctly if needed.
- Watch for reverse wording: Distractors sometimes state the opposite of the correct fact.
Practising with high-quality sample questions trains your brain to spot these traps quickly. You can find more such questions in the mock tests on PractiseExam.com, which simulate the actual CBT interface and marking scheme.
Take a free full mock test
Ready to test your preparation under real exam conditions? Try a full-length mock test on PractiseExam.com. Our mock tests follow the exact ICMR Nursing JRF pattern: 100 questions, 120 minutes, +1/-0.25 marking. You get instant scores, detailed analytics, and explanations for every question. Visit our mock tests page to start your free trial. Also check our syllabus page for a complete topic breakdown and preparation strategy page for a 90-day study plan.
Mastering sample questions is the first step to cracking the ICMR Nursing JRF. Use these examples to identify your weak areas, and then drill deeper with topic-specific practice. Good luck!