INI CET 2026 EXAM

All You Need to Know About INI-CET 2026: Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus & Admission

The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) 2026 is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance examination conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. It serves as the gateway for admission to MD, MS, M.Ch. (6 Years), DM (6 Years), MDS, and other postgraduate medical courses offered by participating Institutes of National Importance (INIs), including AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST. Explore complete information about INI-CET 2026, including eligibility, important dates, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, admit card, result, counselling, seat allotment, preparation strategy, and FAQs- all in one place.

The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance examination conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. It serves as the single gateway for admission to various postgraduate medical and dental programmes offered by participating Institutes of National Importance (INIs) across India.

 INI-CET is conducted twice every year for the January and July admission sessions. The examination is held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and assesses candidates through multiple-choice questions covering the entire MBBS curriculum. Admissions are offered to eligible candidates based on their performance in the entrance examination, followed by online counselling and seat allocation.

 The examination provides admission to postgraduate courses such as MD, MS, MDS, M.Ch. (6 Years), DM (6 Years), and MD (Hospital Administration) at AIIMS and other participating Institutes of National Importance.

Official Website
AIIMS Examination Portal
Admission Process
Entrance Examination followed by Online Counselling
Courses Offered
MD, MS, MDS, M.Ch. (6 Years), DM (6 Years), MD (Hospital Administration)
Medium of Examination
English
Exam Mode
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Frequency
Twice a Year (January & July Sessions)
Exam Level
National-Level Postgraduate Medical Entrance Examination
Conducting Authority
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Exam Name
Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET)

Why Choose INI-CET?

INI-CET offers admission to some of India's most prestigious medical institutions, known for their excellence in academics, research, clinical exposure, and patient care. Studying at an Institute of National Importance provides access to experienced faculty, advanced healthcare infrastructure, multidisciplinary learning, and outstanding opportunities for postgraduate training and future super-specialization.

INI-CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for INI-CET 2026, candidates must satisfy the eligibility requirements prescribed by AIIMS, New Delhi in the official prospectus. The eligibility criteria apply to appearing in the entrance examination; however, each participating Institute of National Importance (INI) may have additional institute-specific admission requirements.

Nationality-

The following candidates are eligible to apply

  • Indian Citizens

  • Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)

  • Foreign Nationals (under the applicable category and institute-specific rules)

A candidate cannot claim eligibility under both the Indian National and Foreign National categories simultaneously.

 
Educational Qualification-

Candidates applying for MD, MS, DM (6 Years), M.Ch. (6 Years), or MD (Hospital Administration) must

  • Hold an MBBS degree from a university recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

  • Complete the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) on or before the cut-off date specified for the respective INI-CET session.

  • Fulfil any additional eligibility conditions prescribed by the participating institute

Candidates applying for MDS must:

  • Hold a BDS degree recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI).

  • Complete the compulsory internship by the prescribed cut-off date.

 
Eligibility Certificate (Where Applicable)-

Candidates who joined a foreign medical institution on or after the date specified under the applicable NMC regulations must have obtained an Eligibility Certificate from the National Medical Commission (or the erstwhile Medical Council of India), unless exempted under the prevailing regulations

Candidates admitted under the current Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations should comply with the latest NMC eligibility requirements.

 
Minimum Qualifying Marks-

For MD/MS/DM (6 Years)/M.Ch. (6 Years)/MD (Hospital Administration) courses, candidates must have obtained:
 

  • General / EWS / Sponsored / Foreign National –  55%

  • OBC –  50%

  • SC / ST –  50%

  • PwBD  – As per applicable category and AIIMS guidelines

 
Internship Requirement-

Candidates must complete the 12-month Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) on or before the internship completion date specified in the official prospectus for the respective session

Candidates who do not complete the internship by the prescribed deadline are not eligible for admission, even if they qualify in the examination.

 
Registration Requirement-

Candidates should possess a valid registration certificate issued by

  • National Medical Commission (NMC), or

  • State Medical Council (SMC

The registration certificate may be required during the admission process at the allotted institute.

 
Eligibility for Foreign Nationals-

Foreign National candidates may apply according to the eligibility conditions and admission procedures prescribed by AIIMS and the respective participating institute

They should carefully review the institute-specific prospectus before applying.

 
Required Documents-

Candidates should keep the following documents ready

  • MBBS/BDS Degree Certificate

  • Internship Completion Certificate

  • Permanent/Provisional Registration Certificate

  • Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable

  • PwBD Certificate, if applicable

  • Government-issued Photo Identity Proof

  • Passport-size Photograph

  • Signatur

Additional documents may be required by individual institutes during counselling and admission.

INI-CET 2026 Important Dates

The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) is conducted twice every year by AIIMS, New Delhi for the January and July admission sessions. The official schedule for each session, including registration, admit card, examination, result, and counselling, is published on the AIIMS Examination Portal.

Event
Expected Timeline
Release of Prospectus
Sep-26
Online Registration Begins
Sep-26
Last Date to Apply
Oct-26
Generation of EUC (if applicable)
September-October 2026
Registration Status & Image Correction
Oct-26
Final Registration Status
Oct-26
Admit Card Release
October-November 2026
INI-CET November 2026 Examination
Nov-26
Result Declaration
Nov-26
Mock Round Counselling
November-December 2026
Round 1 Seat Allotment
Dec-26
Round 2 Seat Allotment
Dec-26
Open Round Counselling
December 2026-January 2027
Note: The above schedule is tentative and will be confirmed through the official AIIMS notification for the INI-CET November 2026 (January 2027 Session).

Important Events Explained-

 
Prospectus Release

AIIMS publishes the official prospectus containing eligibility criteria, examination pattern, application instructions, seat matrix, and counselling guidelines.

 

Online Registration

Eligible candidates must complete the online application, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee before the closing date.

 

Registration Status & Correction

AIIMS provides a correction window to rectify rejected images or incomplete registration details. Candidates should complete all corrections within the prescribed timeline.

 

Admit Card

The admit card is released online for successfully registered candidates. It contains details such as the examination date, reporting time, test centre, and exam-day instructions.

 

INI-CET Examination

The examination is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode at designated centres across India.

 

Result Declaration

AIIMS publishes the result online in the form of a merit list and individual scorecards.

 

Counselling & Seat Allotment

Qualified candidates participate in online counselling, including

  • Mock Round

  • Round 1

  • Round 2

  • Open Round (if applicable

Seat allotment is based on merit, category, seat availability, and the candidate’s choices.

INI-CET 2026 Application Process

The INI-CET 2026 application process is conducted entirely online through the AIIMS Examination Portal. Candidates must complete Basic Registration, Generation of Examination Unique Code (EUC), Final Registration, document upload, fee payment, and final submission before the prescribed deadline.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Visit the official AIIMS Examination Portal and click on the INI-CET 2026 Registration link.

Step 2: Complete Basic Registration

Register as a new candidate by providing:

  • Full Name

  • Date of Birth

  • Mobile Number

  • Email Address

After successful registration, a Registration ID and Password will be generated.

Step 3: Generate the Examination Unique Code (EUC)

Log in to your account and generate the Examination Unique Code (EUC).

The EUC links your Basic Registration to the specific INI-CET session and is mandatory for completing the application.

Step 4: Complete Final Registration

After generating the EUC, fill in the Final Registration form with accurate details, including:

  • Personal Information

  • Academic Qualifications

  • Internship Details

  • Medical Registration Details

  • Category Details (if applicable)

  • Choice of Examination City

Ensure that all information matches your official documents.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Upload the prescribed documents in the required format, including:

  • Passport-size Photograph

  • Signature

  • Thumb Impression (if applicable)

  • MBBS/BDS Degree Certificate

  • Internship Completion Certificate (or expected completion proof, if applicable)

  • Medical/Dental Registration Certificate

  • Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable

  • PwBD Certificate, if applicable

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the application fee online using any of the available payment methods:

  • Credit Card

  • Debit Card

  • Net Banking

  • UPI

The application is considered complete only after successful payment of the prescribed fee.

Step 7: Review Your Application

Before final submission:

  • Verify all personal details.

  • Check educational information.

  • Ensure uploaded documents are clear and correctly formatted.

  • Confirm the selected examination city.

Only limited corrections are permitted during the correction window.

Step 8: Submit the Application

After reviewing all details and completing the payment, click “Final Submit” to complete your INI-CET application.

Step 9: Download the Confirmation Page

After successful submission:

  • Download the confirmation page.

  • Save the payment receipt.

  • Keep a printed copy for future reference.

 
Documents Required

Keep the following documents ready before beginning the application:

  • MBBS/BDS Degree Certificate

  • Internship Completion Certificate

  • Medical/Dental Registration Certificate

  • Recent Passport-size Photograph

  • Signature

  • Category Certificate (if applicable)

  • PwBD Certificate (if applicable)

  • Valid Government Photo ID

  • Active Mobile Number

  • Active Email Address

INI-CET 2026 Exam Pattern

The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) is conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The examination evaluates candidates on the knowledge and clinical competencies acquired during the MBBS/BDS course. The question paper consists of 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), with each question carrying one correct answer.Unlike NEET PG, INI-CET includes negative marking, making accuracy an important factor in scoring well.

Particular
Details
Exam Mode
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Language
English
Question Type
Multiple Choice Questions (Single Best Response)
Total Questions
200
Duration
3 Hours (180 Minutes)
Maximum Marks
200
Marks for Correct Answer
+1
Negative Marking
Yes (-1/3 mark for each incorrect answer)
Unanswered Questions
0 Marks
Conducting Authority
AIIMS, New Delhi
Marking Scheme-

The INI-CET follows a standard marking scheme.

  • Correct Answer: +1

  • Incorrect Answer: -1/3

  • Unanswered Question: 0

Candidates should avoid random guessing, as incorrect answers reduce the overall score.

 
Subject Coverage-

The examination is based on the MBBS curriculum prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and includes questions from:

Pre-Clinical Subjects:

  • Anatomy

  • Physiology

  • Biochemistry

Para-Clinical Subjects:

  • Pathology

  • Pharmacology

  • Microbiology

  • Forensic Medicine

  • Community Medicine

Clinical Subjects:

  • General Medicine

  • Dermatology

  • Psychiatry

  • General Surgery

  • Orthopaedics

  • Anaesthesiology

  • Radiodiagnosis

  • Obstetrics & Gynaecology

  • Paediatrics

  • Ophthalmology

  • Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)

INI-CET 2026 Syllabus

The INI-CET 2026 syllabus is based on the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC). The examination assesses candidates on concepts learned during the MBBS course, with a strong emphasis on clinical reasoning, integrated learning, patient management, image interpretation, and recent evidence-based medical practices.
 The syllabus covers all 19 MBBS subjects, including pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical disciplines.

Pre-Clinical Subjects-
Anatomy
  • Gross Anatomy

  • Embryology

  • Histology

  • Neuroanatomy

  • Genetics

  • Surface & Applied Anatomy

Physiology
  • General Physiology

  • Cardiovascular System

  • Respiratory System

  • Renal Physiology

  • Gastrointestinal Physiology

  • Endocrinology

  • Reproductive Physiology

  • Neurophysiology

Biochemistry
  • Biomolecules

  • Enzymes

  • Metabolism

  • Molecular Biology

  • Nutrition

  • Vitamins

  • Clinical Biochemistry


 
Para-Clinical Subjects-
Pathology
  • General Pathology

  • Systemic Pathology

  • Hematology

  • Immunopathology

  • Neoplasia

Pharmacology
  • General Pharmacology

  • Autonomic Nervous System

  • Cardiovascular Drugs

  • CNS Drugs

  • Chemotherapy

  • Endocrine Pharmacology

  • Emergency Drugs

Microbiology
  • Bacteriology

  • Virology

  • Mycology

  • Parasitology

  • Immunology

  • Hospital Infections

Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
  • Medical Jurisprudence

  • Identification

  • Medico-Legal Procedures

  • Poisoning

  • Toxicology

  • Medical Ethics

Community Medicine
  • Epidemiology

  • Biostatistics

  • National Health Programmes

  • Preventive Medicine

  • Environmental Health

  • Occupational Health

  • Nutrition

  • Immunization

  • Demography


 
Clinical Subjects-
General Medicine
  • Cardiology

  • Respiratory Medicine

  • Gastroenterology

  • Nephrology

  • Neurology

  • Endocrinology

  • Rheumatology

  • Infectious Diseases

  • Emergency Medicine

General Surgery
  • General Surgery Principles

  • Trauma

  • Burns

  • Gastrointestinal Surgery

  • Urology

  • Vascular Surgery

  • Surgical Infections

Obstetrics & Gynaecology
  • Antenatal Care

  • Labour

  • High-Risk Pregnancy

  • Family Planning

  • Menstrual Disorders

  • Infertility

  • Gynaecological Disorders

Ophthalmology
  • Cataract

  • Glaucoma

  • Retinal Disorders

  • Ocular Emergencies

  • Neuro-ophthalmology

Orthopaedics
  • Fractures

  • Bone Tumours

  • Osteomyelitis

  • Arthritis

  • Spine Disorders

Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
  • Ear Disorders

  • Nose & Paranasal Sinuses

  • Throat Disorders

  • Head & Neck Conditions

  • Hearing Loss

Anaesthesiology
  • General Anaesthesia

  • Regional Anaesthesia

  • Airway Management

  • Critical Care

  • Basic & Advanced Life Support

Radiodiagnosis
  • X-ray

  • Ultrasound

  • CT Scan

  • MRI

  • Contrast Imaging

  • Radiation Safety

INI-CET 2026 Admit Card

The INI-CET 2026 Admit Card is released online by AIIMS, New Delhi through the official AIIMS Examination Portal. Only candidates who have successfully completed the registration process and whose applications are accepted can download the admit card. It is a mandatory document for appearing in the examination and must be carried to the test centre along with a valid original photo ID.

How to Download the INI-CET 2026 Admit Card

Step 1:

Visit the official AIIMS Examination Portal.

Step 2:

Click on the INI-CET 2026 login link.

Step 3:

Log in using your Registration ID and Password.

Step 4:

Click on the “Download Admit Card” option.

Step 5:

Verify all the details mentioned on the admit card.

Step 6:

Download the admit card in PDF format.

Step 7:

Take a clear printout of the admit card and keep it safely for the examination day.

 
Details Mentioned on the Admit Card

Candidates should verify the following information:

  • Candidate’s Name

  • Roll Number

  • Registration ID

  • Candidate’s Photograph

  • Candidate’s Signature

  • Examination Date

  • Examination Time

  • Reporting Time

  • Examination Centre Name

  • Examination Centre Address

  • Important Instructions for Candidate

If any discrepancy is found, candidates should immediately contact the AIIMS Examination Section for assistance.

 
Documents Required on Exam Day

Candidates must carry the following documents to the examination centre:

  • Printed Copy of the INI-CET 2026 Admit Card

  • Original Government-issued Photo Identity Proof, such as:

    • Aadhaar Card

    • Passport

    • PAN Card

    • Driving Licence

    • Voter ID 

Failure to produce these documents may result in denial of entry to the examination centre.

 
Important Instructions
  • The INI-CET Admit Card is available only through the official AIIMS Examination Portal.

  • AIIMS does not send admit cards by post or email.

  • Admit cards are issued only to candidates whose applications have been accepted.

  • Candidates must verify all details immediately after downloading the admit card.

  • A printed admit card and a valid original photo ID are mandatory for entry into the examination centre.

  • Candidates should preserve the admit card until the counselling and admission process is completed.

INI-CET 2026 Result & Merit List

The INI-CET 2026 Result is declared online by AIIMS, New Delhi on the official AIIMS Examination Portal. Candidates can check their results by logging in with their Registration ID, Examination Unique Code (EUC), and Password. The result includes the candidate's overall performance, percentile, rank, and qualifying status.
 Unlike FMGE, INI-CET is a competitive entrance examination. Admission is based on the candidate's merit rank, availability of seats, reservation policy, and counselling preferences.

How to Check INI-CET 2026 Result
Step 1

Visit the official AIIMS Examination Portal

Step 2

Click on the INI-CET 2026 Result link

Step 3

Log in using your credentials

Step 4

View your result and merit rank

Step 5

Download and save the scorecard for future reference.

 
INI-CET Merit List

AIIMS prepares the INI-CET Merit List based on candidates’ performance in the entrance examination.

The merit list is used for:

  • Online Counselling

  • Choice Filling

  • Seat Allocation

  • Admission to Participating Institutes

Candidates with higher ranks are generally given preference during seat allotment.

 
Tie-Breaking Criteria

If two or more candidates obtain the same score, AIIMS applies the prescribed tie-breaking rules as mentioned in the official prospectus for that admission session.

 
Qualifying Criteria

To be considered for admission, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying percentile prescribed by AIIMS.

  • General / EWS:  50th Percentile

  • OBC:  45th Percentile

  • SC / ST:  40th Percentile

  • PwBD:  As per applicable category guidelines

Note: Merely qualifying the entrance examination does not guarantee admission. Final admission depends on the candidate’s rank, category, seat availability, preferences filled during counselling, and fulfilment of institute-specific eligibility criteria.

INI-CET 2026 Counselling & Seat Allotment

The INI-CET 2026 Counselling process is conducted online by AIIMS, New Delhi for admission to postgraduate medical and dental courses offered by participating Institutes of National Importance (INIs). Only candidates who qualify the INI-CET examination and meet the prescribed eligibility criteria are eligible to participate in the counselling process.
 Seat allotment is based on the candidate's INI-CET rank, category, preferences filled, seat availability, and the applicable reservation policy.

Counselling Process

The counselling process generally consists of the following stages:

 

Step 1: Online Counselling Registration

Eligible candidates must register online through the AIIMS Examination Portal within the prescribed timeline.

 
Step 2: Choice Filling

Candidates can select their preferred:

  • Institute

  • Course/Specialty

Candidates are advised to fill as many preferences as possible to improve their chances of seat allotment.

 
Step 3: Choice Locking

Before the deadline, candidates should carefully review and lock their choices.

If choices are not locked manually, they may be auto-locked as per the counselling schedule.

 
Step 4: Seat Allotment

Seats are allotted based on:

  • INI-CET Merit Rank

  • Category

  • Reservation Policy

  • Candidate’s Preferences

  • Availability of Seats

The seat allotment result is published online on the AIIMS Examination Portal.

 
Step 5: Acceptance of Seat

Candidates who are allotted a seat must choose one of the available options within the specified timeline, such as:

  • Accept the allotted seat.

  • Participate in the next round (where permitted under the counselling rules).

  • Decline the allotted seat.

 
Step 6: Document Verification

Candidates accepting a seat must report to the allotted institute for verification of original documents.

Commonly required documents include:

  • INI-CET Admit Card

  • INI-CET Scorecard

  • Seat Allotment Letter

  • MBBS/BDS Degree Certificate

  • Internship Completion Certificate

  • Permanent/Provisional Registration Certificate

  • Category Certificate (if applicable)

  • PwBD Certificate (if applicable)

  • Valid Government-issued Photo ID

  • Passport-size Photographs

 
Step 7: Admission Confirmation

After successful document verification and completion of admission formalities, the candidate’s admission to the allotted institute is confirmed.

 
Counselling Rounds

Depending on seat availability, AIIMS generally conducts multiple counselling rounds.

These may include:

  • Mock Round

  • Round 1

  • Round 2

  • Open Round

  • Spot Round (if announced)

The number of counselling rounds may vary depending on seat vacancies and AIIMS notifications.

INI-CET 2026 Preparation Strategy

Preparing for INI-CET 2026 requires a strong conceptual understanding of the MBBS curriculum, consistent revision, and regular practice of clinical and image-based questions. Since INI-CET is one of India's most competitive postgraduate medical entrance examinations, candidates should focus on concepts, clinical reasoning, recent guidelines, and time management rather than rote memorization.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern

Before starting your preparation, familiarize yourself with the examination format.

  • Computer-Based Test (CBT)

  • 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

  • 3 Hours (180 Minutes)

  • +1 Mark for every correct answer

  • -1/3 Mark for every incorrect answer

  • Questions based on the MBBS curriculum

Understanding the exam pattern helps in developing an effective preparation strategy.

 
2. Strengthen Your MBBS Concepts

INI-CET primarily tests conceptual understanding rather than factual recall.

Focus on:

  • Basic Medical Sciences

  • Clinical Medicine

  • Surgical Principles

  • Diagnosis & Differential Diagnosis

  • Investigations of Choice

  • Standard Treatment Guidelines

  • Recent Clinical Guidelines

  • Integrated Clinical Approach

 
3. Prioritize High-Yield Subjects

Allocate more study time to subjects that consistently contribute a significant number of questions.

High-yield subjects include:

  • Medicine

  • Surgery

  • Obstetrics & Gynaecology

  • Pathology

  • Pharmacology

  • Microbiology

  • Community Medicine

  • Anatomy

  • Physiology

 
4. Follow a Structured Study Plan

Create a realistic study schedule covering all 19 MBBS subjects.

Your daily routine should include:

  • Learning new concepts

  • Subject-wise revision

  • Clinical MCQ practice

  • Image-based questions

  • Reviewing incorrect answers

Maintain consistency instead of studying for long hours irregularly.

 
5. Solve High-Quality MCQs

Regular MCQ practice is essential for improving:

  • Clinical reasoning

  • Speed

  • Accuracy

  • Decision-making

After each practice session, review incorrect answers to identify weak areas.

 
6. Attempt Full-Length Mock Tests

Mock tests simulate the real examination environment.

Benefits include:

  • Time management practice

  • Identifying weak subjects

  • Improving accuracy

  • Building examination confidence

Attempt multiple full-length mock tests before the actual examination.

 
7. Focus on Image-Based Questions

INI-CET frequently includes image-based questions.

Practice interpreting:

  • X-rays

  • CT Scans

  • MRI

  • ECGs

  • Histopathology Slides

  • Clinical Photographs

  • Instruments

  • Gross Specimens

Developing visual diagnostic skills can significantly improve your score.

 
8. Revise Regularly

Revision is essential for long-term retention.

Useful revision resources include:

  • Short Notes

  • Flashcards

  • High-Yield Tables

  • Flowcharts

  • Previous Revision Notes

Plan weekly and monthly revision cycles to reinforce important concepts.

 
9. Stay Updated with Recent Guidelines

INI-CET often includes questions based on recent advances and updated clinical recommendations.

Revise:

  • National Clinical Guidelines

  • International Treatment Guidelines

  • Updated Disease Classification Systems

  • Recent Medical Advances

  • Standard Protocols

 
10. Improve Time Management

With 200 questions in 180 minutes, candidates have less than one minute per question.

A practical exam strategy is to:

  • Solve easy questions first.

  • Skip lengthy or doubtful questions initially.

  • Avoid excessive guessing due to negative marking.

  • Reserve the final few minutes for reviewing marked questions.

Participating Institutes Through INI-CET 2026

The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) serves as the common entrance examination for admission to postgraduate medical and dental courses offered by participating Institutes of National Importance (INIs) across India. These institutions are among the country's most prestigious medical institutes, known for excellence in education, research, patient care, and advanced clinical training.
 Admission to MD, MS, MDS, DM (6 Years), M.Ch. (6 Years), and MD (Hospital Administration) programmes is granted based on the candidate's INI-CET rank, eligibility, and seat availability.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is India’s premier medical institution established by an Act of Parliament. Through INI-CET, admissions are offered to postgraduate programmes at participating AIIMS campuses across the country.

Participating AIIMS include:

  • AIIMS New Delhi

  • AIIMS Bhopal

  • AIIMS Bhubaneswar

  • AIIMS Jodhpur

  • AIIMS Patna

  • AIIMS Raipur

  • AIIMS Rishikesh

  • AIIMS Nagpur

  • AIIMS Mangalagiri

  • AIIMS Kalyani

  • AIIMS Gorakhpur

  • AIIMS Bibinagar

  • AIIMS Bathinda

  • AIIMS Deoghar

  • AIIMS Guwahati

  • AIIMS Rajkot

  • AIIMS Vijaypur

  • AIIMS Madurai (as per seat availability and applicable session)


Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh

PGIMER is one of India’s leading postgraduate medical education and research institutes, offering advanced training across a wide range of medical and surgical specialties.

Courses Offered:

  • MD

  • MS

  • DM (6 Years)

  • M.Ch. (6 Years)


Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry

JIPMER is an Institute of National Importance known for its high academic standards, quality clinical training, and research facilities.

Courses Offered:

  • MD

  • MS

  • MDS

  • DM (6 Years)

  • M.Ch. (6 Years)


National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru

NIMHANS is India’s premier institute specializing in mental health, neurosciences, neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry.

Through INI-CET, eligible postgraduate seats notified by NIMHANS are filled according to the official prospectus.

 
Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram

SCTIMST is an Institute of National Importance specializing in:

  • Cardiovascular Sciences

  • Neurosciences

  • Biomedical Technology

  • Advanced Clinical Research

Selected postgraduate seats are offered through INI-CET.

 
Why Choose an Institute of National Importance?

Institutes participating in INI-CET are recognized for:

  • World-class Faculty

  • Advanced Hospital Infrastructure

  • High Patient Load for Clinical Training

  • State-of-the-art Research Facilities

  • Excellent Academic Environment

  • Strong Super-specialty Exposure

  • National and International Recognition

  • Outstanding Career and Research Opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions:
  1.  What is INI-CET?
    INI-CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance examination conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi for admission to MD, MS, MDS, DM (6 Years), M.Ch. (6 Years), and MD (Hospital Administration) courses offered by participating Institutes of National Importance.

     

  2.  Who conducts the INI-CET examination?
    The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi conducts INI-CET on behalf of all participating Institutes of National Importance.

     

  3.  How many times is INI-CET conducted in a year?
    INI-CET is conducted twice a year for the January and July admission sessions.

     

  4.  Who is eligible to apply for INI-CET?
    Candidates must possess a recognized MBBS/BDS degree, complete the mandatory internship by the prescribed cut-off date, and satisfy the eligibility criteria specified in the official AIIMS prospectus.

     

  5. What courses are offered through INI-CET?
    Admissions are offered to:
    MD
    MS
    MDS
    DM (6 Years)
    M.Ch. (6 Years)
    MD (Hospital Administration)
    Course availability varies among participating institutes.

     

  6.  Which institutes participate in INI-CET?
    Participating institutes include:
    AIIMS (All Campuses)
    JIPMER, Puducherry
    PGIMER, Chandigarh
    NIMHANS, Bengaluru
    SCTIMST, Thiruvananthapuram

     

  7.  What is the exam pattern of INI-CET?
    The examination consists of:
    Computer-Based Test (CBT)
    200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
    3 Hours (180 Minutes)
    +1 mark for each correct answer
    -1/3 mark for each incorrect answer

     

  8.  Is there negative marking in INI-CET?
    Yes. One-third (1/3) mark is deducted for every incorrect answer, while unanswered questions carry no penalty.

     

  9.  What subjects are included in the INI-CET syllabus?
    The syllabus covers the entire MBBS curriculum, including all 19 subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Community Medicine, Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Anaesthesiology, Radiodiagnosis, and Forensic Medicine.

     

  10.  Is NEET PG and INI-CET the same examination?
    No.
    INI-CET is conducted by AIIMS for admission to Institutes of National Importance.
    NEET PG is conducted by NBEMS for admission to MD/MS/DNB courses in other medical colleges across India.
     

  11.  Is the internship compulsory before admission?
    Yes. Candidates must complete the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) by the internship completion date specified in the official prospectus for the respective INI-CET session.

     

  12.  How can I apply for INI-CET?
    Candidates must complete:
    Basic Registration
    Generation of Examination Unique Code (EUC)
    Final Registration
    Document Upload
    Fee Payment
    Final Submission

    through the official AIIMS Examination Portal.
     

  13.  How is the INI-CET merit list prepared?
    The merit list is prepared based on the candidate’s performance in the entrance examination. Seat allotment is   then carried out according to:
    Merit Rank
    Category
    Reservation Policy
    Candidate Preferences
    Seat Availability

     

  14.  Is there a qualifying percentile for INI-CET?
    Yes. AIIMS prescribes a minimum qualifying percentile for each category. However, meeting the qualifying percentile alone does not guarantee admission, as final selection depends on merit rank and seat availability.

     

  15.  How can I download the INI-CET Admit Card?
    Candidates can download the admit card by logging in to the AIIMS Examination Portal using their registration credentials once it is released.

     

  16.  How can I check the INI-CET result?
    The result is published online on the AIIMS Examination Portal. Candidates can log in using their credentials to download their scorecard and check their rank.

     

  17.  Is there any limit on the number of INI-CET attempts?
    No. There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts for INI-CET, provided the candidate continues to satisfy the eligibility criteria prescribed for the examination.
     

  18.  Is INI-CET more difficult than NEET PG?
    Both examinations are highly competitive. However, INI-CET is generally considered more concept-oriented, with greater emphasis on integrated clinical reasoning, image-based questions, and application of medical knowledge.

     

  19.  Can foreign nationals apply for INI-CET?
     
    Yes. Foreign Nationals may apply for eligible courses under the applicable category, subject to the admission   rules and eligibility criteria prescribed by AIIMS and the participating institutes.

     

  20.  What happens after qualifying INI-CET?
    Candidates who qualify must participate in the online counselling process, complete choice filling, secure a seat   through seat allotment, undergo document verification, and complete the admission formalities at the allotted   Institute of National Importance.

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