The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) is the mandatory entrance exam for admission to postgraduate medical courses (MD/MS/DM-6yrs/MCh-6yrs/MDS) in India’s top medical institutions, including all AIIMS campuses, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST.
Aspiring post-graduate medical students must crack this highly competitive, twice-yearly exam. This comprehensive, SEO-optimized guide for INI CET 2026 covers every query, date, and detail you need for successful preparation and admission.
Table of Contents
INI CET 2026 Exam Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) |
| Conducting Authority | AIIMS, New Delhi |
| Frequency | Twice a Year (January and July Sessions) |
| Courses Offered | MD, MS, DM (6yrs), MCh (6yrs), MDS |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Total Questions | 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for Correct Answer, -1/3 for Incorrect Answer, 0 for Unanswered |
INI CET 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
INI CET is held in two sessions: January and July.
1. INI CET 2026 – January Session
| Event | Tentative Dates |
| Online Registration Start | September 2025 |
| Last Date to Register | October 2025 |
| Application Status/Correction | October 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | 1st Week of November 2025 |
| Exam Date | November 9, 2025 |
| Result Declaration | November 2025 |
2. INI CET 2026 – July Session
| Event | Tentative Dates |
| Online Registration Start | March 2026 |
| Last Date to Register | April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May 2026 |
| Exam Date | May 17, 2026 |
| Result Declaration | May 2026 |
INI CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria (Who Can Apply?)
The eligibility criteria are stringent and must be met by the specified dates.
| Criteria | Indian Nationals | Foreign Nationals / OCI / NRI |
| Educational Qualification | MBBS/BDS degree from an NMC/MCI/DCI recognized Institute. | Same as Indian Nationals (Equivalence Certificate required). |
| Minimum Marks | General/OBC/EWS: 55% aggregate. SC/ST/PwBD: 50% aggregate. | 50% aggregate (Often exempted from minimum marks if accepted through diplomatic channels). |
| Internship | Completion of 1-year compulsory rotatory internship by the specified cut-off date (e.g., Jan 31, 2026 for the Jan session). | Must have completed 12 months of internship/training. |
| Registration | Must be registered with the NMC/MCI or State Medical/Dental Council. | Must be registered with the relevant council in their country. |
| FMGE Requirement | Not applicable. | Candidates with a foreign MBBS degree must typically clear the FMGE. |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit. | No upper age limit. |
Important Note for Final Year Students: Candidates appearing for their final professional exam are provisionally eligible, provided they complete the degree and internship by the deadline.
INI CET 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
The exam is structured to test comprehensive knowledge from the entire MBBS curriculum.
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
- Total Questions: 200 MCQs
- Question Types: Single correct answer, Multiple completion, Assertion-Reason, Sequential questions, and Extended matching pairs.
- Marking:
- Correct Answer: +1 Mark
- Incorrect Answer: -1/3 Mark (Negative Marking is applicable!)
- Unanswered: 0 Marks
INI CET 2026 Syllabus (Subject-Wise Weightage)
The INI CET syllabus is based on the MBBS curriculum, spanning Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, and Clinical subjects. Clinical subjects generally carry the highest weightage.
| Subject Category | Subjects Covered | Expected Weightage |
| Clinical Subjects | General Medicine & Allied, Surgery & Allied, Obs & Gynae, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Anesthesia, etc. | ~45% – 50% (Highest Priority) |
| Para-Clinical Subjects | Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine (PSM). | ~25% – 30% (Medium Priority) |
| Pre-Clinical Subjects | Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry. | ~20% – 25% (High Priority for Conceptual Clarity) |
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High-Yield Topics: Focus on integrated clinical questions, image-based questions, recent updates (especially from the last 2 years), and key areas like Pharmacology, Pathology, Community Medicine, and Surgery.
How to Apply for INI CET 2026 (Application Process)
AIIMS uses a simplified, single-stage One Time Registration (OTR) process followed by the application and fee payment.
Steps to Register & Apply:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to aiimsexams.ac.in.
- Academic Courses: Navigate to the ‘Academic Courses’ section and select ‘INI-CET (MD/MS/MCh/DM)’.
- Basic Details (OTR): Complete the one-time registration with personal, contact, and ID details. (A Registration ID will be generated).
- Upload Images: Upload your passport-size photograph, signature, and left-hand thumb impression in the specified format/size.
- Educational Details: Fill in your educational qualifications (MBBS/BDS marks, Internship status).
- EUC Generation (For some previous sessions/may be integrated): Note: AIIMS has moved away from the complex PAAR system, simplifying the process.
- Exam City Selection: Choose your preferred examination city.
- Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online based on your category.
- General/OBC/OCI/Foreign National: Approx. ₹4,000/-
- SC/ST/EWS: Approx. ₹3,200/-
- PwBD: Exempted
- Print Application Slip: Take a printout of the final registration slip for future reference.
Documents Required for INI CET Registration
Keep these scanned documents ready in the prescribed format (usually JPG or PDF) and size:
- Passport-sized Photograph (Recent)
- Signature (Clear scan)
- Left Hand Thumb Impression
- MBBS/BDS Degree Certificate or Provisional Pass Certificate
- Internship Completion Certificate (or a certificate from the Head of the Institution stating the completion date)
- NMC/MCI/State Medical/Dental Council Registration Certificate
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS) – Must be valid for the current financial year and in the AIIMS prescribed format.
- PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
Top Rank Preparation Strategy for INI CET 2026
Achieving a top rank requires a disciplined, focused, and multi-layered strategy.
- Know Your Enemy (Syllabus & Pattern): Thoroughly analyze the expected syllabus and the exam pattern. Focus on the high-yield clinical subjects (Medicine, Surgery, Ob/Gyn, Pediatrics).
- Make a Non-Negotiable Timetable: Allocate more time to subjects you struggle with. Target to complete your first reading and notes by at least 3-4 months before the exam.
- Dedicated Revision Blocks: INI CET is about retention. Schedule multiple revision cycles (e.g., 1st revision – 2 months, 2nd revision – 1 month, 3rd revision – last 15 days). Use your self-made short notes for quick recall.
- Practice Mock Tests (The Real Deal): Start taking Grand Tests (GTs) 2-3 months before the exam.
- Frequency: Start with once every 1-2 weeks, increasing to weekly closer to the date.
- Simulation: Attempt tests in the CBT mode (on a desktop/laptop) at the actual exam time (e.g., 9:00 AM) to condition your mind.
- Detailed Analysis is Key: After every mock test, dedicate an equal amount of time (3-4 hours) to analyzing your mistakes and revisiting those weak topics from your notes.
- Master Previous Year Questions (PYQs): The INI CET tends to repeat concepts and question formats. Solving at least the last 5 years’ INI CET/AIIMS PG/JIPMER PG papers is crucial.
- Stay Updated: Read about the latest medical news, guidelines, and drug updates. INI CET loves to ask questions on recent advances and hot topics.
- Maintain Wellness: Consistent study of 10-12 hours is better than a few 18-hour burnout days. Include time for exercise, sleep, and healthy eating.
INI CET 2026: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is there negative marking in INI CET 2026?
Yes, there is a negative marking of -1/3 mark for every incorrect answer.
Q2. Is NEET PG or INI CET tougher?
INI CET is generally considered tougher due to its integrated, clinical, and conceptual question pattern, including image-based and multi-level questions.
Q3. Can I apply for both January and July sessions?
Yes, you must register and apply separately for each session as per the official notification.
Q4. What is EUC (Exam Unique Code)?
The EUC was a part of the previous PAAR registration system. AIIMS has generally simplified this, often requiring only a single OTR/Registration form now, but always check the latest prospectus.
Q5. Do I need to be registered with the State Medical Council to apply?
Yes, a permanent or provisional registration certificate from the NMC/MCI or State Medical/Dental Council is mandatory for eligibility.
Q6. What is the minimum marks/percentile required to qualify?
The qualifying cutoff is usually a 50th percentile for the general category, and a 45th percentile for SC/ST categories. However, admission is based on the merit rank, which is much higher.