INI CET Exam 2026

The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) is a premier national-level entrance examination in India. While the exam is primarily known for PG courses (MD/MS/MCh/DM/MDS), it is the gateway to the most prestigious medical institutions in the country.

• Exam Name: INI CET 2026
• Conducting Body: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
• Exam Level: National
• Frequency: Twice a year (January and July sessions)
• Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Courses Offered: MD, MS, MCh (6 years), DM (6 years), and MDS

The INI CET 2026 will be conducted in two sessions. Below are the tentative dates for the July 2026 session:

• Online Registration Starts: March 2026
• Last Date for Basic Registration: April 2026
• Generation of Exam Unique Code (EUC): April 2026
• Admit Card Release: May 2026
• INI CET 2026 Exam Date: May 17, 2026 (Tentative)
• Result Declaration: May 25, 2026
• Counselling Starts: June 2026

INI CET is a combined entrance examination introduced to replace individual entrance exams for various Institutes of National Importance (INIs). It streamlines the admission process for postgraduate medical education at AIIMS branches across India, JIPMER Puducherry, PGIMER Chandigarh, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and SCTIMST Trivandrum.

The full form of INI CET is the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test. It represents a unified screening process for candidates seeking specialization in medicine and surgery at India's top-tier research and clinical institutes.

Historically, institutes like AIIMS, PGIMER, and JIPMER conducted their own separate entrance exams. To reduce the burden on students and standardize the evaluation process, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare introduced the INI CET in 2020. Since then, it has evolved into one of the most competitive exams in the world, known for its high difficulty level and clinical-based questions.

Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria for the 2026 session:

• Qualification: A recognized MBBS or BDS degree from an NMC/DCI approved institution.
• Internship: Completion of the 12-month compulsory rotating internship on or before July 31, 2026 (for the July session).
• Minimum Marks: 55% aggregate marks for General/OBC/EWS categories and 50% for SC/ST categories in the MBBS/BDS professional exams.
• Nationality: Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, and Foreign Nationals are eligible.

The application follows the PAAR (Prospective Applicants Advanced Registration) system, which consists of three main stages:

1. Basic Registration: Filling personal details and uploading images (Photo, Signature, Thumb Impression). This is valid for multiple sessions.
2. Generation of EUC: Candidates must generate an Exam Unique Code for every specific session they intend to appear for.
3. Final Registration: Filling academic details, choosing the exam city, and paying the application fee.

The exam covers the entire range of subjects taught during the MBBS/BDS course, categorized into:

• Pre-Clinical Phase: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry.
• Para-Clinical Phase: Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine.
• Clinical Phase: Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Orthopedics, Dermatology, Psychiatry, and Radiology.

The INI CET 2026 syllabus is vast and follows the Graduate Medical Education Regulations. It emphasizes clinical application and integrated knowledge. Key focus areas include:

• Molecular biology and genetics in Biochemistry.
• Neuroanatomy and Embryology.
• Mechanism of action and side effects in Pharmacology.
• Systemic pathology and clinical microbiology.
• Clinical management and surgical techniques in clinical subjects.

The exam is designed to test the analytical and clinical skills of the candidates:

• Mode: Online (CBT)
• Duration: 3 Hours (180 minutes)
• Number of Questions: 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer; -1/3 for incorrect answer.
• Question Types: Single correct choice, Multiple correct choice, Match the following, and Sequential arrangement.

The admission process is strictly merit-based and involves the following steps:

1. Successful online registration and fee payment.
2. Appearing for the computer-based entrance test.
3. Declaration of the merit list and percentile scores.
4. Online choice filling and locking during the counselling rounds.
5. Seat allotment and document verification at the assigned institute.

The following prestigious institutes participate in INI CET 2026:

• AIIMS New Delhi
• AIIMS Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Nagpur, Patna, Raipur, Rishikesh, Bibinagar, Bathinda, Deoghar, and Mangalagiri.
• JIPMER, Puducherry
• PGIMER, Chandigarh
• NIMHANS, Bengaluru
• SCTIMST, Thiruvananthapuram

The results are released in the form of a Percentile Score. A merit list is published containing the Roll Number, Category, All India Rank, and Percentile of candidates who qualify for the counselling process. Results are usually available on the official website aiimsexams.ac.in.

Once the results are announced, qualified candidates must participate in the online seat allocation process. Candidates should download their rank cards and keep their documents ready for the verification process. Those who do not secure a seat in the first round can opt for subsequent rounds or the open round (spot counselling).

The counselling is conducted online in multiple rounds:

• Mock Round: To give candidates an idea of seat allotment based on their preferences.
• Round 1 & 2: Main rounds for seat allocation based on rank and choices.
• Open Round: Conducted for remaining vacant seats.
• Document Verification: Mandatory physical reporting at the allotted institute with original certificates.

To be eligible for admission, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying percentile:

• General/EWS/Foreign National/OCI: 50th Percentile
• OBC, SC, ST, PwBD: 45th Percentile
• Note: The actual cut-off rank for top specialties at AIIMS New Delhi is usually much higher (within the top 100-500 ranks).

Note: INI CET is conducted by AIIMS New Delhi, not NTA. For official queries, contact:

Address: Examination Section, AIIMS, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi - 110608
Helpdesk: 1800-11-7898 (Toll-Free)
Email: aiims.inicet@gmail.com
Website: www.aiimsexams.ac.in