AIIMS PG / INI-CET 2026-27: Exam Date, Exam Time, Registration, Eligibility, Syllabus, Cutoff, Counselling and Result

Written by: Wing Educations Medical Entrance Exam and Postgraduate Medical Admissions Research Team | ✅ Information Source: All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi aiimsexams.ac.in, National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) natboard.edu.in, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare mohfw.gov.in, Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) mcc.nic.in, and verified INI-CET and AIIMS PG official resources | ✅ Last Updated: June 2026 | ✅ Verified For: INI-CET (formerly AIIMS PG) 2026-27 – Exam Date, Exam Time, Registration, Eligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Cutoff, Counselling, Result and All Postgraduate Medical Admission Details for July 2026 and January 2027 Sessions

AIIMS PG / INI-CET 2026 – Latest News and Live Updates (June 2026)

  • INI-CET July 2026 Session: Exam date to be confirmed at aiimsexams.ac.in – Expected May–June 2026. Bookmark aiimsexams.ac.in for real-time official updates.
  • INI-CET January 2027 Session: Expected November–December 2026. Registration expected September–October 2026. Bookmark aiimsexams.ac.in.
  • AIIMS PG Officially Replaced by INI-CET: Confirmed from 2022 onwards. No separate AIIMS PG exam exists in 2026. All candidates must register for INI-CET 2026 at aiimsexams.ac.in.
  • INI-CET May 2026 Session: Results and scorecard available at aiimsexams.ac.in for qualifying candidates. Check your result now.
  • NEET PG 2026: Separate exam conducted by NBEMS at natboard.edu.in – completely distinct from INI-CET 2026. Both require separate registrations.
  • INI-CET 2026 Exam Time: 09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon (single shift, 3 hours) – confirmed for both MD/MS and MDS papers.
  • INI-CET 2027 January Session Exam Date: Expected November–December 2026. Registration opens September–October 2026 at aiimsexams.ac.in.

AIIMS PG / INI-CET 2026-27: Exam Date, Exam Time, Registration, Eligibility, Syllabus, Cutoff, Counselling and Result

The AIIMS PG entrance exam — now officially replaced and conducted as INI-CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) since 2022 — remains one of the most prestigious postgraduate medical entrance examinations in India. Conducted by AIIMS New Delhi at aiimsexams.ac.in, the INI-CET 2026 provides admission to MD, MS, DM (6 years), MCh (6 years), and MDS courses across India’s premier Institutes of National Importance, including all 23 AIIMS campuses, JIPMER Puducherry, PGI Chandigarh, and NIMHANS Bangalore.

Beyond its historical significance as the AIIMS PG exam, INI-CET 2026 is conducted twice annually — once for the July 2026 session and once for the January 2027 session — thereby providing eligible MBBS and BDS graduates two annual opportunities to secure postgraduate medical seats at India’s most reputed government medical institutions. This comprehensive guide covers everything about AIIMS PG / INI-CET 2026-27, including the latest exam date updates, exam timing, registration process, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, cutoff percentiles, counselling process, result declaration, and preparation strategies.

AIIMS PG / INI-CET 2026-27 – Official Exam Profile Card

ParticularsDetails
Exam Name (Current 2026)INI-CET – Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test
Former NameAIIMS PG (Officially Discontinued from 2022)
Conducting BodyAll India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Exam LevelNational Level Postgraduate Medical Entrance Exam
Official Websiteaiimsexams.ac.in
Exam ModeOnline – Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam FrequencyTwice annually – January Session and July Session
Courses OfferedMD, MS, DM (6 years), MCh (6 years), MDS
Questions – MD/MS Paper200 MCQs in 3 Hours
Questions – MDS Paper90 MCQs in 3 Hours
AIIMS PG Exam Time / INI-CET Exam Timing09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon (Single Shift)
Total Exam Duration3 Hours (180 Minutes)
Reporting Time at Exam Centre08:00 AM (60 minutes before exam start)
Gate Closure Time08:30 AM (30 minutes before exam – latecomers not admitted)
Marking Scheme+1 Correct | -1/3 Wrong (Single Best Response) | 0 Unanswered
Cutoff – General/UR50th Percentile
Cutoff – SC/ST/OBC/PwBD45th Percentile
Eligibility – MD/MSMBBS with 55% General/OBC or 50% SC/ST + Internship Completed
Eligibility – MDSBDS with 55% General/OBC or 50% SC/ST + Internship Completed
Age LimitNo Age Restriction
Attempt LimitNo Limit on Attempts
Application Fee – General/OBCINR 1,500 + Transaction Charges
Application Fee – SC/STINR 1,200 + Transaction Charges
Application Fee – PwBDNil (Fully Exempt)
Participating Institutes23 AIIMS + JIPMER + PGI Chandigarh + NIMHANS Bangalore = 26+ INIs
Total Exam Centres63+ Cities Across India
INI-CET 2026 Exam Date (July Session)Expected May–June 2026 – Confirm at aiimsexams.ac.in
INI-CET 2027 Exam Date (January Session)Expected November–December 2026 – Confirm at aiimsexams.ac.in
INI-CET 2027 Exam Date (May Session)Expected May–June 2027 – Confirm at aiimsexams.ac.in
Exam LanguageEnglish Only
Security Deposit at JoiningINR 3,00,000 (DD/RTGS/NEFT at time of seat acceptance)
Counselling BodyAIIMS New Delhi (Centralized for all 26+ INIs)
Helpdesk+91-11-26588500 | aiimsexams.ac.in

Table of Contents

  1. AIIMS PG vs INI-CET – What Changed and Why It Matters for 2026
  2. What is INI-CET? – Full Form, Definition and Overview 2026
  3. AIIMS PG 2026 Exam Date – INI-CET July 2026 and January 2027 Sessions
  4. AIIMS PG 2026 Exam Time – Complete Timing and Duration Details
  5. INI-CET 2027 Exam Date – January 2027 and May 2027 Sessions
  6. INI-CET 2026 vs NEET PG 2026 – Key Differences
  7. INI-CET 2026 Registration – Complete Step-by-Step Process
  8. INI-CET 2026 Application Fee – Category-Wise Details
  9. INI-CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria – Educational Qualification and Internship
  10. INI-CET 2026 Admit Card / Hall Ticket – Download Guide
  11. INI-CET 2026 Exam Pattern – Paper-Wise Complete Analysis
  12. INI-CET 2026 Seat Matrix – Total Seats and Vacancy Details
  13. INI-CET 2026 Exam Centres – All 63+ Cities Across India
  14. INI-CET 2026 Syllabus – MD/MS and MDS Complete Subject Guide
  15. INI-CET Cutoff Percentile 2026 – Category-Wise Expected Analysis
  16. INI-CET 2026 Answer Key – How to Check and Challenge
  17. INI-CET 2026 Result – How to Check and Download Scorecard
  18. INI-CET 2026 Counselling – Seat Allotment Process
  19. Participating Institutes – All 23 AIIMS and Other INIs
  20. AIIMS PG Courses 2026-27 – MD, MS, MDS, DM, MCh Specializations
  21. Career and Salary After AIIMS PG / INI-CET
  22. Best Reference Books for INI-CET 2026 Preparation
  23. INI-CET 2026 Preparation Tips and Strategy
  24. INI-CET 2026 in Hindi – AIIMS PG Ka Exam Kab Hai?
  25. FAQs About AIIMS PG / INI-CET 2026-27

AIIMS PG vs INI-CET – What Changed and Why It Matters for 2026

Many medical aspirants still search for AIIMS PG 2026, but it’s important to know that the AIIMS PG entrance exam no longer exists as a separate examination. Since 2020, AIIMS New Delhi has replaced the standalone AIIMS PG exam with the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) to simplify postgraduate medical admissions across premier institutes.

As a result, all MD, MS, MDS, DM (6-year), M.Ch. (6-year), and MD (Hospital Administration) admissions to participating Institutes of National Importance are now conducted through INI-CET. These institutes include AIIMS campuses, JIPMER Puducherry, PGIMER Chandigarh, NIMHANS Bengaluru, SCTIMST Thiruvananthapuram, and other participating INIs.

For 2026 aspirants, this change is significant because there is no separate AIIMS PG application or examination. Instead, candidates must register for INI-CET through the AIIMS examination portal and participate in the centralized admission process. Meanwhile, NEET PG remains a separate entrance examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for admissions to most government, private, and deemed medical colleges outside the INI system. Therefore, candidates interested in both INI institutes and other medical colleges must apply for INI-CET and NEET PG separately.

INI-CET vs AIIMS PG – Key Differences Table

ParameterAIIMS PG (Old – Pre-2022)INI-CET 2026 (Current)
Current Status❌ Discontinued from 2022✅ Active – Current Exam for 2026
ScopeOnly AIIMS institutions23 AIIMS + JIPMER + PGI Chandigarh + NIMHANS
Conducting BodyAIIMS New DelhiAIIMS New Delhi (same authority)
Official Websiteaiimsexams.ac.inaiimsexams.ac.in (unchanged)
Exam NameAIIMS PGINI-CET
Sessions Per Year2 (January and July)2 (January and July) – same structure
Courses CoveredMD, MS, DM(6yr), MCh(6yr), MDSMD, MS, DM(6yr), MCh(6yr), MDS (same)
Number of Participating INIs7 AIIMS campuses initially23 AIIMS + 3 other INIs = 26+ institutions
AIIMS PG Exam Time09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon (unchanged)
Total Seats AvailableLimited (7 campuses)1,000+ seats per session (26+ INIs)

Expert Insight by Wing Educations Medical Entrance Research Team: The transition from AIIMS PG to INI-CET represents one of the most significant structural changes in India’s postgraduate medical education landscape. Importantly, aspirants searching for AIIMS PG 2026 must understand that the correct examination to prepare for is INI-CET 2026 — conducted by AIIMS New Delhi at aiimsexams.ac.in. Beyond the name change, INI-CET 2026 simultaneously provides access to seats across 23 AIIMS campuses, JIPMER Puducherry, PGI Chandigarh, and NIMHANS Bangalore — making it exponentially more valuable than the earlier institution-specific AIIMS PG exam. Crucially, INI-CET is entirely distinct from NEET PG — candidates targeting INI seats must specifically qualify INI-CET, as NEET PG scores are not accepted at INI institutions. Therefore, MBBS and BDS graduates targeting India’s premier postgraduate medical institutions in 2026 must register and prepare exclusively for INI-CET 2026 at aiimsexams.ac.in.

What is INI-CET? – Full Form, Definition and Complete Overview 2026

What is INI-CET? INI-CET Full Form = Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test
INI-CET is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance exam conducted by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi at aiimsexams.ac.in, replacing the earlier AIIMS PG exam from 2022 onwards. INI-CET 2026 provides admission to MD, MS, DM (6 years), MCh (6 years), and MDS courses across 23 AIIMS, JIPMER Puducherry, PGI Chandigarh, and NIMHANS Bangalore. Eligibility: MBBS (for MD/MS) or BDS (for MDS) with 55% marks (General/OBC) or 50% marks (SC/ST). Internship completion mandatory. Exam mode: Online CBT. Duration: 3 hours. AIIMS PG Exam Time: 09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. Questions: 200 MCQs (MD/MS), 90 MCQs (MDS). Cutoff: 50th Percentile (General). Sessions: January and July annually. Fee: INR 1,500 (General/OBC) | INR 1,200 (SC/ST) | Nil (PwBD). No age limit. No attempt limit.

History of INI-CET – From AIIMS PG to Unified Entrance

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) was established in 1956 as an autonomous government public medical institution under The AIIMS Act. Subsequently, additional AIIMS campuses were established across India, with 23 AIIMS currently operational. Beyond these 23 campuses, other Institutes of National Importance — including JIPMER Puducherry, PGI Chandigarh, and NIMHANS Bangalore — independently conducted postgraduate medical entrance exams for many decades. Recognizing the burden this placed on medical graduates who had to appear for multiple separate examinations, the Government of India introduced a single unified examination called INI-CET from 2022 onwards, conducted by AIIMS New Delhi, to provide admission across all participating Institutes of National Importance through one comprehensive test.

INI-CET Participating Institutes 2026 – Complete List

The INI-CET 2026 provides admission across 26+ premier institutions covering all Institutes of National Importance in India’s medical education system. Candidates qualifying the INI-CET 2026 cutoff percentile can participate in the centralized counselling process for seat allocation across all participating institutes based on their rank and preferences.

Institute TypeParticipating Institutions
AIIMS – 23 CampusesAIIMS New Delhi, AIIMS Bhopal, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, AIIMS Jodhpur, AIIMS Patna, AIIMS Raipur, AIIMS Rishikesh, AIIMS Nagpur, AIIMS Mangalagiri, AIIMS Gorakhpur, AIIMS Kalyani, AIIMS Bathinda, AIIMS Vijaypur, AIIMS Bibinagar, AIIMS Rajkot, AIIMS Jammu, AIIMS Madurai, AIIMS Darbhanga, AIIMS Bilaspur, and all other operational AIIMS campuses
JIPMERJawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry
PGIPostgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh
NIMHANSNational Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore

To explore related postgraduate medical entrance examinations, also check our guides on NEET PG 2026 Complete Guide, JIPMER PG 2026, and NEET UG 2026.

AIIMS PG 2026 Exam Date – INI-CET July 2026 and January 2027 Sessions

AIIMS PG 2026 Exam Date / INI-CET 2026 Exam Date – Direct Answer:

  • When is AIIMS PG Exam 2026? AIIMS PG is now called INI-CET. The INI-CET July 2026 session exam date is expected between May and June 2026 — exact date confirmed at aiimsexams.ac.in.
  • AIIMS PG 2026 Exam Date (July Session): Expected May–June 2026 – Confirm at aiimsexams.ac.in
  • AIIMS PG Exam Date 2026 and Time: Expected May–June 2026 | Time: 09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
  • INI-CET January 2027 Exam Date: Expected November–December 2026 — check aiimsexams.ac.in for confirmation
  • AIIMS PG 2026 Exam Time: 09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon (3 hours, single shift)
  • Date of AIIMS PG Exam 2026: Confirmed exclusively at aiimsexams.ac.in – check official website regularly
  • NEET PG 2026 Exam Date: Separate exam at natboard.edu.in — entirely distinct from INI-CET 2026
  • AIIMS PG 2026 Latest News: No separate AIIMS PG exam in 2026. Register for INI-CET 2026 at aiimsexams.ac.in
  • INI-CET MDS 2026 Exam Date: Same as MD/MS – Expected May–June 2026 (July session)

INI-CET 2026-27 – Expected Event Calendar

EventJuly 2026 Session (Expected)January 2027 Session (Expected)
INI-CET Notification ReleaseMarch – April 2026September – October 2026
INI-CET Registration Start DateMarch – April 2026September – October 2026
INI-CET Application Last DateApril – May 2026October – November 2026
INI-CET Admit Card / Hall Ticket~2–3 weeks before exam date~2–3 weeks before exam date
AIIMS PG 2026 Exam Date (July Session)May – June 2026 (Expected)
AIIMS PG Exam Time09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
INI-CET January 2027 Exam DateNovember – December 2026 (Expected)
INI-CET Answer Key ReleaseWithin 1 week of examWithin 1 week of exam
INI-CET Result DeclarationJune – July 2026December 2026 – January 2027
INI-CET Counselling – Round 1July 2026January 2027
Course CommencementAugust 2026February 2027

⚠️ Important: All confirmed INI-CET 2026 exam dates and timings are announced exclusively at aiimsexams.ac.in. Monitor this official website regularly — Wing Educations will update this page immediately when AIIMS New Delhi publishes official exam date notifications.

AIIMS PG 2026 Exam Time – Complete Timing, Duration and Centre Reporting Guide

AIIMS PG 2026 Exam Time / INI-CET 2026 Exam Timing – Direct Answer:

  • INI-CET Exam Start Time: 09:00 AM
  • INI-CET Exam End Time: 12:00 Noon
  • AIIMS PG 2026 Exam Time Duration: 3 Hours (180 Minutes)
  • Number of Shifts: Single Shift only – no second shift
  • Reporting Time at Exam Centre: 08:00 AM (60 minutes before exam start)
  • Gate Closure Time: 08:30 AM (30 minutes before exam – latecomers not permitted)
  • Total Questions MD/MS: 200 MCQs
  • Total Questions MDS: 90 MCQs
  • Average Time Per Question MD/MS: 54 seconds
  • Average Time Per Question MDS: 2 minutes

AIIMS PG Exam Timing – MD/MS vs MDS Paper Comparison

Timing DetailMD/MS PaperMDS Paper
AIIMS PG Exam Start Time09:00 AM09:00 AM
AIIMS PG Exam End Time12:00 Noon12:00 Noon
Total Duration3 Hours (180 Minutes)3 Hours (180 Minutes)
Reporting Time at Centre08:00 AM (60 min before exam)08:00 AM (60 min before exam)
Gate Closure Time08:30 AM (30 min before start)08:30 AM (30 min before start)
Number of ShiftsSingle Shift OnlySingle Shift Only
Total Questions200 MCQs90 MCQs
Average Time Per Question54 seconds per question2 minutes per question
Exam LanguageEnglish OnlyEnglish Only
Exam ModeOnline CBTOnline CBT

Why AIIMS PG Exam Timing Matters – Key Implications for Candidates

Understanding the precise AIIMS PG exam timing has three critical implications for exam day success. First, the gate closure at 08:30 AM — a full 30 minutes before the 09:00 AM start — means that candidates arriving even slightly late lose their right to appear for that session with no exceptions or appeals permitted. Second, the single-shift structure means every candidate across India answers the same paper simultaneously, eliminating all normalization-related concerns about difficulty variation across shifts. Third, with 200 questions in 180 minutes for the MD/MS paper, the 54-second-per-question average demands exceptional time management skills that must be developed and practiced systematically during mock test preparation well before exam day.

INI-CET Exam Day Checklist – What to Carry to the Centre

ItemRequirement
Printed INI-CET 2026 Admit Card (Hall Ticket)Mandatory – entry denied without it
Original Government Photo ID (Aadhaar / Passport / Driving License / Voter ID)Mandatory – must match admit card details
Passport-Size Photograph (recent)Required at some centres for biometric verification
PwBD Certificate (if applicable)Required for scribes and extra time allotment
No Electronic DeviceMobile phones, smartwatches, calculators strictly prohibited
No Study MaterialBooks, notes, printed material strictly prohibited inside exam hall

INI-CET 2027 Exam Date – January 2027 and May 2027 Sessions

INI-CET 2027 Exam Date – Direct Answer:

  • INI-CET January 2027 Exam Date: Expected November–December 2026 (for January 2027 session admissions)
  • INI-CET January 2027 Registration Date: Expected September–October 2026 at aiimsexams.ac.in
  • INI-CET May 2027 Exam Date: Expected May–June 2027 (for July 2027 session admissions)
  • INI-CET May 2027 Registration Date: Expected March–April 2027 at aiimsexams.ac.in
  • INI-CET MDS 2027 Exam Date: Same schedule as MD/MS — November–December 2026 (January session) and May–June 2027 (July session)
  • INI-CET 2027 Exam Time: 09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon (same as all sessions)
  • Next INI-CET Exam Date After May 2026: INI-CET January 2027 session – expected November–December 2026

INI-CET 2027 – Expected Complete Date Schedule

EventINI-CET January 2027 SessionINI-CET May 2027 Session
Official NotificationSeptember – October 2026March – April 2027
Registration StartSeptember – October 2026March – April 2027
Registration DeadlineOctober – November 2026April – May 2027
Admit Card Release~3 weeks before exam~3 weeks before exam
INI-CET 2027 Exam Date (January Session)November – December 2026
INI-CET May 2027 Exam DateMay – June 2027
INI-CET 2027 Exam Time09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Answer Key ReleaseWithin 1 week of examWithin 1 week of exam
Result DeclarationDecember 2026 – January 2027June – July 2027
CounsellingJanuary 2027July – August 2027

⚠️ Note: INI-CET 2027 exam dates are expected dates based on historical session patterns. All confirmed INI-CET 2027 exam dates — including the January 2027 session and May 2027 session — will be officially announced at aiimsexams.ac.in. Bookmark this page for instant updates.

INI-CET 2026 vs NEET PG 2026 – Key Differences and Which to Prioritize

INI-CET vs NEET PG – Which is Better for 2026? INI-CET 2026: Conducted by AIIMS New Delhi | For 23 AIIMS + JIPMER + PGI + NIMHANS | Seats at India’s most prestigious government medical institutes | Higher difficulty | 50th Percentile cutoff | Twice per year. NEET PG 2026: Conducted by NBEMS at natboard.edu.in | For all other government and private medical colleges in India | Broader college access | Once per year. Key fact: NEET PG scores are NOT accepted at INI institutions. INI-CET scores are NOT used for non-INI college admissions. Recommendation: Prepare for BOTH INI-CET 2026 and NEET PG 2026 simultaneously — syllabi overlap significantly, making combined preparation highly efficient.

INI-CET 2026 vs NEET PG 2026 – Detailed Comparison Table

ParameterINI-CET 2026NEET PG 2026
Full FormInstitute of National Importance Combined Entrance TestNational Eligibility cum Entrance Test Postgraduate
Conducting BodyAIIMS New Delhi (aiimsexams.ac.in)NBEMS (natboard.edu.in)
Colleges Covered23 AIIMS + JIPMER + PGI Chandigarh + NIMHANSAll government and private medical colleges across India
CoursesMD, MS, DM(6yr), MCh(6yr), MDSMD, MS, Diploma programs
Exam ModeOnline CBTOnline CBT
Total Questions200 MCQs (MD/MS) | 90 MCQs (MDS)200 MCQs
Duration3 Hours3.5 Hours
AIIMS PG Exam Time / NEET PG Exam Time09:00 AM – 12:00 NoonAs announced by NBEMS at natboard.edu.in
Cutoff Method50th Percentile (General)50th Percentile (General)
Sessions Per Year2 (January + July)1 (Annual)
Prestige LevelHighest (AIIMS, JIPMER, PGI, NIMHANS)High (All India medical colleges)
Counselling BodyAIIMS New Delhi (centralized)MCC (mcc.nic.in) + State counselling bodies
Registration Websiteaiimsexams.ac.innatboard.edu.in
Application FeeINR 1,500 (Gen/OBC) | INR 1,200 (SC/ST) | Nil (PwBD)Check natboard.edu.in for current fee

INI-CET 2026 Registration – Complete Step-by-Step Process at aiimsexams.ac.in

INI-CET 2026 Registration Date / AIIMS PG 2026 Registration: Registration for INI-CET 2026 July session expected March–April 2026 at aiimsexams.ac.in. The process involves 6 online steps: (1) Basic registration and credential generation, (2) Document upload (photograph, signature, thumb impression), (3) Qualification and address details entry, (4) Fee payment – INR 1,500 (General/OBC) | INR 1,200 (SC/ST) | Nil (PwBD), (5) Exam centre city selection, (6) Final form download and print. No offline registration accepted. All steps mandatory before deadline.

Step 1 – Basic Registration and Credential Generation

To begin INI-CET 2026 registration, visit aiimsexams.ac.in when the registration link becomes active. At this stage, enter your basic personal details — including full name, date of birth, category, gender, email ID, and contact number — to generate unique login credentials. These credentials (User ID and Password) are sent to your registered email and mobile number immediately after submission. Store them securely throughout the entire admission process, as they are required for all subsequent INI-CET 2026 activities including admit card download and result checking.

Step 2 – Document Upload

After receiving credentials, login at aiimsexams.ac.in and upload the required scanned documents in JPEG format: a recent passport-size photograph, your signature, and left-hand thumb impression. Ensuring all uploads meet the specifications mentioned in the official INI-CET 2026 notification is critical — incorrectly formatted uploads lead to application rejection during scrutiny. Beyond specification compliance, verify file size limits and resolution requirements before uploading to avoid technical errors that delay your application processing.

Step 3 – Qualification and Address Details

During this step, enter complete educational qualification details — including your MBBS/BDS degree status, university name, percentage secured, and internship completion status. Additionally, provide a complete communication address for official correspondence from AIIMS during the admission process. Double-checking all entered information before proceeding is essential, since corrections after submission may not be permitted by the system and errors discovered at counselling could create serious complications.

Step 4 – Application Fee Payment

Pay the INI-CET 2026 application fee through Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking at aiimsexams.ac.in. No offline payment mode is accepted under any circumstances — therefore, ensure your internet banking or card is active and functional before the payment deadline. After successful payment, download and save the payment receipt immediately for future reference during counselling and document verification stages.

Step 5 – Exam Centre City Selection

Select your preferred examination centre city from the available list during INI-CET 2026 registration. Real-time seat availability for each city is displayed during this step, so popular cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai fill up quickly. Once a centre city is allotted, no changes are permitted — therefore, choose your preferred city with extreme care and consider travel accessibility and accommodation availability before finalizing your selection.

Step 6 – Final Application Form Download

After completing all five previous steps, review the complete application carefully for accuracy. Print the fully filled INI-CET 2026 application form and verify all details — including exam date, exam timing (09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon), and exam centre address. Store the printed application form safely alongside a digital backup — the printed form is required during INI-CET counselling and document verification at AIIMS, while the digital backup protects against physical document loss.

INI-CET 2026 Application Fee – Category-Wise Table

CategoryRegistration FeePayment Mode
General and OBC CategoryINR 1,500 + Transaction ChargesDebit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking
SC and ST CategoryINR 1,200 + Transaction ChargesDebit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking
PwBD (Person with Benchmark Disable)Nil – Fully ExemptNo Payment Required

INI-CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria – Educational Qualification and Internship Requirements

INI-CET 2026 Eligibility / AIIMS PG 2026 Eligibility – Quick Summary:

  • For MD/MS: MBBS from MCI/NMC recognized university with minimum 55% marks (General/OBC) or 50% marks (SC/ST). Rotatory internship completed by the date specified in notification.
  • For MDS: BDS from DCI recognized university with minimum 55% marks (General/OBC) or 50% marks (SC/ST). Dental internship completed by specified date.
  • Citizenship: Indian citizens only.
  • Age Limit: None – no upper or lower age restriction.
  • Attempt Limit: None – unlimited attempts permitted.
  • Registration Required: Valid MCI/NMC (for MBBS) or DCI (for BDS) registration certificate mandatory.
  • Without Disability (General Category): 55% minimum marks in MBBS or BDS required.
  • DM/MCh 6-Year Programs: Direct MBBS entry accepted – no prior MD/MS required.

INI-CET 2026 Eligibility – Detailed Comparison Table

Eligibility ParameterMD/MS RequirementsMDS Requirements
Minimum DegreeMBBS from MCI/NMC recognized universityBDS from DCI recognized university
Minimum Marks – General/OBC55% aggregate in MBBS55% aggregate in BDS
Minimum Marks – SC/ST50% aggregate in MBBS50% aggregate in BDS
Internship Requirement12-month rotating internship completed by date in notificationDental internship completed by date in notification
CitizenshipIndian citizen onlyIndian citizen only
Age LimitNo age restrictionNo age restriction
Attempt LimitNo limit on number of attemptsNo limit on number of attempts
Professional RegistrationPermanent/Provisional MCI/NMC registration requiredPermanent/Provisional DCI registration required

INI-CET Eligibility – Critical Points Every Aspirant Must Know

  • Internship Deadline is Non-Negotiable: Candidates whose internship completion date falls after the date specified in the INI-CET 2026 notification are ineligible for that particular session. Verifying your exact internship completion date against the official eligibility deadline at aiimsexams.ac.in before applying is therefore absolutely essential — missing this deadline means waiting for the next session.
  • No Age or Attempt Restrictions Whatsoever: Unlike many competitive examinations, INI-CET imposes no upper age limit and no restriction on attempts. Consequently, all eligible MBBS/BDS graduates can apply regardless of age or previous attempt history — making INI-CET exceptionally accessible for repeat aspirants across all career stages.
  • MCI/NMC Registration Mandatory for Verification: Candidates must hold a valid permanent or provisional registration certificate issued by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or National Medical Commission (NMC) — or DCI for dental candidates — at the time of document verification during counselling. Without this certificate, seat allotment cannot be processed regardless of INI-CET rank.
  • DM and MCh 6-Year Programs Accept Direct MBBS: For 6-year DM and MCh programs, direct MBBS entry is accepted without requiring a prior MD/MS degree. These programs are therefore accessible to MBBS graduates who clear INI-CET with a qualifying percentile, providing a faster route to superspecialty training.
  • PwBD Candidates Receive Full Fee Exemption: Candidates with benchmark disability (PwBD) are eligible for INI-CET with zero application fee and a reduced cutoff of 45th percentile. A disability certificate from a competent authority is mandatory at the time of document verification during counselling.

INI-CET 2026 Admit Card / Hall Ticket – Download Guide at aiimsexams.ac.in

INI-CET 2026 Admit Card / AIIMS PG Hall Ticket 2026 / AIIMS Admit Card 2026 INI-CET: AIIMS New Delhi releases the INI-CET 2026 admit card at aiimsexams.ac.in approximately 2–3 weeks before the exam date. Download using your registered User ID and Password. No candidate is permitted inside the examination hall without a valid printed admit card. Carry the admit card with a valid government-issued original photo ID proof on exam day. The hall ticket contains: candidate name, registration number, roll number, exam date, AIIMS PG exam time (09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon), exam centre address, photograph, and exam day instructions.

How to Download INI-CET 2026 Admit Card – Step-by-Step Guide

  • Step 1: Visit aiimsexams.ac.in when the admit card download link is activated — typically approximately 3 weeks before the expected INI-CET 2026 exam date.
  • Step 2: Navigate to the “Academic Courses” section, then click on the “MD/MS/MCh/DM/MDS” (INI-CET) admit card download link displayed on the homepage.
  • Step 3: Login using your registered User ID, Password, and Captcha to access the admit card download portal.
  • Step 4: Download the INI-CET 2026 admit card in PDF format and verify all printed details carefully — including name, roll number, exam date, exam time (09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon), and exam centre address.
  • Step 5: Print a clear A4-size copy and carry it to the examination centre along with a valid original government photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Driving License, or Voter ID).

Details Printed on INI-CET 2026 Admit Card

Information on Admit CardPurpose
Candidate’s Full NameIdentity verification at examination centre
Registration NumberApplication reference for AIIMS records
Roll NumberExam identification for result and counselling
Date of BirthIdentity verification
Gender and CategoryEligibility and reservation verification
Photograph and SignatureIdentity matching at centre entry
Left-Hand Thumb ImpressionBiometric verification at exam centre
INI-CET 2026 Exam Date and Time09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon (schedule reference)
Exam Centre Name and Complete AddressVenue information for exam day planning
Important Exam Day InstructionsRules, permitted items, and prohibited items list

INI-CET 2026 Exam Pattern – Paper-Wise Complete Analysis

INI-CET 2026 Exam Pattern / AIIMS PG 2026 Exam Pattern: Mode: Online CBT. Duration: 3 hours (both MD/MS and MDS). Questions: 200 MCQs (MD/MS) | 90 MCQs (MDS). Exam Time: 09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon. 7 types of MCQs with differential marking schemes. Cutoff: 50th Percentile (General) | 45th Percentile (SC/ST/OBC/PwBD). Language: English only. Single shift. Unanswered questions: 0 marks (no negative impact). Negative marking varies by question type from -1/5 to -1 per wrong answer.

INI-CET 2026 Exam Pattern – Summary Table

ParameterMD/MS Exam DetailsMDS Exam Details
Exam ModeOnline – Computer-Based Test (CBT)Online – Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration3 Hours (180 Minutes)3 Hours (180 Minutes)
Number of Questions200 MCQs90 MCQs
MCQ Types7 Types of MCQs (Differential Marking)7 Types of MCQs (Differential Marking)
Exam Timing09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
LanguageEnglish OnlyEnglish Only
Number of ShiftsSingle ShiftSingle Shift
Cutoff – General50th Percentile50th Percentile
Cutoff – Reserved Categories45th Percentile45th Percentile
Tie ResolutionHigher MBBS aggregate → Seniority by ageHigher BDS aggregate → Seniority by age

INI-CET 2026 – 7 Types of MCQs and Differential Marking Scheme

MCQ TypeMarks – Correct AnswerMarks – Wrong AnswerMarks – Unanswered
Single Best Response+1-1/30
Multiple True False+1/5 per sub-item-1/5 per sub-item0
Match the Following+1/4 per match-1/4 per match0
Sequential Arrangement+1-1 (highest negative)0
Multiple Completion+1-1/40
Reason Assertion+1-1/40
Extended Matching+1/2 per item-1/2 per item0

Key Points About INI-CET 2026 Exam Pattern – What Every Candidate Must Know

  • Differential Negative Marking Demands Strategic Answering: Unlike NEET PG, INI-CET uses differential negative marking across 7 MCQ types — ranging from -1/5 to -1 per wrong answer. Developing a question-type-specific answering strategy is therefore absolutely critical for maximizing your final INI-CET percentile score while minimizing unnecessary losses from uninformed guessing.
  • Sequential Arrangement Questions Carry the Highest Risk: With -1 negative marking per wrong answer, Sequential Arrangement questions represent the highest-risk question type in the INI-CET paper. Selectively skipping these questions when confidence is below 60% is consequently a valid and widely recommended exam strategy among high-scoring INI-CET qualifiers.
  • Percentile-Based Cutoff Varies Each Session: INI-CET uses percentile rather than absolute marks for cutoff determination. Even with identical correct answer counts, the qualifying percentile can therefore vary between sessions based on overall performance distribution of all test-takers for that sitting.
  • Single Shift Eliminates Normalization Issues: Since INI-CET is conducted in a single shift for all candidates, there are no normalization complications — every candidate answers the same paper under identical conditions, making the score comparison straightforward and transparent across all exam centres.

INI-CET 2026 Seat Matrix – Total Seats and Vacancy Details

INI-CET 2026 Seat Matrix / Total Vacancy INI-CET 2026: The total number of postgraduate medical seats available through INI-CET 2026 varies by session and institute. AIIMS New Delhi alone offers the largest number of PG seats among all participating INIs. New AIIMS campuses additionally contribute seats each session as their postgraduate programs expand. The official INI-CET 2026 seat matrix for July 2026 and January 2027 sessions is released at aiimsexams.ac.in along with the official notification, containing institute-wise, specialization-wise, and category-wise seat distribution for all participating INIs.

INI-CET 2026 – Approximate Seat Distribution by Institute

InstituteApproximate PG Seats (MD/MS)MDS SeatsDM/MCh (6yr) Seats
AIIMS New Delhi180+ (largest campus)30+50+
JIPMER Puducherry100+20+20+
PGI Chandigarh150+Limited30+
NIMHANS Bangalore50+ (Psychiatry and Neurosciences only)Not applicableLimited
Other AIIMS (Bhopal, Jodhpur, Patna, Rishikesh, etc.)30–80 per campus (varies)VariesLimited
Total (All 26+ INIs Combined)1,000+ seats per session (approximate)100+ seats200+ seats

INI-CET 2026 Seat Matrix – Category-Wise Reservation Structure

CategoryReservation PercentageNotes
Unreserved / GeneralOpen MeritBased on INI-CET 2026 All India Rank
SC (Scheduled Caste)15% of seatsValid SC certificate from competent authority required
ST (Scheduled Crew)7.5% of seatsValid ST certificate from competent authority required
OBC (Other Backward Classes)27% of seatsNon-creamy layer OBC certificate required
PwBD (Person with Benchmark Disability)5% horizontal reservationValid disability certificate from competent authority required
Foreign NationalsSeparate quota (limited)Check official notification at aiimsexams.ac.in

INI-CET 2026 Exam Centres – All 63+ Cities and City Selection Guide

The INI-CET 2026 is conducted at 63+ examination centres across major cities throughout India, ensuring geographic accessibility for candidates from all states and union territories. Candidates must select their preferred exam centre city during online registration at aiimsexams.ac.in — once allotted, no centre change requests are entertained under any circumstances.

INI-CET 2026 Exam Centre Cities – Complete List

INI-CET 2026 Exam Centre Cities (63+ Cities)
AgartalaAllahabadBhilai NagarChandigarh
ErnakulamHisarHyderabadJodhpur
KolkataKurnoolMalappuramMysore
NoidaRaipurTrivandrumTirupathi
AgraAmbalaBhopalChennai
KollamLucknowMangaloreNagpur
HaldwaniGuwahatiJaipurGandhinagar
Panaji (Goa)RanchiThrissurUdaipur
AhmedabadAurangabadBhubaneswarCoimbatore
Greater NoidaHamirpurAmritsarKannur
KottayamBhatindaManipur (Imphal)Nellore
PatnaSalemTiruchirapalliUdupi
AjmerBengaluruBilaspurDehradun
GunturHubbaliJammuKarnal
KozhikodeMaduraiMumbaiNew Delhi
PuneShillongTirunelveliVijayawada
KurukshetraShimlaSikkim (Gangtok)Siliguri

INI-CET 2026 City Selection Guide – Critical Tips

  • Register Early – Popular Cities Fill Rapidly: Major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad fill up extremely quickly during INI-CET registration. Completing registration at aiimsexams.ac.in as early as possible on the day registration opens is therefore essential to secure your preferred exam city.
  • No Centre Changes After Allotment: Once your exam centre city is allotted, no transfer requests are accepted under any circumstances. Choosing a city where travel and accommodation are both manageable and reliably available on exam day is consequently a critical decision during registration.
  • Report at Centre by 08:00 AM Sharp: Candidates must report at the exam centre at least 60 minutes before the scheduled exam time (09:00 AM). Gates typically close at 08:30 AM — latecomers are not permitted entry regardless of reason or distance travelled.
  • Book Accommodation Well in Advance: For candidates travelling from distant locations, booking accommodation near the exam centre at least 1 week in advance is strongly recommended. Proximity to the centre eliminates last-minute travel stress on the exam day morning when the 08:00 AM reporting requirement allows minimal margin for delay.

INI-CET 2026 Syllabus – MD/MS and MDS Complete Subject-Wise Guide

INI-CET 2026 Syllabus / AIIMS PG 2026 Syllabus: MD/MS syllabus covers all MBBS subjects: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Community Medicine, Forensic Medicine, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Medicine (including Psychiatry, Dermatology), Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Surgery and allied subjects (Anaesthesiology, ENT, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Radiodiagnosis). MDS syllabus covers all BDS subjects: Dental Anatomy, Oral Histology, Dental Materials, Oral Pathology, Periodontology, Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Conservative Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, Oral Medicine, Public Health Dentistry. Official INI-CET 2026 syllabus PDF available at aiimsexams.ac.in after the official notification is released.

INI-CET 2026 MD/MS Syllabus – Subject-Wise with Weightage

Subject CategorySubjects IncludedApproximate Weightage
Pre-Clinical SubjectsAnatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology15–20%
Para-Clinical SubjectsCommunity Medicine, Forensic Medicine, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology25–30%
Clinical Subjects – Medicine GroupMedicine, Psychiatry, Dermatology and Venereology, Radiodiagnosis20–25%
Clinical Subjects – Obstetrics and GynecologyObstetrics, Gynaecology8–10%
Clinical Subjects – PaediatricsPaediatrics6–8%
Clinical Subjects – Surgery GroupGeneral Surgery, Anaesthesiology, ENT, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics15–20%

High-Competition Specializations – INI-CET Dermatology and Radiodiagnosis Focus

SpecializationCompetition LevelKey Study Focus
Dermatology (MD)Extremely HighIADVL guidelines, clinical photos, drug treatments, morphology
Radiodiagnosis (MD)Extremely HighImaging techniques, anatomy landmarks, differentials, signs
General Medicine (MD)Very HighHarrison’s, clinical cases, recent treatment guidelines
Orthopaedics (MS)Very HighFracture management, orthopedic implants, anatomy, signs
Orthodontics (MDS)Extremely HighBracket systems, cephalometry, growth and development

INI-CET 2026 MDS Syllabus – Complete Subject List

Subject CategorySubjects Included
Basic SciencesGeneral Anatomy including Embryology and Histology, General Human Physiology, Biochemistry
Dental Basic SciencesDental Anatomy, Embryology and Oral Histology, Dental Materials, Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology
Para-Clinical SciencesGeneral Pathology, General Microbiology, General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Clinical Dental SciencesOral Medicine and Radiology, Periodontology, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Conservative and Restorative DentistryConservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Preclinical Conservative Dentistry
ProsthodonticsProsthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Preclinical Prosthodontics
Preventive and Community DentistryPublic Health Dentistry, Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry
General Medicine and SurgeryGeneral Medicine, General Surgery

INI-CET Cutoff Percentile 2026 – Category-Wise Expected Analysis

INI-CET Cutoff 2026 / AIIMS PG Cutoff 2026 – Expected Cutoff: Cutoff method: Percentile-based (not absolute marks). General/UR: 50th Percentile. SC/ST/OBC/PwBD: 45th Percentile. Official cutoff released at aiimsexams.ac.in after each exam and final answer key confirmation. The absolute score required to achieve the 50th percentile varies every session based on overall candidate performance distribution and exam difficulty. For competitive specializations like Dermatology, Radiodiagnosis, and Orthopaedics at AIIMS New Delhi, candidates typically need to score significantly above the qualifying percentile to secure a seat.

INI-CET 2026 Cutoff – Category-Wise Table

CategoryQualifying Cutoff (Percentile)Notes
General / Unreserved (UR)50th PercentileQualifying threshold – seats allotted by rank order above this
SC (Scheduled Caste)45th Percentile5 percentile points below General cutoff
ST (Scheduled Crew)45th Percentile5 percentile points below General cutoff
OBC (Other Backward Classes)45th Percentile5 percentile points below General cutoff
PwBD (Person with Benchmark Disability)45th Percentile5 percentile points below General cutoff

Expected Cutoff by Specialization – AIIMS New Delhi Competition Analysis

SpecializationCompetition LevelExpected Percentile for AIIMS New Delhi
Dermatology (MD)Extremely High99th+ Percentile
Radiodiagnosis (MD)Extremely High99th+ Percentile
General Medicine (MD)Very High98th–99th Percentile
General Surgery (MS)Very High97th–99th Percentile
Orthopaedics (MS)Very High97th–98th Percentile
Orthodontics (MDS)Extremely High90th–95th Percentile
Anatomy (MD) / Physiology (MD)Moderate55th–75th Percentile
Microbiology (MD) / Biochemistry (MD)Low to Moderate52nd–65th Percentile

INI-CET 2026 Answer Key – How to Check and Challenge

INI-CET 2026 Answer Key: AIIMS New Delhi releases the provisional INI-CET answer key at aiimsexams.ac.in within approximately 1 week after the examination date. Candidates can challenge the provisional answer key by submitting objections with supporting references within the specified challenge window period. AIIMS then evaluates all valid challenges and releases a final answer key. The INI-CET 2026 result is calculated based on this final confirmed answer key — not the provisional one.

How to Download and Challenge INI-CET 2026 Answer Key

  • Step 1: Visit aiimsexams.ac.in approximately 5–7 days after the INI-CET 2026 exam date to check for the provisional answer key link on the homepage.
  • Step 2: Download the provisional answer key PDF and compare your attempted answers against the official responses for each question type across all 7 MCQ formats.
  • Step 3: If you believe any answer is incorrect, submit a formal challenge during the designated objection window — typically 2–5 days after provisional key release — with appropriate supporting references from standard textbooks like Harrison’s, Robbins, or subject-specific standard references.
  • Step 4: AIIMS New Delhi reviews all submitted challenges and releases the final confirmed answer key. Consequently, the INI-CET 2026 result is declared based on this finalized answer key, incorporating all valid corrections from the challenge review process.

INI-CET 2026 Result – How to Check and Download Scorecard at aiimsexams.ac.in

INI-CET 2026 Result / AIIMS PG 2026 Result: AIIMS New Delhi declares INI-CET results at aiimsexams.ac.in after each session’s examination and answer key finalization — typically 2–4 weeks after exam date. Result contains: candidate name, registration number, roll number, All India Rank (AIR), total percentile, category rank, and category-wise rank. Scorecard download: Login at aiimsexams.ac.in → Academic Courses → MD/MS/MCh/DM/MDS → Results → Login → Download scorecard. Candidates above the cutoff percentile are shortlisted for INI-CET counselling and seat allotment.

How to Check INI-CET 2026 Result – Step-by-Step

  • Step 1: Visit aiimsexams.ac.in when the INI-CET 2026 result announcement is made — typically 2–4 weeks after the examination date.
  • Step 2: Navigate to the “Academic Courses” section and click on the “Results” or “INI-CET Results 2026” link displayed on the homepage banner.
  • Step 3: Select the specific notification — “Percentile Secured by Candidates of INI-CET [MD/MS/MCh(6YRS)/DM(6YRS)/MDS] July/January 2026 Session.”
  • Step 4: Login using your Registration ID and Password to access your individual result page and scorecard download option.
  • Step 5: Verify all details on the result page — including percentile, All India Rank, and category rank — then download and save the INI-CET 2026 scorecard PDF for future counselling reference.

INI-CET 2026 Counselling – Seat Allotment Process and Required Documents

INI-CET 2026 Counselling / AIIMS PG 2026 Counselling: Counselling is conducted by AIIMS New Delhi for all participating INI institutions. Process: 3 rounds of seat allotment + Open Round. Round 1 for General merit candidates → Round 2 for remaining seats + reserved categories → Round 3 for unfilled seats → Open Round (final chance for remaining vacancies). Seat allocation is based on INI-CET 2026 All India Rank and candidate preference order. Security deposit: INR 3,00,000 (DD/RTGS/NEFT) required at time of seat acceptance. Physical presence required at counselling venue with original documents.

INI-CET 2026 Counselling – Round-Wise Process

  • Round 1: Candidates are called for counselling based on their All India Rank in the INI-CET 2026 merit list. Higher-ranked candidates get first choice of institute and specialization from all available seats across participating INIs, making early rank securing critically important for preferred specialization selection.
  • Round 2: Reserved category candidates are called for counselling to fill designated reserved seats. Additionally, any seats remaining unfilled from Round 1 are made available in this round to all eligible candidates in merit order.
  • Round 3: Further seat allotment from seats remaining unfilled after Rounds 1 and 2, with an extended candidate list called as per merit order and category availability across all remaining specializations and campuses.
  • Open Round: A final online open round provides all eligible candidates a last opportunity to exercise institute and specialization choices for any remaining vacant seats. No further rounds are conducted after the open round concludes.

Documents Required for INI-CET 2026 Counselling – Complete Checklist

DocumentPurpose
Final Registration Slip (aiimsexams.ac.in)Application confirmation proof
INI-CET 2026 Admit CardExamination identity verification
INI-CET 2026 Scorecard / ResultMerit ranking proof for seat allotment
Proof of INR 3 Lakh Security Deposit (DD/RTGS/NEFT)Seat security deposit at time of joining
MBBS/BDS Marksheets (All Professional Years)Academic eligibility verification
MBBS/BDS Degree CertificateQualification proof
Internship Completion CertificateMandatory eligibility verification
SSC/Birth Certificate (Date of Birth Proof)Age verification
MCI/NMC or DCI Registration CertificateProfessional registration verification
Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC – if applicable)Category reservation benefit claim
Disability Certificate (PwBD – if applicable)PwBD reservation benefit claim
Valid Government Photo ID (Original)Identity verification at counselling venue

AIIMS PG Courses 2026-27 – MD, MS, MDS, DM, MCh Specializations Through INI-CET

PG Courses in AIIMS / INI-CET Courses 2026: MD: Anaesthesiology, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Community Medicine, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Forensic Medicine, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Psychiatry, Radiodiagnosis, Radiotherapy. MS: ENT, General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Paediatric Surgery. MDS: Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Oral Surgery, Periodontology, Paediatric Dentistry, Oral Medicine and Radiology. DM (6 years): Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Neurology, Neonatology, Oncology, Pulmonology. MCh (6 years): Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Paediatric Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Urology, Vascular Surgery.

INI-CET 2026 – Course-Wise Specialization Table

CourseFull FormKey SpecializationsEligibility
MDDoctor of MedicineAnaesthesiology, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Community Medicine, Dermatology, Forensic Medicine, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Psychiatry, Radiodiagnosis, Radiotherapy, Emergency MedicineMBBS + 55% (Gen/OBC) or 50% (SC/ST)
MSMaster of SurgeryGeneral Surgery, ENT, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Paediatric SurgeryMBBS + 55% (Gen/OBC) or 50% (SC/ST)
MDSMaster of Dental SurgeryOrthodontics, Prosthodontics, Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Periodontology, Paediatric Dentistry, Oral Medicine and RadiologyBDS + 55% (Gen/OBC) or 50% (SC/ST)
DM (6 years)Doctorate in Medicine – Superspecialty (Direct MBBS Entry)Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Nephrology, Neurology, Neonatology, Medical Oncology, Pulmonology, RheumatologyMBBS + 55% (Gen/OBC) + Internship
MCh (6 years)Magister Chirurgiae – Surgical Superspecialty (Direct MBBS Entry)Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Paediatric Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Urology, Vascular Surgery, Surgical OncologyMBBS + 55% (Gen/OBC) + Internship

Career and Salary After AIIMS PG / INI-CET – MD/MS/MDS Scope in India

Career After AIIMS PG (INI-CET) 2026 – Salary and Scope: MD/MS from AIIMS is among the highest-value postgraduate medical qualifications in India. Government sector salary: INR 1–2 LPM (Lakh Per Month) for senior residents at AIIMS. Private practice: INR 3–20 LPM for established specialists (varies by specialization and city). Dermatology: INR 5–25 LPM. Radiodiagnosis: INR 4–15 LPM. Cardiology (DM 6yr): INR 10–30 LPM. Surgery MD/MS + MCh: INR 5–20 LPM. Academic career (Associate Professor at AIIMS): INR 1–1.5 LPM + perks. AIIMS graduates are consistently preferred by top private hospitals, research institutions, and international medical programs globally.

Salary After MD/MS from AIIMS (INI-CET) – Specialization-Wise Breakdown

SpecializationGovernment Sector SalaryPrivate Practice / HospitalAcademic Career (AIIMS Faculty)
Dermatology (MD)INR 1–1.5 LPM (Senior Resident)INR 5–25 LPMINR 1.2–2 LPM + perks
Radiodiagnosis (MD)INR 1–1.5 LPMINR 4–15 LPMINR 1.2–2 LPM + perks
General Medicine (MD)INR 1–1.5 LPMINR 3–10 LPMINR 1–1.8 LPM + perks
General Surgery (MS)INR 1–1.5 LPMINR 4–15 LPMINR 1.2–2 LPM + perks
Cardiology (DM – 6yr)INR 1.5–2.5 LPMINR 10–30 LPMINR 1.5–2.5 LPM + perks
Neurosurgery (MCh – 6yr)INR 1.5–2.5 LPMINR 8–25 LPMINR 1.5–2.5 LPM + perks
Orthodontics (MDS)INR 80,000–1.2 LPMINR 2–8 LPMINR 1–1.5 LPM + perks
Psychiatry (MD)INR 1–1.5 LPMINR 2–8 LPMINR 1–1.8 LPM + perks

Career Pathways After INI-CET Qualification

  • Senior Residency at AIIMS: After completing MD/MS at AIIMS, many graduates pursue 3-year Senior Residency positions at AIIMS New Delhi or other INIs — gaining subspecialty expertise while earning a government salary before entering private practice or academic careers.
  • Superspecialty Training (DM/MCh via SS-CET): MD/MS graduates can pursue 3-year DM or MCh superspecialty training through subsequent INI-CET or SS-CET examinations, further elevating their clinical expertise and earning potential in highly specialized fields like Cardiology, Neurology, or Neurosurgery.
  • Private Hospital Practice: AIIMS graduates are highly preferred by top private hospital chains — including Apollo, Fortis, Manipal, Medanta, and Max Healthcare — offering significantly higher compensation packages compared to non-AIIMS PG holders due to the institutional brand recognition.
  • Academic Career at AIIMS: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor positions at AIIMS institutes offer competitive government salaries alongside research opportunities, academic recognition, and prestigious institutional affiliation that facilitates international collaborations and grants.
  • International Career Pathways: AIIMS PG degrees (MD/MS/DM/MCh) are highly recognized internationally. Many AIIMS graduates pursue fellowship training in the USA (USMLE pathway), UK (PLAB pathway), Canada, or Australia after completing their postgraduate training in India, combining Indian specialization with global fellowship expertise.

Best Reference Books for INI-CET 2026 Preparation

Book TitleAuthor / PublisherBest For
Handbook of General AnatomyBD ChaurasiaAnatomy preparation for MD/MS
Medical PhysiologyWilliam Francis GanongPhysiology comprehensive preparation
Harpers Illustrated BiochemistryRodwellBiochemistry detailed preparation
Textbook of MicrobiologyCP BavejaMicrobiology preparation
Essentials of Medical PharmacologyKD TripathiPharmacology preparation
Review of Forensic MedicineSumit SethForensic Medicine preparation
Diseases of ENT and Head and Neck SurgeryPL Dhingra and Shruti DhingraENT preparation for MS
Review of OphthalmologyKhurana and Ruchi RaiOphthalmology preparation for MS
Harrison’s Principles of Internal MedicineDennis Kasper and Dan L LongoMedicine preparation for MD – essential clinical reference
Bailey and Love’s Short Practice of SurgeryNorman Williams et al.Surgery preparation for MS
Essential OrthopaedicsMaheshwariOrthopaedics preparation for MS
INI-CET Previous Year Question BanksVarious AIIMS-specific PG publishersPractice, pattern analysis, and exam simulation

INI-CET 2026 Preparation Tips – Comprehensive Strategy for Success

Tip 1 – Build a Structured Subject-Wise Study Plan Before Starting

Creating a systematic subject-wise study schedule forms the essential foundation for INI-CET 2026 success. Allocating daily study time of at least 10 hours — with 2 dedicated hours reserved for revision of previously covered subjects — creates the consistent learning rhythm that high-scoring candidates consistently maintain. Beyond time allocation, building your timetable before starting preparation and adhering to it rigorously throughout the preparation period makes a measurable difference in final percentile scores. Candidates who maintain structured weekly targets consistently outperform those who study without a systematic plan, regardless of raw intelligence or prior academic performance.

Tip 2 – Master the Differential Negative Marking System Thoroughly

INI-CET uses 7 different MCQ types with varying marking schemes — a feature that makes it fundamentally different from NEET PG and demands a specific answering strategy. Understanding which question types carry the highest negative marking penalties is therefore critical before exam day. Specifically, Sequential Arrangement questions carry -1 for wrong answers, making uninformed guessing in this category extremely costly to your final percentile. Developing a question-type-specific answering strategy during preparation — and practicing it consistently during mock tests — significantly protects your final percentile from unnecessary negative marking losses on exam day.

Tip 3 – Solve Previous Year Papers Consistently Every Single Week

Solving previous year INI-CET and AIIMS PG question papers is one of the most effective preparation strategies available to any aspirant. These papers reveal high-frequency topics, preferred question formats, and difficulty levels that AIIMS New Delhi consistently tests across sessions. Beyond topic identification, timed practice across complete 200-question paper sets builds the speed and accuracy essential for completing the examination within the 3-hour limit. Aiming to complete at least one full practice paper every week during the final preparation months is a widely recommended target among successful INI-CET qualifiers.

Tip 4 – Join a Structured INI-CET Mock Test Series for Performance Benchmarking

Enrolling in a reputed INI-CET mock test series provides objective performance benchmarking against competing candidates nationally. Detailed performance analytics from mock tests clearly identify weak subject areas requiring additional focused revision — something self-study alone cannot provide. As a result, candidates who regularly take mock tests show significantly better performance improvements compared to those who only study from textbooks. Aiming for at least 2 mock tests per week in the final 2 months before the exam is a widely recommended strategy among successful INI-CET qualifiers and coaching faculty across India.

Tip 5 – Prioritize High-Yield Clinical Subjects Throughout Your Entire Preparation

Clinical subjects — particularly Medicine, Surgery, Gynaecology, Paediatrics, and Orthopaedics — typically contribute the highest number of questions in INI-CET examinations. Dedicating intensive preparation time to clinical subjects alongside solid grounding in preclinical and paraclinical areas is therefore essential for crossing the 90th percentile threshold. Beyond major clinical subjects, Dermatology and Radiodiagnosis command enormous competition among aspirants for AIIMS New Delhi seats, making thorough preparation in these areas critical for high-percentile scoring regardless of their relatively smaller page count in standard textbooks.

Tip 6 – Revise Daily and Stay Current with Medical Guidelines Throughout Preparation

Daily revision of at least 2 hours for previously covered topics significantly reinforces long-term retention of complex medical facts and clinical guidelines that INI-CET examinations regularly test. Staying updated with recent changes in treatment protocols — particularly from Harrison’s Internal Medicine and recent ICMR/NMC guidelines — additionally strengthens performance in clinically oriented questions that appear increasingly in modern INI-CET papers. Candidates who combine systematic revision with current medical knowledge updates consistently score higher than those who rely on reading alone without structured revision cycles integrated into their preparation schedule throughout the entire preparation period.

INI-CET 2026 in Hindi – AIIMS PG Ka Exam Kab Hai?

AIIMS PG Ka Exam Kab Hai 2026? – Hindi Answer:

  • AIIMS PG 2026 ab INI-CET ke naam se conduct hota hai. Koi alag AIIMS PG exam 2026 mein nahi hai.
  • INI-CET July 2026 Session ka exam: May–June 2026 mein expected hai. Exact date aiimsexams.ac.in par confirm hogi.
  • INI-CET January 2027 Session ka exam: November–December 2026 mein expected hai.
  • AIIMS PG 2026 exam time: Subah 9 baje se dopahar 12 baje tak (3 ghante, ek hi shift).
  • AIIMS PG exam centre reporting time: Subah 8 baje tak pahunchna zaroori hai. Gate 8:30 baje band hota hai.
  • INI-CET registration: aiimsexams.ac.in par hoti hai. Offline registration bilkul nahi hota.
  • INI-CET fees: General/OBC – INR 1,500 | SC/ST – INR 1,200 | PwBD – koi fees nahi.
  • Eligibility: MBBS with 55% marks (General/OBC) ya 50% (SC/ST) + internship poori honi chahiye.
  • Age limit: Koi age limit nahi hai – koi bhi umar mein apply kar sakte hain.
  • Attempt limit: Koi attempt limit nahi hai – jitni baar chahein attempt kar sakte hain.
  • INI-CET 2027 January session exam date: November–December 2026 mein expected hai. aiimsexams.ac.in check karte rahein.
  • INI-CET May 2027 exam date: May–June 2027 mein expected hai.

📚 Apply for INI-CET 2026 (formerly AIIMS PG) registration immediately when the notification is released at aiimsexams.ac.in. Seats at AIIMS New Delhi, JIPMER, and PGI Chandigarh are extremely limited and highly competitive — early registration and focused preparation are therefore essential for success in 2026-27.

Need free INI-CET 2026 preparation guidance, syllabus analysis, mock test recommendations, and postgraduate medical admission counselling? Contact Wing Educations today for free medical PG admission guidance.

Also explore our related guides: NEET PG 2026 Complete Guide | JIPMER PG 2026 | NEET UG 2026 | AIIMS Nursing 2026 | AIIMS New Delhi – Complete Guide.

FAQs About AIIMS PG / INI-CET 2026-27

Q1: What is AIIMS PG? Is AIIMS PG still conducted in 2026?

AIIMS PG (All India Institute of Medical Sciences Post Graduate Entrance Exam) was a national-level postgraduate medical entrance exam conducted by AIIMS New Delhi for MD/MS/DM/MCh/MDS admissions. However, AIIMS PG has been officially replaced by INI-CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) from 2022 onwards. Consequently, there is no separate AIIMS PG exam in 2026. All candidates seeking admission at AIIMS, JIPMER, PGI Chandigarh, and NIMHANS must appear for INI-CET 2026 at aiimsexams.ac.in. The official website remains unchanged — only the exam name and scope have expanded significantly to include all 26+ Institutes of National Importance.

Q2: What is INI-CET 2026 and what is its full form?

INI-CET full form is Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test. It is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance exam conducted by AIIMS New Delhi at aiimsexams.ac.in, replacing AIIMS PG from 2022 onwards. Specifically, INI-CET 2026 provides admission to MD, MS, DM (6 years), MCh (6 years), and MDS courses across 23 AIIMS campuses, JIPMER Puducherry, PGI Chandigarh, and NIMHANS Bangalore through a single unified examination conducted twice annually — once for the July session and once for the January session.

Q3: What is the AIIMS PG 2026 exam date and time?

The confirmed AIIMS PG 2026 exam date (INI-CET July 2026 session) is expected between May and June 2026 — exact date confirmed at aiimsexams.ac.in when officially announced. Regarding AIIMS PG exam time, the examination is conducted from 09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon in a single 3-hour shift. Reporting time at the exam centre is 08:00 AM, with gate closure at 08:30 AM. All confirmed exam dates and timings are published exclusively at aiimsexams.ac.in — bookmark the page for real-time updates from AIIMS New Delhi.

Q4: What is the INI-CET 2027 exam date?

The INI-CET 2027 exam date refers to two separate sessions: the January 2027 session (expected November–December 2026 exam) and the May 2027 session (expected May–June 2027 exam). Registration for the INI-CET January 2027 session is expected to open September–October 2026 at aiimsexams.ac.in. The INI-CET May 2027 exam date registration is expected March–April 2027. All official INI-CET 2027 exam dates will be confirmed exclusively at aiimsexams.ac.in.

Q5: What is the INI-CET 2026 eligibility criteria?

The INI-CET 2026 eligibility criteria require: (1) MBBS degree from MCI/NMC recognized university with minimum 55% marks for General/OBC candidates or 50% for SC/ST (for MD/MS admission). (2) BDS degree from DCI recognized university with same percentage requirements (for MDS admission). (3) Mandatory completion of the 12-month rotating internship by the date specified in the official notification. (4) Valid MCI/NMC or DCI registration. (5) Indian citizenship only. Notably, there is no age limit and no attempt limit for INI-CET — making it accessible to all eligible MBBS/BDS graduates regardless of age or number of previous attempts.

Q6: What is the AIIMS PG 2026 exam time and duration?

The AIIMS PG 2026 exam time (INI-CET 2026) is 09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. The total AIIMS PG exam time duration is 3 hours (180 minutes) conducted in a single shift. Candidates must report at the exam centre by 08:00 AM, with gate closure at 08:30 AM sharp — latecomers are not permitted entry regardless of reason. The MD/MS paper contains 200 MCQs (averaging 54 seconds per question) while the MDS paper contains 90 MCQs (averaging 2 minutes per question).

Q7: What is the difference between INI-CET and NEET PG?

INI-CET vs NEET PG: INI-CET is conducted by AIIMS New Delhi at aiimsexams.ac.in for admission to 23 AIIMS, JIPMER, PGI Chandigarh, and NIMHANS. In contrast, NEET PG is conducted by NBEMS at natboard.edu.in for all other government and private medical colleges across India. Both are entirely separate examinations requiring separate registrations — NEET PG scores are not accepted at INI institutions, and INI-CET scores are not used for non-INI college admissions. Ambitious aspirants should consequently prepare for both simultaneously, since both syllabi overlap significantly for efficient combined preparation.

Q8: What is the INI-CET cutoff percentile 2026?

The INI-CET cutoff percentile is set at the 50th percentile for General/Unreserved category candidates and the 45th percentile for SC, ST, OBC, and PwBD category candidates. The official cutoff is released at aiimsexams.ac.in after each examination and final answer key confirmation. Importantly, the absolute score required to achieve the qualifying percentile varies between sessions based on overall candidate performance distribution — making consistent mock test performance benchmarking essential for accurate self-assessment.

Q9: How many attempts are allowed for INI-CET?

There is no attempt limit for INI-CET. Candidates can appear for INI-CET as many times as they wish, provided they meet the eligibility criteria (MBBS/BDS with required percentage and internship completion) for each session. Similarly, there is no upper age limit for INI-CET. Consequently, candidates who do not qualify in one session can continue to attempt INI-CET in subsequent sessions without any restriction, making it one of the most accessible high-prestige medical entrance examinations in India.

Q10: What is the next INI-CET exam date after May 2026?

The next INI-CET exam date after May/June 2026 is the January 2027 session, expected to be conducted between November and December 2026. Registration for the January 2027 session is expected to begin in September–October 2026 at aiimsexams.ac.in. Since there is no attempt limit for INI-CET, candidates who miss the July 2026 session or do not qualify can apply for the January 2027 session without any penalty — monitor aiimsexams.ac.in for official registration dates.

Q11: What is the INI-CET 2026 seat matrix and total vacancy?

The official INI-CET 2026 seat matrix detailing total vacancy institute-wise, specialization-wise, and category-wise is released at aiimsexams.ac.in along with each session notification. Based on previous session data, AIIMS New Delhi offers 180+ PG seats (MD/MS), JIPMER offers 100+, and PGI Chandigarh offers 150+ seats. The total seats across all 26+ participating INIs exceed 1,000 postgraduate medical seats per session across MD, MS, MDS, DM (6yr), and MCh (6yr) programs combined — significantly more than the original AIIMS PG-only seat pool.

Q12: What are the AIIMS PG courses available through INI-CET 2026?

AIIMS PG courses (PG courses in AIIMS) available through INI-CET 2026 include: MD in specializations like Anaesthesiology, Dermatology, Pathology, Psychiatry, Radiodiagnosis; MS in General Surgery, ENT, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics; MDS in Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Conservative Dentistry, Periodontology; DM (6 years) in Cardiology, Neurology, Nephrology, and Gastroenterology; and MCh (6 years) in Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery, and Urology across 23 AIIMS, JIPMER, PGI Chandigarh, and NIMHANS Bangalore.

Q13: What is the INI-CET 2026 registration process at aiimsexams.ac.in?

INI-CET 2026 registration is a 6-step online process at aiimsexams.ac.in: Step 1 – Basic registration with personal details to generate login credentials. Step 2 – Upload photograph, signature, and left-hand thumb impression in JPEG format. Step 3 – Enter educational qualification details and communication address. Step 4 – Pay the application fee (INR 1,500 for General/OBC, INR 1,200 for SC/ST, Nil for PwBD) through Debit/Credit Card or Net Banking. Step 5 – Select preferred exam centre city during active availability window. Step 6 – Print the final application form and store it safely for counselling reference.

Q14: What is the AIIMS PG exam paper timing and how long is the paper?

The AIIMS PG exam paper timing (INI-CET 2026) runs from 09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon — a single 3-hour (180-minute) session. The MD/MS paper contains 200 MCQs across 7 question types, while the MDS paper contains 90 MCQs. Both papers are conducted simultaneously in the same single shift. Candidates must report at the examination centre by 08:00 AM since the gate closes at 08:30 AM sharp, allowing no exceptions for late arrivals regardless of the distance travelled or reason for delay.