✅ 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
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.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name (Current 2026) | INI-CET – Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test |
| Former Name | AIIMS PG (Officially Discontinued from 2022) |
| Conducting Body | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
| Exam Level | National Level Postgraduate Medical Entrance Exam |
| Official Website | aiimsexams.ac.in |
| Exam Mode | Online – Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice annually – January Session and July Session |
| Courses Offered | MD, MS, DM (6 years), MCh (6 years), MDS |
| Questions – MD/MS Paper | 200 MCQs in 3 Hours |
| Questions – MDS Paper | 90 MCQs in 3 Hours |
| AIIMS PG Exam Time / INI-CET Exam Timing | 09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon (Single Shift) |
| Total Exam Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| 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 admitted) |
| Marking Scheme | +1 Correct | -1/3 Wrong (Single Best Response) | 0 Unanswered |
| Cutoff – General/UR | 50th Percentile |
| Cutoff – SC/ST/OBC/PwBD | 45th Percentile |
| Eligibility – MD/MS | MBBS with 55% General/OBC or 50% SC/ST + Internship Completed |
| Eligibility – MDS | BDS with 55% General/OBC or 50% SC/ST + Internship Completed |
| Age Limit | No Age Restriction |
| Attempt Limit | No Limit on Attempts |
| Application Fee – General/OBC | INR 1,500 + Transaction Charges |
| Application Fee – SC/ST | INR 1,200 + Transaction Charges |
| Application Fee – PwBD | Nil (Fully Exempt) |
| Participating Institutes | 23 AIIMS + JIPMER + PGI Chandigarh + NIMHANS Bangalore = 26+ INIs |
| Total Exam Centres | 63+ 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 Language | English Only |
| Security Deposit at Joining | INR 3,00,000 (DD/RTGS/NEFT at time of seat acceptance) |
| Counselling Body | AIIMS New Delhi (Centralized for all 26+ INIs) |
| Helpdesk | +91-11-26588500 | aiimsexams.ac.in |
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.
| Parameter | AIIMS PG (Old – Pre-2022) | INI-CET 2026 (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Status | ❌ Discontinued from 2022 | ✅ Active – Current Exam for 2026 |
| Scope | Only AIIMS institutions | 23 AIIMS + JIPMER + PGI Chandigarh + NIMHANS |
| Conducting Body | AIIMS New Delhi | AIIMS New Delhi (same authority) |
| Official Website | aiimsexams.ac.in | aiimsexams.ac.in (unchanged) |
| Exam Name | AIIMS PG | INI-CET |
| Sessions Per Year | 2 (January and July) | 2 (January and July) – same structure |
| Courses Covered | MD, MS, DM(6yr), MCh(6yr), MDS | MD, MS, DM(6yr), MCh(6yr), MDS (same) |
| Number of Participating INIs | 7 AIIMS campuses initially | 23 AIIMS + 3 other INIs = 26+ institutions |
| AIIMS PG Exam Time | 09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon | 09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon (unchanged) |
| Total Seats Available | Limited (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? 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.
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.
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 Type | Participating Institutions |
|---|---|
| AIIMS – 23 Campuses | AIIMS 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 |
| JIPMER | Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry |
| PGI | Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh |
| NIMHANS | National 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 2026 Exam Date – Direct Answer:
| Event | July 2026 Session (Expected) | January 2027 Session (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| INI-CET Notification Release | March – April 2026 | September – October 2026 |
| INI-CET Registration Start Date | March – April 2026 | September – October 2026 |
| INI-CET Application Last Date | April – May 2026 | October – 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 Time | 09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon | 09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon |
| INI-CET January 2027 Exam Date | – | November – December 2026 (Expected) |
| INI-CET Answer Key Release | Within 1 week of exam | Within 1 week of exam |
| INI-CET Result Declaration | June – July 2026 | December 2026 – January 2027 |
| INI-CET Counselling – Round 1 | July 2026 | January 2027 |
| Course Commencement | August 2026 | February 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 / INI-CET 2026 Exam Timing – Direct Answer:
| Timing Detail | MD/MS Paper | MDS Paper |
|---|---|---|
| AIIMS PG Exam Start Time | 09:00 AM | 09:00 AM |
| AIIMS PG Exam End Time | 12:00 Noon | 12:00 Noon |
| Total Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Reporting Time at Centre | 08:00 AM (60 min before exam) | 08:00 AM (60 min before exam) |
| Gate Closure Time | 08:30 AM (30 min before start) | 08:30 AM (30 min before start) |
| Number of Shifts | Single Shift Only | Single Shift Only |
| Total Questions | 200 MCQs | 90 MCQs |
| Average Time Per Question | 54 seconds per question | 2 minutes per question |
| Exam Language | English Only | English Only |
| Exam Mode | Online CBT | Online CBT |
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.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 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 Device | Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators strictly prohibited |
| No Study Material | Books, notes, printed material strictly prohibited inside exam hall |
INI-CET 2027 Exam Date – Direct Answer:
| Event | INI-CET January 2027 Session | INI-CET May 2027 Session |
|---|---|---|
| Official Notification | September – October 2026 | March – April 2027 |
| Registration Start | September – October 2026 | March – April 2027 |
| Registration Deadline | October – November 2026 | April – 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 Date | – | May – June 2027 |
| INI-CET 2027 Exam Time | 09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon | 09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon |
| Answer Key Release | Within 1 week of exam | Within 1 week of exam |
| Result Declaration | December 2026 – January 2027 | June – July 2027 |
| Counselling | January 2027 | July – 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 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.
| Parameter | INI-CET 2026 | NEET PG 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Postgraduate |
| Conducting Body | AIIMS New Delhi (aiimsexams.ac.in) | NBEMS (natboard.edu.in) |
| Colleges Covered | 23 AIIMS + JIPMER + PGI Chandigarh + NIMHANS | All government and private medical colleges across India |
| Courses | MD, MS, DM(6yr), MCh(6yr), MDS | MD, MS, Diploma programs |
| Exam Mode | Online CBT | Online CBT |
| Total Questions | 200 MCQs (MD/MS) | 90 MCQs (MDS) | 200 MCQs |
| Duration | 3 Hours | 3.5 Hours |
| AIIMS PG Exam Time / NEET PG Exam Time | 09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon | As announced by NBEMS at natboard.edu.in |
| Cutoff Method | 50th Percentile (General) | 50th Percentile (General) |
| Sessions Per Year | 2 (January + July) | 1 (Annual) |
| Prestige Level | Highest (AIIMS, JIPMER, PGI, NIMHANS) | High (All India medical colleges) |
| Counselling Body | AIIMS New Delhi (centralized) | MCC (mcc.nic.in) + State counselling bodies |
| Registration Website | aiimsexams.ac.in | natboard.edu.in |
| Application Fee | INR 1,500 (Gen/OBC) | INR 1,200 (SC/ST) | Nil (PwBD) | Check natboard.edu.in for current fee |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Category | Registration Fee | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| General and OBC Category | INR 1,500 + Transaction Charges | Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking |
| SC and ST Category | INR 1,200 + Transaction Charges | Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking |
| PwBD (Person with Benchmark Disable) | Nil – Fully Exempt | No Payment Required |
INI-CET 2026 Eligibility / AIIMS PG 2026 Eligibility – Quick Summary:
| Eligibility Parameter | MD/MS Requirements | MDS Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Degree | MBBS from MCI/NMC recognized university | BDS from DCI recognized university |
| Minimum Marks – General/OBC | 55% aggregate in MBBS | 55% aggregate in BDS |
| Minimum Marks – SC/ST | 50% aggregate in MBBS | 50% aggregate in BDS |
| Internship Requirement | 12-month rotating internship completed by date in notification | Dental internship completed by date in notification |
| Citizenship | Indian citizen only | Indian citizen only |
| Age Limit | No age restriction | No age restriction |
| Attempt Limit | No limit on number of attempts | No limit on number of attempts |
| Professional Registration | Permanent/Provisional MCI/NMC registration required | Permanent/Provisional DCI registration required |
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.
| Information on Admit Card | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Candidate’s Full Name | Identity verification at examination centre |
| Registration Number | Application reference for AIIMS records |
| Roll Number | Exam identification for result and counselling |
| Date of Birth | Identity verification |
| Gender and Category | Eligibility and reservation verification |
| Photograph and Signature | Identity matching at centre entry |
| Left-Hand Thumb Impression | Biometric verification at exam centre |
| INI-CET 2026 Exam Date and Time | 09:00 AM – 12:00 Noon (schedule reference) |
| Exam Centre Name and Complete Address | Venue information for exam day planning |
| Important Exam Day Instructions | Rules, permitted items, and prohibited items list |
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.
| Parameter | MD/MS Exam Details | MDS Exam Details |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online – Computer-Based Test (CBT) | Online – Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) | 3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
| Number of Questions | 200 MCQs | 90 MCQs |
| MCQ Types | 7 Types of MCQs (Differential Marking) | 7 Types of MCQs (Differential Marking) |
| Exam Timing | 09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon | 09:00 AM to 12:00 Noon |
| Language | English Only | English Only |
| Number of Shifts | Single Shift | Single Shift |
| Cutoff – General | 50th Percentile | 50th Percentile |
| Cutoff – Reserved Categories | 45th Percentile | 45th Percentile |
| Tie Resolution | Higher MBBS aggregate → Seniority by age | Higher BDS aggregate → Seniority by age |
| MCQ Type | Marks – Correct Answer | Marks – Wrong Answer | Marks – Unanswered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Best Response | +1 | -1/3 | 0 |
| Multiple True False | +1/5 per sub-item | -1/5 per sub-item | 0 |
| Match the Following | +1/4 per match | -1/4 per match | 0 |
| Sequential Arrangement | +1 | -1 (highest negative) | 0 |
| Multiple Completion | +1 | -1/4 | 0 |
| Reason Assertion | +1 | -1/4 | 0 |
| Extended Matching | +1/2 per item | -1/2 per item | 0 |
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.
| Institute | Approximate PG Seats (MD/MS) | MDS Seats | DM/MCh (6yr) Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIIMS New Delhi | 180+ (largest campus) | 30+ | 50+ |
| JIPMER Puducherry | 100+ | 20+ | 20+ |
| PGI Chandigarh | 150+ | Limited | 30+ |
| NIMHANS Bangalore | 50+ (Psychiatry and Neurosciences only) | Not applicable | Limited |
| Other AIIMS (Bhopal, Jodhpur, Patna, Rishikesh, etc.) | 30–80 per campus (varies) | Varies | Limited |
| Total (All 26+ INIs Combined) | 1,000+ seats per session (approximate) | 100+ seats | 200+ seats |
| Category | Reservation Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unreserved / General | Open Merit | Based on INI-CET 2026 All India Rank |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 15% of seats | Valid SC certificate from competent authority required |
| ST (Scheduled Crew) | 7.5% of seats | Valid ST certificate from competent authority required |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 27% of seats | Non-creamy layer OBC certificate required |
| PwBD (Person with Benchmark Disability) | 5% horizontal reservation | Valid disability certificate from competent authority required |
| Foreign Nationals | Separate quota (limited) | Check official notification at aiimsexams.ac.in |
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 (63+ Cities) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Agartala | Allahabad | Bhilai Nagar | Chandigarh |
| Ernakulam | Hisar | Hyderabad | Jodhpur |
| Kolkata | Kurnool | Malappuram | Mysore |
| Noida | Raipur | Trivandrum | Tirupathi |
| Agra | Ambala | Bhopal | Chennai |
| Kollam | Lucknow | Mangalore | Nagpur |
| Haldwani | Guwahati | Jaipur | Gandhinagar |
| Panaji (Goa) | Ranchi | Thrissur | Udaipur |
| Ahmedabad | Aurangabad | Bhubaneswar | Coimbatore |
| Greater Noida | Hamirpur | Amritsar | Kannur |
| Kottayam | Bhatinda | Manipur (Imphal) | Nellore |
| Patna | Salem | Tiruchirapalli | Udupi |
| Ajmer | Bengaluru | Bilaspur | Dehradun |
| Guntur | Hubbali | Jammu | Karnal |
| Kozhikode | Madurai | Mumbai | New Delhi |
| Pune | Shillong | Tirunelveli | Vijayawada |
| Kurukshetra | Shimla | Sikkim (Gangtok) | Siliguri |
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.
| Subject Category | Subjects Included | Approximate Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Clinical Subjects | Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology | 15–20% |
| Para-Clinical Subjects | Community Medicine, Forensic Medicine, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology | 25–30% |
| Clinical Subjects – Medicine Group | Medicine, Psychiatry, Dermatology and Venereology, Radiodiagnosis | 20–25% |
| Clinical Subjects – Obstetrics and Gynecology | Obstetrics, Gynaecology | 8–10% |
| Clinical Subjects – Paediatrics | Paediatrics | 6–8% |
| Clinical Subjects – Surgery Group | General Surgery, Anaesthesiology, ENT, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics | 15–20% |
| Specialization | Competition Level | Key Study Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Dermatology (MD) | Extremely High | IADVL guidelines, clinical photos, drug treatments, morphology |
| Radiodiagnosis (MD) | Extremely High | Imaging techniques, anatomy landmarks, differentials, signs |
| General Medicine (MD) | Very High | Harrison’s, clinical cases, recent treatment guidelines |
| Orthopaedics (MS) | Very High | Fracture management, orthopedic implants, anatomy, signs |
| Orthodontics (MDS) | Extremely High | Bracket systems, cephalometry, growth and development |
| Subject Category | Subjects Included |
|---|---|
| Basic Sciences | General Anatomy including Embryology and Histology, General Human Physiology, Biochemistry |
| Dental Basic Sciences | Dental Anatomy, Embryology and Oral Histology, Dental Materials, Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology |
| Para-Clinical Sciences | General Pathology, General Microbiology, General and Dental Pharmacology and Therapeutics |
| Clinical Dental Sciences | Oral Medicine and Radiology, Periodontology, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
| Conservative and Restorative Dentistry | Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Preclinical Conservative Dentistry |
| Prosthodontics | Prosthodontics and Crown and Bridge, Preclinical Prosthodontics |
| Preventive and Community Dentistry | Public Health Dentistry, Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry |
| General Medicine and Surgery | General Medicine, General Surgery |
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.
| Category | Qualifying Cutoff (Percentile) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 50th Percentile | Qualifying threshold – seats allotted by rank order above this |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 45th Percentile | 5 percentile points below General cutoff |
| ST (Scheduled Crew) | 45th Percentile | 5 percentile points below General cutoff |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 45th Percentile | 5 percentile points below General cutoff |
| PwBD (Person with Benchmark Disability) | 45th Percentile | 5 percentile points below General cutoff |
| Specialization | Competition Level | Expected Percentile for AIIMS New Delhi |
|---|---|---|
| Dermatology (MD) | Extremely High | 99th+ Percentile |
| Radiodiagnosis (MD) | Extremely High | 99th+ Percentile |
| General Medicine (MD) | Very High | 98th–99th Percentile |
| General Surgery (MS) | Very High | 97th–99th Percentile |
| Orthopaedics (MS) | Very High | 97th–98th Percentile |
| Orthodontics (MDS) | Extremely High | 90th–95th Percentile |
| Anatomy (MD) / Physiology (MD) | Moderate | 55th–75th Percentile |
| Microbiology (MD) / Biochemistry (MD) | Low to Moderate | 52nd–65th Percentile |
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.
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.
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.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Final Registration Slip (aiimsexams.ac.in) | Application confirmation proof |
| INI-CET 2026 Admit Card | Examination identity verification |
| INI-CET 2026 Scorecard / Result | Merit 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 Certificate | Qualification proof |
| Internship Completion Certificate | Mandatory eligibility verification |
| SSC/Birth Certificate (Date of Birth Proof) | Age verification |
| MCI/NMC or DCI Registration Certificate | Professional 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 |
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.
| Course | Full Form | Key Specializations | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| MD | Doctor of Medicine | Anaesthesiology, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Community Medicine, Dermatology, Forensic Medicine, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Psychiatry, Radiodiagnosis, Radiotherapy, Emergency Medicine | MBBS + 55% (Gen/OBC) or 50% (SC/ST) |
| MS | Master of Surgery | General Surgery, ENT, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Paediatric Surgery | MBBS + 55% (Gen/OBC) or 50% (SC/ST) |
| MDS | Master of Dental Surgery | Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Periodontology, Paediatric Dentistry, Oral Medicine and Radiology | BDS + 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, Rheumatology | MBBS + 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 Oncology | MBBS + 55% (Gen/OBC) + Internship |
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.
| Specialization | Government Sector Salary | Private Practice / Hospital | Academic Career (AIIMS Faculty) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dermatology (MD) | INR 1–1.5 LPM (Senior Resident) | INR 5–25 LPM | INR 1.2–2 LPM + perks |
| Radiodiagnosis (MD) | INR 1–1.5 LPM | INR 4–15 LPM | INR 1.2–2 LPM + perks |
| General Medicine (MD) | INR 1–1.5 LPM | INR 3–10 LPM | INR 1–1.8 LPM + perks |
| General Surgery (MS) | INR 1–1.5 LPM | INR 4–15 LPM | INR 1.2–2 LPM + perks |
| Cardiology (DM – 6yr) | INR 1.5–2.5 LPM | INR 10–30 LPM | INR 1.5–2.5 LPM + perks |
| Neurosurgery (MCh – 6yr) | INR 1.5–2.5 LPM | INR 8–25 LPM | INR 1.5–2.5 LPM + perks |
| Orthodontics (MDS) | INR 80,000–1.2 LPM | INR 2–8 LPM | INR 1–1.5 LPM + perks |
| Psychiatry (MD) | INR 1–1.5 LPM | INR 2–8 LPM | INR 1–1.8 LPM + perks |
| Book Title | Author / Publisher | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Handbook of General Anatomy | BD Chaurasia | Anatomy preparation for MD/MS |
| Medical Physiology | William Francis Ganong | Physiology comprehensive preparation |
| Harpers Illustrated Biochemistry | Rodwell | Biochemistry detailed preparation |
| Textbook of Microbiology | CP Baveja | Microbiology preparation |
| Essentials of Medical Pharmacology | KD Tripathi | Pharmacology preparation |
| Review of Forensic Medicine | Sumit Seth | Forensic Medicine preparation |
| Diseases of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery | PL Dhingra and Shruti Dhingra | ENT preparation for MS |
| Review of Ophthalmology | Khurana and Ruchi Rai | Ophthalmology preparation for MS |
| Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine | Dennis Kasper and Dan L Longo | Medicine preparation for MD – essential clinical reference |
| Bailey and Love’s Short Practice of Surgery | Norman Williams et al. | Surgery preparation for MS |
| Essential Orthopaedics | Maheshwari | Orthopaedics preparation for MS |
| INI-CET Previous Year Question Banks | Various AIIMS-specific PG publishers | Practice, pattern analysis, and exam simulation |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
AIIMS PG Ka Exam Kab Hai 2026? – Hindi Answer:
📚 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
