INI CET 2026: Complete Guide to Exam Dates, Eligibility, Pattern, and AIIMS Admission
Last Updated: September 2026 | Reviewed by: Senior Medical Education Counselors and AIIMS Compliance Experts
INI CET 2026: Complete Guide to Exam Dates, Eligibility, Pattern, and AIIMS Admission
The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) is the most prestigious postgraduate medical entrance examination in India. Specifically, it is conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, to grant admissions into MD, MS, DM (6 years), MCh (6 years), and MDS courses. Furthermore, this single examination has successfully replaced the individual PG entrance exams of AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS. Therefore, securing a top rank in INI CET 2026 is the ultimate milestone for medical graduates aspiring to specialize at India’s top 23 Institutes of National Importance (INIs).
Quick Facts (Optimized for Answer Engines and SGE)
- Exam Name: Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET)
- Conducting Authority: AIIMS, New Delhi
- Academic Sessions: July 2026 Session and January 2027 Session
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Total Questions: 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Exam Duration: 3 Hours (180 Minutes)
- Participating Institutes: 23 INIs (including all AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS)
INI CET 2026 Important Dates (Both Sessions)
The INI CET is conducted biannually. Consequently, candidates must carefully track the timelines for both the July and January sessions to avoid missing the narrow registration windows.
July 2026 Session Schedule
Event | Official Date |
|---|---|
Online Registration | March 28, 2026 to April 25, 2026 |
Status of Accepted Applications | May 2026 (1st Week) |
INI CET July Exam Date | May 16, 2026 |
Result Declaration | May 23, 2026 |
Counselling and Choice Filling | June 2026 |
January 2027 Session Schedule (Conducted in late 2026)
Event | Official Date |
|---|---|
Online Registration | September 2026 (Expected) |
INI CET November Exam Date | November 1, 2026 |
Result Declaration | November 7, 2026 |
Counselling and Choice Filling | November to December 2026 |
INI CET Eligibility Criteria 2026
To qualify for admission into the participating INIs, candidates must meet stringent academic and professional benchmarks. Primarily, the requirements are as follows:
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess an MBBS or BDS degree from an NMC (formerly MCI) or DCI recognized university.
- Minimum Marks: General and OBC category candidates must have secured a minimum of 55 percent aggregate marks in their MBBS/BDS professional exams. However, candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwBD categories are granted a relaxation, requiring a minimum of 50 percent marks.
- Internship Completion: Applicants must have completed or be likely to complete their 12-month compulsory rotatory residential internship (CRI) by the specified cutoff date (usually March 31 for the July session and September 30 for the January session).
- Medical Registration: Permanent or provisional registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Council is mandatory.
INI CET Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The INI CET is renowned for its high clinical emphasis and conceptual depth. Specifically, the exam pattern is structured as follows:
- Mode of Exam: The exam will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) across designated centres.
- Total Questions: It features 200 multiple-choice questions that candidates must solve in 180 minutes.
- Question Type: Single best response type MCQs, heavily focusing on clinical vignettes and integrated multi-subject scenarios.
- Marking Scheme:
- Correct Answer: +1 Mark
- Incorrect Answer: -1/3 Mark (Negative Marking)
- Unattempted: 0 Marks
Subject-Wise Weightage Overview:
First and foremost, the syllabus encompasses the entire MBBS curriculum. Notably, the highest weightage is given to:
- Clinical Subjects: Medicine, Surgery, OBG, and Pediatrics (approx. 60 to 70 percent).
- Para-Clinical Subjects: Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, and Forensic Medicine (approx. 20 to 25 percent).
- Pre-Clinical Subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry (approx. 10 to 15 percent).
Top Participating Institutes (INIs)
The INI CET serves as a unified gateway to India’s most elite medical institutions. Therefore, a good rank guarantees access to unparalleled clinical exposure and research facilities. The prominent participating institutes include:
- AIIMS Campuses: AIIMS New Delhi, AIIMS Bhopal, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, AIIMS Jodhpur, AIIMS Patna, AIIMS Raipur, AIIMS Rishikesh, and newer AIIMS institutes.
- JIPMER: Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Puducherry and Karaikal).
- PGIMER: Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (Chandigarh).
- NIMHANS: National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (Bengaluru) – Specifically for Psychiatry and Neurosciences superspecialties.
- SCTIMST: Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (Trivandrum).
Application Process and Fee Structure
AIIMS utilizes the Prospectus Accumulation and Acceptance of Registration (PAAR) system to streamline applications. Consequently, candidates must follow these sequential steps:
- Basic Registration: Generate a unique Registration ID (RGI) on the AIIMS exams portal. This step requires uploading your photograph, signature, and thumb impression.
- Final Registration: Once basic registration is accepted, generate the code and complete the final registration by selecting your exam city, category, and paying the fee.
- Admit Card Download: Download the hall ticket exactly one week before the CBT date.
INI CET 2026 Application Fee
Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
General / OBC / EWS | ₹ 1,500 |
SC / ST | ₹ 1,200 |
PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | Exempted (Zero Fee) |
Counselling and Seat Allotment Process
Unlike state-level exams, INI CET counselling is conducted centrally online by AIIMS New Delhi. Subsequently, the process unfolds as follows:
- Choice Filling: Qualified candidates must log in and map their preferred subjects (e.g., General Medicine, Radiodiagnosis) against their preferred institutes (e.g., AIIMS Delhi, PGIMER).
- Round 1 Allotment: Seats are allocated strictly based on merit rank and the order of locked preferences.
- Upgradation: Candidates can opt for upgradation in Round 2. However, if upgraded, the Round 1 seat is automatically forfeited.
- Open Round: A final mop-up round is conducted to fill any remaining vacant seats across the INIs.
FAQs Of INI CET 2026
Q1: How many times is the INI CET conducted in a year?
A: The INI CET is conducted twice a year. Specifically, it is held for the January academic session (exam in November) and the July academic session (exam in May).
Q2: Is there any age limit to appear for INI CET 2026?
A: No. There is no upper age limit prescribed by AIIMS for appearing in the INI CET examination. Candidates of any age who meet the academic and internship criteria can apply.
Q3: Can final year MBBS students apply for INI CET?
A: Yes, conditionally. Final year MBBS students can apply and appear for the exam. However, they must successfully pass their final professional exams and complete their 12-month rotatory internship by the stipulated cutoff date mentioned in the official notification to be eligible for admission.
Q4: What is the marking scheme for INI CET?
A: For every correct answer, candidates are awarded +1 mark. Conversely, there is a strict negative marking scheme where 1/3rd of a mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
Q5: How many institutes participate in INI CET counselling?
A: The INI CET is a national PG medical exam conducted by AIIMS for MD, MS, and MCh courses at 23 INIs. This includes all AIIMS institutes, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST.
