PGIMER Chandigarh has released Corrigendum No. 12/2026 regarding the eligibility criteria for MD (Hospital Administration) for the INICET July 2026 session.
24 July, 2026: INICET July 2026: Change in Exam Centre Address (KL0904)
AIIMS has issued a notice regarding a change in the address for exam centre KL0904 for the INICET July 2026 Session.
16 July, 2026: Information brochure for M.Sc. Nursing counseling/seat allocation August-2026 session
AIIMS has released the information brochure for M.Sc. Nursing counseling and seat allocation for the August 2026 session.
16 July, 2026: Notice regarding opening of online portal for selection of Option-1 / Option-2 as per result of 1st round of Online Seat Allocation for SRD-CET July 2026 Session
AIIMS has opened the online portal for SRD-CET July 2026 Session candidates to select Option-1 or Option-2 following the 1st round of Online Seat Allocation on July 16, 2026.
17 July, 2026: Information regarding conduct of CBT examination of CRE-5.
Information has been released regarding the conduct of the Computer Based Test (CBT) examination for CRE-5 in 2026.
9 July, 2026: Information Brochure online seat allocation INICET July 2026 Session
The information brochure for online seat allocation for the INICET July 2026 session has been released by AIIMS.
AIIMS has released a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document regarding the online seat allocation process for the INICET July 2026 Session.
The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) 2026 is the essential examination for medical graduates aiming for MD/MS/MDS programs at 15+ premier institutions like AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS. This highly competitive test determines entry into some of India's most sought-after postgraduate medical seats. This article provides a complete overview, covering eligibility, application steps, cutoffs, seat matrix, preparation tips, and the counseling procedure to help you navigate your journey.
Table of Contents
INI-CET 2026 Exam Overview: Key Highlights
The INI-CET is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance exam conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi. It provides admission to MD, MS, MDS, DM, MCh, and Hospital Administration courses offered by AIIMS and other Institutes of National Importance.
Feature
Details
Exam Name
Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET)
Conducting Body
AIIMS New Delhi
Exam Mode
Online (Computer-Based Test)
Exam Duration
3 Hours (180 Minutes)
Total Questions
200
Question Type
MCQs (Single & Multiple Correct Options)
Marking Scheme
+1 Correct, −⅓ Wrong
Exam Language
English Only
Sessions
January & July
Official Website
aiimsexams.ac.in
Key Insight: INI-CET is conducted twice a year, making it one of the most important PG medical entrance exams in India.
INI-CET 2026 Important Dates (January & July Sessions)
Candidates should carefully track registration and exam dates for both sessions.
Event
January Session
July Session
Registration Start
30 Sept 2025
28 March 2026
Last Date to Apply
21 Oct 2025
25 April 2026
Correction Window
24–26 Oct 2025
By 2 May 2026
Admit Card Release
1 Nov 2025
9 May 2026
Exam Date
9 Nov 2025
16 May 2026
Result Declaration
15 Nov 2025
23 May 2026
Counselling Begins
6 Dec 2025
To be announced
Important Note: Dates are subject to change as per official notification.
INI-CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet academic, internship, and nationality requirements before applying.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have:
MBBS degree for MD/MS/DM/MCh courses
BDS degree for MDS courses
Degree must be from a recognized institution.
Internship Requirement
Candidates must complete a 12-month internship before:
Session
Internship Deadline
January 2026
31 December 2025
July 2026
31 July 2026
Minimum Marks Requirement
Category
Minimum Marks
General / OBC / EWS
55%
SC / ST / PwBD
50%
Nationality & Age Criteria
Indian Nationals, OCI, PIO, and Foreign Nationals are eligible.
No fixed age limit (except specific courses like DM/MCh).
Appearing Candidates
Candidates appearing in their final qualifying exam are also eligible to apply.
INI-CET 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern helps candidates manage time and improve performance.
The INI-CET paper is divided into four parts, each containing 50 questions.
INI-CET 2026 Paper Structure
Part
Duration
Questions
Part 1
45 Minutes
50 Questions
Part 2
45 Minutes
50 Questions
Part 3
45 Minutes
50 Questions
Part 4
45 Minutes
50 Questions
Total
180 Minutes
200 Questions
Marking Scheme
Response
Marks
Correct Answer
+1
Wrong Answer
−⅓
Unattempted
0
INI-CET 2026 Subjects Covered
The exam includes both pre-clinical and clinical medical subjects.
INI-CET Subject List
Pre-Clinical Subjects
Anatomy
Physiology
Biochemistry
Para-Clinical Subjects
Pathology
Pharmacology
Microbiology
Clinical Subjects
Medicine & Allied Subjects
Surgery & Allied Subjects
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Pediatrics
Key Insight: Clinical subjects carry significant weightage, making them crucial for scoring well.
INI-CET 2026 Language & Mode of Examination
The INI-CET exam is conducted in online mode using computer-based testing.
Key Language & Mode Details
Parameter
Details
Exam Mode
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Language
English Only
Question Type
Objective (MCQs)
Options Type
Single & Multiple Correct Answers
Important Note: Candidates must be comfortable solving MCQs quickly in an online environment.
The INI-CET application process is conducted online through the official portal of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi. Candidates must complete basic registration, fill the application form, upload documents, and pay the application fee before the deadline.
Complete Basic Registration Create a new account using:
Name
Email ID
Mobile Number
Date of Birth
Photograph & Signature upload
Check Eligibility Requirements Ensure you:
Hold MBBS/BDS degree
Complete internship before deadline
Have valid category certificates (if applicable)
Fill the Online Application Form Enter:
Personal details
Academic details
Examination centre preference
Upload Required Documents Upload scanned copies in the required format.
Pay Application Fee Pay the fee using online payment methods.
Submit and Print Confirmation Download the completed application form for future use.
INI-CET 2026 Application Fees
Candidates must pay the application fee online during submission of the form.
Category
Application Fee
General / OBC / OCI / Sponsored
₹4,000
SC / ST / EWS
₹3,200
PwBD
Fee Exempted
Payment Mode
Debit Card
Credit Card
Net Banking
Important Note: The application fee is non-refundable after submission.
Documents Required for INI-CET 2026 Application
Candidates must upload required documents in the prescribed format.
Document
Purpose
Passport-size Photograph
Identity verification
Signature
Authentication
Category Certificate (if applicable)
Reservation proof
MBBS/BDS Certificates
Academic verification
Internship Completion Certificate
Eligibility confirmation
Special Category Certificate Requirements
Certain categories require additional documents.
OBC Candidates: Must submit Non-Creamy Layer Certificate for financial year 2025–26.
EWS Candidates: Must upload Income & Asset Certificate issued between April 1 and October 21, 2025 (for January session).
INI-CET 2026 Internship Deadline
Completion of internship is mandatory before admission.
Session
Deadline
January 2026 Session
31 December 2025
July 2026 Session
31 July 2026
Important Note: Candidates who fail to complete internship before the deadline will not be eligible for admission.
INI-CET 2026 Important Dates (January & July Sessions)
Candidates must keep track of registration, admit card, and result dates.
Event
January Session
July Session
Registration Start
30 Sept 2025
28 March 2026
Last Date to Apply
21 Oct 2025
25 April 2026
Correction Window
24–26 Oct 2025
By 2 May 2026
Admit Card Release
1 Nov 2025
9 May 2026
Exam Date
9 Nov 2025
16 May 2026
Result Declaration
15 Nov 2025
23 May 2026
Important Note: All dates are subject to change based on official announcements.
INI-CET 2026 Preparation: Books, Mock Tests, and Counselling Guide
Preparing for INI‑CET 2026 requires strong conceptual clarity, practice with clinical questions, and systematic revision. Candidates must focus on standard textbooks, previous year questions (PYQs), and high-quality mock tests to perform well in this highly competitive postgraduate entrance exam.
INI-CET 2026 Exam Format Overview
Understanding the exam structure helps candidates design an effective preparation strategy.
The exam typically includes a high proportion of clinical and image-based questions, requiring deeper conceptual understanding rather than simple memorization.
INI-CET 2026 Recommended Books and Study Resources
Selecting the right study material is essential for covering concepts and practicing clinical MCQs.
Best MCQ and Revision Books
Purpose
Recommended Books
Basics & Synopses
Dental Pulse
Clinical-style MCQs
Target MDS / Neeraj Wadhawan
Previous Year Papers
Dental Explorer
Quick Revision
Bhatia / DAMS Notes
Standard Theory Books
Subject
Recommended Books
General Pathology
Robbins
Oral Pathology
Shafer’s
Pharmacology
KD Tripathi
Surgery
Malamed, Neelima Anil Malik
Preparation Tip: Use standard textbooks for concepts and MCQ books for practice, instead of relying on too many sources.
INI-CET 2026 Mock Test Series and Digital Platforms
Mock testing plays a crucial role in improving speed, accuracy, and exam temperament.
Platform
Key Features
MERITERS
AI-driven analytics, high-difficulty mock tests
PrepLadder
Image-based MCQs, clinical video lectures
Regular mock practice helps identify weak areas and improves time management skills.
INI-CET 2026 Study Duration and Preparation Strategy
The duration of preparation depends on whether a candidate is appearing for the first time or repeating the exam.
Candidate Type
Recommended Preparation Time
First-time Aspirants
6–8 months
Repeaters
4–5 months (bridge-gap preparation)
Last-Month Strategy
Focus on:
PYQ revision
Image-based MCQs
Mock test analysis
Concept consolidation
Avoid learning completely new topics
INI-CET 2026 Important Preparation Tips
A smart preparation strategy improves performance significantly.
Key Tips
Avoid the “one-liner learning” approach
Practice integrated learning across subjects
Focus on clinical and image-based questions
Maintain a visual logbook for:
Histopathology slides
OPG images
Cephalograms
Important Note: Preparation for NEET MDS alone is usually not sufficient, as INI-CET requires deeper conceptual clarity.
INI-CET 2026 Counselling Process Overview
After qualifying the exam, candidates must participate in the counselling process to secure admission.
Step-by-Step Counselling Process
Check Seat Allotment Result Download the seat allotment PDF and verify allotted institute and subject.
Online Seat Acceptance Candidates must accept the allotted seat within the deadline.
Online Reporting Upload required documents and pay admission fees.
Physical Reporting Visit the allotted institute for document verification.
Admission Confirmation Complete formalities to confirm admission and avoid seat cancellation.
Documents Required for Counselling and Verification
Candidates must carry original documents along with photocopies.
Required Documents
Seat allotment letter
Offer letter
Admit card
Final registration slip
MBBS/BDS mark sheets
Degree certificate
Internship completion certificate
Registration certificate (MCI/DCI/State Council)
Birth certificate
Category certificate (if applicable)
INI-CET 2026 Counselling Timeline Highlights
These dates help candidates track major counselling milestones.
Event
Date
January Session Exam
November 9, 2025
Result Declaration
November 15, 2025
Round 2 Seat Allotment
January 9, 2026
Reporting Deadline
January 15, 2026
Open Round Acceptance
Feb 23 – Feb 28, 2026
Open Round Reporting
Feb 23 – Feb 28, 2026
Note: The Open Round seat allotment for January 2026 was cancelled on February 21, 2026, affecting some candidates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET)?
The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) is a national-level entrance exam for admission to postgraduate medical courses such as MD, MS, MDS, DM, and MCh. It replaced separate entrance exams previously conducted by 14 Institutes of National Importance. The exam is conducted twice a year, in January and July sessions, for candidates who hold an MBBS or BDS degree from a recognized university.
Why was INI CET introduced?
INI CET was introduced to replace multiple separate entrance exams conducted by different institutes.
This unified system helps:
Reduce the number of exams candidates must take
Standardize admission procedures
Provide a single merit-based selection system
How many times is INI CET conducted in a year?
INI CET is conducted twice every year:
January Session
July Session
This gives candidates two opportunities annually to secure admission into postgraduate medical programs.
Which institutes are covered under INI CET?
INI CET includes admission to Institutes of National Importance (INIs) across India. These institutes previously conducted their own entrance exams but now admit students through a single unified test.
Why are comparison tables useful for INI CET information?
Comparison tables help present options side-by-side, making information easier to understand quickly.
They are useful because:
They improve readability
They allow quick comparison of features
They simplify decision-making
They are easier to scan than spreadsheets
Is INI CET different from other postgraduate medical entrance exams?
Yes. INI CET is a centralized entrance exam used by Institutes of National Importance.
It focuses more on:
Concept-based questions
Clinical understanding
Integrated subject knowledge
Candidates should always refer to the official website of All India Institute of Medical Sciences for the latest details on eligibility, exam pattern, and important dates.
