Today we will discuss about INI-CET examination , which is the only examination if you are targeting AIIMS , JIPMER , PGIMER .It is generally two times in a year.
Table of Contents
INI-CET 2026: Complete Guide for MD/MS Admission in AIIMS, JIPMER & PGIMER
Postgraduate medical admission in India’s premier institutes such as AIIMS, JIPMER and PGIMER is conducted through a national-level entrance examination called INI-CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test).
This exam replaced the earlier AIIMS PG entrance exam and is now the single gateway for admission into postgraduate medical courses like MD, MS, DM, MCh and MDS in top institutes of national importance.
The exam is organized by All India Institute of Medical Sciences and is conducted twice every year for January and July academic sessions.
Through INI-CET, candidates can secure admission in highly reputed institutions such as:
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences
- Multiple campuses of AIIMS across India
These institutes are known for their advanced clinical training, research facilities, and high academic standards, making INI-CET one of the most competitive medical entrance exams in India.
INI-CET 2026 Important Dates (Expected)
The exact schedule for INI-CET is announced by AIIMS through its official examination portal.
| Event | Tentative Timeline |
|---|---|
| Basic Registration Begins | March 2026 |
| Last Date for Basic Registration | Early April 2026 |
| Correction Window | April 2026 |
| Final Registration & Choice of Exam City | April–May 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May 2026 |
| INI-CET Exam Date | May 2026 |
| Result Announcement | May 2026 |
| Counselling Process | June 2026 |
Candidates should regularly check official announcements to stay updated with any changes.
Institutes Participating in INI-CET
The exam is conducted for admission to postgraduate medical courses in institutes categorized as Institutes of National Importance.
Some of the major participating institutes include:
| Institute | State |
|---|---|
| AIIMS New Delhi | Delhi |
| AIIMS Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh |
| AIIMS Bhubaneswar | Odisha |
| AIIMS Jodhpur | Rajasthan |
| AIIMS Patna | Bihar |
| AIIMS Raipur | Chhattisgarh |
| AIIMS Rishikesh | Uttarakhand |
| JIPMER | Puducherry |
| PGIMER | Chandigarh |
| NIMHANS | Karnataka |
Over the years, newly established AIIMS campuses have also joined the INI-CET admission process.
Number of Seats Available
Each session of INI-CET offers postgraduate seats in various medical specialties.
| Course | Approximate Seats |
|---|---|
| MD / MS | 1200+ |
| DM / MCh | 300+ |
| MDS | 100+ |
The exact seat distribution is released before counselling through the official seat matrix.
Eligibility Criteria for INI-CET 2026
Candidates must satisfy the eligibility requirements before applying for the exam.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must possess an MBBS degree from a recognized medical institution.
Internship Requirement
Candidates must complete 12 months of compulsory rotating internship before the deadline specified in the admission notice.
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Aggregate Marks |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | 55% |
| SC / ST | 50% |
Medical Registration
Applicants must hold a valid registration certificate from:
- National Medical Commission (NMC)
or - State Medical Council
For MDS courses, a BDS degree recognized by the Dental Council of India is required.
INI-CET Application Process
The application procedure for INI-CET is completed online and consists of two major stages.
Basic Registration
During basic registration, candidates provide:
- Personal information
- Academic details
- Uploaded photograph and signature
After verification, candidates receive approval for the next stage.
Final Registration
Once the basic registration is accepted, candidates generate a Registration Unique Code (RUC) and proceed with final registration.
At this stage, candidates select:
- Preferred exam city
- Course choices
Application Fee
The examination fee varies depending on the candidate’s category.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC | ₹1500 |
| SC / ST / EWS | ₹1200 |
| Persons with Disability | Exempted |
The payment must be made online through secure digital payment methods.
INI-CET Exam Pattern
The INI-CET examination evaluates candidates’ knowledge of the MBBS curriculum.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-based test |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Total Questions | 200 |
| Question Type | Multiple choice |
| Negative Marking | Yes |
Marking Scheme
| Response Type | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +1 |
| Incorrect Answer | −1/3 |
| Unanswered | 0 |
The exam covers subjects taught during the entire MBBS course.
INI-CET Result and Ranking
The exam result is declared online and includes important details such as:
- Overall rank
- Category rank
- Percentile score
Candidates who achieve the qualifying percentile become eligible to participate in counselling.
Minimum Qualifying Percentile
To be eligible for counselling, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying percentile.
| Category | Qualifying Percentile |
|---|---|
| General | 50 percentile |
| OBC | 45 percentile |
| SC | 45 percentile |
| ST | 45 percentile |
| PwD | 45 percentile |
Counselling Process for INI-CET
After the declaration of results, AIIMS conducts centralized online counselling.
The counselling process typically includes several rounds:
- Round One
- Round Two
- Open Round
- Stray Vacancy Round
Candidates must complete the following steps:
- Online registration
- Choice filling for institutes and specialties
- Seat allotment based on rank and preferences
Admission is confirmed after document verification and fee payment.
Reservation Policy
Seat reservation is implemented according to Government of India guidelines.
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| OBC | 27% |
| EWS | 10% |
| PwD | 5% |
Certain seats are also reserved for candidates who completed MBBS from AIIMS institutions.
Documents Required During Admission
Candidates must present the following documents at the time of counselling:
- INI-CET Admit Card
- INI-CET Scorecard
- MBBS Degree Certificate
- Internship Completion Certificate
- Medical Council Registration
- Identity Proof
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
Why Students Prefer INI-CET Institutes
Institutes participating in INI-CET are among the most prestigious medical institutions in India.
Some key advantages include:
- High quality medical training
- Advanced hospital infrastructure
- Research opportunities
- Excellent clinical exposure
- Strong academic reputation
Because of these factors, competition for admission through INI-CET remains extremely high every year.
Expert Guidance for MD/MS Admission
Postgraduate medical admission in India involves multiple exams and counselling processes. Proper guidance can help candidates understand the admission strategy and available options.
If you need assistance regarding:
- INI-CET counselling
- NEET PG counselling
- DNB admission
- MD/MS admission planning
You may contact:
Dr. Vinod Kumaar
Medical Admission Counsellor
Website: https://getmbbsadmission.com
Call / WhatsApp: 8826861147
