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INI CET 2026: Counselling (Extended), Seat Allotment, Admission

National Board of Examinations (NBE)

Conducting Body
National Board of Examinations (NBE)
Duration
180 Minutes
Type
National

INI CET 2026 Overview

The INI CET 2026 January session was conducted on 9th November 2025, by AIIMS New Delhi, to get admission into postgraduate medical courses in top institutes of India.

More than 80,000 candidates have appeared for the exam by competing for 1,300 seats in MD, MS, MDS, DM and MCh programs across AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS and SCTIMST.

  • The INI CET 2026 Result for the January session will be released on 15th November 2025, in PDF Format on the official website, aiimsexams.ac.in.
  • You can download the scorecard individually by logging in with your credentials after the merit list is published.
  • The INI CET offers around 1,200+ PG Seats in all participating universities; the cutoff can differ according to the course and category, where AIIMS New Delhi and JIPMER Chandigarh have the highest closing ranks.

As per the initial feedback, the exam was of a moderate to difficult level, with more focus on clinical and case-based questions as compared to the May 2025 session. More questions were asked on topics like medicine, surgery, and obstetrics & gynaecology.

What is INI CET 2026?

The INI CET is a national-level PG Medical Entrance exam conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi.

It is held twice a year in January and July for admission into MD, MS, DM (6 years), MCh (6 years), and MDS courses across AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, SCTIMST, and other Institutes of National Importance.

ParticularsDetails
Exam NameInstitute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET)
Conducting BodyAIIMS, New Delhi
Exam FrequencyTwice a year (January & July sessions)
Courses OfferedMD, MS, DM (6 years), MCh (6 years), MDS
Exam ModeComputer-Based Test (CBT)
Total Questions200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Exam Duration3 hours (180 minutes)
Marking Scheme+1 for correct, -⅓ for incorrect, 0 for unanswered
LanguageEnglish
Number of SeatsAround 1,200–1,300 PG seats across INIs
Qualifying Criteria50th percentile (UR/EWS), 45th percentile (SC/ST/OBC)
Exam Sessions (2026)January Session: 1 Nov 2025 (results by 7 Nov 2025)July Session: 17 May 2026 (results by 23 May 2026)

Steps to Fill INI CET Application Form 2026

Candidates must follow a few simple steps to complete the INI CET 2026 application process.

Make sure all details are correct and documents are ready before you begin.

  1. Go to the official website: aiimsexams.ac.in
  2. Click on “New Registration”
  3. Fill in basic details – Name, Date of Birth, Email, Mobile Number
  4. Login using your registered ID and password
  5. Enter academic and personal information
  6. Upload your photograph and signature in the correct format
  7. Pay the application fee through online mode
  8. Submit the form and take a printout for future use

INI CET Application Fee 2026

Candidates need to pay the INI CET 2026 application fee online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking. The fee varies based on category, as shown below.

INI CET Application Fee 2026
CategoryApplication Fee
General / OBC / Foreign / OCI / Sponsored₹4000/-
SC / ST / EWS₹3200/-
PwD (Persons with Disability)No Fee

Note: The fee is not refundable after payment.

Documents Required for INI CET Application Form 2026

Before filling the INI CET 2026 application form, candidates should keep all necessary documents ready. This will help ensure a smooth and error-free submission process.

  • Recent passport-size photo
  • Signature (scanned copy)
  • MBBS/BDS degree certificate
  • Internship certificate
  • Category certificate (if applicable)
  • Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)

INI CET 2026 is a golden opportunity for medical graduates to join dedicated institutes in India. Apply carefully, check all details, and don’t miss the deadlines.

INI CET 2026 Result

The INI CET Result for the January session will be released by 15th November by AIIMS New Delhi on the official website, aiimsexams.ac.in.

  • You can check your roll number, category, overall rank, percentile, and qualifying status in the form of a PDF.
  • The INI CET Scorecard download link will be released soon for individual marks and rank details.

INI CET 2026 July Session Dates

DateEvent
March 2026 (Expected)Registration Start
April 2026 (Tentative)Last Date for Registration
April 2026Correction Window
Second week of May 2026Admit Card Release
17 May 2026 (Sunday)Exam Date
23 May 2026Result Declaration
June-July 2026Counselling & Seat Allotment

INI CET 2026: Academic Programmes and Specialisations

The INI CET 2026 is for PG Medical and dental programs at INIs, including AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS and SCTIMST.

The INI CET Exam will offer a wide range of courses from MD/MS/MDS to super-speciality DM/MCh programmes.

Programmes Offered Through INI CET 2026

Programme Type DurationEligible QualificationKey Institutes
MD (Doctor of Medicine)3 YearsMBBS + InternshipAIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, NIMHANS
MS (Master of Surgery)3 YearsMBBS + InternshipAIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER
DM (6-Year Super-speciality)6 YearsMBBS + InternshipAIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER
MCh (6-Year Super-speciality)6 YearsMBBS + InternshipAIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER
MDS (Master of Dental Surgery)3 YearsBDS + InternshipAIIMS (Dental), JIPMER Dental

INI CET 2026 Closing Ranks

The INI CET Closing Rank will show the last rank in which candidates will get admission in MD, MS ,DM ,MCh and MDS courses in different institutes. The INI CET Closing ranks will differ according to the college, speciality and candidates' category.

INI CET 2026 FAQs

1. What is INI CET 2026?

INI CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to MD, MS, DM (6 years), MCh (6 years), and MDS courses in top Institutes of National Importance across India.

2. Who conducts INI CET 2026?

INI CET 2026 is conducted by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.

3. How many times is INI CET conducted in a year?

INI CET is conducted twice a year:

  • January Session
  • July Session

4. Which institutes participate in INI CET?

The participating institutes include:

  • AIIMS
  • Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER)
  • Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER)
  • National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS)

5. Who is eligible for INI CET 2026?

Candidates must:

  • Possess an MBBS degree (for MD/MS/DM/MCh) or BDS degree (for MDS)
  • Have completed a one-year compulsory internship
  • Be registered with NMC/MCI or State Medical Council
  • Meet the minimum qualifying marks criteria

6. What is the INI CET 2026 exam pattern?

  • Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
  • Total Questions: 200 Multiple Choice Questions
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer, -1/3 for incorrect answer
  • Language: English only

7. What is the qualifying percentile for INI CET 2026?

  • General/EWS: 50th percentile
  • OBC: 45th percentile
  • SC/ST: 40th percentile

8. What is the syllabus for INI CET 2026?

The syllabus is based on the MBBS curriculum, including:

  • Pre-Clinical Subjects
  • Para-Clinical Subjects
  • Clinical Subjects

9. What is the application mode for INI CET 2026?

The application process is conducted online through the official AIIMS examination portal.

10. Is there any age limit for INI CET?

There is generally no upper age limit, but candidates must fulfill eligibility criteria as specified in the official notification.

Syllabus

INI CET Syllabus 2026

The INI CET Syllabus 2026 is expected to follow the MBBS/BDS format, which is divided into Pre-clinical, Para-clinical and clinical subjects. The INI CET Syllabus is expected to be the same as the previous year.

  • The INI CET 2026 Exam will include 200 objective-based questions, including single and multiple-correct answers.
  • The Total marks are 200, +1 mark will be given for each correct answer, and 1/3 mark will be deducted for incorrect answers.
  • The INI CET Syllabus will include subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, and Forensic Medicine.

The INI CET Exam is expected to be of a moderate to high difficulty level, in which around 60 to 70% questions are from clinical, 20 to 25% from para-clinical, and 10 to 15% from pre-clinical subjects.

You should have proper conceptual clarity, case-solving ability and time-management skills for scoring high in INI CET 2026.

What is the INI CET Syllabus 2026?

The INI CET Syllabus 2026 depend upon the MBBS/BDS Format of the Medical Council of India.

  • It will test the candidates' understanding of theoretical knowledge, along with the clinical application as well for all 3 subjects: Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, and Clinical.
  • By INI CET, candidates can get admission into AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and other Institutes of National Importance.
ParticularsDetails
Courses OfferedMD, MS, DM (6 years), MCh (6 years), and MDS
Exam Date (January 2026 Session)November 9, 2025 (Tentative as per latest schedule)
Exam ModeComputer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Duration3 hours (180 minutes)
Total Questions200
Question TypeObjective-type (Single-best and Multiple-correct answers)
Total Marks800
Marking Scheme+4 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect answer, 0 for unattempted
Language of PaperEnglish only
Syllabus BasisMBBS/BDS curriculum — Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, and Clinical subjects
Major Subjects CoveredAnatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Medicine, Surgery, OBG, Paediatrics, and Community Medicine
Difficulty LevelModerate to Difficult (clinical questions have higher weightage)
Official Websitewww.aiimsexams.ac.in

Both exams have the same MBBS Syllabus; INI CET Questions are more application-based.

ParameterINI CETNEET PG
Conducting BodyAIIMS, New DelhiNBEMS
Exam ModeComputer-Based (CBT)Computer-Based (CBT)
Question Count200200
Question TypeConceptual, integrated, multiple correct answers possibleStraightforward, single-best answer questions
Difficulty LevelHighly analytical and clinical reasoning-basedModerate – fact and concept-based
Competition LevelVery High (Top AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER)High (All India Medical Colleges)
Exam FrequencyTwice a year (May & Nov)Once a year
Exam ComponentDetails
Conducting BodyAIIMS, New Delhi
Exam ModeComputer-Based Test (CBT)
Total Questions200
Question TypeSingle and Multiple Correct MCQs
Total Marks200
Duration3 Hours
LanguageEnglish
Marking Scheme+1 for correct, -1/3 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted
Syllabus BaseEntire MBBS Curriculum (Pre-, Para-, and Clinical)

INI CET Syllabus 2026: Subject-wise

The INI CET Syllabus 2026 is divided into Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, and Clinical subjects. Each subject will test candidates' conceptual clarity, diagnostic skills, and clinical reasoning.

INI CET Syllabus 2026 for Pre-Clinical Subjects

Anatomy Syllabus

The INI CET Anatomy syllabus will include the foundation of medical education, by testing the understanding of the human body’s structure, organisation, organs and applied correlation in clinical practice.

Main TopicsKey SubtopicsFocus Areas
General AnatomyCells, tissues, bones, muscles, jointsStructure & functions of human body components
Gross AnatomyHead & neck, thorax, abdomen, upper/lower limbsMusculoskeletal landmarks and applied anatomy
NeuroanatomyBrain, spinal cord, cranial nervesNervous system pathways and imaging correlations
Embryology & HistologyOrgan development, tissue structureCongenital anomalies, microscopic anatomy

Physiology Syllabus

The INI CET Physiology syllabus will focus on the normal functions of organs and systems. The INI CET Questions will assess the conceptual clarity and data interpretation.

Main TopicsKey SubtopicsFocus Areas
General PhysiologyCell functions, homeostasis, and bloodBasic functional mechanisms
Systemic PhysiologyCVS, renal, respiratory, GI, endocrineOrgan-level regulation and feedback systems
NeurophysiologyCNS, special sensesNeural transmission and reflexes
Reproductive PhysiologyMale & female reproductive systemsHormonal regulation and fertilisation

Biochemistry Syllabus

This subject examines molecular mechanisms, enzymatic reactions, and metabolic processes essential for clinical interpretation.

Main TopicsKey SubtopicsFocus Areas
BiomoleculesProteins, lipids, carbohydratesStructure, function, and properties
EnzymesKinetics, inhibition, regulationDiagnostic enzymes and clinical importance
MetabolismGlycolysis, TCA, urea, lipid metabolismIntegration of energy cycles
Molecular BiologyDNA, RNA, replication, protein synthesisGenetic code, mutations
Clinical BiochemistryVitamins, hormones, disordersLaboratory values and deficiency syndromes

INI CET Syllabus 2026 for Para-Clinical Subjects

Pathology Syllabus

In INI CET Pathology will include basic science, clinical medicine, assessing the disease mechanism, histopathology and diagnostic relevance.

Main TopicsKey SubtopicsFocus Areas
General PathologyCell injury, inflammation, and neoplasiaMechanisms of disease and repair
Systemic PathologyCVS, renal, hepatic, and respiratory systemsOrgan-specific diseases
HematologyAnaemia, leukaemia, and coagulationBlood disorders and diagnostics
ImmunopathologyHypersensitivity, autoimmunityImmune-mediated disorders

Microbiology Syllabus

The Syllabus for microbiology will test the understanding of infectious agents, immunity and diagnostic approaches with emphasis on applied infection control.

Main TopicsKey SubtopicsFocus Areas
General MicrobiologyBacteriology, virology, mycologyPathogen identification and culture methods
ImmunologyAntigens, antibodies, vaccinesImmune response and hypersensitivity
Systemic MicrobiologyRespiratory, GI, CNS infectionsDisease mechanisms
Clinical MicrobiologyLab diagnosis, sterilisation, AMRInfection control and resistance trends

Pharmacology Syllabus

The Pharmacology syllabus will examine the mechanism, uses and side effects for the treatment-related case studies.

Main TopicsKey SubtopicsFocus Areas
General PharmacologyPharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamicsDrug mechanisms and interactions
Systemic PharmacologyCNS, CVS, endocrine, antimicrobialDrug classes and MOA
ToxicologyPoisons, antidotesEmergency management
Clinical PharmacologyRational drug use, trialsPharmacovigilance and ADRs

Forensic Medicine Syllabus

The Forensic Medicine syllabus will focus on medico-legal aspects, post-mortem findings and toxicology for scoring and facts.

Main TopicsKey SubtopicsFocus Areas
Legal MedicineMedico-legal autopsy, consentLaws and ethics
ToxicologyPoisons, chemical analysisIdentification and management
Sexual OffencesExamination, reportingMedical evidence and documentation
IdentificationAge, sex, and race estimationForensic characteristics

INI CET Syllabus 2026 for Clinical Subjects

General Medicine Syllabus

The General Medicine syllabus will include a clinical section with the highest weightage. It will evaluate the clinical reasoning, diagnosis and management.

Main TopicsKey SubtopicsFocus Areas
CardiologyMI, heart failure, arrhythmiaECG, drug management
NeurologyStroke, epilepsy, CNS infectionsCase diagnosis
RespiratoryCOPD, asthma, pneumoniaVentilation and ABG
EndocrinologyDiabetes, thyroid disordersHormonal regulation
GastroenterologyHepatitis, IBD, ulcersGI bleeding, diagnostic clues

General Surgery Syllabus

The General Surgery syllabus will test the clinical management, operative principles, and emergency care with a practical and applied orientation.

Main TopicsKey SubtopicsFocus Areas
General PrinciplesShock, wound healing, infection controlFluid balance and resuscitation
GI SurgeryHernia, ulcer, appendicitisSurgical anatomy & complications
OrthopaedicsFractures, traumaRadiological diagnosis
UrologyStones, renal surgeriesCase-based scenarios
OncosurgeryTumours, biopsyCancer staging and treatment basics

Obstetrics & Gynaecology Syllabus

It will include questions on labour complications and fetal diseases, graph-based questions from the partograph and CTG. Along with the integration of community medicine for MTP and contraception.

Main TopicsKey SubtopicsFocus Areas
ObstetricsAntenatal care, labour, and complicationsPregnancy management
GynaecologyMenstrual disorders, infertility, tumoursDiagnosis and treatment
Family PlanningContraceptives, sterilisationNational programs
Recent AdvancesART, fetal monitoringTechnology and updates

Paediatrics Syllabus

In the Paediatrics syllabus, Vaccination and milestone questions are frequently asked. Along with Neonatal resuscitation and jaundice, questions will often appear. It is an easy-to-revise and score section.

Main TopicsKey SubtopicsFocus Areas
Growth & DevelopmentMilestones, growth chartsNormal vs. delayed growth
NeonatologyJaundice, prematurityNeonatal care and emergencies
NutritionMalnutrition, supplementsFeeding and deficiency disorders
Infectious DiseasesMeasles, pneumonia, meningitisImmunization schedule

Community Medicine Syllabus

The Community Medicine Syllabus will include statistics and health programs, and case study-based questions will be asked along with epidemiology models.

Main TopicsKey SubtopicsFocus Areas
EpidemiologyStudy designs, bias, biostatisticsData interpretation
Health ProgramsNational health schemesProgram-based factual questions
Environmental HealthWater, sanitation, pollutionPreventive strategies
Health ManagementIndicators, screening methodsPolicy and planning

.

Subject GroupSubjects IncludedImportance LevelType of Questions Asked
Pre-ClinicalAnatomy, Physiology, BiochemistryModerateConceptual and image-based
Para-ClinicalPathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic MedicineHighMechanism-based and reasoning-based
ClinicalMedicine, Surgery, OBG, Paediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Community MedicineVery HighCase-based and integrated questions
SubjectApprox. Weightage (%)Expected No. of Questions (Out of 200)Nature of Questions
Medicine20%40Clinical, integrated, case-based
Surgery15%30Procedural, trauma, and oncology
Obstetrics & Gynaecology10%20Pregnancy, reproductive health
Pathology8%16Disease mechanisms, lab findings
Pharmacology7%14Mechanism of action, side effects
Microbiology5%10Infections, lab diagnosis
Community Medicine5%10Epidemiology, biostatistics
Others (ENT, Paediatrics, Anatomy, etc.)30%60One-liners and integrated topics

INI CET Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Weightage

The INI CET Exam will test the candidates on Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical subjects. By understanding the weightage, candidates can prioritise their schedule accordingly.

INI CET Subject-Wise Weightage:

  • The clinical subjects have the majority of weightage, with 45 to 55% of questions; clinical subjects like General Medicine, Surgery, and Obstetrics & Gynaecology are important.
  • The Para-clinical subjects will include 25 to 30% of the exam, with subjects such as pathology and Pharmacology required for a strong performance.
  • The pre-clinical subjects will have a weightage of 15 to 22% of the exam, with an understanding of Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry is crucial for foundational knowledge.
CategorySubjectsExpected QuestionsApproximate Weightage
Pre-ClinicalAnatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry30–4515–22%
Para-ClinicalPathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine50–6025–30%
ClinicalGeneral Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, etc.90–11045–55%
TotalAll Subjects200100%

INI CET 2026 Syllabus: Recommended Books

If you are preparing for the INI CET Syllabus, you should follow a combination of core MBBS Textbooks for conceptual clarity and MCQ questions for exam-based practice.

Recommended Books for INI CET 2026

SubjectRecommended BooksPurpose / Focus
AnatomyGrey’s Anatomy, B.D. Chaurasia’s Human AnatomyDetailed concepts, diagrams, and applied anatomy
PhysiologyGuyton & Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, Ganong’s ReviewConceptual understanding, high-yield mechanisms
BiochemistryHarper’s Illustrated Biochemistry, Lippincott’s BiochemistryMetabolic pathways, clinical correlations
PathologyRobbins & Cotran Pathology, Harsh MohanSystemic and general pathology, histology slides
MicrobiologyAnanthanarayan & Paniker, Jawetz, Melnick & AdelbergBacteriology, virology, immunology, clinical cases
PharmacologyKatzung’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, Rang & DaleMechanisms of drugs, side effects, and toxicology
Forensic MedicineReddy & Murthy, K.S. N. PillaiToxicology, medico-legal cases, law-based questions
MedicineHarrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, API TextbookCase-based reasoning, systemic disorders
SurgeryBailey & Love’s Short Practice of Surgery, SchwartzSurgical principles, trauma, and operative management
OBGD.C. Dutta, Textbook of Obstetrics & GynaecologyLabour, complications, clinical cases
PaediatricsNelson Textbook of PaediatricsGrowth, nutrition, pediatric disorders, vaccines
Community MedicinePark’s Textbook of Preventive & Social MedicineEpidemiology, national programs, biostatistics
Eligibility

INI CET 2026 Eligibility

The INI CET Eligibility criteria is set by AIIMS, New Delhi and will be applicable for admission into participating institutes of National Importance.

  • Candidates should have an MBBS/BDS Degree, have completed their internship, and meet the minimum marks/percentile.
  • Both Indian & foreign nationals are eligible for the verification of documents.
CriteriaDetails
NationalityIndian Nationals, OCI, and Foreign Nationals (with embassy sponsorship for foreign candidates)
Educational QualificationMBBS degree (for MD/MS/DM/MCh courses) or BDS degree (for MDS courses) from an MCI/DCI-recognised institution
Minimum MarksUR/EWS: 55% aggregate in MBBS/BDS & SC/ST/OBC: 50% aggregate
Internship RequirementCompletion of compulsory 12-month rotatory internship on or before 31 January 2026 for the January session
RegistrationCandidates must possess a valid provisional/permanent registration certificate issued by the MCI/DCI/State Medical or Dental Council
Age LimitNo upper age limit specified for INI CET