INI-CET 2026: Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Admission Guide

INI CET 2026 EXAM

All You Need to Know About INI-CET 2026: Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus & Admission

The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) 2026 is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance examination conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. It serves as the gateway for admission to MD, MS, M.Ch. (6 Years), DM (6 Years), MDS, and other postgraduate medical courses offered by participating Institutes of National Importance (INIs), including AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST. Explore complete information about INI-CET 2026, including eligibility, important dates, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, admit card, result, counselling, seat allotment, preparation strategy, and FAQs—all in one pla

The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance examination conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. It serves as the single gateway for admission to various postgraduate medical and dental programmes offered by participating Institutes of National Importance (INIs) across India.

INI-CET is conducted twice every year for the January and July admission sessions. The examination is held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and assesses candidates through multiple-choice questions covering the entire MBBS curriculum. Admissions are offered to eligible candidates based on their performance in the entrance examination, followed by online counselling and seat allocation.

The examination provides admission to postgraduate courses such as MD, MS, MDS, M.Ch. (6 Years), DM (6 Years), and MD (Hospital Administration) at AIIMS and other participating Institutes of National Importance.

INI-CET 2026 Highlights-

Particular	Details
Official Website	AIIMS Examination Portal
Admission Process	Entrance Examination followed by Online Counselling
Courses Offered	MD, MS, MDS, M.Ch. (6 Years), DM (6 Years), MD (Hospital Administration)
Medium of Examination	English
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Frequency	Twice a Year (January & July Sessions)
Exam Level	National-Level Postgraduate Medical Entrance Examination
Conducting Authority	All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Exam Name	Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET)

Why Choose INI-CET?

INI-CET offers admission to some of India's most prestigious medical institutions, known for their excellence in academics, research, clinical exposure, and patient care. Studying at an Institute of National Importance provides access to experienced faculty, advanced healthcare infrastructure, multidisciplinary learning, and outstanding opportunities for postgraduate training and future super-specialization.

INI-CET 2026 Exam Pattern

The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) is conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The examination evaluates candidates on the knowledge and clinical competencies acquired during the MBBS/BDS course. The question paper consists of 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), with each question carrying one correct answer.

Unlike NEET PG, INI-CET includes negative marking, making accuracy an important factor in scoring well.

INI-CET 2026 Exam Highlights-

Particular	Details
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Language	English
Question Type	Multiple Choice Questions (Single Best Response)
Total Questions	200
Duration	3 Hours (180 Minutes)
Maximum Marks	200
Marks for Correct Answer	+1
Negative Marking	Yes (-1/3 mark for each incorrect answer)
Unanswered Questions	0 Marks
Conducting Authority	AIIMS, New Delhi

Marking Scheme-

The INI-CET follows a standard marking scheme.

Correct Answer: +1
Incorrect Answer: -1/3
Unanswered Question: 0

Candidates should avoid random guessing, as incorrect answers reduce the overall score.

Subject Coverage-

The examination is based on the MBBS curriculum prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and includes questions from:

Pre-Clinical Subjects-

Anatomy
Physiology
Biochemistry

Para-Clinical Subjects-

Pathology
Pharmacology
Microbiology
Forensic Medicine
Community Medicine

Clinical Subjects-

General Medicine
Dermatology
Psychiatry
General Surgery
Orthopaedics
Anaesthesiology
Radiodiagnosis
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Paediatrics
Ophthalmology
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)

INI-CET 2026 Result & Merit List

The INI-CET 2026 Result is declared online by AIIMS, New Delhi on the official AIIMS Examination Portal. Candidates can check their results by logging in with their Registration ID, Examination Unique Code (EUC), and Password. The result includes the candidate's overall performance, percentile, rank, and qualifying status.

Unlike FMGE, INI-CET is a competitive entrance examination. Admission is based on the candidate's merit rank, availability of seats, reservation policy, and counselling preferences.

How to Check INI-CET 2026 Result

Step 1

Visit the official AIIMS Examination Portal.

Step 2

Click on the INI-CET 2026 Result link.

Step 3

Step 4

View your result and merit rank.

Step 5

Download and save the scorecard for future reference.

INI-CET Merit List

AIIMS prepares the INI-CET Merit List based on candidates' performance in the entrance examination.

The merit list is used for:

Online Counselling
Choice Filling
Seat Allocation
Admission to Participating Institutes

Candidates with higher ranks are generally given preference during seat allotment.

Tie-Breaking Criteria

If two or more candidates obtain the same score, AIIMS applies the prescribed tie-breaking rules as mentioned in the official prospectus for that admission session.

Qualifying Criteria

To be considered for admission, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying percentile prescribed by AIIMS.

General / EWS: 50th Percentile
OBC: 45th Percentile
SC / ST: 40th Percentile
PwBD: As per applicable category guidelines

Note: Merely qualifying the entrance examination does not guarantee admission. Final admission depends on the candidate's rank, category, seat availability, preferences filled during counselling, and fulfilment of institute-specific eligibility criteria.

INI-CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for INI-CET 2026, candidates must satisfy the eligibility requirements prescribed by AIIMS, New Delhi in the official prospectus. The eligibility criteria apply to appearing in the entrance examination; however, each participating Institute of National Importance (INI) may have additional institute-specific admission requirements.

Nationality-

The following candidates are eligible to apply:

Indian Citizens
Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)
Foreign Nationals (under the applicable category and institute-specific rules)

A candidate cannot claim eligibility under both the Indian National and Foreign National categories simultaneously.

Educational Qualification

Candidates applying for MD, MS, DM (6 Years), M.Ch. (6 Years), or MD (Hospital Administration) must:

Hold an MBBS degree from a university recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Complete the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) on or before the cut-off date specified for the respective INI-CET session.
Fulfil any additional eligibility conditions prescribed by the participating institute.

Candidates applying for MDS must:

Hold a BDS degree recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI).
Complete the compulsory internship by the prescribed cut-off date.

Eligibility Certificate (Where Applicable)-

Candidates who joined a foreign medical institution on or after the date specified under the applicable NMC regulations must have obtained an Eligibility Certificate from the National Medical Commission (or the erstwhile Medical Council of India), unless exempted under the prevailing regulations.

Candidates admitted under the current Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations should comply with the latest NMC eligibility requirements.

Minimum Qualifying Marks-

For MD/MS/DM (6 Years)/M.Ch. (6 Years)/MD (Hospital Administration) courses, candidates must have obtained:

General / EWS / Sponsored / Foreign National - 55%
OBC - 50%
SC / ST - 50%
PwBD - As per applicable category and AIIMS guidelines

Internship Requirement-

Candidates must complete the 12-month Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) on or before the internship completion date specified in the official prospectus for the respective session.

Candidates who do not complete the internship by the prescribed deadline are not eligible for admission, even if they qualify in the examination.

Registration Requirement-

Candidates should possess a valid registration certificate issued by:

National Medical Commission (NMC), or
State Medical Council (SMC)

The registration certificate may be required during the admission process at the allotted institute.

Eligibility for Foreign Nationals-

Foreign National candidates may apply according to the eligibility conditions and admission procedures prescribed by AIIMS and the respective participating institute.

They should carefully review the institute-specific prospectus before applying.

Required Documents-

Candidates should keep the following documents ready:

MBBS/BDS Degree Certificate
Internship Completion Certificate
Permanent/Provisional Registration Certificate
Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable
PwBD Certificate, if applicable
Government-issued Photo Identity Proof
Passport-size Photograph
Signature

Additional documents may be required by individual institutes during counselling and admission.

INI-CET 2026 Important Dates

The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) is conducted twice every year by AIIMS, New Delhi for the January and July admission sessions. The official schedule for each session, including registration, admit card, examination, result, and counselling, is published on the AIIMS Examination Portal.

INI-CET November 2026 (January 2027 Session) – Expected Schedule

Event	Expected Timeline
Release of Prospectus	Sep-26
Online Registration Begins	Sep-26
Last Date to Apply	Oct-26
Generation of EUC (if applicable)	September-October 2026
Registration Status & Image Correction	Oct-26
Final Registration Status	Oct-26
Admit Card Release	October-November 2026
INI-CET November 2026 Examination	Nov-26
Result Declaration	Nov-26
Mock Round Counselling	November-December 2026
Round 1 Seat Allotment	Dec-26
Round 2 Seat Allotment	Dec-26
Open Round Counselling	December 2026-January 2027

Note: The above schedule is tentative and will be confirmed through the official AIIMS notification for the INI-CET November 2026 (January 2027 Session).

Important Events Explained-

Prospectus Release

AIIMS publishes the official prospectus containing eligibility criteria, examination pattern, application instructions, seat matrix, and counselling guidelines.

Online Registration

Eligible candidates must complete the online application, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee before the closing date.

Registration Status & Correction

AIIMS provides a correction window to rectify rejected images or incomplete registration details. Candidates should complete all corrections within the prescribed timeline.

Admit Card

The admit card is released online for successfully registered candidates. It contains details such as the examination date, reporting time, test centre, and exam-day instructions.

INI-CET Examination

The examination is conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode at designated centres across India.

Result Declaration

AIIMS publishes the result online in the form of a merit list and individual scorecards.

Counselling & Seat Allotment

Qualified candidates participate in online counselling, including:

Mock Round
Round 1
Round 2
Open Round (if applicable)

Seat allotment is based on merit, category, seat availability, and the candidate's choices.

INI-CET 2026 Application Process

The INI-CET 2026 application process is conducted entirely online through the AIIMS Examination Portal. Candidates must complete Basic Registration, Generation of Examination Unique Code (EUC), Final Registration, document upload, fee payment, and final submission before the prescribed deadline.

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Visit the official AIIMS Examination Portal and click on the INI-CET 2026 Registration link.

Step 2: Complete Basic Registration

Full Name
Date of Birth
Mobile Number
Email Address

After successful registration, a Registration ID and Password will be generated.

Step 3: Generate the Examination Unique Code (EUC)

The EUC links your Basic Registration to the specific INI-CET session and is mandatory for completing the application.

Step 4: Complete Final Registration

After generating the EUC, fill in the Final Registration form with accurate details, including:

Personal Information
Academic Qualifications
Internship Details
Medical Registration Details
Category Details (if applicable)
Choice of Examination City

Ensure that all information matches your official documents.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Upload the prescribed documents in the required format, including:

Passport-size Photograph
Signature
Thumb Impression (if applicable)
MBBS/BDS Degree Certificate
Internship Completion Certificate (or expected completion proof, if applicable)
Medical/Dental Registration Certificate
Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable
PwBD Certificate, if applicable

Step 6: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the application fee online using any of the available payment methods:

Credit Card
Debit Card
Net Banking
UPI

The application is considered complete only after successful payment of the prescribed fee.

Step 7: Review Your Application

Before final submission:

Verify all personal details.
Check educational information.
Ensure uploaded documents are clear and correctly formatted.
Confirm the selected examination city.

Only limited corrections are permitted during the correction window.

Step 8: Submit the Application

After reviewing all details and completing the payment, click "Final Submit" to complete your INI-CET application.

Step 9: Download the Confirmation Page

After successful submission:

Download the confirmation page.
Save the payment receipt.
Keep a printed copy for future reference.

Documents Required

Keep the following documents ready before beginning the application:

MBBS/BDS Degree Certificate
Internship Completion Certificate
Medical/Dental Registration Certificate
Recent Passport-size Photograph
Signature
Category Certificate (if applicable)
PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
Valid Government Photo ID
Active Mobile Number
Active Email Address

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is INI-CET?
INI-CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance examination conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi for admission to MD, MS, MDS, DM (6 Years), M.Ch. (6 Years), and MD (Hospital Administration) courses offered by participating Institutes of National Importance.
Who conducts the INI-CET examination?
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi conducts INI-CET on behalf of all participating Institutes of National Importance.
How many times is INI-CET conducted in a year?
INI-CET is conducted twice a year for the January and July admission sessions.
Who is eligible to apply for INI-CET?
Candidates must possess a recognized MBBS/BDS degree, complete the mandatory internship by the prescribed cut-off date, and satisfy the eligibility criteria specified in the official AIIMS prospectus.
What courses are offered through INI-CET?
Admissions are offered to:
MD
MS
MDS
DM (6 Years)
M.Ch. (6 Years)
MD (Hospital Administration)

Course availability varies among participating institutes.
Which institutes participate in INI-CET?
Participating institutes include:
AIIMS (All Campuses)
JIPMER, Puducherry
PGIMER, Chandigarh
NIMHANS, Bengaluru
SCTIMST, Thiruvananthapuram
What is the exam pattern of INI-CET?
The examination consists of:
Computer-Based Test (CBT)
200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
3 Hours (180 Minutes)
+1 mark for each correct answer
-1/3 mark for each incorrect answer
Is there negative marking in INI-CET?
Yes. One-third (1/3) mark is deducted for every incorrect answer, while unanswered questions carry no penalty.
What subjects are included in the INI-CET syllabus?
The syllabus covers the entire MBBS curriculum, including all 19 subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Community Medicine, Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Anaesthesiology, Radiodiagnosis, and Forensic Medicine.
Is NEET PG and INI-CET the same examination?
No.
INI-CET is conducted by AIIMS for admission to Institutes of National Importance.
NEET PG is conducted by NBEMS for admission to MD/MS/DNB courses in other medical colleges across India.
Is the internship compulsory before admission?
Yes. Candidates must complete the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) by the internship completion date specified in the official prospectus for the respective INI-CET session.
How can I apply for INI-CET?
Candidates must complete:

Basic Registration
Generation of Examination Unique Code (EUC)
Final Registration
Document Upload
Fee Payment
Final Submission

through the official AIIMS Examination Portal.
How is the INI-CET merit list prepared?
The merit list is prepared based on the candidate's performance in the entrance examination. Seat allotment is then carried out according to:
Merit Rank
Category
Reservation Policy
Candidate Preferences
Seat Availability
Is there a qualifying percentile for INI-CET?
Yes. AIIMS prescribes a minimum qualifying percentile for each category. However, meeting the qualifying percentile alone does not guarantee admission, as final selection depends on merit rank and seat availability.
How can I download the INI-CET Admit Card?
Candidates can download the admit card by logging in to the AIIMS Examination Portal using their registration credentials once it is released.
How can I check the INI-CET result?
The result is published online on the AIIMS Examination Portal. Candidates can log in using their credentials to download their scorecard and check their rank.
Is there any limit on the number of INI-CET attempts?
No. There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts for INI-CET, provided the candidate continues to satisfy the eligibility criteria prescribed for the examination.
Is INI-CET more difficult than NEET PG?
Both examinations are highly competitive. However, INI-CET is generally considered more concept-oriented, with greater emphasis on integrated clinical reasoning, image-based questions, and application of medical knowledge.
Can foreign nationals apply for INI-CET?
Yes. Foreign Nationals may apply for eligible courses under the applicable category, subject to the admission rules and eligibility criteria prescribed by AIIMS and the participating institutes.
What happens after qualifying INI-CET?
Candidates who qualify must participate in the online counselling process, complete choice filling, secure a seat through seat allotment, undergo document verification, and complete the admission formalities at the allotted Institute of National Importance.

INI-CET 2026 Syllabus

The INI-CET 2026 syllabus is based on the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC). The examination assesses candidates on concepts learned during the MBBS course, with a strong emphasis on clinical reasoning, integrated learning, patient management, image interpretation, and recent evidence-based medical practices.

The syllabus covers all 19 MBBS subjects, including pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical disciplines.

Pre-Clinical Subjects-

Anatomy

Gross Anatomy
Embryology
Histology
Neuroanatomy
Genetics
Surface & Applied Anatomy

Physiology

General Physiology
Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Renal Physiology
Gastrointestinal Physiology
Endocrinology
Reproductive Physiology
Neurophysiology

Biochemistry

Biomolecules
Enzymes
Metabolism
Molecular Biology
Nutrition
Vitamins
Clinical Biochemistry

Para-Clinical Subjects-

Pathology

General Pathology
Systemic Pathology
Hematology
Immunopathology
Neoplasia

Pharmacology

General Pharmacology
Autonomic Nervous System
Cardiovascular Drugs
CNS Drugs
Chemotherapy
Endocrine Pharmacology
Emergency Drugs

Microbiology

Bacteriology
Virology
Mycology
Parasitology
Immunology
Hospital Infections

Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

Medical Jurisprudence
Identification
Medico-Legal Procedures
Poisoning
Toxicology
Medical Ethics

Community Medicine

Epidemiology
Biostatistics
National Health Programmes
Preventive Medicine
Environmental Health
Occupational Health
Nutrition
Immunization
Demography

Clinical Subjects-

General Medicine

Cardiology
Respiratory Medicine
Gastroenterology
Nephrology
Neurology
Endocrinology
Rheumatology
Infectious Diseases
Emergency Medicine

General Surgery

General Surgery Principles
Trauma
Burns
Gastrointestinal Surgery
Urology
Vascular Surgery
Surgical Infections

Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Antenatal Care
Labour
High-Risk Pregnancy
Family Planning
Menstrual Disorders
Infertility
Gynaecological Disorders

Ophthalmology

Cataract
Glaucoma
Retinal Disorders
Ocular Emergencies
Neuro-ophthalmology

Orthopaedics

Fractures
Bone Tumours
Osteomyelitis
Arthritis
Spine Disorders

Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)

Ear Disorders
Nose & Paranasal Sinuses
Throat Disorders
Head & Neck Conditions
Hearing Loss

Anaesthesiology

General Anaesthesia
Regional Anaesthesia
Airway Management
Critical Care
Basic & Advanced Life Support

Radiodiagnosis

X-ray
Ultrasound
CT Scan
MRI
Contrast Imaging
Radiation Safety

Paediatrics

Growth & Development
Neonatology
Immunization
Common Childhood Illnesses
Pediatric Emergencies

Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy (DVL)

Common Skin Diseases
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Leprosy
Autoimmune Skin Disorders
Dermatological Emergencies

Psychiatry

Mood Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Psychotic Disorders
Substance Use Disorders
Psychiatric Emergencies

INI-CET 2026 Admit Card

The INI-CET 2026 Admit Card is released online by AIIMS, New Delhi through the official AIIMS Examination Portal. Only candidates who have successfully completed the registration process and whose applications are accepted can download the admit card. It is a mandatory document for appearing in the examination and must be carried to the test centre along with a valid original photo ID.

How to Download the INI-CET 2026 Admit Card

Step 1

Visit the official AIIMS Examination Portal.

Step 2

Click on the INI-CET 2026 login link.

Step 3

Step 4

Click on the "Download Admit Card" option.

Step 5

Verify all the details mentioned on the admit card.

Step 6

Download the admit card in PDF format.

Step 7

Take a clear printout of the admit card and keep it safely for the examination day.

Details Mentioned on the Admit Card

Candidates should verify the following information:

Candidate's Name
Roll Number
Registration ID
Candidate's Photograph
Candidate's Signature
Examination Date
Examination Time
Reporting Time
Examination Centre Name
Examination Centre Address
Important Instructions for Candidates

If any discrepancy is found, candidates should immediately contact the AIIMS Examination Section for assistance.

Documents Required on Exam Day

Candidates must carry the following documents to the examination centre:

Printed Copy of the INI-CET 2026 Admit Card
Original Government-issued Photo Identity Proof, such as:
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- PAN Card
- Driving Licence
- Voter ID

Failure to produce these documents may result in denial of entry to the examination centre.

Important Instructions

The INI-CET Admit Card is available only through the official AIIMS Examination Portal.
AIIMS does not send admit cards by post or email.
Admit cards are issued only to candidates whose applications have been accepted.
Candidates must verify all details immediately after downloading the admit card.
A printed admit card and a valid original photo ID are mandatory for entry into the examination centre.
Candidates should preserve the admit card until the counselling and admission process is completed.

INI-CET 2026 Counselling & Seat Allotment

The INI-CET 2026 Counselling process is conducted online by AIIMS, New Delhi for admission to postgraduate medical and dental courses offered by participating Institutes of National Importance (INIs). Only candidates who qualify the INI-CET examination and meet the prescribed eligibility criteria are eligible to participate in the counselling process.

Seat allotment is based on the candidate's INI-CET rank, category, preferences filled, seat availability, and the applicable reservation policy.

Counselling Process

The counselling process generally consists of the following stages:

Step 1: Online Counselling Registration

Eligible candidates must register online through the AIIMS Examination Portal within the prescribed timeline.

Step 2: Choice Filling

Candidates can select their preferred:

Institute
Course/Specialty

Candidates are advised to fill as many preferences as possible to improve their chances of seat allotment.

Step 3: Choice Locking

Before the deadline, candidates should carefully review and lock their choices.

If choices are not locked manually, they may be auto-locked as per the counselling schedule.

Step 4: Seat Allotment

Seats are allotted based on:

INI-CET Merit Rank
Category
Reservation Policy
Candidate's Preferences
Availability of Seats

The seat allotment result is published online on the AIIMS Examination Portal.

Step 5: Acceptance of Seat

Candidates who are allotted a seat must choose one of the available options within the specified timeline, such as:

Accept the allotted seat.
Participate in the next round (where permitted under the counselling rules).
Decline the allotted seat.

Step 6: Document Verification

Candidates accepting a seat must report to the allotted institute for verification of original documents.

Commonly required documents include:

INI-CET Admit Card
INI-CET Scorecard
Seat Allotment Letter
MBBS/BDS Degree Certificate
Internship Completion Certificate
Permanent/Provisional Registration Certificate
Category Certificate (if applicable)
PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
Valid Government-issued Photo ID
Passport-size Photographs

Step 7: Admission Confirmation

After successful document verification and completion of admission formalities, the candidate's admission to the allotted institute is confirmed.

Counselling Rounds

Depending on seat availability, AIIMS generally conducts multiple counselling rounds.

These may include:

Mock Round
Round 1
Round 2
Open Round
Spot Round (if announced)

The number of counselling rounds may vary depending on seat vacancies and AIIMS notifications.

INI-CET 2026 Preparation Strategy

Preparing for INI-CET 2026 requires a strong conceptual understanding of the MBBS curriculum, consistent revision, and regular practice of clinical and image-based questions. Since INI-CET is one of India's most competitive postgraduate medical entrance examinations, candidates should focus on concepts, clinical reasoning, recent guidelines, and time management rather than rote memorization.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern

Before starting your preparation, familiarize yourself with the examination format.

Computer-Based Test (CBT)
200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
3 Hours (180 Minutes)
+1 Mark for every correct answer
-1/3 Mark for every incorrect answer
Questions based on the MBBS curriculum

Understanding the exam pattern helps in developing an effective preparation strategy.

2. Strengthen Your MBBS Concepts

INI-CET primarily tests conceptual understanding rather than factual recall.

Focus on:

Basic Medical Sciences
Clinical Medicine
Surgical Principles
Diagnosis & Differential Diagnosis
Investigations of Choice
Standard Treatment Guidelines
Recent Clinical Guidelines
Integrated Clinical Approach

3. Prioritize High-Yield Subjects

Allocate more study time to subjects that consistently contribute a significant number of questions.

High-yield subjects include:

Medicine
Surgery
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Pathology
Pharmacology
Microbiology
Community Medicine
Anatomy
Physiology

4. Follow a Structured Study Plan

Create a realistic study schedule covering all 19 MBBS subjects.

Your daily routine should include:

Learning new concepts
Subject-wise revision
Clinical MCQ practice
Image-based questions
Reviewing incorrect answers

Maintain consistency instead of studying for long hours irregularly.

5. Solve High-Quality MCQs

Regular MCQ practice is essential for improving:

Clinical reasoning
Speed
Accuracy
Decision-making

After each practice session, review incorrect answers to identify weak areas.

6. Attempt Full-Length Mock Tests

Mock tests simulate the real examination environment.

Benefits include:

Time management practice
Identifying weak subjects
Improving accuracy
Building examination confidence

Attempt multiple full-length mock tests before the actual examination.

7. Focus on Image-Based Questions

INI-CET frequently includes image-based questions.

Practice interpreting:

X-rays
CT Scans
MRI
ECGs
Histopathology Slides
Clinical Photographs
Instruments
Gross Specimens

Developing visual diagnostic skills can significantly improve your score.

8. Revise Regularly

Revision is essential for long-term retention.

Useful revision resources include:

Short Notes
Flashcards
High-Yield Tables
Flowcharts
Previous Revision Notes

Plan weekly and monthly revision cycles to reinforce important concepts.

9. Stay Updated with Recent Guidelines

INI-CET often includes questions based on recent advances and updated clinical recommendations.

Revise:

National Clinical Guidelines
International Treatment Guidelines
Updated Disease Classification Systems
Recent Medical Advances
Standard Protocols

10. Improve Time Management

With 200 questions in 180 minutes, candidates have less than one minute per question.

A practical exam strategy is to:

Solve easy questions first.
Skip lengthy or doubtful questions initially.
Avoid excessive guessing due to negative marking.
Reserve the final few minutes for reviewing marked questions.

Participating Institutes Through INI-CET 2026

The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) serves as the common entrance examination for admission to postgraduate medical and dental courses offered by participating Institutes of National Importance (INIs) across India. These institutions are among the country's most prestigious medical institutes, known for excellence in education, research, patient care, and advanced clinical training.

Admission to MD, MS, MDS, DM (6 Years), M.Ch. (6 Years), and MD (Hospital Administration) programmes is granted based on the candidate's INI-CET rank, eligibility, and seat availability.

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is India's premier medical institution established by an Act of Parliament. Through INI-CET, admissions are offered to postgraduate programmes at participating AIIMS campuses across the country.

Participating AIIMS include:

AIIMS New Delhi
AIIMS Bhopal
AIIMS Bhubaneswar
AIIMS Jodhpur
AIIMS Patna
AIIMS Raipur
AIIMS Rishikesh
AIIMS Nagpur
AIIMS Mangalagiri
AIIMS Kalyani
AIIMS Gorakhpur
AIIMS Bibinagar
AIIMS Bathinda
AIIMS Deoghar
AIIMS Guwahati
AIIMS Rajkot
AIIMS Vijaypur
AIIMS Madurai (as per seat availability and applicable session)

Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh

PGIMER is one of India's leading postgraduate medical education and research institutes, offering advanced training across a wide range of medical and surgical specialties.

Courses Offered:

MD
MS
DM (6 Years)
M.Ch. (6 Years)

Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry

JIPMER is an Institute of National Importance known for its high academic standards, quality clinical training, and research facilities.

Courses Offered:

MD
MS
MDS
DM (6 Years)
M.Ch. (6 Years)

National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru

NIMHANS is India's premier institute specializing in mental health, neurosciences, neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry.

Through INI-CET, eligible postgraduate seats notified by NIMHANS are filled according to the official prospectus.

Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram

SCTIMST is an Institute of National Importance specializing in:

Cardiovascular Sciences
Neurosciences
Biomedical Technology
Advanced Clinical Research

Selected postgraduate seats are offered through INI-CET.

Why Choose an Institute of National Importance?

Institutes participating in INI-CET are recognized for:

World-class Faculty
Advanced Hospital Infrastructure
High Patient Load for Clinical Training
State-of-the-art Research Facilities
Excellent Academic Environment
Strong Super-specialty Exposure
National and International Recognition
Outstanding Career and Research Opportunities