INI CET 2026: Notification, Dates, Eligibility, Registration, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Tips, Admission

INI CET 2026 Notification will be released in 3rd week of September 2025. The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) for 2026 marks a pivotal opportunity for aspiring medical professionals seeking admission to prestigious PG medical courses. Administered by AIIMS, New Delhi, the INI CET is conducted twice annually, in January and July sessions. 

Designed for candidates pursuing MD, MS, M.Ch, and DM programs, this national-level exam opens doors to renowned medical institutions such as AIIMS, JIPMER, NIHMANS, and PGIMER. The INI CET 2026 registration process, commencing from the 3rd week of January, unfolds in two stages: basic registration and final registration, encompassing document uploads, generation of an exam unique code (EUC), form completion, fee payment, exam centre selection, and application printout. 

With approximately 872 seats available across various specialities including MS, MD, DM, MCh, and MDS, the INI CET 2026 sets the stage for the next generation of medical practitioners.

What is INI CET?

INI CET stands for Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test, conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi. It serves as the entrance exam for admission to various postgraduate courses including Master of Surgery (MS), Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Dental Surgery (MDS), Doctorate of Medicine (DM), and Master of Chirurgiae (MCh). The scores obtained in INI CET are valid for admission to 17 AIIMS, JIPMER Puducherry, PGI Chandigarh, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and SCTIMST Trivandrum. Since 2021, these institutes have adopted INI CET scores as the sole basis for PG admissions, replacing their previous separate entrance exams. INI CET is conducted twice a year, in January and July sessions.

INI CET 2026 Highlights

INI CET 2026, a national-level entrance exam conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi, offers aspiring medical professionals the chance to pursue PG medical courses in prestigious institutions like AIIMS, JIPMER, NIHMANS, and PGIMER. 

INI CET 2026 Exam Dates

INI CET 2026 conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, is a national-level entrance examination for admission to various postgraduate medical courses. The exam will be held in two sessions, scheduled for January and July.

For January Session (For MD/ MS-6 yrs):

For July Session (For MD/ MS – 6 yrs):

INI CET 2026 Application Form

The online release date for the INI CET 2026 application form will be announced alongside the official information brochure. Basic registration for the AIIMS INI CET 2026 July session is expected to commence tentatively in the first week of March. The INI CET application process consists of both basic and final registration stages, where candidates must provide basic personal details and upload scanned copies of required images such as passport-sized photographs.

• INI CET 2026 Registration opens separately for July and January sessions.
• Application forms for the July session are available from the first week of March 2026.
• For the January session, application forms are accessible from the third week of September to the second week of October 2025.
• Applicants must upload passport-size photographs and signatures in the specified format while completing the form.
• Eligibility criteria must be thoroughly checked before submission, as forms are accepted only from eligible candidates.
• The authority may or may not provide a correction facility for editing mistakes in the application form.
• Once all details are entered, candidates should take a printout of the filled-in form for future reference.
• Registration for each session follows distinct timelines, so applicants should adhere to the specified deadlines.
• Missing the deadline or failing to fulfil eligibility criteria may result in the rejection of the application.
• It is essential to stay updated with official notifications regarding the registration process to avoid any discrepancies or missed opportunities.

INI CET 2026 Application Fee

The application process for INI CET 2026 exclusively employs online submission of fees, with no offline alternative available. Candidates can utilize various online payment methods such as Credit Card, Debit Card, Net banking, UPI, and Paytm payment gateways for the transaction. This streamlined process ensures convenience and accessibility for applicants throughout the fee submission process.

How to Fill INI CET 2026 Application Form?

• Step 1: Visit the INI CET Website: Access the official website of INI CET (Link provided above) using a web browser.
• Step 2: Navigate to the New Candidates Section: On the homepage, locate and click on the “New Candidates” link to initiate the application process.
• Step 3: Fill out the Application Form: Complete the application form by providing basic details such as name, contact information, educational background, etc.
• Step 4: Registration and Login: Upon completing the form, register yourself by creating login credentials. Use these credentials to log into the application form.
• Step 5: Enter Personal Details Fill in personal information including your name, parent’s name, date of birth, gender, category, nationality, etc., as required.
• Step 6: Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of necessary documents such as photographs, signatures, educational certificates, identity proof, etc., adhering to the specified format and size guidelines.
• Step 7: Payment of Application Fee: Proceed to pay the prescribed application fee using online payment methods like Credit Card, Debit Card, Net banking, UPI, or Paytm payment gateways.
• Step 8: Submission and Confirmation:  After successful payment, submit the completed application form. Ensure all entered information and uploaded documents are accurate and up-to-date. Save a copy of the submitted application form for future reference and correspondence.

INI CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The INI CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria outlines the requirements for candidates aspiring to pursue PG medical courses. It delineates the academic, age, and nationality requirements for prospective applicants. Compliance with these criteria ensures eligibility for participation in the entrance examination.

Nationality: 

• Indian nationals, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)/ NRI, and foreign nationals are eligible to apply for the exam.
• Nomination Requirement: Foreign candidates do not need government nomination to appear in the entrance exam.

Qualifying Marks: 

• Candidates must have secured a minimum aggregate of 55% marks in their qualifying degree. Reserved category candidates or foreign nationals require a minimum of 50% marks.

Qualifications:

• Applicants for MD/MS/DM-6 yrs/ MCH-6 yrs courses must possess an MBBS degree from a University recognized by NMC/MCI.
• Applicants for MDS courses must hold a BDS degree from a recognized University.
• Completion of a 12-month rotating internship/practical training is mandatory on or before 31st January 2026.

Note: Those applicants who have completed the required period of 12 months of mandatory rotating internship/practical training on or before 31st December 2026 will be eligible for admission to PG courses at PGIMER Chandigarh.

Also, Candidates Check below criteria in table format;

INI CET 2026 Exam Pattern

The INI CET 2026 Exam Pattern delineates the structure and format of the entrance examination for PG medical courses. It encompasses details such as question types, duration, marking scheme, and mode of examination.

• Exam Mode: The INI CET 2025 exam will be conducted via online mode, also known as Computer Based Test (CBT). This mode enables candidates to take the exam using a computer system with an internet connection.
• Duration: Candidates will have a total of 3 hours to complete the question paper. This duration allows sufficient time for candidates to answer all the questions within the specified time frame.
• Question Type: The question paper will consist of objective-type questions. These types of questions typically offer multiple-choice options, requiring candidates to select the correct answer from the given choices.
• Number of Questions: The INI CET 2025 question paper will contain a total of 200 questions. This comprehensive set of questions covers various topics relevant to the examination syllabus.
• Marking Scheme: Candidates will be awarded +1 mark for each correct answer. However, for every incorrect answer, there will be a penalty of -1/3 marks deducted from the total score. This marking scheme encourages candidates to answer accurately while being cautious of potential deductions for incorrect responses.

Subject wise questions distribution:

INI CET 2026 Syllabus

The INI CET 2026 syllabus encompasses a comprehensive range of subjects essential for the examination. Covering topics from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, General Knowledge, and Aptitude & Logical Thinking, it ensures candidates are well-prepared for the entrance test.

INI CET 2026 Preparation Tips

Prepare effectively for INI CET 2026 with these essential tips tailored to optimize your study approach and maximize your chances of success in the entrance examination.

1. Understand the Syllabus: Begin by thoroughly understanding the syllabus provided for INI CET 2026. Categorize topics based on your familiarity and prioritize those you find challenging.
2. Develop a Study Schedule: Create a realistic study schedule that allocates sufficient time for each subject. Ensure a balance between revising familiar topics and tackling new ones.
3. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key. Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and improve time management skills.
4. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weaknesses and dedicate extra time to strengthen those areas. Seek help from teachers, mentors, or online resources if necessary.
5. Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Allocate time to stay updated with current affairs, especially in the field of science and technology, as this is often included in the General Knowledge section.
6. Revision Strategy: Plan regular revision sessions to reinforce concepts and ensure retention. Create concise notes or flashcards for quick review before the exam.
7. Maintain Good Health: A healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Ensure adequate sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and incorporate regular exercise into your routine to stay mentally and physically fit.
8. Stay Calm and Confident: Exam anxiety can negatively impact performance. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to stay calm during the exam. Maintain confidence in your preparation and believe in yourself.

INI CET 2026 Admit Card

The INI CET 2026 admit card is accessible exclusively via the website in online mode. The authority has released the admit card in the 5th week of October 2025 for the January session and in the Last week of May 2026 for the July session.

Candidates who completed the application process before the deadline can download the INI CET admit card. They need to log in to the online portal using their credentials to access the admit card. It is mandatory to carry a hard copy of the admit card along with a valid photo ID proof to the exam centre.

INI CET 2026 Result

The authority has released the INI CET 2026 results through online mode on the 2nd week of November 2025 for the January session. For July session, it will be declared on the 4th week of May 2026. Only participating candidates in the examination can access the result from the website. After a few days after the completion of the entrance exam, the INI CET result has been declared.

It will consist of candidates’ performance in the entrance exam. Candidates are advised to keep the result safe till the completion of the admission procedure. Candidates are required to provide their login details to download the result.

INI CET 2026 Cut-Off

The INI CET 2026 cut-off marks will be determined based on several parameters such as the number of candidates appearing, qualified candidates, performance in the qualifying exam, and ranks secured. Expected cut-off marks for different categories are as follows:

INI CET Exam Centers

INI CET exam centres for 2026 are strategically located across various cities nationwide to facilitate accessibility for candidates. These centres ensure convenience and efficiency in the examination process for aspiring medical professionals.

INI CET 2026 Counselling

The separate counselling procedure is organized by the authority for both the INI CET 2026 sessions. Shortlisted candidates in the entrance exam are allowed to participate in the counselling round from the 4th week of November 2025 for the January session. The qualified candidates can register themselves for the counselling process through online mode only.

There are various rounds in the INI CET counselling 2026 procedure. The seats have been allotted to the candidates based on their rank in the merit list. Candidates also have to carry some of the important documents for the verification procedure. For the open round, counselling has been started from the 3rd week of January 2026.

Documents Required for Verification Procedure:

• MBBS/BDS First, Second, and Third Professional Examination Mark Sheets
• INI CET PG 2026 Admit Card
• INI CET 2026 Rank Card
• MBBS/BDS Degree Certificate
• Internship Completion Certification
• Medical Registration Certificate
• Permanent/Provisional Registration Certificate
• 10th/12th/Birth Certificate for Date of Birth Verification
• Counselling Call Letter
• Category Certificate

Participating Institutes of INI CET 2026

The participating institutes of INI CET 2026 encompass esteemed medical institutions across India, offering postgraduate medical courses. These institutes, including AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST, provide top-tier education and training in the field of medicine.

INI CET 2026 FAQ’s

Sunil Kushwaha

As a dedicated Biology Science graduate, I’m passionate about sharing the latest updates in national and state entrance exams through my blog. I aim to keep aspiring students informed about exam trends, important dates, and changes in syllabi. With a keen interest in education, I strive to offer valuable insights for students navigating the competitive landscape of entrance examinations and admission tests. Stay updated with me.