AIIMS PG is now conducted as the INI CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) by AIIMS New Delhi. It is a CBT-mode exam conducted for 180 minutes.
- According to the INI CET Exam Pattern 2027, candidates have to answer 200 MCQ-type questions.
- As per INI CET marking scheme, each correct answer fetches +1 mark, and one-third of a mark is deducted for an incorrect answer.
- INI CET Exam question paper covers the pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects of the MBBS curriculum.
- Based on past years' analysis, Medicine, Surgery, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology and Obstetrics & Gynaecology are important topics for INI CET 2027.
- Based on previous years' papers, Clinical subjects have the highest weightage in INI CET 2027, contributing approximately 50% of the paper. Preclinical and paraclinical subjects together account for the other 50%.
- Clinical subjects like Medicine, Surgery, and OBGYN carry the highest weightage, at 45–50% of the paper. This makes them your biggest priority while preparing for INI CET.
- Pre-Clinical Subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry carry 20% to 25%
- Para-Clinical Subjects like Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine carry a weightage of 25% to 30%.
- The INI CET question type includes single-correct-choice MCQs and multiple-correct questions in the form of assertion-reasoning and matching.
AIIMS PG Exam Evolution to INI CET Exam:
In 2021, AIIMS PG was replaced by INI CET for postgraduate admissions across 23 participating institutes. Now, aspirants appear for INI CET exam for MD, MS, MDS, DM (6 years) and MCh (6 years) admission. AIIMS Delhi conducts INI CET twice a year in May and November, making it a single gateway to India's premier medical institutes.
Related Article: AIIMS PG Syllabus, Important Chapters for PG Courses, MD/MS & MDS, Best Books
INI CET Exam Pattern 2027 Key Highlights
The INI CET Exam pattern 2027 details have been tabulated below:
| Particulars | Details of INI CET Exam Pattern 2027 |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-based test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 hours (fixed 45 minutes for each section) |
| Frequency | Twice a year |
| Total Questions | 200 divided equally across 4 parts |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for each correct answer and -1/3 for an incorrect response |
| Language | English |
| INI CET Exam Time | 180 minutes |
Related Article: AIIMS PG Application Form, Check Registration Date, Direct Link
Ques. Is INI CET tough than NEET?
Ans. Yes, INI CET is generally considered tougher and more analytically demanding than NEET PG. INI CET features complex formats like multiple-correct answers, assertion-reasoning, extended matching, and heavy image integration. NEET PG relies more straightforwardly on single-best-answer factual questions.
Section-wise INI CET Exam Pattern 2027
You can check out the section-wise INI CET Paper Pattern below. Candidates need to answer each part (50 questions) within 45 minutes.
- Once the allotted 45 minutes expires, the next part will automatically activate.
- This means that you will not be allowed to view or answer any questions in parts other than the currently active one.
Key Point: Attempt all possible questions of the respective part during the stipulated time period, including reviewing any skipped questions. Each part will be submitted automatically after the respective 45 minutes as per INI CET paper pattern.
| Part | Subjects Covered | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Mixed (pre/para/clinical) | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Part 2 | Mixed (pre/para/clinical) | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Part 3 | Mixed (pre/para/clinical) | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Part 4 | Mixed (pre/para/clinical) | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Total | - | 200 | 200 | 180 minutes |
Source: aiimsexams.ac.in
Has the INI CET Pattern Changed Over the Years?
Yes, the INI CET exam pattern has changed over the years. The changes seen in INI CET Paper pattern after 2023 include:
- Paper structure: The exam shifted from a single continuous paper to 4 sequential parts/blocks after 2023.
- Section-wise Question Distribution: Before 2023, it was a single paper of 200 marks, but now it is divided into 4 parts of 50 questions each.
- Introduction of Sectional Time Limit: Candidates get 45 minutes for each part, instead of having 180 minutes. So you cannot answer questions according to your preference.
- Auto Submission of Paper: After every 45 minutes, the section gets automatically submitted when its allotted time ends. So you need to attempt question part wise.
INI CET Paper pattern for marking scheme, question type, and overall duration remains consistent with the pattern before 2023.
Check out the INI CET pattern changes in the table below:
| Particular | Old INI CET Paper Pattern | New INI CET Pattern (After 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Questions | 200 MCQs CBT Mode | 200 MCQs CBT Mode |
| Duration | 180 minutes | 180 minutes |
| Paper Structure (Changed) | No sectional parts/ blocks | Divided into 4 sequential parts (randomly) |
| Question Types | Single correct + Multiple correct MCQs | Single correct + Multiple correct MCQs |
| Questions per Part (Changed) | NA | 50 questions per part |
| Sectional Time (Changed) | NA | Fixed 45 minutes per section/ part |
| Navigation (Changed) | Free movement across all questions | One part active at a time; cannot return to previous parts |
| Marking Scheme | +1 correct, –1/3 incorrect, 0 unattempted | +1 correct, –1/3 incorrect, 0 unattempted |
| Submission (Changed) | All together at the end | Each part auto-submits after 45 minutes |
Related Article: AIIMS PG Paper Analysis, Weightage of Sections, Difficulty Level of Questions, Get Students Reaction
On discussion forums such as Reddit, a user asked whether the INI CET exam is conducted in time-based sections like NEET PG. A user commented that, yes, it’s split into 4 sections, 50 questions each, with 45 mins per section. Moreover, there is less time for each question, as each question is longer compared to NEET. For each question, you have 54 seconds to solve it in a particular section.
Source: Reddit
Ques. Is it hard to crack INI CET?
Ans. Yes, INI CET is one of the toughest and most competitive medical postgraduate entrance tests in India because it grants admission to elite institutions like AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS against a very limited pool of seats. INI CET focuses intensely on clinical scenarios, multi-system integration, image-based queries, and reasoning.
INI CET Exam Question Paper Pattern 2027
The INI CET Exam question paper comprises 4 parts arranged randomly. The questions are equally distributed across 4 parts, each with 50 objective-type questions.
- Single-correct-choice MCQs are more common on the paper, with four options and exactly one correct answer, similar to most entrance exams.
- Multiple- correct questions also appear in the paper, where more than one option can be correct, which includes match the following and reason assertions.
Related Article: AIIMS PG Eligibility, Qualification, Age, and Percentage, Seat Reservation, Certificates Required
Ques. What is a good score in INI CET?
Ans. INI CET is generally 140 to 160+ marks out of 200, which secures an All India Rank (AIR) under 500. This level ensures admission to top clinical branches such as General Surgery, Medicine, or Radiology) in premier institutes like AIIMS.
INI CET Marking Scheme 2027
As per INI CET Marking scheme, every correct answer awards +1 mark. Candidates should be cautious while answering because of negative marking in the AIIMS PG exam.
| Particulars | INI CET Marking Scheme |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +1 |
| Incorrect Answer | -1/3 |
| Unattempted Question | 0 |
Related Article: INI CET Seat Matrix: Check Institute & Category-wise Seat Matrix
Ques. How many questions are there in INI CET exam?
Ans. INI-CET exam consists of a total of 200 multiple-choice questions of 1 mark each. An incorrect answer results in negative marking of one-third of a mark for each question.
INI CET Exam Pattern 2027: Important Topics Based on Past Years' Analysis
The INI CET paper pattern 2027 important topics based on past years' analysis are discussed below. Candidates should focus on important topics to score well in INI CET. Master the high-yield topics such as Medicine, Surgery, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharma and Obstetrics, as they are high-frequency topics.
INI CET 2027 Exam Pattern: Important Topics for Clinical Subjects
The important topics for Clinical Subjects are tabulated below for INI CET Paper pattern 2027. Medicine and Surgery alone contribute a large share of the questions
| INI CET Syllabus Topics | Focus Area | Number of Questions Asked |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | Cardiology, Neurology, Nephrology and Endocrinology | 20- 30 |
| Surgery | Trauma, Gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, Thyroid | 15- 25 |
| Obstetrics & Gynaecology | OBS Emergency, Foetal monitoring, Contraceptives and Gynaecological cancer | 12- 18 |
| Paediatrics | Neonatology & Developmental Milestones | 8- 12 |
| ENT, Ophthalmology, Ortho, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Radiology, Anaesthesia | Diagram-based and focus on good revision | 25+ |
INI CET 2027 Exam Pattern: Important Topics for Para Clinical Subjects
The important topics for Para Clinical Subjects are tabulated below for INI CET Paper pattern 2027. They are quick scoring because the questions are often factual and application-based.
| INI CET Syllabus Topics | Focus Area | Number of Questions Asked |
|---|---|---|
| Pathology | Haematology, Neoplasia, Inflammation and Histopathology | 15- 20 |
| Microbiology | Bacteriology, Viral Cycles, Antimicrobial | 8-12 |
| Pharmacology | New Drugs, Drug of Choice, Adverse Effects, and Clinical Pharma | 10-15 |
| PSM | Screening, Epidemiology, Biostats and Vaccination | 10- 15 |
INI CET 2027 Exam Pattern: Important Topics for Pre-Clinical Subjects
The important topics for pre-clinical subjects are tabulated below for INI CET Paper pattern 2027. They carry fewer questions but remain important for clinical reasoning.
| INI CET Syllabus Topics | Focus Area | Number of Questions Asked |
|---|---|---|
| Biochemistry | Molecular Biology, Genetics and Metabolism | 6- 10 |
| Physiology | Cell transport, cardiac and nerve action potentials, respiratory mechanics, and renal acid-base balance. Focus on core mechanisms and clinical integration. | 6- 10 |
| Anatomy | Neuroanatomy, Embryology, and applied clinical correlates | 6- 10 |
Related Article: AIIMS PG Admit Card, Download Process, Documents Required
You can watch the YouTube video by “PW MedEd NEET PG” to know the high-yield topics for INI CET exams based on past years' analysis.
Ques. Is doing PYQ enough for INI CET?
Ans. No, solving PYQs alone is not enough to crack the INI-CET. While PYQs are the ultimate foundation for understanding high-frequency topics and the paper pattern. The exam tests deep clinical concepts rather than repeating exact questions.
INI CET Total Marks 2027
The INI CET total marks are 200 for 200 objective-type MCQs. As per INI CET marking scheme, there is negative marking of one-third of a mark, so attempt answers you are confident about.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| INI CET Total Marks | 200 |
| INI CET Total Questions | 200 |
| Marks awarded for a correct answer | +1 |
INI CET Exam Pattern Tie-Breaking Rule
As per INI CET Exam pattern, candidates whose INI CET Total marks are the same will be resolved by applying the following tie-breaking criteria sequentially:
- Less negative marks and
- Older by age
Ques. How many INI CET attempts are allowed?
Ans. There is no limit on the number of attempts allowed for the AIIMS INI CET exam. You can take the test as many times as you want as long as you meet the basic eligibility criteria. The test happens twice every year.
INI CET Exam Time 2027
The INI CET Exam Time is of 180 minutes. But the exam is divided into four segments. Each segment is allotted 45 minutes. You need to answer every part of the question within the given time limit. After the allotted time, each part will be submitted automatically.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| INI CET Exam Time (Total) | 180 minutes |
| Sectional Time Limit | 45 minutes |
Ques. What is INI CET Exam Pattern?
Ans. INI CET is a computer-based online exam consisting of 200 objective-type questions with a duration of 3 hours (180 minutes). It features a marking scheme of +1 mark for every correct answer and a deduction of 1/3 mark for every incorrect answer.
How to Prepare Based on INI CET Exam Pattern 2027
Your preparation should match the block-wise, clinically heavy nature of the paper. The tips below are drawn directly from the INI-CET pattern.
- Practise block-wise mocks: Solve 50 questions in 45 minutes per block, since you cannot revisit a block once it is submitted.
- Prioritise clinical subjects: Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and Paediatrics the most study time on them, as they carry the highest weightage.
- Practice various question types: Practise reason-assertion, multiple-correct, and clinical vignette items, not just single-best-response MCQs.
- Strengthen para-clinical basics: Use Pathology, Pharmacology, and PSM for quick, reliable marks.
- Time every section: Since each block locks after 45 minutes, build the habit of flagging and moving on quickly.
- Attempt mocks and PYQs: Previous INI CET papers and mock tests remain the best preparation guide.
INI CET Exam Pattern 2027 FAQs
Ques. What type of questions are asked in INI CET?
Ans. INI CET includes objective-type questions, including single-correct and multiple-correct answer questions.
Ques. What is the INI CET exam pattern?
Ans. In 2021, AIIMS PG was replaced by INI CET for postgraduate admissions across 23 participating institutes. INI CET is a computer-based test (CBT) consisting of 200 objective-type questions to be attempted in 180 minutes. AIIMS Delhi conducts INI CET twice a year, in May and November, for MD, MS, MDS, DM (6 years) and MCh (6 years) admissions.
Ques. Is there negative marking in INI CET?
Yes. As per INI CET marking scheme, 1 mark is awarded for every correct answer, while 1/3 mark is deducted for an incorrect answer. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
Ques. What is the total number of marks in the INI CET exam?
Ans. INI CET exam contains 200 questions carrying 1 mark. So INI CET total marks is 200.
Ques. Is AIIMS PG the same as INI-CET?
Ans. Yes. AIIMS no longer holds a separate PG entrance and admits MD/MS/DM/MCh/MDS students through INI-CET. The INI-CET exam, conducted by AIIMS New Delhi, now serves as the AIIMS PG entrance exam.
Ques. Can I go back to a previous question in AIIMS PG (INI-CET)?
Ans. No, the AIIMS PG (INI-CET) exam follows a block-wise pattern, and once a block is submitted or its 45 minutes have ended, you cannot return to it. You must finish each block within its time window.
Ques. In which language is the AIIMS PG (INI-CET) paper set?
Ans. The INI-CET paper is set in English only. There is no regional language or Hindi-medium option for INI-CET.
Ques. What percentile do I need to qualify AIIMS PG (INI-CET) 2027?
Ans. You need the 50th percentile if you are in the General category, and SC/ST/OBC/PwBD students need the 45th percentile to qualify for INI-CET.
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