INI CET 2026 (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) is a national-level Computer-Based Test conducted by AIIMS New Delhi for admission to MD, MS, MDS, DM, and MCh postgraduate medical programmes at 23 Institutes of National Importance, including all 19 AIIMS campuses, JIPMER, PGIMER Chandigarh, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST. Both sessions of INI CET 2026 have been completed — the January 2026 session exam was held on November 9, 2025, and the July 2026 session exam was held on May 16, 2026, with counselling for the July session concluding in August 2026. Registration for the next INI CET session (January 2027 intake, exam on November 1, 2026) opened on September 16, 2026 and is currently live on aiimsexams.ac.in.
- Registration Open Now: INI CET January 2027 registration is live on aiimsexams.ac.in from September 16, 2026. The last date to apply is October 13, 2026. Around 87,000 candidates registered for the January 2026 session — apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
- Exam Date: The next INI CET exam is scheduled for November 1, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon in CBT mode. The exam tests all MBBS subjects through 200 MCQs split across 4 time-locked sections of 45 minutes each.
- Admit Card: The INI CET admit card for the November 1, 2026 exam is expected on October 26, 2026 — approximately 6 days before the exam. In both 2026 sessions, admit cards were released about one week before the exam date.
- Result: INI CET result for the November 2026 exam is expected around November 7, 2026. For the July 2026 session, AIIMS declared the result on May 23, 2026 — 7 days after the May 16 exam. Only candidates whose All-India Rank falls within 8 times the total seats are eligible for counselling.
What is INI CET 2026?
INI CET stands for Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test. AIIMS New Delhi conducts it on behalf of all 23 Institutes of National Importance (INIs) across India. The exam is the single gateway for admission to postgraduate medical programmes — MD, MS, MDS, DM, MCh, and M.Biotechnology — at top institutions like all 19 AIIMS campuses, JIPMER Puducherry, PGIMER Chandigarh, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and SCTIMST Trivandrum.
What makes INI CET unique is that it runs two sessions every academic year. The January session has its entrance exam in November of the preceding year, and the July session has its exam in May. Candidates can appear in one or both sessions. Each session has its own registration, admit card, result, and counselling cycle.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test |
| Conducting Body | AIIMS New Delhi |
| Official Website | aiimsexams.ac.in |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Frequency | Twice a year (January and July sessions) |
| Courses Offered | MD, MS, MDS, DM, MCh, M.Biotechnology |
| Total Participating Institutes | 23 INIs (19 AIIMS + JIPMER + PGIMER + NIMHANS + SCTIMST) |
| Total Seats — January 2026 Session | 1,361 |
| Total Seats — July 2026 Session | 1,581 |
| Candidates Appeared — July 2026 Session | ~58,000 |
| Candidates Qualified — July 2026 Session | 51,184 |
| Language | English only |
INI CET is one of the most competitive postgraduate medical entrance exams in India. With more than 50,000 candidates appearing per session and only 1,500 to 1,600 seats, the competition is intense. The prestige of training at AIIMS New Delhi or PGIMER Chandigarh makes it the top choice for MBBS graduates targeting a PG medical seat.
INI CET 2026 Important Dates
INI CET runs two sessions in 2026. As of September 19, 2026, both sessions are over. The upcoming event is the November 2026 exam for the January 2027 session, with registration currently open. The tables below show upcoming events first, followed by past events in chronological order.
Upcoming Events — INI CET November 2026 Exam (January 2027 Session)
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Last Date | October 13, 2026 | Open Now |
| Application Status Check | October 17–19, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Admit Card Release | October 26, 2026 | Upcoming |
| Exam Date | November 1, 2026 (9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon) | Upcoming |
| Result Expected | ~November 7, 2026 | Upcoming |
INI CET July 2026 Session — Key Dates (Completed)
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Opens | March 28, 2026 | (Over) |
| Registration Closes | April 25, 2026 | (Over) |
| Exam Date | May 16, 2026 | (Over) |
| Result Declared | May 23, 2026 | (Out) |
| Mock Round Allotment | June 15, 2026 | (Over) |
| Round 1 Reporting at Institutes | June 25–30, 2026 | (Over) |
| Round 2 Seat Allotment | Third week of July 2026 | (Over) |
| Open Round Seat Allotment | August 21, 2026 | (Over) |
INI CET January 2026 Session — Key Dates (Completed)
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Date | November 9, 2025 | (Over) |
| Result Declared | November 15, 2025 | (Out) |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment | December 18, 2025 | (Over) |
| Round 1 Reporting | December 19–24, 2025 | (Over) |
| Round 2 Seat Allotment | January 9, 2026 | (Over) |
| Open Round (Cancelled) | February 2026 | (Cancelled) |
Source: aiimsexams.ac.in
INI CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
You must check the INI CET eligibility criteria carefully before applying. AIIMS rejects applications from ineligible candidates without refunding the fee. The criteria vary slightly depending on the course — MD/MS, MDS, or DM/MCh.
Eligibility for MD/MS Courses
- You must hold an MBBS degree from an NMC-recognized institution.
- You must have completed a one-year compulsory rotatory internship and hold the internship completion certificate at the time of applying.
- Minimum aggregate marks in MBBS: 55% for General, OBC, and EWS candidates; 50% for SC and ST candidates.
Eligibility for MDS Courses
- You must hold a BDS degree from a DCI-recognized institution.
- Completed compulsory rotating internship with a valid completion certificate is mandatory.
- Minimum aggregate marks in BDS: 55% for General, OBC, and EWS; 50% for SC and ST.
Eligibility for DM/MCh Super-Speciality Courses
- You must hold an MD or MS degree in a relevant discipline, recognized by NMC.
- Some DM courses require post-MD work experience — check the specific requirements for each AIIMS separately.
| Criteria | General / OBC / EWS | SC / ST |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum MBBS/BDS Marks | 55% | 50% |
| Internship Completion | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Upper Age Limit | No upper age limit (most INIs) | No upper age limit (most INIs) |
| Number of Attempts | No restriction | No restriction |
| Nationality | Indian National, OCI, PIO, or Foreign National | |
NIMHANS Bengaluru and SCTIMST Trivandrum may set specific upper age limits for certain specialities. Check their individual information bulletins before applying.
INI CET 2026 Application Process and Fees
You can only apply for INI CET through the official AIIMS portal — aiimsexams.ac.in. There is no offline application mode. The process below applies to all sessions of INI CET.
How to Apply for INI CET — Step by Step
- Step 1 — Register: Create a new account on aiimsexams.ac.in with your name, email, and mobile number. You will receive your registration ID and password.
- Step 2 — Fill Application: Log in and complete the form — personal details, MBBS details, category, and speciality preferences.
- Step 3 — Upload Documents: Upload your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and certificates (MBBS degree, internship completion certificate, and category certificate if applicable).
- Step 4 — Pay Fee: Pay online via Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking. UPI and offline payment modes are not accepted.
- Step 5 — Submit and Save: Submit the completed form and save a copy for your records. Check application status during the verification window after the deadline.
INI CET Application Fees
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS / Foreign Nationals / OCI | Rs. 4,000 |
| SC / ST | Rs. 3,200 |
The INI CET application fee is non-refundable. Confirm your eligibility before paying.
Registration Dates — All Sessions
- July 2026 Session: Registration ran from March 28 to April 25, 2026 (closed).
- January 2026 Session: Registration ran in September–October 2025 (closed).
- Next Session (November 2026 exam): Registration is open from September 16 to October 13, 2026 — apply now on aiimsexams.ac.in.
INI CET 2026 Exam Pattern
INI CET 2026 is a Computer-Based Test with 200 MCQs to be answered in 3 hours. The exam is divided into 4 sections of 45 minutes each with a strict time lock — once a section’s time runs out, you cannot go back. This is the most distinctive feature of INI CET compared to other PG medical entrance exams.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Duration | 3 hours (4 sections × 45 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 200 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Questions per Section | 50 |
| Correct Answer | +1 mark |
| Wrong Answer | -1/3 (negative marking) |
| Unattempted Question | 0 (no marks deducted) |
| Language | English only |
| Type of Questions | Single best response MCQs |
Key Points About INI CET 2026 Exam Pattern
- Each section has a strict 45-minute timer. Once the time ends for a section, you move automatically to the next — there is no going back.
- AIIMS does not reveal the subject-wise distribution of questions in advance. Questions from all MBBS subjects are mixed across the 4 sections.
- The -1/3 negative marking is significant. Avoid random guessing — only attempt a question if you can eliminate at least 2 options.
- AIIMS does not release an official answer key after the exam. Coaching institutes like PrepLadder and Marrow release unofficial keys to help candidates estimate scores.
- The final score is used to calculate a percentile and generate an All-India Rank for counselling.
INI CET difficulty is generally higher than NEET PG, with a strong focus on clinical reasoning and application-based questions rather than straight recall. High-yield subjects include Medicine, Surgery, Pathology, Pharmacology, and OBG.
INI CET 2026 Syllabus
The INI CET syllabus covers all subjects taught during the MBBS programme. AIIMS does not publish a fixed subject-wise question distribution, but analysis of past papers shows a clear pattern in high-yield subjects.
Pre-Clinical Subjects
- Anatomy — embryology, neuroanatomy, applied anatomy, and clinical correlations
- Physiology — applied physiology and clinical scenario-based questions
- Biochemistry — metabolism, molecular biology, and enzyme disorders
Para-Clinical Subjects
- Pathology — high-yield; general pathology, systemic pathology, tumour markers, haematology
- Microbiology — bacteriology, virology, parasitology, recent outbreaks
- Pharmacology — drug mechanisms, toxicology, recent drug approvals (last 2 years are important)
- Forensic Medicine — medicolegal aspects, toxicology
- Community Medicine (PSM) — epidemiology, national health programmes, biostatistics
Clinical Subjects
- General Medicine — highest weightage; cardiology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, neurology
- General Surgery — applied surgical anatomy, pre- and post-operative care, subspecialties
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology — FIGO staging, obstetric emergencies, ectopic pregnancy management
- Paediatrics — growth milestones, paediatric emergencies, common childhood diseases
- Ophthalmology, ENT, Orthopaedics
- Psychiatry, Dermatology, Radiology, Anaesthesiology
- Emergency Medicine and other allied specialities
Approximate Subject Weightage — INI CET 2025–2026 Sessions
| Subject Group | Approximate Questions per Session (out of 200) |
|---|---|
| Medicine and allied specialities | 30–40 |
| Surgery and allied specialities | 20–30 |
| Pathology | 15–20 |
| Pharmacology | 15–20 |
| Gynaecology and Obstetrics | 15–20 |
| Community Medicine (PSM) | 10–15 |
| Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry | 20–30 |
| Other clinical subjects (Paeds, Ophthalmology, ENT, etc.) | 40–60 |
Subject distribution is approximate, based on candidate feedback from 2025 and 2026 sessions. AIIMS does not publish an official subject-wise breakdown.
INI CET 2026 Admit Card
The INI CET admit card is released on aiimsexams.ac.in. You need to log in with your registration ID and password to download it. AIIMS does not send the admit card by post or email — you must download and print it yourself before the exam day.
Admit Card Dates for INI CET Sessions
- January 2026 Session: Admit card was released before the November 9, 2025 exam — approximately one week in advance.
- July 2026 Session: Admit card was released before the May 16, 2026 exam, also about one week in advance.
- Upcoming (November 2026 exam): Admit card is expected on October 26, 2026 — 6 days before the exam on November 1, 2026.
What to Verify on Your INI CET Admit Card
- Your name, roll number, and registration ID
- Exam date, time, and session
- Exam centre name and full address
- Any specific instructions for exam day
Documents to Carry on INI CET Exam Day
- Printed INI CET admit card (colour printout preferred)
- One valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence)
- One recent passport-size photograph matching the one uploaded during registration
Candidates without a valid admit card and photo ID will not be allowed to enter the exam hall. Check your admit card details as soon as it is released and report any errors to AIIMS immediately.
INI CET 2026 Result and Merit List
AIIMS declares INI CET results on aiimsexams.ac.in in PDF format. The result shows your All-India Rank (AIR), category rank, and qualifying percentile. There is no individual marksheet — you search for your roll number in the published merit list PDF to find your rank.
INI CET 2026 Result Dates
- January 2026 Session: Result was declared on November 15, 2025 — 6 days after the November 9, 2025 exam.
- July 2026 Session: Result was declared on May 23, 2026 — 7 days after the May 16, 2026 exam.
- November 2026 exam (upcoming): Result is expected around November 7, 2026, following the same pattern of 6–7 days after the exam.
INI CET Merit List
AIIMS publishes the INI CET merit list along with the result. Only candidates whose All-India Rank falls within 8 times the total seats available are included in the merit list and can participate in counselling. For the July 2026 session with 1,581 seats, this means roughly the top 12,648 ranked candidates were eligible for counselling.
In the July 2026 session, 51,184 candidates qualified the cutoff percentile — an increase of 2,184 from the May 2025 session — showing a slight rise in the number of candidates meeting the qualifying threshold each year.
INI CET 2026 Qualifying Cutoff Percentile
| Category | Qualifying Percentile — July 2026 Session |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 50.17 (50th percentile) |
| OBC / SC / ST / PwBD | 45.29 (45th percentile) |
Qualifying the cutoff only means you are eligible to participate in counselling. It does not guarantee a seat. Your All-India Rank compared against the admission cutoff for each institute and speciality determines your actual seat allotment.
Source: aiimsexams.ac.in
INI CET 2026 Marks vs Rank
AIIMS does not publish an official marks vs rank chart for INI CET. The data below is compiled from candidate feedback, merit list analysis, and coaching institute reports. It gives you a realistic picture of how many marks you need to target a specific rank range.
INI CET January 2026 Session — Marks vs Rank (Approximate)
| Score Range (out of 200) | Approximate All-India Rank | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 148–151 | 1–39 | Top rank — any seat at AIIMS New Delhi |
| 130–140 | 40–500 | AIIMS New Delhi — most specialities |
| 120–129 | 500–1,500 | AIIMS New Delhi — limited specialities; PGIMER, JIPMER easily |
| 110–119 | 1,500–3,500 | PGIMER, JIPMER, and older AIIMS campuses |
| 100–109 | 3,500–7,000 | Older and newer AIIMS campuses |
| 90–99 | 7,000–12,000 | Newer AIIMS campuses — limited seats |
| 72–89 | 12,000–25,500 | SC/ST category seats at some INIs |
Marks vs rank figures are approximate, based on candidate feedback and merit list analysis from the 2026 session. Actual ranks depend on overall exam difficulty and the number of candidates who appeared.
To secure a seat at AIIMS New Delhi in a clinical speciality like Medicine or Surgery, you generally need to be within the top 500–1,000 ranks. Seats at newer AIIMS campuses are available for ranks in the 10,000–20,000 range depending on category and speciality. A score above 120 out of 200 puts you in a strong position.
INI CET 2026 Cutoff
INI CET has two types of cutoff. The qualifying cutoff is set by AIIMS — you must cross this percentile to appear in the merit list. The admission cutoff is the last rank at which a seat was allotted in each counselling round at each institute.
INI CET Admission Cutoff Ranks — January 2026 Session (Category-wise)
| Category | Round 1 Closing Rank | Round 2 Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|
| UR (General) | 7,621 | 10,022 |
| EWS | 17,596 | 25,907 |
| OBC | 11,318 | 14,062 |
| SC | 20,266 | 22,540 |
| ST | 27,569 | 30,606 |
INI CET Admission Cutoff Ranks — July 2025 Session (Previous Year Reference)
| Category | Round 1 Closing Rank | Round 2 Closing Rank |
|---|---|---|
| UR (General) | 5,808 | 7,334 |
| EWS | 22,645 | 29,905 |
| OBC | 11,957 | 17,949 |
| SC | 23,513 | 26,879 |
| ST | 31,313 | 42,564 |
Comparing the two sessions, the General category Round 1 cutoff rank rose from 5,808 (July 2025 session) to 7,621 (January 2026 session) — meaning more General category candidates got seats in the January 2026 session. This shift reflects the higher total seat count in the January session (1,361 seats) as well as candidate preference patterns.
The admission cutoff for individual institutes like AIIMS New Delhi will be much tighter — within the top 200–500 ranks for General category in most clinical specialities. The overall cutoff figures above represent the last seat allotted across all 23 INIs combined.
INI CET 2026 Counselling Process
INI CET counselling is conducted entirely online by AIIMS New Delhi using the INSAS (Institute-wise Synchronization of Seat Allotment) system. Candidates shortlisted in the merit list must register separately for counselling on aiimsexams.ac.in. This is not automatic — you must actively register within the given window.
Counselling Rounds in INI CET
- Mock Round: A trial round with no actual seat block. You fill preferences, lock choices, and see a tentative allotment. This helps you understand the INSAS system before the actual rounds begin.
- Round 1: The first actual allotment round. You fill institute and speciality preferences, lock them before the deadline, and receive a seat allotment. You must accept online and report to the institute within the given dates.
- Round 2: Open for candidates who were not allotted a seat in Round 1 or who want to upgrade their allotment. Fresh choice filling is allowed.
- Open Round: Held if seats remain vacant after Round 2. Open to all merit list candidates without a seat. In the January 2026 session, the open round was cancelled because all seats were filled in earlier rounds.
INI CET July 2026 Session Counselling — Completed Schedule
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Mock Round Registration Opens | June 11, 2026 |
| Mock Round Choice Locking Deadline | June 13, 2026 (by 5:00 PM) |
| Mock Round Allotment Result | June 15, 2026 |
| Round 1 Choice Filling and Locking | June 16–17, 2026 |
| Round 1 Reporting at Institutes | June 25–30, 2026 |
| Round 2 PwBD Disability Verification | July 11, 2026 |
| Round 2 Seat Allotment | Third week of July 2026 |
| Open Round Seat Allotment | August 21, 2026 |
Steps in INI CET Counselling
- Step 1: Register for counselling online and pay the counselling registration fee on aiimsexams.ac.in.
- Step 2: Fill your institute and speciality preferences in priority order. Lock your choices before the deadline — you cannot change them after locking.
- Step 3: The seat allotment result is declared. Log in to check your allotment.
- Step 4: Accept the allotted seat online within the acceptance window.
- Step 5: Report to the allotted institute on the specified dates with all original documents for verification and joining.
Candidates who do not report to the institute by the deadline forfeit their allotted seat. Missing the reporting date may also result in disqualification from subsequent rounds depending on the session’s specific rules.
INI CET 2026 Seat Allotment
Seat allotment in INI CET is based on your All-India Rank, category, choice preferences, and seat availability at each institute. AIIMS New Delhi offers the most seats and remains the top target for most candidates.
Total Seats Available — INI CET 2026
| Session | Total Seats |
|---|---|
| January 2026 Session | 1,361 |
| July 2026 Session | 1,581 |
| January 2027 Session (upcoming, November 2026 exam) | ~1,631 (estimated) |
Institute-wise Seat Distribution — July 2026 Session (Major Institutes)
| Institute | Approximate Seats |
|---|---|
| AIIMS New Delhi | 192 |
| PGIMER Chandigarh | 134 |
| JIPMER Puducherry | 123 |
| AIIMS Rishikesh | ~80 |
| AIIMS Bhopal | ~70 |
| AIIMS Jodhpur | ~65 |
| NIMHANS Bengaluru | Limited (Psychiatry/Neurosciences) |
| SCTIMST Trivandrum | Very limited (Super-speciality only) |
The open round for the January 2026 session was cancelled in February 2026 because all available seats were filled in Rounds 1 and 2. This reflects strong seat utilisation and indicates most merit list candidates were able to secure an allotment in the earlier rounds.
Participating Institutes for INI CET 2026
INI CET 2026 gives you access to 23 Institutes of National Importance across India — 19 AIIMS campuses and 4 other premier national medical institutions. All 23 INIs accept candidates through the same INI CET score.
All 19 AIIMS Campuses Accepting INI CET 2026
- AIIMS New Delhi (largest seat pool; most competitive)
- AIIMS Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Nagpur, Patna, Raipur, Rishikesh
- AIIMS Bibinagar, Bathinda, Deoghar, Mangalagiri, Raebareli, Kalyani, Bilaspur
- AIIMS Gorakhpur, Guwahati, Rajkot, Jammu
Other National Institutes Accepting INI CET 2026
| Institute | Location | Notable Programmes |
|---|---|---|
| JIPMER | Puducherry | MD, MS — all major specialities |
| PGIMER | Chandigarh | MD, MS, DM, MCh — all major specialities |
| NIMHANS | Bengaluru | Psychiatry, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Neuroradiology |
| SCTIMST | Trivandrum | Cardiology, Cardiovascular Surgery, Neurosciences, BMT |
NIMHANS Bengaluru accepts INI CET candidates only for neuroscience and psychiatry specialities. SCTIMST Trivandrum offers super-speciality training in cardiovascular sciences and neurosciences with very limited seats — making it one of the most competitive choices in the INI system despite its smaller seat count.
For candidates targeting Psychiatry, NIMHANS is the undisputed first choice. For cardiology super-speciality, seats at AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER, and SCTIMST are the top options but require a very high rank.
INI CET 2026 Preparation Tips
INI CET preparation is different from NEET PG. The time-locked sections, the higher clinical reasoning demand, and the -1/3 negative marking all require a different strategy. If you are preparing for the November 1, 2026 exam, you have roughly 6 weeks left — here is how to use them.
Subject Priority for INI CET 2026
- Medicine: The highest-weightage subject. Focus on clinical scenarios, not just key points. Cover cardiology (USMLE-level scenarios appear in INI CET), gastroenterology, neurology, and infectious diseases thoroughly.
- Pathology: A very high-yield subject. Study at Robbin’s level — tumour markers, molecular pathology, haematological disorders, and histopathology images are common.
- Pharmacology: Recent drug approvals and mechanism-based questions are frequently tested. Drugs approved or updated in the last 2 years often appear.
- Surgery: Focus on applied surgical anatomy, pre- and post-operative management, and trauma surgery.
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics: FIGO staging, obstetric emergencies, and evidence-based guidelines are frequently asked.
- Pre-clinical subjects (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry): Do not skip these. INI CET asks pre-clinical conceptual questions that most PG entrance exams ignore.
6-Week Plan Before November 1, 2026
- Week 1–2: Cover high-yield clinical subjects — Medicine, Surgery, Pathology, and OBG. Solve subject-wise question banks from platforms like PrepLadder and Marrow.
- Week 3–4: Cover Pharmacology, Microbiology, Community Medicine, and pre-clinical subjects. Attempt 2–3 full-length mock tests in strict exam mode (200 questions, 3 hours, 4 sections of 45 minutes each).
- Week 5: Focus on revision. Use short notes for all subjects. Study the paper analysis from the May 2026 session — topic distribution and difficulty level are available from coaching institutes.
- Week 6 (Final): No new topics. Only revise what you already know. Practise time management by simulating the 45-minute section lock on mock tests.
Practical Tips
- Practise the 45-minute timed section strictly — most candidates lose marks not because they do not know the answer but because they run out of time in a section.
- For negative marking, use the "eliminate 2 options" rule before attempting any uncertain question.
- Refer to the INI CET May 2026 session paper analysis for topic trends before the November exam.
- Avoid switching between too many resources. Focus on one high-yield question bank and one standard reference per subject.
FAQs on INI CET 2026
Ques. What is the INI CET 2026 exam date?
Ans. INI CET 2026 ran two sessions. The January 2026 session exam was held on November 9, 2025, and the July 2026 session exam was held on May 16, 2026. Both are now over. The next INI CET exam is on November 1, 2026 (for the January 2027 session) — registration for it is currently open on aiimsexams.ac.in until October 13, 2026.
Ques. Who conducts INI CET?
Ans. AIIMS New Delhi conducts INI CET on behalf of all 23 Institutes of National Importance. All applications, admit cards, results, and counselling are managed through the official AIIMS portal at aiimsexams.ac.in. No third-party portal is involved.
Ques. How many seats are available in INI CET 2026?
Ans. INI CET 2026 had 1,361 seats in the January session and 1,581 seats in the July session — over 2,900 PG medical seats in total across both 2026 sessions combined. The upcoming January 2027 session (November 2026 exam) is expected to offer approximately 1,631 seats based on the trend of increasing seats each year.
Ques. What is the INI CET 2026 cutoff percentile?
Ans. For the July 2026 session, the qualifying cutoff was 50.17 percentile for General and EWS candidates, and 45.29 percentile for OBC, SC, ST, and PwBD candidates. Qualifying the cutoff only makes you eligible for counselling — your All-India Rank against the admission cutoff of each institute determines whether you get a seat.
Ques. Is there negative marking in INI CET 2026?
Ans. Yes. INI CET has a -1/3 negative marking for every wrong answer. You get +1 for a correct answer and 0 for an unattempted question. Avoid random guessing — only attempt a question if you can confidently eliminate at least 2 of the 4 options.
Ques. Can I apply for both sessions of INI CET 2026?
Ans. Yes, you can appear for both sessions of INI CET in the same year. Each session has a separate registration and fee. Both 2026 sessions are now over. If you could not appear in either, the next exam is on November 1, 2026, for the January 2027 session — register before October 13, 2026.
Ques. What is the INI CET application fee for 2026?
Ans. The INI CET application fee is Rs. 4,000 for General, OBC, EWS, Foreign National, and OCI candidates, and Rs. 3,200 for SC and ST candidates. The fee is paid online only — Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking. UPI is not accepted. The fee is non-refundable once paid.
Ques. Does AIIMS release an official answer key for INI CET?
Ans. No. AIIMS does not release an official question paper or answer key for INI CET. After the exam, coaching institutes like PrepLadder, Marrow, and DrTeetha Academy publish unofficial memory-based answer keys. Candidates use these to estimate scores before the official result is declared. There is no formal answer key challenge process.
Ques. How many candidates appeared in INI CET 2026?
Ans. Around 87,000 candidates registered for the January 2026 session (exam November 9, 2025), with approximately 58,000 appearing for the exam. For the July 2026 session (exam May 16, 2026), around 58,000 candidates appeared. Of these, 51,184 candidates qualified the cutoff percentile — up by 2,184 from the previous year’s corresponding session.
Ques. What is the INI CET counselling process?
Ans. INI CET counselling is conducted online by AIIMS New Delhi through the INSAS system. It runs in 3–4 rounds: Mock Round (practice, no actual allotment), Round 1 (first actual seat allotment), Round 2 (for upgrades or unfilled seats), and Open Round (if vacancies remain). You register for counselling separately, fill institute and speciality preferences, lock choices before the deadline, and then check your seat allotment. After allotment, you accept online and report to the institute with original documents within the given dates.
Ques. Which is the best institute to target in INI CET?
Ans. AIIMS New Delhi is the top choice with 192 seats in the July 2026 session and the best faculty and facilities. PGIMER Chandigarh (134 seats) and JIPMER Puducherry (123 seats) are also highly regarded. NIMHANS Bengaluru is the best option for Psychiatry and Neurosciences. For General category candidates, securing AIIMS New Delhi in a clinical speciality typically requires a rank within the top 500–1,000.
Disclaimer: The information on this page about INI CET 2026 is sourced from the official AIIMS website (aiimsexams.ac.in) and verified from multiple reliable sources. Dates, cutoffs, and seat counts are subject to change as per official notifications. Always check aiimsexams.ac.in for the most current and authoritative information before taking any action.
.jpeg?h=112&w=263&mode=stretch)
Comments