INI-CET July 2026 with 120 Marks: Which Colleges Can You Get

A score of 120 marks in INI-CET July 2026 (out of 200) puts you in a competitive range for newer AIIMS campuses, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and SCTIMST Trivandrum, with broader options opening up for OBC, SC, and ST students.

INI-CET July 2026 is scheduled on June 18, 2026, and is conducted by AIIMS New Delhi for postgraduate medical admissions to Institutes of National Importance. At 120 marks, your college and specialty options depend on your category, preference order, and how cutoffs shift this session. Based on 2025 session trends, here is a category-wise breakdown of what 120 marks can realistically fetch you.

• INI-CET total marks: 200 (200 MCQs, +1 correct, ?1/3 wrong)
• 120 marks = 60% of total — above the overall cutoff threshold for most institutes
• General/UR students at 120 marks are best placed at newer AIIMS campuses and NIMHANS
• OBC and SC/ST students at 120 marks can access a wider range of institutes and specialties
• AIIMS New Delhi and PGIMER Chandigarh remain difficult targets at 120 marks for General category

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INI-CET Total Marks and Score Context

INI-CET consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, each worth 1 mark, with a penalty of 1/3 mark for every incorrect answer. The total is 200 marks, and 120 marks represents 60% of the maximum score. For context, the overall qualifying cutoff across institutes was approximately 100–108 marks in the 2025 sessions, so 120 marks places you well above the minimum threshold. The challenge is that high-demand specialties at premier institutes close between 140 and 170 marks, making specialty and institute selection critical at this score.

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College Options for General Category at 120 Marks

For unreserved (General) students, 120 marks is not sufficient for AIIMS New Delhi or PGIMER Chandigarh for most specialties based on 2025 session closing figures. However, several newer AIIMS campuses and specialty institutes remain accessible. The table below lists expected accessibility based on 2025 trends.

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Category-wise College Chances at 120 Marks

Your reserved category status can expand your options significantly at 120 marks. OBC students at 120 marks are borderline for PGIMER Chandigarh in some specialties. SC and ST students at 120 marks have a realistic shot at AIIMS New Delhi for certain programs. The table below outlines expected access by category based on 2025 session data.

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Specialties to Target at 120 Marks

At 120 marks, not every specialty is within reach at every institute. High-demand clinical specialties like Radiology, Dermatology, and General Medicine at AIIMS New Delhi and PGIMER are beyond 120 marks for General students. The following specialty groups are more realistic at this score range, especially at newer AIIMS campuses.

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Factors That Affect Your College Allotment

Your score is the primary factor, but several other variables determine the final seat allotment in INI-CET counselling. Understanding these can help you plan your preference list strategically.

• Category and quota seats: Reserved category cutoffs are typically 15–30 marks lower than General, substantially changing your options at the same score.
• Preference order: You rank institute-specialty combinations in your preference list. Filling highly competitive options first when your score may not qualify wastes preference slots — place realistic options early.
• Session-to-session variation: July session cutoffs differ from January session cutoffs. Some specialties see lower closing marks in the July session due to a different applicant mix.
• Expanded seat intake: Newer AIIMS campuses have been adding seats each cycle, which can soften cutoffs slightly compared to previous years.
• Tie-breaking rule: AIIMS resolves ties by giving preference to older students. At a borderline score, age can be the deciding factor for the last available seat.