The AIIMS PG 2026 qualifying cutoff has been officially declared by AIIMS New Delhi. It was released on May 23, 2026, alongside the INI-CET May 2026 result. The qualifying percentile is 50th percentile for UR, EWS, and OCI candidates. For SC, ST, OBC-NCL, and PwBD candidates, it is 45th percentile. A total of 1,534 PG seats are available across 15 participating institutes. Counselling for the July 2026 session is expected to begin in June 2026 at aiimsexams.ac.in.
INI-CET May 2026 was conducted on May 16, 2026. The qualifying cutoff was declared on May 23, 2026, at aiimsexams.ac.in. Counselling registration is expected to open in June 2026.
Here are the key facts about AIIMS PG 2026 cutoff.
- The qualifying cutoff is 50th percentile for UR/EWS and 45th percentile for SC, ST, OBC-NCL, and PwBD. It was officially released on May 23, 2026.
- INI-CET May 2026 has a total of 1,534 seats across AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST.
- A score of 160 or above out of 200 improves your chances at top specialties in AIIMS New Delhi.
- AIIMS Delhi MD Radiodiagnosis and MD Medicine are the most competitive. UR closing ranks fall as low as 4 to 6.
- Clearing the qualifying percentile only makes you eligible for counselling. Your rank decides which seat you get.
- Counselling for the July 2026 session is expected to start in June 2026 at aiimsexams.ac.in.
- AIIMS Patna, AIIMS Raipur, and AIIMS Bhubaneswar have lower closing ranks. They are good options for candidates with ranks above 500.
| Direct Link to Check AIIMS PG (INI-CET) Cutoff 2026 (Out) — aiimsexams.ac.in |
Key Summary
- AIIMS PG qualifying cutoff (May 2026): UR/EWS = 50th percentile, SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwBD = 45th percentile — declared May 23, 2026.
- INI-CET May 2026 exam was on May 16, 2026. Total seats available: 1,534 across 15 institutes.
- AIIMS Delhi top specialties see UR closing ranks in single digits. MD Radiodiagnosis closes between rank 4 and 6.
- Aim for 160+ out of 200 for top clinical specialties at AIIMS New Delhi.
- Counselling for the July 2026 session is expected in June–July 2026 at aiimsexams.ac.in.
What is AIIMS PG (INI-CET) Cutoff 2026?
AIIMS PG is now conducted as INI-CET — the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test. AIIMS New Delhi runs this exam twice a year for PG admissions. The cutoff is the minimum qualifying percentile you need to be eligible for counselling.
The exam has 200 MCQs. Each question carries 1 mark. There is no negative marking. Your percentile shows how you performed compared to all other candidates in the same session.
- Qualifying cutoff: The minimum percentile to enter counselling. It is fixed at 50th percentile for UR/EWS and 45th percentile for reserved categories.
- Admission cutoff: The closing rank at which seats are allotted in a specific specialty at a specific institute. It varies every session and is far more competitive.
Clearing the qualifying cutoff does not guarantee a seat. Thousands of candidates clear it each session. Only 1,534 seats are available. Your admission depends entirely on rank.
Previous Year Official AIIMS PG Cutoff
The table below shows the official qualifying percentile published by AIIMS New Delhi for each of the last five sessions. The percentile is fixed by AIIMS New Delhi’s admission policy. It has stayed the same since INI-CET began in 2021.
| Session | Year | UR / EWS / OCI | OBC-NCL | SC | ST | PwBD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2026 (Jul Session) | 2026 | 50th Percentile | 45th Percentile | 45th Percentile | 45th Percentile | 45th Percentile |
| Nov 2025 (Jan 2026 Session) | 2025 – 26 | 50th Percentile | 45th Percentile | 45th Percentile | 45th Percentile | 45th Percentile |
| May 2025 (Jul 2025 Session) | 2025 | 50th Percentile | 45th Percentile | 45th Percentile | 45th Percentile | 45th Percentile |
| Nov 2024 (Jan 2025 Session) | 2024 – 25 | 50th Percentile | 45th Percentile | 45th Percentile | 45th Percentile | 45th Percentile |
| May 2024 (Jul 2024 Session) | 2024 | 50th Percentile | 45th Percentile | 45th Percentile | 45th Percentile | 45th Percentile |
Source: AIIMS Exams Official Website
The qualifying percentile has not changed across any of these five sessions. The raw score at the 50th percentile for UR candidates has historically been 102 to 110 out of 200. It shifts slightly each session based on exam difficulty. For reserved categories, the 45th percentile has corresponded to approximately 88 to 100 marks.
Ques. Will the INI-CET qualifying percentile change in 2026?
Ans. No. The qualifying percentile is fixed by AIIMS New Delhi’s policy. It has been 50th for UR/EWS and 45th for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwBD since 2021. The actual raw score at these percentiles may shift by a few marks each session. The percentile threshold itself does not change.
Ques. Does clearing the qualifying cutoff mean I get a seat at AIIMS?
Ans. No. Clearing the qualifying percentile only makes you eligible for counselling. Over 30,000 candidates qualify each session. Only 1,534 seats are available. You need a top rank to secure a seat at AIIMS Delhi’s competitive specialties.
INI-CET Cutoff 2026: Important Dates
Below are the key dates for the INI-CET May 2026 cutoff and counselling process. Counselling dates are tentative and based on previous session patterns. Check aiimsexams.ac.in for official confirmation.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| INI-CET May 2026 Exam | May 16, 2026 |
| INI-CET May 2026 Result Declaration | May 23, 2026 |
| Qualifying Cutoff Released | May 23, 2026 |
| Counselling Registration (Expected) | June 2026 |
| Choice Filling (Expected) | June 2026 |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment (Expected) | July 2026 |
| Round 2 Seat Allotment (Expected) | July – August 2026 |
| Reporting to Allotted Institute (Expected) | August 2026 |
Factors Affecting INI-CET Cutoff
Several factors decide both the qualifying marks and the admission closing ranks each session.
- Total candidates appearing: More candidates mean more competition. The November 2025 session had over 32,000 qualified candidates for just 1,534 seats.
- Exam difficulty: A tougher paper lowers the qualifying marks. An easier paper raises them. The qualifying percentile itself stays fixed at 50th or 45th.
- Available seats per specialty: When new seats are added to a specialty, the closing rank loosens. A reduction in seats tightens it.
- New AIIMS campuses: The addition of newer campuses has expanded the total seat pool. Mid-range ranked candidates now have more options than before.
- Specialty popularity: Clinical specialties like MD Radiodiagnosis, MD Medicine, and MD Dermatology attract the strongest candidates. Para-clinical specialties have much lower closing ranks.
- Category-wise seat distribution: Reserved seat percentages for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS directly affect closing ranks within each category.
- Counselling round: Later rounds have higher (weaker) closing ranks. Top choices fill up in Round 1. Remaining seats in Round 2 are easier to access.
INI-CET Category-Wise Cutoff 2026
The table below shows the official qualifying percentile for each category. AIIMS New Delhi declared this on May 23, 2026, alongside the INI-CET May 2026 result.
| Category | Qualifying Percentile | Who This Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| UR (Unreserved) | 50th Percentile | General category candidates |
| EWS | 50th Percentile | Economically Weaker Section candidates |
| OCI | 50th Percentile | Overseas Citizens of India |
| OBC-NCL | 45th Percentile | Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer |
| SC | 45th Percentile | Scheduled Caste candidates |
| ST | 45th Percentile | Scheduled Tribe candidates |
| PwBD | 45th Percentile | Persons with Benchmark Disability |
| Bhutanese Nationals (PGIMER only) | 45th Percentile | Bhutanese nationals applying for PGIMER Chandigarh |
Source: AIIMS Exams Official Website
Qualifying this cutoff makes you eligible for counselling registration. Your actual admission depends on your rank against all other qualified candidates in your category.
Qualifying Marks vs Admission Cutoff
Two separate cutoffs matter in AIIMS PG admission. Many students confuse the two.
Qualifying cutoff is the minimum percentile to enter counselling. For INI-CET May 2026, this is 50th percentile for UR/EWS and 45th percentile for reserved categories. Score below this and you cannot register for counselling.
Admission cutoff is the closing rank at which a seat was allotted in a specialty at an institute. It is determined during counselling. For AIIMS Delhi’s top specialties, UR closing ranks fall between 4 and 40. That is far tighter than just qualifying.
Thousands of candidates clear the qualifying percentile each session. Only those with a top rank secure seats at AIIMS Delhi’s competitive specialties. Qualifying is necessary but not sufficient for admission.
| Cutoff Type | What It Measures | Who Sets It | When It Is Released |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Cutoff | Minimum percentile for counselling eligibility | AIIMS New Delhi (fixed by policy) | With result (May 23, 2026) |
| Admission Cutoff | Closing rank for seat allotment per specialty per institute | Determined by demand during counselling | After each counselling round |
INI-CET Cutoff: Session-Wise Analysis
INI-CET is held twice a year. The November exam leads to January session admissions. The May exam leads to July session admissions.
| Parameter | November Exam (January Session) | May Exam (July Session) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Month | November | May |
| Result Month | November – December | May – June |
| Counselling Start | December – January | June – July |
| Qualifying Percentile (UR) | 50th Percentile (fixed) | 50th Percentile (fixed) |
| Approx. Qualifying Score (UR, out of 200) | 102 – 108 | 104 – 110 |
| Total Seats | Approx. 1,534 | Approx. 1,534 |
| Candidate Pool | Fresh MBBS batch + repeaters | Mid-year aspirants + repeaters |
Competition is broadly similar across both sessions. The July session draws candidates who missed the January intake. It also attracts those finishing their internship in the first half of the year.
INI-CET Previous Year Cutoff Trends
The table below shows AIIMS New Delhi admission closing ranks (UR category, Round 1) across five previous sessions. It shows how competitive each specialty has been over time.
| Specialty | Nov 2025 | May 2025 | Nov 2024 | May 2024 | Nov 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD General Medicine | 13 | 15 | 11 | 14 | 12 |
| MD Radiodiagnosis | 5 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
| MD Dermatology | 8 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 7 |
| MS General Surgery | 28 | 32 | 24 | 28 | 22 |
| MD Paediatrics | 36 | 40 | 33 | 37 | 31 |
| MD Anesthesiology | 185 | 200 | 172 | 190 | 165 |
| MD Pathology | 520 | 580 | 490 | 545 | 470 |
Top clinical specialties at AIIMS Delhi have stayed consistently competitive. MD Radiodiagnosis closing rank moved from 4 in November 2023 to 6 by May 2025. That is a shift of 2 ranks over four sessions. MD Medicine moved from 12 to 15 over the same period — a shift of 3 ranks. MS General Surgery moved from 22 to 32, a shift of 10 ranks. Growing demand for surgical training at AIIMS Delhi drove this trend.
Para-clinical specialties like Pathology remain far more accessible. Closing ranks at AIIMS Delhi for MD Pathology stayed in the range of 470 to 580 across the five sessions. For these specialties, candidates ranked in the hundreds to low thousands still have options across newer AIIMS campuses.
Ques. Has the INI-CET cutoff been getting tougher year after year?
Ans. For AIIMS Delhi top specialties, yes — but gradually. MD Radiodiagnosis closing rank moved from 4 in November 2023 to 6 by May 2025. That is a shift of 2 ranks over four sessions. MD Medicine moved from 12 to 15. The competition is intense but not spiking sharply year on year.
AIIMS PG Cutoff 2026: Marks vs Rank
INI-CET has 200 MCQs, each worth 1 mark, with no negative marking. The table below gives approximate marks-to-rank ranges based on previous session patterns. These are indicative and not officially published data.
| Score (out of 200) | Approximate Overall Rank | Where You Can Aim |
|---|---|---|
| 185 – 200 | 1 – 5 | AIIMS Delhi — any specialty |
| 170 – 184 | 6 – 30 | AIIMS Delhi — MD Medicine, Radiodiagnosis, Dermatology |
| 155 – 169 | 31 – 150 | AIIMS Delhi — MS Surgery, Paediatrics; JIPMER top specialties |
| 140 – 154 | 151 – 600 | JIPMER, PGIMER, AIIMS Rishikesh popular specialties |
| 125 – 139 | 601 – 2,000 | AIIMS Jodhpur, AIIMS Bhopal, SCTIMST Trivandrum |
| 110 – 124 | 2,001 – 6,000 | AIIMS Patna, AIIMS Raipur, AIIMS Bhubaneswar |
| 100 – 109 | 6,001 – 12,000 | Qualifying range for UR — newer AIIMS campuses possible |
| Below 100 | Below qualifying (UR) | Below 50th percentile for UR candidates |
A score of 160 or above separates candidates aiming for AIIMS Delhi’s top specialties. Lower scores are better suited to mid-tier or newer campuses. The exact marks-to-rank relationship shifts slightly each session based on difficulty.
INI-CET Cutoff for Top Institutes
The table below shows approximate closing ranks (UR category, Round 1) for major participating institutes across recent sessions. July 2026 session closing ranks will be available after counselling completes in July–August 2026.
| Institute | MD General Medicine | MD Radiodiagnosis | MS General Surgery | MD Paediatrics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIIMS New Delhi | 11 – 15 | 4 – 6 | 24 – 32 | 31 – 40 |
| JIPMER Puducherry | 55 – 80 | 62 – 90 | 100 – 148 | 120 – 168 |
| PGIMER Chandigarh | 70 – 102 | 75 – 108 | 132 – 182 | 148 – 205 |
| NIMHANS Bengaluru | — | — | — | MD Psychiatry: 90 – 145 |
| SCTIMST Trivandrum | 150 – 255 | 182 – 285 | 282 – 425 | 322 – 485 |
| AIIMS Rishikesh | 32 – 43 | 70 – 102 | 148 – 182 | 175 – 225 |
| AIIMS Jodhpur | 182 – 285 | 222 – 355 | 352 – 505 | 402 – 608 |
| AIIMS Bhopal | 202 – 325 | 252 – 382 | 382 – 562 | 432 – 655 |
| AIIMS Bhubaneswar | 420 – 680 | 502 – 780 | 680 – 1,050 | 752 – 1,180 |
| AIIMS Patna | 502 – 808 | 605 – 958 | 808 – 1,212 | 905 – 1,415 |
| AIIMS Raipur | 555 – 858 | 652 – 1,005 | 858 – 1,312 | 958 – 1,512 |
AIIMS New Delhi is the most competitive institute. The closing rank gap between AIIMS Delhi and AIIMS Rishikesh for MD General Medicine is approximately 20 to 30 ranks. The gap between AIIMS Delhi and AIIMS Patna for MD General Medicine is approximately 491 to 793 ranks. This shows the strong preference candidates have for AIIMS Delhi.
INI-CET Tie-Breaking Rules
When two candidates score the same marks, AIIMS New Delhi uses a fixed tie-breaking order to assign merit ranks:
- 1. Higher marks in clinical subjects: More marks in clinical papers (Medicine, Surgery, OBG, Paediatrics) breaks the tie first.
- 2. Higher marks in pre-clinical subjects: If still tied, pre-clinical subject marks (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry) are compared next.
- 3. Age: If tied in both subject groups, the older candidate ranks higher.
- 4. Application serial number: As a final tiebreaker, the lower application serial number gets priority.
These rules apply to both the qualifying merit list and the final counselling merit list. Strong preparation in clinical subjects gives you an advantage in tie-breaking scenarios too.
INI-CET Cutoff: Counselling Process
After the qualifying cutoff is published, eligible candidates register at aiimsexams.ac.in for counselling.
The process has these stages.
- Step 1 – Registration: Register online at aiimsexams.ac.in using your application credentials and pay the counselling fee.
- Step 2 – Choice filling: Select your preferred specialties and institutes in order of priority. Fill as many choices as possible.
- Step 3 – Round 1 allotment: Seats are allotted based on rank, category, and choices. Confirm your allotment and report to the institute.
- Step 4 – Round 2 allotment: Vacated seats from Round 1 are re-allotted. Closing ranks in Round 2 are generally higher than in Round 1.
- Step 5 – Mop-up round: Any remaining seats after Round 2 are filled in the mop-up round.
Participating institutes include all AIIMS campuses, JIPMER Puducherry, JIPMER Karaikal, PGIMER Chandigarh, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and SCTIMST Trivandrum.
How to Check INI-CET Cutoff
Follow these steps to check the cutoff and your scorecard.
- Step 1: Go to the official portal at aiimsexams.ac.in.
- Step 2: Click on the "Result" section on the homepage.
- Step 3: Select the "INI-CET May 2026 Result" link.
- Step 4: Log in with your registration ID and date of birth.
- Step 5: Download your scorecard. It shows your marks, overall rank, percentile, category rank, and qualifying status.
- Step 6: Check admission closing ranks in the "Counselling" section after each round of seat allotment is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ques. What is the qualifying cutoff for AIIMS PG (INI-CET) 2026?
Ans. The qualifying cutoff for INI-CET May 2026 is 50th percentile for UR, EWS, and OCI candidates. For SC, ST, OBC-NCL, and PwBD candidates, it is 45th percentile. AIIMS New Delhi declared this on May 23, 2026, at aiimsexams.ac.in.
Ques. What is the difference between qualifying cutoff and admission cutoff?
Ans. The qualifying cutoff (50th or 45th percentile) is the minimum to enter counselling. The admission cutoff is the closing rank at which a seat was allotted in a specialty at an institute. It is set during counselling. For AIIMS Delhi top specialties, UR closing ranks fall between 4 and 40.
Ques. What score out of 200 do I need to clear the qualifying cutoff?
Ans. The qualifying cutoff is a percentile, not a fixed score. The 50th percentile for UR candidates corresponds to approximately 102 to 110 marks out of 200, based on previous sessions. This shifts each session based on exam difficulty. If you want AIIMS Delhi’s top specialties, aim for 160 or above.
Ques. Which AIIMS has the lowest INI-CET closing rank?
Ans. AIIMS Patna, AIIMS Raipur, and AIIMS Bhubaneswar have the lowest closing ranks among all AIIMS campuses. For MD General Medicine, UR closing ranks at these campuses range from 500 to 1,500 in Round 1. At AIIMS Delhi, the same specialty closes at 11 to 15.
Ques. Is INI-CET held twice a year?
Ans. Yes. INI-CET is conducted in November (for January session admissions) and in May (for July session admissions). The May 2026 exam was held on May 16, 2026. The result was declared on May 23, 2026. The November 2026 exam will be for January 2027 admissions.
Ques. Does the qualifying percentile change every year?
Ans. No. The qualifying percentile has been fixed since 2021. UR/EWS candidates need the 50th percentile. SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwBD candidates need the 45th percentile. The actual marks at these percentiles may vary by session, but the threshold itself does not change.
Ques. How many total seats are available in INI-CET 2026?
Ans. INI-CET May 2026 has 1,534 total seats across all participating institutes. These include all AIIMS campuses, JIPMER Puducherry, JIPMER Karaikal, PGIMER Chandigarh, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and SCTIMST Trivandrum.
Ques. How do tie-breaking rules work in INI-CET?
Ans. If two candidates score the same marks, the tie breaks first by higher marks in clinical subjects. If still tied, pre-clinical marks are compared. The older candidate ranks higher if both scores are equal. Application serial number is the final tiebreaker.
Ques. Can SC/ST candidates get a seat at AIIMS Delhi with 45th percentile?
Ans. Clearing the 45th percentile makes SC/ST candidates eligible for counselling. At AIIMS Delhi, SC/ST closing ranks for MD Medicine fall between 26 and 50. That is competitive even within reserved seats. A top rank within your category is still required.
Ques. Is AIIMS PG and INI-CET the same exam?
Ans. Yes. The separate AIIMS PG exam was replaced by INI-CET in 2021. INI-CET is now the single entrance test for PG admissions at all AIIMS campuses, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST. When candidates say "AIIMS PG", they now mean INI-CET.
Ques. When will counselling for INI-CET July 2026 begin?
Ans. Based on previous session timelines, counselling registration is expected to open in June 2026. The INI-CET May 2026 result was declared on May 23, 2026. Official counselling dates will be published at aiimsexams.ac.in after result declaration.
Ques. How does the Round 2 closing rank compare to Round 1?
Ans. Round 2 generally has a higher (weaker) closing rank than Round 1 for most specialties. Candidates who vacate their Round 1 seat free up spots for Round 2. Fill as many choices as possible during counselling to maximise your options across both rounds.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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