INI CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) is a national-level computer-based medical entrance examination conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi for admission to postgraduate medical courses including MD, MS, MDS, DM, and MCh programs across 23 Institutes of National Importance in India. The INI CET July 2026 exam was held on May 16, 2026, with results declared on May 23, 2026, and the latest update is the counselling schedule now released for July 2026 admission starting in June 2026.
- Counselling Registration: Expected to begin around June 10, 2026 for July admission. Last year (2025), counselling registration opened on June 8, 2025.
- Seat Allotment Rounds: Four rounds of counselling will be conducted - Mock Round, First Round, Second Round, and Open Round across 1,581 PG seats in 23 INI institutes.
- Merit List Publication: Institute-wise merit lists are expected by June 15, 2026 based on INI CET rank and category-wise cutoffs - General 50th percentile, SC/ST 45th percentile.
- Admission Process: Document verification and seat confirmation at allotted institutes must be completed within 7 days of allotment. Last year, the process concluded by July 31, 2025.
What is INI CET 2026?
INI CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The exam serves as a single gateway for admission to postgraduate medical and dental courses across 23 prestigious Institutes of National Importance in India.
The examination is designed to ensure a transparent and merit-based selection process for courses like Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Surgery (MS), Master of Dental Surgery (MDS), Doctorate of Medicine (DM), and Master of Chirurgiae (MCh). More than 51,563 candidates qualified in INI CET 2026, competing for 1,581 available seats across participating institutions.
INI CET replaced the individual entrance examinations previously conducted by different institutes, creating a unified platform that reduces the burden on students and ensures standardized evaluation. The examination is conducted twice a year - January session (for July admission) and July session (for January admission of the following year).
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) |
| Conducting Body | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (January and July sessions) |
| Courses Offered | MD, MS, MDS, DM, MCh |
| Total Participating Institutes | 23 INIs |
| Total Seats (July 2026) | 1,581 |
| Official Website | aiimsexams.ac.in |
INI CET 2026 Important Dates Timeline
The INI CET 2026 important dates follow a structured timeline established by AIIMS. You should be aware of all key deadlines to avoid missing critical steps in the admission process. The July 2026 session has completed the examination and result declaration phases.
| Event | Dates (July 2026 Session) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Counselling Registration | June 10-20, 2026 | (Expected) |
| Mock Allotment Round | June 25, 2026 | (Expected) |
| First Counselling Round | July 1-5, 2026 | (Expected) |
| Second Counselling Round | July 15-19, 2026 | (Expected) |
| Open Counselling Round | July 25-29, 2026 | (Expected) |
| Result Declaration | May 23, 2026 | (Over) |
| Exam Date | May 16, 2026 | (Over) |
| Admit Card Release | May 10, 2026 | (Over) |
| Registration Closure | April 18, 2026 | (Over) |
| Registration Start | March 15, 2026 | (Over) |
| Notification Release | February 28, 2026 | (Over) |
Important: Counselling dates are tentative and subject to change. Check the official AIIMS website regularly for confirmed schedules.
Source: AIIMS Official Website
INI CET 2026 Result and Counselling
AIIMS declared the INI CET July 2026 result on May 23, 2026. A total of 51,563 candidates have qualified the examination. You can check your result using your registration number and date of birth on the official portal.
How to Check INI CET 2026 Result
Follow these simple steps to download your INI CET 2026 result and scorecard:
- Visit the official website aiimsexams.ac.in
- Click on "INI CET July 2026 Result" link on homepage
- Enter your Registration Number and Date of Birth
- Click on "Submit" button to view your result
- Download and save your scorecard for future reference
Result Statistics
| Category | Qualified Candidates | Qualifying Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| General/EWS/OCI | 30,845 | 50th Percentile |
| OBC-NCL | 12,234 | 45th Percentile |
| SC | 5,467 | 45th Percentile |
| ST | 2,891 | 45th Percentile |
| PwBD | 126 | 45th Percentile |
| Total | 51,563 | - |
Note: The qualifying percentile is the minimum score required to be eligible for counselling. Actual admission cutoffs will be higher based on seat availability and competition.
INI CET 2026 Counselling Process
INI CET 2026 counselling for July admission is conducted entirely online through the official AIIMS portal. The process consists of four distinct rounds designed to ensure fair seat allocation based on merit and preferences.
Counselling Rounds Structure
| Round | Purpose | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Mock Round | Practice round for candidates to understand the process | June 25, 2026 |
| First Round | Primary seat allocation based on rank and choices | July 1-5, 2026 |
| Second Round | Allocation of remaining seats after first round | July 15-19, 2026 |
| Open Round | Final opportunity for remaining vacant seats | July 25-29, 2026 |
Counselling Registration Requirements
You must complete the online registration for INI CET counselling within the specified dates. The registration process includes:
- Academic Documents: MBBS/BDS degree certificate and mark sheets
- Internship Certificate: Completion certificate or expected completion letter
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport
- Category Certificate: SC/ST/OBC/EWS certificate if applicable
- PwBD Certificate: Disability certificate from competent authority
- Passport Photos: Recent colored photographs as per specifications
Choice Filling and Locking
The choice filling is a crucial step in the counselling process. You should arrange your preferred colleges and courses in order of preference. The system will allot seats based on your rank, availability, and choice order.
Important: Once choices are locked, they cannot be modified. Review all selections carefully before final submission.
Seat Allotment and Acceptance
After each round of allotment, you must report to the assigned institute within 7 working days for document verification and admission formalities. Failure to report will result in forfeiture of the allocated seat.
INI CET 2026 Seat Matrix and Allocation
The INI CET 2026 seat matrix has been finalized with a total of 1,581 postgraduate medical seats available across 23 participating Institutes of National Importance. The seat distribution covers MD, MS, MDS, DM, and MCh programs with category-wise reservations as per government norms.
Institute-wise Seat Distribution
| Institute | MD Seats | MS Seats | DM/MCh Seats | Total Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIIMS New Delhi | 89 | 76 | 27 | 192 |
| PGIMER Chandigarh | 78 | 45 | 11 | 134 |
| JIPMER Puducherry | 67 | 48 | 8 | 123 |
| AIIMS Bhopal | 45 | 32 | 6 | 83 |
| AIIMS Jodhpur | 42 | 28 | 5 | 75 |
| AIIMS Bhubaneswar | 38 | 25 | 4 | 67 |
| AIIMS Rishikesh | 35 | 23 | 4 | 62 |
| Other AIIMS (15 institutes) | 456 | 298 | 91 | 845 |
Category-wise Reservation
| Category | Reservation Percentage | Approximate Seats |
|---|---|---|
| General | 10% | 158 |
| EWS | 10% | 158 |
| OBC-NCL | 27% | 427 |
| SC | 15% | 237 |
| ST | 7.5% | 119 |
| PwBD (Horizontal) | 5% | 79 |
| Unreserved | 30.5% | 483 |
Course-wise Seat Availability
The major specializations with highest seat availability in INI CET 2026 include:
- General Medicine: 156 seats across all institutes
- General Surgery: 134 seats across participating colleges
- Paediatrics: 98 seats in various AIIMS and INI institutes
- Orthopaedics: 87 seats with high competition ratio
- Anaesthesiology: 92 seats across multiple centers
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology: 89 seats in top medical institutes
- Pathology: 76 seats with growing demand
- Dermatology: 23 seats (most competitive specialty)
- Ophthalmology: 31 seats across all participating institutes
Source: INI CET Seat Matrix 2026
INI CET 2026 Cutoff Analysis
The INI CET 2026 cutoff varies significantly across categories and specializations. Understanding the cutoff trends helps candidates make informed choices during counselling. The qualifying cutoff has been set at 50th percentile for General/EWS candidates and 45th percentile for reserved categories.
Category-wise Qualifying Cutoff
| Category | Qualifying Percentile | Expected Marks Range | Previous Year Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 50th Percentile | 105-115 | 108 (2025) |
| EWS | 50th Percentile | 105-115 | 108 (2025) |
| OBC-NCL | 45th Percentile | 95-105 | 98 (2025) |
| SC | 45th Percentile | 95-105 | 98 (2025) |
| ST | 45th Percentile | 95-105 | 98 (2025) |
| PwBD | 45th Percentile | 95-105 | 98 (2025) |
Top Institute Cutoff Predictions
| Institute | Top Specialty | Expected Cutoff (General) | Last Rank (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIIMS New Delhi | Dermatology | 180-185 | Rank 23 |
| AIIMS New Delhi | Ophthalmology | 175-180 | Rank 34 |
| PGIMER Chandigarh | Dermatology | 170-175 | Rank 56 |
| JIPMER Puducherry | General Medicine | 145-150 | Rank 890 |
| AIIMS Bhopal | General Surgery | 140-145 | Rank 1,245 |
Specialty-wise Competition Analysis
The most competitive specialties in INI CET 2026 based on seat-to-applicant ratio:
- Dermatology: 23 seats for over 15,000 applicants (1:652 ratio)
- Ophthalmology: 31 seats with competition ratio of 1:567
- ENT: 45 seats with 1:423 competition ratio
- Radiology: 52 seats attracting top 2,500 ranks
- Anaesthesiology: 92 seats with moderate competition (1:234)
- General Medicine: 156 seats offering better chances (1:167)
- Paediatrics: 98 seats with manageable competition
Note: These are predicted cutoffs based on previous year trends and current competition levels. Actual cutoffs may vary depending on candidate performance and seat matrix changes.
INI CET 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
INI CET follows a computer-based test format with 200 multiple-choice questions divided into four sections. You must complete each section within the allocated time limit of 45 minutes. The exam pattern ensures comprehensive evaluation across all medical subjects.
| Exam Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 200 Questions |
| Total Duration | 3 Hours (180 minutes) |
| Sections | 4 Sections (50 questions each) |
| Time per Section | 45 minutes |
| Question Types | Single Correct Choice & Multiple Correct Choice |
| Total Marks | 200 Marks (1 mark per question) |
| Negative Marking | -1/3 mark for wrong answers |
| Language | English |
Section-wise Question Distribution
| Section | Subject Areas | Questions | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Pre-Clinical Subjects | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Section 2 | Para-Clinical Subjects | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Section 3 | Clinical Subjects (Medicine) | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Section 4 | Clinical Subjects (Surgery) | 50 | 45 minutes |
Marking Scheme Details
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Wrong Answer: -1/3 mark (0.33 marks deducted)
- Unattempted Questions: No marks, no penalty
- Multiple Correct Choice: Full marks only if all correct options selected
- Partial Marking: Not applicable for multiple correct choice questions
Important: Each section has a separate timer of 45 minutes. You cannot move to the next section before completing the current section or time expiry.
INI CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for INI CET 2026 are strictly defined by AIIMS to ensure that only qualified candidates appear for the examination. You must meet all eligibility requirements before applying for the exam.
Educational Qualifications
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Degree | MBBS/BDS from MCI/DCI recognized medical/dental college |
| Registration | Valid registration with State Medical Council/Dental Council |
| Internship | Must complete compulsory rotatory internship before July 31, 2026 |
| Minimum Marks | 55% aggregate (UR/OBC), 50% aggregate (SC/ST/PwBD) |
| Recognition | Degree must be recognized by MCI/NMC for MD/MS courses |
Age Limits and Relaxations
- No upper age limit for INI CET 2026 examination
- Minimum age: Candidates must have completed MBBS/BDS degree
- Internship completion: Must be completed before admission
- Bond completion: Service bond (if any) should be completed or NOC obtained
Category-wise Reservations
Reservation benefits are available as per Government of India norms:
- SC Category: 15% reservation with relaxed eligibility criteria
- ST Category: 7.5% reservation with special provisions
- OBC-NCL: 27% reservation for non-creamy layer candidates
- EWS Category: 10% reservation for economically weaker sections
- PwBD Category: 5% horizontal reservation across all categories
Special Eligibility for Foreign/NRI Candidates
| Category | Eligibility | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Nationals | MBBS degree from MCI recognized college | Valid passport and visa |
| NRI/OCI | Same as Indian nationals | OCI card or valid documents |
| SAARC Nationals | MBBS from recognized institution | Country-specific documentation |
Critical: Candidates who have completed MBBS/BDS from foreign universities must have Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate or equivalent recognition.
INI CET 2026 Syllabus Overview
The INI CET syllabus encompasses the complete undergraduate medical curriculum including Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical subjects. The examination tests comprehensive knowledge across all medical disciplines taught during MBBS/BDS programs.
Pre-Clinical Subjects (Section 1)
| Subject | Major Topics | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy | Gross anatomy, embryology, histology | 15-18 questions |
| Neuroanatomy, developmental anatomy | ||
| Applied anatomy for clinical correlation | ||
| Physiology | Cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous systems | 15-18 questions |
| Endocrine, reproductive, renal physiology | ||
| Exercise physiology, environmental physiology | ||
| Biochemistry | Protein, carbohydrate, lipid metabolism | 10-15 questions |
| Enzyme kinetics, molecular biology, nutrition |
Para-Clinical Subjects (Section 2)
| Subject | Key Areas | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Pathology | General pathology, systemic pathology, hematology | High |
| Microbiology | Bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology | High |
| Pharmacology | Drug mechanisms, therapeutics, toxicology | High |
| Community Medicine | Epidemiology, biostatistics, health programs | Medium |
| Forensic Medicine | Medical jurisprudence, toxicology, autopsy | Medium |
Clinical Subjects - Medicine (Section 3)
- General Medicine: Internal medicine, cardiology, nephrology, gastroenterology
- Paediatrics: Child health, growth, development, pediatric emergencies
- Psychiatry: Mental health disorders, psychotherapy, rehabilitation
- Dermatology: Skin diseases, sexually transmitted diseases, leprosy
- Emergency Medicine: Critical care, trauma management, life support
Clinical Subjects - Surgery (Section 4)
- General Surgery: Surgical principles, operative procedures, postoperative care
- Orthopedics: Bone disorders, trauma, joint diseases, rehabilitation
- ENT: Ear, nose, throat disorders, head and neck surgery
- Ophthalmology: Eye diseases, vision problems, surgical procedures
- Obstetrics & Gynecology: Reproductive health, pregnancy, gynecological disorders
- Anesthesiology: Pain management, perioperative care, critical care
Institutes Participating in INI CET 2026
A total of 23 prestigious Institutes of National Importance participate in INI CET 2026 counselling. These institutes represent the premier medical and health sciences institutions in India, offering world-class education and research opportunities.
AIIMS Institutes (19 Institutes)
| AIIMS Institute | Location | Established | Total Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIIMS New Delhi | New Delhi | 1956 | 192 |
| AIIMS Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | 2012 | 83 |
| AIIMS Bhubaneswar | Odisha | 2012 | 67 |
| AIIMS Jodhpur | Rajasthan | 2012 | 75 |
| AIIMS Patna | Bihar | 2012 | 58 |
| AIIMS Raipur | Chhattisgarh | 2012 | 54 |
| AIIMS Rishikesh | Uttarakhand | 2012 | 62 |
| AIIMS Guntur | Andhra Pradesh | 2019 | 45 |
| AIIMS Mangalagiri | Andhra Pradesh | 2019 | 41 |
| AIIMS Nagpur | Maharashtra | 2019 | 48 |
| AIIMS Kalyani | West Bengal | 2019 | 43 |
| AIIMS Bathinda | Punjab | 2019 | 39 |
| AIIMS Deoghar | Jharkhand | 2019 | 37 |
| AIIMS Gorakhpur | Uttar Pradesh | 2019 | 42 |
| AIIMS Jammu | Jammu & Kashmir | 2019 | 35 |
| AIIMS Rajkot | Gujarat | 2019 | 38 |
| AIIMS Bibinagar | Telangana | 2019 | 36 |
| AIIMS Darbhanga | Bihar | 2020 | 33 |
| AIIMS Guwahati | Assam | 2020 | 31 |
Other Institutes of National Importance (4 Institutes)
| Institute | Full Name | Location | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGIMER | Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research | Chandigarh | 134 |
| JIPMER | Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research | Puducherry | 123 |
| NIMHANS | National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences | Bangalore | 89 |
| SCTIMST | Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology | Trivandrum | 67 |
Courses Offered
The participating institutes offer the following postgraduate programs through INI CET:
- MD Programs: 45+ specializations in medical sciences
- MS Programs: 25+ surgical specialty courses
- MDS Programs: 9 dental specialty courses (at select institutes)
- DM Programs: Super-specialty courses in medicine
- MCh Programs: Super-specialty courses in surgery
INI CET 2026 Registration Process
The INI CET 2026 registration process for July session was completed between March 15 and April 18, 2026. The online registration system allowed candidates to apply for their preferred courses and institutes through the official AIIMS portal.
Registration Steps (Reference for Future Sessions)
| Step | Process | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Official Website | Access aiimsexams.ac.in and find registration link |
| 2 | Create User Account | Email ID, mobile number, basic details |
| 3 | Fill Application Form | Personal, educational, category details |
| 4 | Upload Documents | Photo, signature, certificates (PDF format) |
| 5 | Pay Application Fee | Online payment through net banking/cards |
| 6 | Submit Application | Final review and submission |
| 7 | Print Confirmation | Save application form and fee receipt |
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Application Fee | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| General/EWS/OBC | ₹3,000 | Online (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI) |
| SC/ST/PwBD | ₹2,250 | Online (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI) |
| International Students | ₹5,000 | Online (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking) |
Document Upload Requirements
- Photograph: Recent colored photo (50 KB max, JPG/JPEG format)
- Signature: Digital signature (30 KB max, JPG/JPEG format)
- MBBS/BDS Certificate: Degree certificate or provisional certificate
- Mark Sheets: All professional examination mark sheets
- Internship Certificate: Completion or expected completion certificate
- Category Certificate: Caste/EWS certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD Certificate: Disability certificate from competent authority
Important: Application fee once paid is non-refundable under any circumstances. Ensure all details are correct before final submission.
INI CET 2026 Admit Card
AIIMS released the INI CET July 2026 admit card on May 10, 2026 through the official website. The admit card contained crucial information about the examination including test date, time, venue, and important instructions for candidates.
How to Download INI CET Admit Card
The admit card download process was simple and straightforward:
- Visit the official AIIMS website at aiimsexams.ac.in
- Click on "INI CET July 2026 Admit Card" link
- Enter Registration Number and Date of Birth
- Verify the captcha code and click "Submit"
- Download and print the admit card for exam day
Admit Card Information
| Details | Information Provided |
|---|---|
| Candidate Information | Name, photo, signature, registration number |
| Exam Details | Date, time, duration, session details |
| Venue Information | Test center name, address, city |
| Important Instructions | Reporting time, guidelines, prohibited items |
| Documents Required | Valid ID proof, admit card, examination guidelines |
Exam Day Guidelines
- Reporting Time: Candidates must report 60 minutes before exam start
- Valid ID Proof: Original Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Driving License mandatory
- Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, calculators, electronic devices not allowed
- Dress Code: Simple dress without metallic items, shoes with minimal metal
- Bio-metric Verification: Thumb impression and photo verification at center
Critical: Candidates without valid admit card and photo ID were not allowed to appear for the examination under any circumstances.
INI CET 2026 Marks vs Rank Analysis
The INI CET marks vs rank analysis helps candidates understand the score distribution and predict their chances of securing admission in preferred institutes and specializations. With over 51,563 qualified candidates, the competition is intense for top ranks.
Marks vs Rank Distribution (General Category)
| Score Range | Expected Rank Range | Percentile | Admission Prospects |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180-200 | 1-50 | 99.9+ | Top AIIMS, any specialty |
| 170-179 | 51-150 | 99.7-99.9 | AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER top branches |
| 160-169 | 151-400 | 99.2-99.7 | Good AIIMS, competitive specialties |
| 150-159 | 401-800 | 98.4-99.2 | Most AIIMS, popular branches |
| 140-149 | 801-1,500 | 97.1-98.4 | Newer AIIMS, general specialties |
| 130-139 | 1,501-2,800 | 94.6-97.1 | Basic sciences, newer institutes |
| 120-129 | 2,801-5,000 | 90.3-94.6 | Limited choices, basic branches |
| 110-119 | 5,001-8,500 | 83.5-90.3 | Very limited options |
Category-wise Rank Analysis
| Category | Qualifying Marks | Top 100 Rank Range | Good Options Till Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 108-115 | 165-185 marks | 1,500 |
| OBC-NCL | 98-105 | 155-175 marks | 2,000 |
| SC | 98-105 | 145-165 marks | 800 |
| ST | 98-105 | 140-160 marks | 400 |
| EWS | 108-115 | 160-180 marks | 300 |
| PwBD | 98-105 | 135-155 marks | 150 |
Institute-wise Safe Score Analysis
Based on previous year trends and current competition:
- AIIMS New Delhi: 155+ marks for Medicine, 170+ for Dermatology/Ophthalmology
- PGIMER Chandigarh: 145+ marks for Medicine, 160+ for competitive branches
- JIPMER Puducherry: 140+ marks for Medicine, 155+ for Surgery
- AIIMS Bhopal/Jodhpur: 135+ marks for Medicine, 150+ for competitive branches
- Newer AIIMS: 125+ marks for Medicine, 140+ for popular specialties
- NIMHANS Bangalore: 160+ marks for Neurology, 150+ for Psychiatry
Note: These are approximate scores based on trends. Actual cutoffs depend on seat matrix, candidate performance, and counselling dynamics.
Preparation Tips for INI CET 2026
Preparing for INI CET requires a systematic approach covering the vast undergraduate medical curriculum. With the computer-based test format and sectional timing, you need targeted preparation strategies to excel in each section within the allocated time limits.
Subject-wise Preparation Strategy
| Subject | Key Focus Areas | Preparation Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | Harrison’s 20th edition, case-based scenarios | Focus on recent guidelines, treatment protocols |
| Surgery | Operative procedures, anatomy correlations | Practice image-based questions, surgical techniques |
| Pathology | Robbins, histopathology images | Strong conceptual understanding, visual recognition |
| Pharmacology | Drug mechanisms, recent updates | Mnemonics for drug names, side effects |
| Microbiology | Latest classification, antibiotic resistance | Regular revision of organisms and diseases |
Time Management Strategy
- Section-wise Practice: Practice each 45-minute section separately
- Question Allocation: Spend maximum 50-55 seconds per question
- Review Time: Keep 5-8 minutes for review in each section
- Difficult Questions: Mark and return later within section time
- Accuracy Focus: Aim for 85-90% accuracy to maximize scores
Recommended Study Resources
| Subject | Primary Reference | Quick Revision |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | Harrison’s Principles, Davidson’s | Medicine Prep Manual for Undergraduates |
| Surgery | Bailey & Love’s, Das Surgery | SRB’s Manual of Surgery |
| Pathology | Robbins & Cotran, Harsh Mohan | Quick Review Pathology |
| Pharmacology | Goodman & Gilman, KD Tripathi | Pharmacology Prep Manual |
| Microbiology | Medical Microbiology, Paniker | Review of Medical Microbiology |
Last Month Preparation Strategy
- Mock Tests: Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly
- Weak Areas: Identify and strengthen weak subjects/topics
- Current Affairs: Focus on recent medical advances and guidelines
- Revision Notes: Prepare concise notes for final week review
- Health Management: Maintain good sleep and nutrition habits
Computer-Based Test Preparation
Since INI CET is a computer-based exam, you should:
- Practice online mock tests to get comfortable with screen reading
- Learn to use computer-based marking and review features
- Improve typing speed for any text-based responses
- Practice time management with digital timer displays
- Get familiar with navigation between questions and sections
Important: Regular practice with computer-based mock tests is crucial as the exam interface can significantly impact your performance and time management.
Previous Year Analysis
Analyzing previous year trends in INI CET helps understand exam patterns, difficulty levels, and cutoff movements. The examination has shown consistent patterns over the last three years with gradual increase in competition and slight variations in difficulty levels.
Year-wise Registration and Qualification Data
| Year | Total Registrations | Qualified Candidates | Qualification Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 (July) | 67,841 | 51,563 | 76.0% |
| 2025 (July) | 64,523 | 49,234 | 76.3% |
| 2024 (July) | 61,897 | 47,892 | 77.4% |
| 2023 (July) | 58,745 | 45,123 | 76.8% |
Difficulty Level Analysis
| Year | Overall Difficulty | Toughest Section | Average Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Moderate to Difficult | Medicine (Section 3) | 118.4 |
| 2025 | Moderate | Surgery (Section 4) | 121.7 |
| 2024 | Easy to Moderate | Medicine (Section 3) | 124.8 |
| 2023 | Moderate to Difficult | Pharmacology Heavy | 116.9 |
Cutoff Trends (General Category)
| Institute/Specialty | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIIMS Delhi - Medicine | 158 (Est.) | 154 | 151 | Increasing |
| AIIMS Delhi - Dermatology | 182 (Est.) | 179 | 176 | Steady Rise |
| PGIMER - Medicine | 148 (Est.) | 145 | 143 | Gradual Rise |
| JIPMER - Medicine | 142 (Est.) | 139 | 137 | Consistent |
| Newer AIIMS - Medicine | 128 (Est.) | 125 | 123 | Slow Rise |
Subject-wise Performance Patterns
- Medicine Section: Consistently the most challenging, focus on Harrison’s recent editions
- Surgery Section: Image-based questions increasing, anatomy correlation crucial
- Pharmacology: New drug approvals and guidelines frequently tested
- Pathology: Histopathology slides and recent WHO classifications important
- Microbiology: Antibiotic resistance patterns and new organisms trending
Counselling Trends
Over the past three years, several patterns have emerged in INI CET counselling:
- Medicine and Surgery remain the most preferred specialties
- Newer AIIMS institutes are gaining popularity among candidates
- Basic science branches see movement even in later rounds
- PGIMER and JIPMER maintain consistent preference levels
- Super-specialty seats (DM/MCh) have shown increasing competition
Source: INI CET Previous Year Analysis
FAQs
Ques. When will INI CET counselling 2026 begin?
Ans. INI CET 2026 counselling for July admission is expected to begin around June 10, 2026. The schedule will be announced on the official AIIMS website soon.
Ques. How many seats are available in INI CET 2026?
Ans. A total of 1,581 postgraduate medical seats are available in INI CET July 2026 across 23 Institutes of National Importance including AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, and NIMHANS.
Ques. What is the qualifying cutoff for INI CET 2026?
Ans. The qualifying cutoff is 50th percentile for General/EWS/OBC candidates and 45th percentile for SC/ST/PwBD candidates. This translates to approximately 108-115 marks for general category.
Ques. Can I change my choices after choice filling in INI CET counselling?
Ans. No, once you lock your choices during the choice filling process, they cannot be modified. You should review all preferences carefully before final submission.
Ques. What documents are required for INI CET counselling?
Ans. You need MBBS/BDS degree certificate, internship completion certificate, category certificate (if applicable), identity proof, and recent passport-sized photographs for the counselling process.
Ques. Is there negative marking in INI CET exam?
Ans. Yes, there is negative marking of -1/3 mark for each wrong answer. Each correct answer carries +1 mark, making accuracy crucial for good scores.
Ques. How many rounds of counselling are conducted in INI CET?
Ans. INI CET counselling consists of four rounds: Mock Round (practice), First Round, Second Round, and Open Round. All rounds are conducted online.
Ques. Which is the best AIIMS for postgraduate medical courses?
Ans. AIIMS New Delhi is considered the premier institute with the highest cutoffs and best faculty. However, other AIIMS like Jodhpur, Bhopal, and Bhubaneswar also offer excellent education and research opportunities.
Ques. What is the exam duration for INI CET?
Ans. INI CET is a 3-hour computer-based test with 200 questions divided into 4 sections. Each section has 50 questions with 45 minutes time limit.
Ques. Can foreign graduates apply for INI CET?
Ans. Yes, foreign medical graduates can apply provided their MBBS/BDS degree is recognized by MCI/NMC. They must also have the required ECFMG certification or equivalent recognition.
Ques. What is the difference between January and July session of INI CET?
Ans. January session is for July admission while July session is for January admission of the following year. The exam pattern, syllabus, and counselling process remain the same for both sessions.
Ques. Is coaching necessary for INI CET preparation?
Ans. While coaching can provide structured guidance, self-study with standard textbooks and regular practice through mock tests is sufficient. Focus on strengthening your undergraduate medical knowledge across all subjects.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on official sources and previous year trends. Candidates are advised to visit the official AIIMS website at aiimsexams.ac.in for the latest updates and notifications regarding INI CET 2026.
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