The INI CET 2026 is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance exam conducted by AIIMS. As per the INI CET Exam Pattern 2026, the paper includes Single Correct Choice and Multiple Correct Choice questions.
- The INI CET will be conducted in a CBT Mode, including 200 MCQs of 200 marks, with +1 mark for each correct answer and -1.3 for an incorrect answer to be attempted in a duration of 3 hours.
- The INI CET Exam is for admission into MD, MS, DM for 6 years, MCh for 6 years and MDS courses in AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and other institutes.
- As per the analysis of INI CET previous years’ question paper, the weightage of topics like Medicine and Allied Subjects and Surgery and Allied Subjects is 60% and 25% respectively.
- Other topics like Anatomy, Microbiology, and Physiology have a weightage of 10% in the INI CET 2024 exam.
Those who want to earn a PG degree in medicine, such as MD, MS, MDS, offered by various institutes or colleges, can check the details of the INI CET Exam Pattern 2026 given below.
Quick Links:
Key Summary
In this article, we discussed the INI CET exam pattern for 2026, including the marking scheme, exam structure and format, syllabus, weightage, and preparation.
- The INI CET Exam Pattern 2026, the paper includes Single Correct Choice and Multiple Correct Choice questions.
- The INI CET will be conducted in a CBT Mode, including 200 MCQs of 200 marks, with +1 mark for each correct answer and -1.3 for an incorrect answer to be attempted in a duration of 3 hours.
- The INI CET Exam is for admission into MD, MS, DM for 6 years, MCh for 6 years, and MDS courses in AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and other institutes.
- As per the analysis of INI CET previous years’ question paper, the weightage of topics like Medicine and Allied Subjects and Surgery and Allied Subjects is 60% and 25% respectively.
- Other topics like Anatomy, Microbiology, and Physiology have a weightage of 10% in the INI CET 2024 exam.
- What is the INI CET Exam Pattern for 2026?
1.1 INI CET Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
- INI CET Exam Structure 2026
2.1 INI CET Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
2.2 INI CET Exam Pattern 2026: Question Types
2.3 INI CET Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-Wise Weightage
- INI CET 2026 Syllabus
3.1 INI CET 2026: Pre-Clinical Subjects
3.2 INI CET 2026: Para-Clinical Subjects
3.3 INI CET 2026: Clinical Subjects
- INI CET Previous Year Question Paper
- INI CET Exam Preparation Tips
- FAQs
What is the INI CET Exam Pattern for 2026?
The INI CET 2026 is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance exam conducted by AIIMS. As per the INI CET Exam Pattern 2026, the paper includes Single Correct Choice and Multiple Correct Choice questions.
- The INI CET will be conducted in a CBT Mode, including 200 MCQs of 200 marks, with +1 mark for each correct answer and -1.3 for an incorrect answer to be attempted in a duration of 3 hours.
INI CET Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | INI CET 2026 (Postgraduate Medical Entrance) |
| Conducting Body | AIIMS / NBE |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 200 MCQs |
| Question Types | Single Correct Choice (SCC), Multiple Correct Choice (MCC) |
| Sections | 5 Sections (40 questions each) |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, -1.3 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted |
| Review Option | Questions can be marked for review |
| Syllabus | Entire MBBS Curriculum (19 subjects) |
| Exam Dates | January Session: Nov 9, 2025; July Session: May 17, 2026 |
| Medium of Exam | English |
Ques. How does negative marking affect scoring in INI CET 2026?
Ans. The negative marking affects scoring in INI CET 2026 as it gives +1 for each correct answer but -1.3 marks for each incorrect answer.
- It means random guessing can lower your overall score, so it’s safer to attempt questions you are confident about and skip the uncertain ones.
Ques. How is the INI CET 2026 exam structured in terms of sections and syllabus?
Ans. The INI CET exam consists of 200 MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions), divided across 5 sections with 40 questions each.
- It covers the entire MBBS syllabus, including pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects. Questions are included in single correct choice and multiple correct choice types.
- You can mark questions for review, allowing them to prioritize and revisit the difficult questions during the exam.
INI CET Exam Structure 2026
The INI CET 2026 exam is designed to test the candidate’s clinical knowledge, conceptual clarity, problem-solving, and reasoning skills across all major medical disciplines taught in MBBS.
The INI CET 2026 exam pattern follows a structured layout, which has been shown below in a tabular form.
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration per Section |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Section 2 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Section 3 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Section 4 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 200 | 3 hours |
Ques. Can candidates navigate and review questions during the exam?
Ans. Yes, the CBT mode allows you to mark questions for review. This means you can skip tricky questions in starting and return to them later, allowing you to better use of time and prioritize high-confidence questions.
Ques. What is the number of questions in the INI CET exam 2026?
Ans. The INI CET Exam pattern for 2026 includes 200 MCQs, to be completed in a duration of 3 hours, for which +1 mark will be given for each correct answer and -1 mark will be deducted for an incorrect answer.
| Section | Approx. Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Pre-clinical | 20–25 |
| Para-clinical | 40–50 |
| Clinical | 100–110 |
| Dental / MDS (if applicable) | 20–30 |
| Total | 200 |
INI CET Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
The table outlines the INI CET marking scheme and details for the 2026 exam.
- Question Types: Mostly single-correct-answer MCQs, with some questions demanding the identification of the best combination of correct options.
- Marking: +4mark for every correct response.
- Negative Marking: -1.3 mark for every incorrect answer to discourage guessing.
- Unattempted Questions: No marks added or deducted.
INI CET Exam Pattern 2026: Question Types
The table below outlines the types of questions with options and the correct answer for the INI CET Exam.
- The INI CET Exam pattern for 2026 includes 200 MCQs, to be completed in a duration of 3 hours.
| Question Type | Description | Options | Correct Answer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Correct Answer (SCA) | Only one option is correct: a test of direct knowledge or concept | 4 options | 1 correct option |
| Multiple Correct Choice (MCC) | More than one option may be correct; a test of applied knowledge or a combination of concepts | 4–5 options | More than 1 correct option (select the best combination) |
Ques. How should you approach multiple-choice questions?
Ans. For MCC questions, all correct options must be selected to earn full marks.
- Partial or incorrect selections may result in 0 marks or penalties, depending on the scoring rules.
- It’s best to attempt MCC questions only when confident about all correct options.
Ques. How does the marking scheme influence strategy?
Ans. Because of -1.3 negative marking, it is better to attempt questions you are confident about and skip uncertain ones, using the review option strategically.
INI CET Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-Wise Weightage
This table summarizes the INI CET 2026 syllabus by category, showing how the MBBS curriculum is divided into Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical subjects.
- It also provides the approximate weightage of each category in the exam, helping candidates prioritize their preparation and focus on high-yield areas for maximum scoring potential.
| Category | Subjects Included | Approximate Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Clinical Subjects | AnatomyPhysiologyBiochemistry | 20–25% |
| Para-Clinical Subjects | PathologyMicrobiologyForensic MedicinePharmacologyCommunity Medicine (SPM/PSM) | 25–30% |
| Clinical Subjects | General Medicine and AlliedGeneral Surgery and AlliedObstetrics & GynecologyPediatricsOphthalmologyENTPsychiatryRadiologyAnesthesiaOrthopedicsDermatology | 45–50% |
Ques. Which section has more weightage in INI CET 2024?
Ans. As per previous years’ analysis of INI CET question papers, the Medicine and Allied topic has 60% weightage in the INI CET exam.
- Other topics, such as Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology, have a weightage of around 10%. Whereas Biochemistry's weightage is around 15%.
| Subject/Topic | Approx. Weightage (%) |
|---|---|
| Medicine & Allied | 60 |
| Biochemistry | 15 |
| Anatomy | 10 |
| Physiology | 10 |
| Microbiology | 10 |
Ques. How important are pre-clinical subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry?
Ans. Pre-clinical subjects are important but carry a lower weightage of about 10–12%. Questions usually focus on high-yield concepts, diagrams, and clinical correlations.
| Subject Type | Subjects Covered | Weightage | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Clinical | Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry | 10–12% | High-yield concepts, diagrams, and clinical correlations |
INI CET 2026 Syllabus
The INI CET 2026 is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance exam conducted by AIIMS for admission into MD, MS, DM, MCh, and MDS courses.
- The exam covers the entire MBBS syllabus, divided into Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical subjects.
INI CET 2026: Pre-Clinical Subjects
The table below highlights the pre-clinical and their key topics for the INI CET exam 2026, helping you to prioritize high-weightage topics.
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Anatomy | Microanatomy Gross Anatomy Neuroanatomy Embryology Genetics |
| Physiology | General Gastrointestinal Respiratory Cardiovascular Renal Neuro-Muscular Reproductive Endocrine Neurophysiology Special Senses Higher Nervous Functions Sleep & Yoga |
| Biochemistry | Biomolecules Enzymes & Metabolism Molecular Biology Clinical Biochemistry Environmental Biochemistry Immunology |
INI CET 2026: Para-Clinical Subjects
The table below highlights the para-clinical and their key topics for the INI CET exam 2026, helping you to prioritize high-weightage topics.
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Pathology | General Pathology Systemic Pathology Neoplasia Immunopathology Hematology |
| Microbiology | Bacteriology Virology Mycology ParasitologyI mmunology |
| Pharmacology | General Pharmacology Autonomic NS Drugs CNS Drugs Antimicrobials Endocrine Drugs Toxicology |
| Forensic Medicine | Legal Aspects Toxicology Medical Jurisprudence |
| Community Medicine | Epidemiology Public Health Health Policies Nutrition Environmental Health |
INI CET 2026: Clinical Subjects
The table below highlights the clinical and their key topics for the INI CET exam 2026, helping you to prioritize high-weightage topics.
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Medicine & Allied | Cardiology Neurology Endocrinology Gastroenterology Pulmonology Dermatology Psychiatry Radiodiagnosis |
| Surgery & Allied | General Surgery Orthopedics Ophthalmology ENT Anesthesia |
| Obstetrics & Gynecology | Obstetrics Gynecology Reproductive Medicine Obstetric Emergencies |
| Pediatrics | Neonatology Growth & Development Vaccination Common Pediatric Disorders |
Check: INI CET Syllabus
INI CET Previous Year Question Paper
The INI CET previous year question paper for the years 2024 and 2023 is given below:
INI CET 2024 Question Paper
| Exam | Question Paper PDF |
|---|---|
| July Session (May 19, 2024) | Check Here |
| January Session (Nov 5, 2023) | Check Here |
INI CET 2023 Question Paper
| Exam | Question Paper PDF |
|---|---|
| July Session (May 7, 2023) | Check Here |
| January Session (Nov 13, 2022) | Check Here |
Check: INI CET Question Paper
INI CET Exam Preparation Tips
The table below summarizes an effective strategy for INI CET 2026 preparation, highlighting key subjects, suggested focus areas, and recommended time allocation for efficient study.
| Component | Topics Covered | Recommended Approach | Suggested Time Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-clinical |
|
|
|
| Para-clinical |
|
|
|
| Clinical |
|
|
|
| Dental/MDS (if applicable) |
|
|
|
| Mock Tests & Revision | - |
|
|
FAQs
Ques. Is the INI CET Exam held twice a year?
Ans. No, INI CET is held only once a year. It is a single annual entrance exam conducted for admission to postgraduate medical courses (MD, MS, M.Ch., DM) in AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and other institutes.
- Earlier, there was no second session, and candidates had to appear in this only yearly exam to be considered for PG medical admissions.
Ques. What are the eligibility criteria for the INI CET 2026 exam?
Ans. The INI CET 2026 exam is a postgraduate medical entrance exam for admission to MD/MS/MDS/DM/MCh courses at Institutes of National Importance.
- Educational Qualification: MD/MS/DM/MCh: MBBS degree from a recognized institution; MDS: BDS degree from a recognized institution.
- Minimum Marks in Qualifying Exam: General/OBC/EWS/PwD: 55% aggregate; SC/ST: 50% aggregate.
- Age Limit: No upper age limit, minimum 17 years
Ques. Is INI CET harder than NEET PG?
Ans. The comparison between INI CET and NEET PG is given below:
| Feature | INI CET | NEET PG |
|---|---|---|
| Syllabus | MBBS, focus on clinical & para-clinical | Entire MBBS |
| Question Types | SCC + MCC | Mostly SCC |
| Difficulty | More application-based | Knowledge/memory-based |
| Seats | Limited (AIIMS, JIPMER, etc.) | Large across India |
| Competition | Very high | High |
| Prep Strategy | Focus high-weightage & MCC | Broad coverage & speed |
Ques. Is INI CET replaced by the next?
Ans. Yes, NExT (National Exit Test) is intended to replace INI-CET (for AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS) and other medical postgraduate entrance exams in India.
- The National Medical Commission (NMC) has deferred the implementation of NExT, but it will eventually serve as a common exam for both postgraduate admissions and a license to practice medicine.
Ques. Will next replace NEET PG in 2026?
Ans. Yes, the NExt is expected to replace NEET PG in 2026. According to the NMC, NExt will serve as both a licensing exam for MBBS graduates and a postgraduate entrance exam, effectively replacing NEET PG and the FMGE.
NExt will be conducted in two parts:
- A theory-based MCQs exam covering the entire MBBS syllabus.
- A practical Exam conducted during the internship, evaluating clinical skills and competencies.
Ques. What is rank 4000 in INI CET?
Ans. Ranking in the exam determines admission chances, with higher ranks increasing the likelihood of securing top colleges and specialty courses.
| Rank in INI CET | Likely Percentile / Score Range* | Admission Chances |
|---|---|---|
| 4000 | ~85–88 percentile | Low probability for AIIMS PG seats |
| Not enough for DM/MCh courses | ||
| Consider alternative PG options |
*Percentile/Score ranges are approximate, based on previous years’ analysis.
Ques. What is the syllabus for INI CET 2026?
Ans. The INI CET Syllabus 2026 covers Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical Science sections.
| S.No. | Section |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dental Materials |
| 2 | Oral Pathology & Microbiology |
| 3 | Biostatistics |
| 4 | Other Topics |
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
Comments