INI-CET 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions

INI-CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by AIIMS Delhi for admission to postgraduate medical programs across AIIMS and other institutions. It is essential if you want to pursue MD/MS programs in premier government medical institutes in India. Taking this exam opens doors to quality postgraduate medical education and better career prospects in academics, research, and specialized medical practice.

You must be an Indian citizen or OCI/PIO card holder with a valid MBBS degree from a recognized medical college in India. Your MBBS degree should be recognized by the Medical Council of India or National Medical Commission (NMC). There is no upper age limit for general category candidates. Your name must be registered with the NMC before you submit your application.

INI-CET is a computer-based test conducted in online mode consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions. The test duration is 3.5 hours with no negative marking for wrong answers. Questions are based on your MBBS curriculum covering all medical subjects. The exam tests knowledge across internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and other relevant subjects.

The syllabus covers the entire MBBS curriculum as per the competency-based curriculum guidelines. Major topics include internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, anesthesia, radiology, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and community medicine. You should focus on clinical aspects, recent guidelines, and practical applications of medical knowledge rather than rote learning.

INI-CET 2026 is typically conducted in the latter half of the year, usually around June-July 2026. The exact date and registration schedule will be announced on the official AIIMS Delhi website by early 2026. You should regularly check the official portal for updates on application opening dates, exam dates, and result announcements.

The application fee is typically around 2500-3000 rupees for general and OBC candidates and may be lower for SC/ST/PWD candidates. The exact fee structure will be announced along with the notification in 2026. Payment can usually be made online through credit card, debit card, or net banking on the official portal.

There is no restriction on the number of attempts you can make for INI-CET. You can appear multiple times until you get your desired cutoff or admission. However, each attempt requires fresh registration and payment of the application fee.

Cutoffs vary based on the number of candidates, difficulty level of the exam, and category. Generally, the cutoff for general category ranges from 50% to 60% marks. SC/ST/OBC candidates typically get relaxation in cutoff by 5-10 percentage points. The exact cutoff will be announced after the exam based on a proper merit analysis.

Start by reviewing your MBBS textbooks and making short notes on high-yield topics. Solve at least 3-4 mock tests every week to understand the exam pattern and improve speed. Join online coaching classes if needed and focus on weak areas. Maintain a consistent study schedule of 4-5 hours daily, combining theory revision with practice questions and mock tests.

Standard MBBS textbooks like Harrison's Internal Medicine, Bailey and Love's Surgery, and Schwartz's Surgery are excellent resources. Use AIIMS previous year question papers and topic-wise question banks available online. Subscribe to reputable online coaching platforms that offer INI-CET-specific courses and mock tests. Also refer to recent medical journals and clinical practice guidelines for updated information.

After clearing INI-CET and securing an MD/MS seat, you can pursue a career as a specialist doctor in government or private hospitals. You can establish your own practice, join teaching institutions, or pursue further research and academic careers. MD/MS from AIIMS or other premier institutions opens doors to prestigious positions, research opportunities, and international placements.

Yes, you can apply if your deemed university medical degree is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Your college must be listed in the NMC approved colleges list, and your degree should be equivalent to a regular MBBS from a recognized university. Contact the NMC official website to verify if your institution is recognized before applying.

Generally, there is no specific time limit mentioned, meaning both recent MBBS graduates and doctors with experience can apply. However, you must be registered with the NMC at the time of application and exam. Even experienced doctors can appear for INI-CET to pursue postgraduate education or shift their medical specialty.

After clearing INI-CET, your score is used for counseling conducted by the AACCC (All India AIIMS Counseling Center) or respective state authorities. You participate in choice filling and allotment based on your merit rank and category. Once allotted, you receive your admission offer and must complete the verification and reporting formalities at the allotted institution.

INI-CET is conducted only by AIIMS and JIPMER for their postgraduate seats, while NEET-PG is the national-level exam for most other government and private medical colleges. INI-CET covers 200 questions in 3.5 hours with a focus on clinical knowledge, whereas NEET-PG has a different question pattern. Both are valid pathways to pursue postgraduate medical education in India, but NEET-PG has a larger reach and more seats available.