INI CET Eligibility Criteria 2026 

The INI CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) 2026 is the centralized national-level entrance examination for admission to postgraduate medical courses such as MD, MS, DM, M.Ch., and MDS offered by premier medical institutions including AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST. Candidates aspiring to appear for INI CET exam must fulfil certain eligibility criteria set by the conducting authorities. These criteria ensure that applicants possess the requisite qualifications and standards expected for advanced medical education.

Educational Qualification

• The candidate must hold an MBBS degree or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) for MD/MS/DM/M.Ch./MD (Hospital Administration) courses.
• For MDS courses, candidates must possess a BDS degree or its equivalent recognized by the Dental Council of India (DCI).
• The candidate must have successfully completed a one-year compulsory rotating internship/practical training on or before the cut-off date (typically January 31, 2026, for the January session).
• Candidates currently pursuing internship at the time of application are not eligible to appear for the exam.
• The aggregate minimum percentage of marks required in the qualifying examination is 55% for General/EWS/OBC category candidates and 50% for SC/ST and PwBD categories.

Age and Attempts

• There is no age limit prescribed for appearing in INI CET 2026.
• There is no restriction on the number of attempts a candidate can make.

Nationality

• Indian Nationals, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and Foreign Nationals are eligible to apply.
• However, eligibility for seats reserved specifically for Indian Nationals does not extend to Foreign Nationals and OCI cardholders.

Reservation and Relaxations

• Reservation policies conform to Government of India norms with approximately 49.5% of total seats reserved for SC, ST, and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates.
• Eligible reserved category candidates need to provide valid caste or disability certificates during the counselling and admission process.

Other Important Notes

• Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria at the time of application; erroneous applications can be rejected or cancelled.
• INI CET 2026 application process includes uploading all requisite academic, caste, and internship completion certificates.

Click Here For INI CET 2026 Syllabus

FAQs

Q1. What is the minimum qualifying degree required for INI CET 2026?

Ans. Candidates must possess an MBBS degree recognized by the Medical Council of India for MD/MS/DM/M.Ch. courses, or a BDS degree recognized by the Dental Council of India for MDS courses, along with completion of a one-year internship.

Q2. Is there a minimum marks requirement in the qualifying degree for INI CET eligibility?

Ans. Yes, General, EWS, and OBC candidates must have at least 55% aggregate marks in their qualifying degree, whereas SC, ST, and PwBD candidates must have a minimum of 50%.

Q3. Can candidates appearing in their internship apply for INI CET 2026?

Ans. No, candidates must have completed their compulsory rotating internship on or before the specified cut-off date to be eligible to apply.

Q4. Are there any age or attempt limits for appearing in INI CET?

Ans. There is no age limit and no restriction on the number of attempts for candidates appearing for INI CET 2026.

Q5. Are Foreign Nationals and OCI cardholders eligible for INI CET seats reserved for Indian Nationals?

Ans. No, while Foreign Nationals and OCI cardholders can apply and appear in INI CET, they are not eligible for seats specifically reserved for Indian Nationals.