INI CET Exam Pattern 2026

The INI CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) 2026 is a highly competitive postgraduate medical entrance exam conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). It offers admission to MD, MS, DM, M. Ch., and MDS courses at premier medical institutes like AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST. Understanding the exam pattern of INI CET 2026 is critical for candidates aiming to achieve a high score and secure admission to these prestigious institutes.

INI CET 2026 Exam Pattern Highlights

• Exam Mode:Computer-based test (CBT)
• Duration:3 hours (180 minutes)
• Total Questions:200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
• Question Distribution:Divided into four sections of 50 questions each
• Subjects Covered:Entire MBBS syllabus including Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical subjects
• Language:English only
• Marking Scheme:+1 for each correct answer, -? for each incorrect answer, 0 for unanswered questions
• Negative Marking:Applicable for wrong answers
• Sequential Sectional Timing:Each section must be completed within 45 minutes; candidates cannot revert to previous sections once completed.

Exam Structure and Format

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.

The INI CET 2026 exam proceeds section-wise, meaning candidates answer one section fully before moving to the next. The system locks the previous section once completed, enforcing strict time discipline.

Subjects and Weightage

The question paper covers the entire MBBS curriculum divided into three broad categories with approximate weightage based on past trends and expert anticipations:

• Pre-Clinical Subjects (20-25%): Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
• Para-Clinical Subjects (25-30%): Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Pharmacology, Community Medicine
• Clinical Subjects (45-50%): Medicine and Allied, Surgery and Allied, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Psychiatry, Radiology, Anesthesia, and other allied specialties
• Clinical subjects generally carry more weight because of their importance in postgraduate medical studies.

Question Types and Marking Scheme

• Question Types:Mostly single-correct-answer MCQs, with some questions demanding the identification of the best combination of correct options.
• Marking:+1 mark for every correct response.
• Negative Marking:-? marks for every incorrect answer to discourage guessing.
• Unattempted Questions:No marks added or deducted.

Due to the negative marking, accuracy is crucial. Candidates are advised to avoid random guessing and focus on conceptual clarity and time management.

Importance of Understanding the INI CET 2026 Exam Pattern

Knowing the INI CET 2026 exam pattern helps candidates strategize their preparation effectively, including:

• Developing section-wise time management strategies.
• Allocating study time based on subject weightage.
• Devising answering techniques to minimize negative marking.
• Gaining confidence by understanding the exam’s computer-based, timed format.

Read More About INI CET 2026 Counseling

FAQs

Q1. What is the duration and total number of questions in INI CET 2026?

Ans. The INI CET 2026 exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions divided into four sections of 50 questions each. The total exam duration is 3 hours (180 minutes), with 45 minutes allotted per section.

Q2. Is there negative marking in the INI CET 2026 exam?

Ans. Yes, there is a negative marking system where one-third mark (-?) is deducted for every incorrect answer. No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.

Q3. Which subjects are covered in the INI CET 2026 syllabus?

Ans. The INI CET 2026 exam covers the complete MBBS syllabus divided into Pre-Clinical (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry), Para-Clinical (Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine), and Clinical subjects (Medicine and allied, Surgery and allied, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, etc.).

Q4. Can candidates switch between sections during the INI CET 2026 exam?

Ans. No, the INI CET 2026 exam follows a sectional time management system. Candidates must complete each 50-question section within 45 minutes before moving to the next. Once a section is completed, they cannot return to it.

Q5. What is the language medium of the INI CET 2026 exam?

Ans. The INI CET 2026 exam is conducted entirely in English.