INI CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test)

INI CET 2026

The INI CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) is the unified national-level exam conducted by AIIMS to replace erstwhile PG medical entrance exams including AIIMS PG, JIPMER PG, PGIMER, and NIMHANS tests. INI CET serves as the entry point for MD, MS, MDS, DM (6 yrs), and M.Ch. (6 yrs) programmes across premier medical institutions in India such as AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST. Because INI CET consolidates multiple exams into a single window, its stakes are high and competition intense.

For the 2026-January session, the date for INI CET has already been announced: the exam will take place on 9 November 2025 (Sunday), with INI CET 2026 results expected around 15 November 2025 (Saturday). Following the INI CET 2026 result declaration, the counselling and seat allocation process will commence per the schedule published by AIIMS. As with all INI CET sessions, official notifications, registration windows, and admit-card release dates will be made available via the AIIMS exams portal.

Given how crucial INI CET 2026 is for aspiring postgraduate medical students, careful planning and a strong grasp of the INI CET 2026 exam pattern, INI CET 2026 eligibility criteria, and INI CET 2026 preparation roadmap are indispensable. For further details regarding INI CET 2026 entrance exam candidates may continue reading the article below.

INI CET 2026 – Key Highlights

Basic Information on INI CET

The INI CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) is a national-level entrance exam conducted twice a year by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. INI CET serves as a single gateway exam for admission into postgraduate medical courses including MD, MS, MDS, DM (6 years), and M.Ch. (6 years) across leading institutes of national importance such as AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST. The INI CET exam is held in a computer-based test (CBT) mode and evaluates candidates on subjects studied during the MBBS/BDS curriculum. Being a replacement for multiple separate PG medical entrance tests, INI CET provides a unified platform for aspiring postgraduate medical students to secure seats in India’s premier institutions.

INI CET 2026 Exam Dates (Tentative)

Following is the list of the INI CET 2026 exam dates. Please note that some of these dates are only tentative as the authorities are yet to release them in their official website.

INI CET 2026 Exam Highlights

INI CET 2026 Preparation Tips

To prepare effectively for INI CET 2026, candidates should focus on covering the entire MBBS syllabus with emphasis on clinical subjects, as they carry more weightage in the exam. Creating a structured study schedule balancing Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical topics is essential. Regular practice through mock tests and previous years’ question papers helps improve time management and accuracy while identifying weak areas. Active learning techniques like solving MCQs, drawing flowcharts, and discussing concepts can enhance retention. Candidates are advised to manage stress, maintain good health, and revise multiple times before the exam for best results.

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INI CET 2026 Cut Offs

The INI CET 2026 cut off marks represent the minimum qualifying percentiles candidates must achieve to be eligible for admission to postgraduate medical courses at premier institutes like AIIMS, JIPMER, and PGIMER. The general category cut off percentile is 50, while OBC candidates must secure 45, and SC/ST/PwBD candidates require 40 percentiles. Cut off scores vary depending on factors such as total applicants, exam difficulty, and seat availability across courses. A score above 160 out of 200 is generally considered good, with scores above 190 opening doors to top institutes. Candidates should aim to surpass these cut offs to maximize admission chances.

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INI CET 2026 Results

The INI CET 2026 results for the January session are expected to be declared online on November 15, 2025. Candidates can check their INI CET 2026 results on the official AIIMS exam website by downloading the merit list and individual scorecards which mention marks obtained, ranks, and qualification status. Qualifying candidates become eligible for the next stage of the admission process. The INI CET 2026 results determine the merit position and admission prospects into prestigious postgraduate medical programs at institutes like AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and others.

INI CET 2026 Counselling Process

Following the declaration of results, the INI CET 2026 counselling process begins, where qualified candidates register online to participate in seat allotment based on their merit and preferences. The INI CET 2026 counselling is conducted in multiple rounds, including mock, open, and spot rounds to ensure fair distribution of seats across various institutes and courses. Candidates must carefully fill their choices, lock preferences before deadlines, and complete document verification at reporting centres to confirm admissions. The INI CET 2026 counselling schedule and guidelines are released on the official AIIMS examination portal to guide candidates stepwise through the process.

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INI CET 2026 Instructions

1. Candidates should upload their photograph and signature with the preferred size in the portal which should be clearly visible.
2. Candidates need to carry their admit card/hall ticket to the exam centre. Candidates will be prohibited from entering the exam hall without this document.
3. Candidates will also be required to carry a valid ID proof such as – Voter ID Card/ Aadhaar Card/ PAN Card/ Driving License, etc.
4. It is advisable for all candidates to enter the designated exam hall before time for a smooth security process before the beginning of exam.
5. Any candidate violating the rules will be strictly dealt as per the norms of the exam centre.
6. Any candidate pursuing any unfair means in the exam hall will be dealt with as per the rules and regulations of the test centre.

INI CET 2026 – FAQs

Q1. What is the INI CET 2026 exam?

Ans. The INI CET 2026 is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance exam conducted by AIIMS for admission to MD, MS, DM, M.Ch., and MDS courses at premier institutes such as AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST.

Q2. When will the INI CET 2026 result be declared?

Ans. The results for the INI CET January 2026 session are expected to be declared around mid-November 2025 on the official AIIMS exam website.

Q3. What is the exam pattern for INI CET 2026?

Ans. The exam is computer-based with 200 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 3 hours. Each right answer carries +1 mark while wrong answers attract a negative marking of -?.

Q4. Who is eligible to appear for INI CET 2026?

Ans. Candidates must hold an MBBS or BDS degree, have completed their compulsory rotating internship, and meet minimum marks criteria as per category.

Q5. What is the counselling process after INI CET 2026?

Ans. Qualified candidates participate in online counselling where seats are allocated based on rank, reservation, and preferences. Multiple counselling rounds are conducted till seats are filled.