Medical
INI-CET 2026 (January 2027 Session)
INI-CET 2026 (January 2027 Session) is expected to release 800+ (varies by session; ~815 seats in the July 2026 session) vacancies; exam dates will be announced on the official website.
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Mode
Online
Level
Post Graduate
Vacancies
800+ (varies by session; ~815 seats in the July 2026 session)
Fee
₹1,500 (concession for SC/ST/PwBD as per notification)
Last updated: July 4, 2026
Key dates
July 2026 Session Exam (Completed)
16 May 2026
July 2026 Session Result (Declared)
23 May 2026
January 2027 Session Registration
Sep 2026 (Expected)
January 2027 Session Exam
01 Nov 2026 (Expected)
January 2027 Session Result
Nov 2026 (Expected)
Quick Summary
INI-CET is the dedicated postgraduate medical/dental entrance exam conducted by AIIMS New Delhi for MD/MS/MDS/DM/MCh admission exclusively to Institutes of National Importance — AIIMS campuses, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS and SCTIMST — distinct from the broader NEET PG exam that feeds MCC/state counselling elsewhere. Held twice yearly, the July 2026 session exam was conducted on 16 May 2026 with results declared 23 May 2026 for roughly 815 seats. The exam is a single 200-mark CBT paper with 200 MCQs, +1 for correct and -1/3 for incorrect answers. The next session, for January 2027 admissions, is expected to open registration around September 2026 with the exam likely in early November 2026. Eligibility requires an MBBS/BDS degree with 55% marks (50% for SC/ST) and a completed internship.
Eligibility
- MBBS/BDS degree from an MCI/NMC/DCI recognized university, for admission to MD/MS/MDS courses
- Minimum 55% aggregate marks in MBBS/BDS (50% for SC/ST candidates)
- Compulsory rotating internship must be completed by the date specified for counselling/joining
- For DM/MCh super-specialty courses, a relevant postgraduate degree (MD/MS in the required subject) is required
Syllabus
- Pre-clinical, para-clinical and clinical subjects as per the MBBS curriculum, for MD/MS entrance
- Dental subjects as per the BDS curriculum, for MDS entrance
- Subject-specific postgraduate curriculum for DM/MCh super-specialty entrance
- Emphasis on applied, clinically-oriented concepts rather than rote theory, based on the NMC-prescribed curriculum
Exam Pattern
- Computer Based Test (CBT) held twice a year — a January session (exam held around November) and a July session (exam held around May)
- 200 objective-type MCQs for 200 marks in a single paper of 2.5 hours
- +1 mark for each correct answer, -1/3 mark (0.33) deducted for each incorrect answer, no penalty for unattempted questions
- Separate, institute-wise and category-wise merit lists prepared for AIIMS New Delhi, other AIIMS campuses, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS and SCTIMST
- Selection followed by a centralized online counselling process for seat allotment across participating institutes
Exam overview
INI-CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) is the common postgraduate medical/dental entrance exam conducted by AIIMS New Delhi for admission to MD, MS, MDS and super-specialty DM/MCh courses across India's most prestigious Institutes of National Importance — all AIIMS campuses, JIPMER Puducherry, PGIMER Chandigarh, NIMHANS Bengaluru and SCTIMST Thiruvananthapuram. Unlike NEET PG, which feeds the broader MCC/state counselling pool for MD/MS/Diploma seats nationwide, INI-CET is the dedicated gateway exclusively for seats within these INI institutions.
Held twice a year (January and July sessions), INI-CET is widely regarded as one of the toughest postgraduate medical entrance exams in India due to its low seat-to-applicant ratio, negative marking, and the reputation and infrastructure of the participating institutes. The July 2026 session exam was held on 16 May 2026, with results declared on 23 May 2026 for roughly 815 MD/MS/MDS/DM/MCh seats across the participating institutes; the next session (January 2027 admissions) is expected to see registrations open around September 2026 with the exam likely in early November 2026.
Preparation tip
Focus on previous year questions and standard textbooks. Medical exams require deep understanding of concepts.