Medical & Healthcare · Updated October 2026
AIIMS INI-CET ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
Conducted biannually (January and July sessions) by AIIMS New Delhi, INI-CET is the unified postgraduate medical entrance exam for admission to MD, MS, M.Ch. (6 years), DM (6 years), and MDS courses at AIIMS New Delhi, all new AIIMS, JIPMER Puducherry, PGIMER Chandigarh, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and SCTIMST Trivandrum. The 3-hour CBT tests integrated clinical reasoning across 200 questions.
- Type
- Entrance
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- Healthcare
Start for free with AIIMS INI-CET syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
AIIMS INI-CET exam overview and highlights
About AIIMS INI-CET
INI-CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) is the common entrance examination for postgraduate courses (MD, MS, MCh six-year, DM six-year and MDS) at AIIMS New Delhi and other AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER Chandigarh, NIMHANS Bengaluru and SCTIMST Thiruvananthapuram. It is conducted by AIIMS New Delhi. It is held separately from NEET PG and has its own rank list and counselling.
The examination process for AIIMS INI-CET comprises 2 stages: Computer-based test, followed by Online seat allocation. The official syllabus tests candidates across 3 core areas — Pre-clinical subjects, Para-clinical subjects, Clinical subjects — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Candidates who clear the cut-off percentile are ranked. Seats at AIIMS institutes, PGIMER, JIPMER and NIMHANS are allotted through online seat allocation rounds run by AIIMS, New Delhi, based on rank and choices.
Key subjects
- Pre-clinical subjects
- Para-clinical subjects
- Clinical subjects
What clearing AIIMS INI-CET leads to
- MD and MS at AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS
- Six-year DM and MCh courses at participating INIs
- MDS at AIIMS and other participating institutes
- Admission & Seat Allotment: Admission to MD, MS, MDS, DM (6-year) and MCh (6-year) seats at AIIMS institutes, PGIMER Chandigarh, JIPMER and NIMHANS
- Centralised merit counselling and seat allocation through All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi participating institutes
- Validity & Eligibility Window: Score valid for that session only
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Frequency
- Twice a year (for the January and July sessions)
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test)
- Languages
- English
- Stages & papers
- 2 stages (1 paper total)
- Negative marking
- One-third of a mark deducted per wrong answer; one mark for each correct answer
- Official website
- www.aiimsexams.ac.in
AIIMS INI-CET — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of AIIMS INI-CET conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | AIIMS INI-CET |
| Conducting Body | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
| Exam Category | Medical & Healthcare |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Entrance (Academic Admission & Seat Allotment) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (for the January and July sessions) |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Two sessions: exam in May for the July session and in November for the January session; result within a few days of each exam; seat allocation rounds follow |
| Mode of Application | Online on aiimsexams.ac.in |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English |
| Selection Stages | 2 Stages (1 Paper Total): Computer-based test → Online seat allocation |
| Negative Marking | One-third of a mark deducted per wrong answer; one mark for each correct answer |
| Selection / Merit Process | Candidates who clear the cut-off percentile are ranked. Seats at AIIMS institutes, PGIMER, JIPMER and NIMHANS are allotted through online seat allocation rounds run by AIIMS, New Delhi, based on rank and choices. |
| Educational Qualification | MBBS (for MD, MS, DM six-year and MCh six-year) or BDS (for MDS) from a recognised institution, with internship completed by the cut-off date in the prospectus, and registration with the NMC, DCI or a state council. Minimum marks in the qualifying degree may apply by category. |
| Age Limit | No age limit. |
| Admission Scope & Seats | Admission to MD, MS, MDS, DM (6-year) and MCh (6-year) seats at AIIMS institutes, PGIMER Chandigarh, JIPMER and NIMHANS |
| Scorecard / Certificate Validity | Score valid for that session only |
| Competition Scale | Tens of thousands of candidates for a few thousand seats |
| Official Website | www.aiimsexams.ac.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
AIIMS INI-CET exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for AIIMS INI-CET. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Healthcare website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| AIIMS INI-CET Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Two sessions: exam in May for the July session and in November for the January session; result within a few days of each exam; seat allocation rounds follow | Twice a year (for the January and July sessions) |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
| AIIMS INI-CET — Computer-based test | Two sessions: exam in May for the July session and in November for the January session; result within a few days of each exam; seat allocation rounds follow | Online (computer-based test) |
| AIIMS INI-CET — Online seat allocation | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Seat Intake & Competition
- Tens of thousands of candidates for a few thousand seats. Seat matrix and institute-wise intake across General, OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, and PwBD categories are released by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi and participating counselling authorities prior to choice filling.
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Category-wise examination/registration fee is payable online via UPI, Net Banking, or Debit/Credit Card on the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi portal. Concessional fee slabs (typically 50% or lower) apply to SC, ST, PwBD, OBC-NCL/EWS, and female candidates as specified in the current AIIMS INI-CET Information Bulletin.
How to apply online for AIIMS INI-CET
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit www.aiimsexams.ac.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on aiimsexams.ac.in.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the AIIMS INI-CET application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final AIIMS INI-CET Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
AIIMS INI-CET eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for AIIMS INI-CET must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Healthcare.
Educational qualification
MBBS (for MD, MS, DM six-year and MCh six-year) or BDS (for MDS) from a recognised institution, with internship completed by the cut-off date in the prospectus, and registration with the NMC, DCI or a state council. Minimum marks in the qualifying degree may apply by category.
Age limit & relaxations
No age limit.
Number of attempts
No limit on attempts.
Nationality & domicile
Citizen of India (or eligible subjects of Nepal/Bhutan and categories of Indian origin as notified under Government of India recruitment/admission rules).
Other conditions & standards
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical fitness, character verification, and document authenticity norms (including valid EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwBD certificates in the prescribed format) at the time of verification.
AIIMS INI-CET — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) & EWS | No age limit. | Must satisfy qualifying examination passing year and minimum aggregate marks criteria. |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Up to 5 years relaxation (wherever an age limit applies) + 5% relaxation in qualifying aggregate marks | Requires a valid SC/ST certificate issued by a competent authority in the prescribed central/state format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) | Up to 3 years relaxation (wherever an age limit applies) + 5% relaxation in qualifying aggregate marks | Candidate must belong to the central/state OBC-NCL list with a certificate issued within the notified financial window. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD / PwD) | Up to 5 to 10 years relaxation + scribe & compensatory time (20 minutes per hour) facility | Applicable to candidates with 40% or more benchmark disability under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
AIIMS INI-CET selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-third of a mark deducted per wrong answer; one mark for each correct answer. Selection & Merit Weightage: Candidates who clear the cut-off percentile are ranked. Seats at AIIMS institutes, PGIMER, JIPMER and NIMHANS are allotted through online seat allocation rounds run by AIIMS, New Delhi, based on rank and choices.
Stage 1: Computer-based test
Online (computer-based test) • 1 Paper (INI-CET paper) • 200 Questions • 200 Total Marks • Duration: 3 hours • A single online test of 200 multiple-choice questions covering all MBBS subjects.
A single online test of 200 multiple-choice questions covering all MBBS subjects. Separate merit lists are prepared and seat allocation is done through online counselling by AIIMS.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration INI-CET paper+1 for a correct answer, -1/3 for a wrong answer 200 200 3 hours Stage 2: Online seat allocation
Online (computer-based test) • AIIMS conducts rounds of online seat allocation for all participating institutes based on rank, category and choices.
AIIMS conducts rounds of online seat allocation for all participating institutes based on rank, category and choices.
Stage 3: Scorecard Release, Centralised Counselling & Seat Allotment
Online counselling portal • Normalization / All-India Rank (AIR) scorecard • Multi-round choice filling, seat locking & institute reporting
Following declaration of normalized scores and ranks, qualified candidates register for centralised or institute-level counselling, lock their preferred programmes and institutions, and complete document verification and fee payment across multiple allotment rounds.
AIIMS INI-CET subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
Pre-clinical subjects: Anatomy & Physiology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
Para-clinical subjects — Part I (Pathology)
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Para-clinical subjects — Part II (Forensic Medicine)
- Forensic Medicine
- Community Medicine
Clinical subjects — Part I (Medicine, Dermatology, Psychiatry)
- Medicine, Dermatology, Psychiatry
- Surgery, Orthopaedics, Anaesthesia, Radiology
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Clinical subjects — Part II (Paediatrics)
- Paediatrics
- Ophthalmology and ENT
Previous Year Trend Analysis & High-Weightage Topics (AIIMS INI-CET)
- Recurring multi-concept questions from past AIIMS INI-CET cycles
- High-yield chapters and section-wise mark distribution patterns
- Statement-based, assertion-reason and matching question formats
- Elimination techniques and negative-marking risk management
- Time allocation strategy across sections and papers
Analytical Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency & Applied Concepts
- Multi-step numerical and conceptual application problems
- Graphical, tabular and experimental data interpretation
- Cross-chapter synthesis and formula derivation problems
- Speed calculation, approximation and unit-dimension verification
- Caselets, comprehension passages and critical reasoning scenarios
Language Comprehension, Administrative / Academic Expression & Communication
- Reading comprehension of dense analytical, policy and scientific passages
- Contextual vocabulary, idioms, phrases, synonyms and antonyms
- Grammatical accuracy, sentence correction, para-jumbles and cloze tests
- Structured essay/précis writing or verbal reasoning inference
- Official terminology, formal communication and logical coherence
AIIMS INI-CET admission scope, counselling, seat allotment & career pathways
Admission to MD, MS, MDS, DM (6-year) and MCh (6-year) seats at AIIMS institutes, PGIMER Chandigarh, JIPMER and NIMHANS. High percentiles / All-India Ranks unlock top-tier specialisations, scholarships, and high-placement campuses.
Programmes & Institutes Covered
Admission to MD, MS, MDS, DM (6-year) and MCh (6-year) seats at AIIMS institutes, PGIMER Chandigarh, JIPMER and NIMHANS.
Exam & Counselling Authority
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
Scorecard Validity
Score valid for that session only
Seat Reservation Norms
Statutory vertical & horizontal reservations (GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwBD, Female Supernumerary / State Quota where applicable).
Key Benefits & Institutional Opportunities
- Centralised multi-round online choice filling and merit-based seat upgrades
- Eligibility for AICTE / UGC / Ministry / Institute merit-cum-means scholarships and tuition waivers
- Access to funded research laboratories, industry-sponsored capstone projects, and international exchange semesters
- Direct campus placement eligibility across marquee technology, consulting, core engineering, finance, clinical, or legal recruiters
- PSU recruitment shortlisting or direct fellowship stipends where scores are accepted by public sector enterprises
Academic & Career Progression Roadmap
- Qualify AIIMS INI-CET with a strong All-India Rank (AIR) / Percentile
- Participate in Centralised / Institute Counselling, GD-PI / Clinical / Studio rounds & Document Verification
- Core Academic Curriculum, Specialisation Electives & Summer Research / Corporate Internships
- Final Campus Placements, PSU Recruitment, Clinical Residency, or Higher Doctoral / Global Studies
- Long-Term Domain Leadership in Industry, R&D, Academia, or Public Policy
AIIMS INI-CET cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi releases the official AIIMS INI-CET qualifying cut-off and opening/closing ranks (or percentiles) after each exam cycle. While clearing the qualifying cut-off makes you eligible for counselling, admission to top participating institutes depends on your All-India Rank (AIR) and category seat matrix.
AIIMS INI-CET — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When AIIMS INI-CET is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by one-third of a mark deducted per wrong answer; one mark for each correct answer, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining AIIMS INI-CET Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the AIIMS INI-CET cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
AIIMS INI-CET admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
AIIMS INI-CET Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official AIIMS INI-CET Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on www.aiimsexams.ac.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the AIIMS INI-CET e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
AIIMS INI-CET Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on www.aiimsexams.ac.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
AIIMS INI-CET Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi declares the AIIMS INI-CET result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on www.aiimsexams.ac.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official AIIMS INI-CET Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
AIIMS INI-CET mock tests
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AIIMS INI-CET Full Mock Test 1
Computer-based test · 200 questions · 3 hours
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AIIMS INI-CET Full Mock Test 5
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AIIMS INI-CET previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all AIIMS INI-CET previous year papers by year
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Recent AIIMS INI-CET question papers
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Complete 10-year AIIMS INI-CET paper archive
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Predicted questions for AIIMS INI-CET
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for AIIMS INI-CET
- INI-CET questions are often concept-based and image-based, so study mechanisms and clinical reasoning rather than pure recall.
- Revise previous AIIMS PG and INI-CET questions because the style of clinical vignettes and 'all of the following except' items is distinctive.
- The -1/3 penalty is lighter than in NEET PG, so attempt questions where you can narrow to two options.
- Prepare for both sessions in the year by keeping a continuous revision cycle rather than restarting for each attempt.
- Practice the full 200-question, 3-hour format to settle on a pace that leaves time for review.
- Read the official AIIMS INI-CET syllabus and information bulletin before you start, and keep it next to your study plan.
AIIMS INI-CET FAQs
What is the difference between INI-CET and NEET PG?
INI-CET is conducted by AIIMS for postgraduate seats at AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS and SCTIMST, while NEET PG is conducted by NBEMS for all other medical colleges and DNB seats. They are separate exams with separate counselling.
How many times a year is INI-CET held?
Twice a year, usually for the January session and the July session.
What is the INI-CET exam pattern?
It is a 3-hour computer-based test of 200 multiple-choice questions. Each correct answer gets 1 mark and each wrong answer deducts one-third of a mark.
Can BDS graduates appear in INI-CET?
Yes, BDS graduates with a completed internship can appear in INI-CET for MDS seats at the participating institutes.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for AIIMS INI-CET?
AIIMS INI-CET is conducted by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi across 2 stages: Computer-based test → Online seat allocation. Candidates who clear the cut-off percentile are ranked. Seats at AIIMS institutes, PGIMER, JIPMER and NIMHANS are allotted through online seat allocation rounds run by AIIMS, New Delhi, based on rank and choices.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for AIIMS INI-CET?
Educational Qualification: MBBS (for MD, MS, DM six-year and MCh six-year) or BDS (for MDS) from a recognised institution, with internship completed by the cut-off date in the prospectus, and registration with the NMC, DCI or a state council. Minimum marks in the qualifying degree may apply by category. Age Limit: No age limit.
Is there negative marking in the AIIMS INI-CET exam?
Yes — One-third of a mark deducted per wrong answer; one mark for each correct answer. Candidates should use a two-pass attempt strategy during mock tests to keep accuracy above 85% and minimise negative marking deductions.
Which institutes and programmes accept AIIMS INI-CET scores?
Admission to MD, MS, MDS, DM (6-year) and MCh (6-year) seats at AIIMS institutes, PGIMER Chandigarh, JIPMER and NIMHANS. Validity: Score valid for that session only.
When is the AIIMS INI-CET notification released and how can I apply online?
AIIMS INI-CET is held twice a year (for the January and July sessions) (Two sessions: exam in May for the July session and in November for the January session; result within a few days of each exam; seat allocation rounds follow). Online on aiimsexams.ac.in.
Where can I practice free AIIMS INI-CET mock tests and solved previous year papers?
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How can I prepare for AIIMS INI-CET on SmartRank?
Select AIIMS INI-CET as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Pre-clinical subjects, Para-clinical subjects, Clinical subjects, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact AIIMS INI-CET pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.