INI CET 2026: Important Dates, Eligibility, Results & Admission Process

INI CET 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission to postgraduate medical courses offered by Institutes of National Importance across India. Through a single examination, candidates can seek admission to MD, MS, MDS, DM (Hospital Administration), and MCh programmes at institutions such as AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST. The exam is conducted in computer-based mode and remains one of the most competitive medical entrance tests in the country.

What is INICET?

INI CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) is a national postgraduate medical entrance exam conducted by AIIMS New Delhi on behalf of India's Institutes of National Importance. INI CET was introduced to replace that fragmented system entirely. One registration, one exam, one rank valid across every participating institute simultaneously. It happens twice a year. The January session is conducted around November of the previous year. The July 2026 session was held on May 16, 2026. One appearance is enough to compete for seats in MD, MS, DM (6 years), MCh (6 years), MDS, and MD in Hospital Administration across all participating institutes. For the July 2026 cycle, 23 institutes are on board. AIIMS Jammu has joined as the newest addition this year.

INI CET Overview

INI CET detailed table below captures everything a candidate needs to know about INI CET at a glance exam name, conducting body, courses on offer, format, and the official portal where all information originates.

INI CET Important Dates

In INICET correction window, the counselling registration opening, the mock round, and the seat allotment each of these has its own deadline, and each one missed is a real setback. The full 2026 schedule is listed below, so candidates have it in one place.

INI CET Eligibility Criteria

INICET eligibility criteria define the required academic and procedural conditions that aspirants must satisfy before applying. Criteria such as degree, marks, internship, and nationality all of it needs to be in order before the application is submitted. Eligibility gaps discovered at the counselling stage lead to cancellation of candidature, and by that point, there is nothing left to correct.

1. INICET 2026 Educational Qualification Requirement

INICET qualifying depends on which postgraduate programme the candidate is aiming for. Medical and dental streams have separate degree requirements, as outlined below.

2. INICET Minimum Marks Requirement

For INI CET, having the degree alone does not complete the eligibility picture. Candidates must also have secured a minimum aggregate in the final professional exam of their qualifying degree, and the threshold varies by category.

3. INI CET Internship Requirement

The one-year rotating internship must be completed before the session deadline. For the INICET July 2026 session, AIIMS set July 31, 2026 as the last acceptable date for internship completion, as per the official prospectus. Candidates who miss this date are simply not eligible for that session; no exception applies here.

4. INI CET Age Limit and Attempts

No upper age limit. No cap on attempts. Candidates can sit for INICET across as many sessions as they need to, without any attempt-related restriction narrowing their options over time.

5. INI CET Nationality Requirements

Indian citizenship is required. NRI and international candidates may apply, but their eligibility is governed by conditions stated separately in the official prospectus for each session.

INICET Application Fee

INI CET application fee is paid online at the time of registration and differs based on the reservation category. Fee structure consists for General / OBC / EWS is ₹4,000, and for SC / ST / PwD Candidates is ₹3,200