For anyone planning to appear for INI CET, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has already set the framework, which simplifies the preparation of aspirants beforehand. INI CET opens the door to prestigious postgraduate medical courses in India, including MD, MS, DM (6 years), MCh (6 years), and MDS, offered at AIIMS, JIPMER, NIMHANS, PGIMER, and SCTIMST.

The test is computer-based, and multiple-choice questions are meant to ensure clarity and practicality of concepts. This guide will walk you through the INI CET exam pattern in detail, covering the format, marking scheme, and subjects, so that you can align your preparation strategy well before exam day.

Keep reading for an in-depth insight.

Important Highlights of INI CET Exam Pattern

Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test, also known as INICET, is an entrance examination for MD/MS/DM/MCh courses in top-ranking institutes in India. Understanding the INI CET exam pattern is crucial for aspirants.

Based on the official AIIMS brochure, the INI CET exam includes 200 objective questions. Being aware of these fundamentals (mode, duration, and scoring) would assist you in structuring your study plan effectively. The table below discusses the essential highlights of the exam pattern:

Particulars	Details
Exam Name	Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET)
Mode of Exam	Computer-Based
Number of Questions	200 (divided into four sections of 50 questions each)
Types of Questions	Objective
Subject Covered	Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical
Duration	3 Hours
Language of Exam	English
Nature of Questions	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Negative Marking	Yes, for incorrect answers

INI CET Exam Structure and Format

INI CET is conducted as an online computer-based test (CBT) in officially designated centres within India. According to the AIIMS prospectus, the exam is well designed to understand the speed, accuracy, and subject knowledge of the candidates under time-strained management conditions.

General Exam Layout

• Question Paper Division: The paper has 4 consecutive sections with 50 questions each, which constitute 200 questions. The table below provides a clear overview of the section-wise distribution:

Section	Number of Questions
Section 1	50
Section 2	50
Section 3	50
Section 4	50
Total	200

• Exam Duration: Each section takes 45 minutes, and every candidate has to complete within that time. Thus, the overall time of the test is 180 (3 hours).
• Language: The medium of the exam is strictly english.
  

Time Management Rules

• Sequential Access: Applicants are permitted to take one section at a time. After one part has been completed, it automatically shuts off, and the other opens.
• Automatic Submission: Answers are automatically submitted at the end of every 45-minute block. Candidates are not allowed to go back to the earlier section even when they have not answered all the questions.
• Focus Requirement: Since the active section is the only one available at a time, candidates must dedicate as much time as possible to answering and checking all questions within the required 45 minutes.

Question Types

The INI CET follows an objective-type question format, continuing its pattern from previous years:

1. Single Correct Answer Questions: Candidates choose the correct option from four alternatives (a, b, c, d).
2. Multiple Correct Answer Questions: Some questions require identifying multiple correct responses. Instead of selecting multiple options directly, candidates must pick the one best option that accurately represents the correct combination (e.g., “a, b, and c are correct” or “a and c are correct”).

INI CET Marking Scheme

Understanding the marking scheme is key to estimating your score. The INI CET exam consists of:

• Correct Answer: +1 mark
• Incorrect Answer: –1/3
• Unanswered: 0 marks (no penalty)
• For Marked Review Answer: Based on the correct/incorrect

Accuracy is crucial, as even minor guesswork can lead to a penalty. For instance, a skipped question is worth 0, whereas an incorrect answer is worth a negative one-third (-⅓) mark, as confirmed by official sources.

Subjects Covered in INI CET

The INI CET is based on the entire MBBS curriculum. The syllabus is organised into 3 general areas:

• Pre-clinical: Anatomy, physiology, biochemistry.
• Para-clinical: Pathology, microbiology, forensic medicine, pharmacology, and community medicine.
• Clinical: Medicine (and allied), surgery (and allied), obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, etc.

While all subjects are part of the syllabus, observation shows that clinical subjects, particularly medicine and surgery, have a comparatively greater weightage. However, as AIIMS does not provide a subject-wise distribution, aspirants are advised to prepare themselves for all the subjects.

Why Does Understanding the INI CET Exam Pattern Matter?

Here are some main reasons which highlight why understanding the INI CET exam pattern is important:

• Preparation Readiness

The INI CET exam pattern provides a clear idea of the marking scheme, types and duration of the exam. This helps you prepare appropriately according to the latest format and make sure you’re not caught off guard on exam day.

• Exam Differentiation

By studying the exam pattern well, the candidates can clearly differentiate INI CET from other examinations like NEET PG. This way, you can have a more targeted preparation plan that best suits the demands of the INI CET.

• Structured Guidance

 The paper pattern serves as a blueprint, detailing the precise structure and format of the examination itself. With this clarity, you can plan in a focused way and cover all critical areas without missing a point.

• Strategic Planning

Knowing the exam pattern helps you devise a perfect strategy on the exam day. You can strategise on how to tackle each section, which questions to tackle first, and how to score the highest in your test.

• Time Management

Since the pattern shows the total number of questions and exam duration, it will be easy to plan your time. This will help you avoid spending too much time on one section and ensure that you are effective in managing the paper.

• Negative Marking Awareness

The pattern also outlines the negative marking scheme. This makes it far easier to make good decisions regarding how many questions to attempt, which minimizes guessing and increases the likelihood that you score as high as possible.

Quick Preparation Tips for INI-CET

Here is a short version of your INI CET preparation guide:

• Know the Syllabus

INI CET comprises all 19 subjects of MBBS, including pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects. Give more priority to high-yield subjects such as medicine, surgery, obstetrics & gynaecology and pathology as they carry more weight. For broader topics, break them down into smaller segments to ensure you cover everything thoroughly without feeling rushed.

• Understand the Pattern

It has both MCQ and single-answer types, so give yourself practice with both types. The more familiar you are with the question styles, the less surprised you’ll be.

• Plan Smart

Balance theory questions and revision questions. Read a topic, attempt the MCQs based on it, and revise. Establish progress through daily and weekly objectives. Regularly revisit strong issues to keep them fresh. If any topics have been stuck, focus more on those weak areas while reviewing others.

• Revise Often

Aim for at least three complete revisions before the exam. Create mind maps, flowcharts, and flashcards for easy recall. Active recall techniques such as self-quizzing or teaching it to another person are more effective than re-reading. In particular, more frequent revisions increase retention.

• Practice PYQs & Mocks

Solve previous years’ papers to spot recurring topics. Take full-length mocks under timed conditions to improve speed and exam stamina. Always analyse mistakes—knowing why you went wrong prevents repeat errors.

• Stay Consistent & Positive

INI CET prep requires discipline and positivity. Stick to a schedule, take breaks, and avoid burnout. Handle setbacks as learning opportunities. Stay healthy with exercise or hobbies, and above all, trust your preparation on exam day.

FAQs about INI CET Exam Pattern

1. Who can apply for the INI-CET exam?

Candidates who have completed their MBBS degree from a university recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC) or the Medical Council of India (MCI) are eligible to apply for the INI-CET July session exam.

2. What minimum marks are required for eligibility in the INI-CET exam?

For SC/ST category candidates, an aggregate of 50% marks in MBBS is required. For OBC, EWS, and General category candidates, an aggregate of 55% marks is mandatory to qualify for the exam.

3. Who is responsible for setting the INI-CET exam pattern?

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, is the authority that decides and conducts the INI-CET exam, including its pattern, marking scheme, and syllabus.

4. Why is it important to understand the INI-CET exam pattern?

Knowing the exam pattern helps candidates become familiar with the duration, type of questions, and marking scheme. This understanding enables students to strategise their preparation effectively and perform better in the actual exam.

5. How many questions are asked in the INI-CET exam?

The INI-CET exam will consist of a total of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), covering all major subjects taught in the MBBS curriculum.

Conclusion

Understanding the INI CET exam pattern is a key step in preparing effectively for this competitive entrance test. By knowing the format, syllabus coverage, marking scheme, and number of questions in advance, you can plan your strategy with greater precision and avoid surprises on exam day.

This clarity helps you allocate time wisely, strengthen your weaker areas, and practice according to the real exam structure. To make your journey smoother, you can rely on DocTutorials, where expert guidance, curated study material, and smart preparation strategies are available to keep you focused and exam-ready.

Stay consistent in your practice, revise thoroughly, and use the exam pattern to your advantage. With determination and the proper guidance, securing admission to one of the top INIs can become your reality.

Start your preparation with DocTutorials and explore our INI CET course today to excel in your medical exam!