For thousands of medical graduates in India, the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) represents the gateway to postgraduate dreams. Conducted by the AIIMS New Delhi, this national-level entrance examination offers admission to MD, MS, DM (6 years), MCh (6 years), and MDS courses at various prestigious institutions. 

The AIIMS INI-CET May 2026 admit card will be released on 9th May 2026, approximately one week before the exam date of May 16, 2026.

With the INI CET July 2026 session approaching, aspirants need a clear understanding of the application process, eligibility, important dates, and preparation strategies to succeed. This guide will take you through the INI CET registration process in detail, along with the important dates and exam day guidelines to boost your chances of success.

INI CET Registration Process: Step-by-Step

Aspirants can submit their applications for the AIIMS INI CET Exam 2025 via the official portal of AIIMS. The AIIMS INI-CET July 2026 session admit card will be released on 9th May 2026 as per the official admission notice and will be uploaded on the AIIMS website at aiimsexams.ac.in.

The application procedure is detailed below for your convenience:

Step 1: Navigate to the official AIIMS website. Click on the link for the AIIMS INI Common Entrance Test. 

Step 2: Select ‘New Registration’ and complete the registration process by entering the necessary information. Your registration number and password will be sent to your email.

Step 3: Log in using the credentials provided after registration. Then, fill out the AIIMS INI CET application form diligently. 

Step 4: Verify the entered information for accuracy. Save your particulars and continue.

Step 5: Upload your photograph, signature, and any other required documents in the specified format, as instructed.

Step 6: Pay the application fee according to your category and submit the application form.

Step 7: Print a hard copy of the completed application form for your records and future reference.

INI CET Registration Fees and Applicable Charges

Here are the key terms and conditions regarding the applicable registration fees for the INI CET examination:

• Candidates with disabilities (PwBD) are not required to pay the examination fee.
• The application fee for INI-CET is set at ₹4000 and ₹3200 for General/OBC Candidates, Foreign Nationals/OCI applicants, and SC/ST/EWS applicants, respectively.
• The application form will be considered successfully submitted only after the payment of the application fee, which must be completed at the final step of the online INI CET application process.

INI CET July 2026: Important Dates

The INI CET July session is scheduled to be conducted by AIIMS on May 16, 2026, and the admit card will be released on 9th May 2026. For admission into postgraduate medical courses at JIPMER, AIIMS, NIMHANS, and other notable institutes of national importance. Below is the timeline of important events:

Event	Date
INI CET Registration Date	March 28, 2026
Registration Deadline	April 25, 2026, by 5:00 PM
Admit Card Release	May 9, 2026 (Saturday)
INI-CET Exam (July Session)	May 16, 2026
Result Declaration	Date yet to be announced
Open Round Registration and Choice Filling	Date yet to be announced
Open Round Seat Allotment Result	Date yet to be announced

Note: These dates are subject to change. Hence, stay updated and check the announcements made by the AIIMS on their official portal. 

INI CET Examination: Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the INI CET 2026 examination, candidates must meet certain criteria, including holding an MBBS degree or a BDS degree. Applicants must also have completed his/her internship by the time they apply for the INI CET.

• Indian citizens, OIC, or foreign nationals are permitted to participate in this examination.
• The applicants must complete an MBBS degree for MS/MD/DM-6yrs/MCh-6yrs/MD (Hospital Administration) and a BDS degree for MDS from a recognised university.
• For candidates belonging to the general category, the minimum required marks are set at 55%.
• The minimum marks requirement is lowered to 50% for candidates from SC/ST backgrounds.
• To gain admission into the postgraduate programme, candidates must have completed a 12-month rotating internship.

INI CET 2026: Exam Pattern 

Apart from understanding the registration process, it is equally crucial to comprehend the exam pattern and format to ensure seamless preparation. The table displays the key aspects of the examination:

Feature	Details
Exam Mode	Online (Computer-Based Test)
Exam Duration	3 hours (180 Minutes)
Exam Date (July Session)	May 16, 2026
Total Questions	200
Question Type	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Single/Multiple Correct Options
Marking Scheme	+1 for Correct Answer,  -1/3 for Incorrect Answer
Language	English Only

INI CET Exam Day Guidelines

Understanding the INI CET examination guidelines plays a vital role in ensuring a flawless exam experience, enabling candidates to stay well-prepared and organised on the exam day. Here are the exam day instructions issued by AIIMS that all candidates must follow:

• Candidates are required to bring the original printout of the admit card, two passport-sized photographs, a valid photo identification (such as PAN, Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or E-Aadhaar), and a copy of the MCI Registration Certificate if applicable.
• Candidates are advised to arrive at the examination hall punctually to facilitate the verification without facing any last-minute hassles.
• There is no requirement to affix a photograph on the admit card.
• The details on the admit card needed to correspond with the identification proof, as any discrepancies could result in the cancellation of the candidature.
• Items including mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, stationery, books, bags, wallets, food, and water bottles are strictly forbidden inside the examination hall.
• Adherence to the instructions provided by the invigilators is essential to prevent disqualification.

FAQs About INI CET 2026 Registration

1. What is the qualifying percentile for INI CET 2026?

The cut-off percentile for INI CET 2026 has been set at the 50th percentile and around the 45th percentile for UR/EWS category candidates and OBC/SC/ST/PwBD candidates, respectively, with a few variations as per the official announcement.

2. What are the INI CET 2026 Exam Dates and Admit Card Release Dates?

The AIIMS INI-CET July 2026 session admit card will be released on 9th May 2026, approximately one week before the exam date of May 16, 2026, as per the official admission notice and will be uploaded on the AIIMS website at aiimsexams.ac.in.

3. Can students bring a pen or a calculator to the INI CET examination centre?

No, pens, calculators, and all stationery-type items are stringently prohibited since the examination is computer-based.

4. Can students leave the examination hall early if they complete the INI CET exam before the time?

No, early exit is prohibited in the INI CET exam; candidates must stay in the examination hall until the test ends at 12:00 PM.

5. What is the reporting time and schedule for the INI CET 2026 July session test?

The candidates need to reach their designated INI CET 2026 examination centre at 7:00 AM for compulsory verification processes such as digital photography and thumb impression. The entry will close strictly by 8:45 AM, while the test will start at 9:00 AM and continue until 12:00 PM. Latecomers will not be entertained.

6. What should I carry on the INI-CET exam day, and what are the specifications?

Carry a printed admit card, a valid photo ID, and photographs as per brochure specifications. Ensure the photo and ID match the details uploaded during registration to avoid issues at entry. Always check the latest admit-card advisory.

7. What documents are needed for INI-CET counselling and choice-filling?

You need your degree or provisional certificate, internship completion certificate, medical registration, category/PwD certificates if applicable, photographs, and a valid ID. Keep scanned PDFs ready and prepare a ranked choice list in advance.

8. How do I generate and upload the EUC for INI-CET registration?

Complete basic INI-CET registration, then generate the Exam Unique Code (EUC) from the candidate portal. Use this EUC to complete final registration. A fresh EUC is required for each session.

9. Which topics are high-yield for INI-CET?

Frequently repeated areas include Biochemistry, Surgery, and Microbiology, along with key topics from Medicine, Pathology, and Pharmacology. Analysing previous papers helps prioritise revision and mock-test planning.

10. How should I structure a 1-month revision plan before INI-CET?

Follow a 70:30 split between revision and weak/new areas, attempt about three full mocks per week, and revise errors daily. Align study hours with the exam time to optimise performance.

Conclusion

The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) is a prestigious national-level examination conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. This year, the INI CET July session 2026 is among the most important milestones for medical aspirants seeking seats in India’s top institutions.
The AIIMS INI-CET July 2026 session admit card will be released on 9th May 2026, approximately one week before the exam date of May 16, 2026, as per the official admission notice, and will be uploaded on the AIIMS website at aiimsexams.ac.in.
Remember that success starts with a detailed INI CET registration process and well-planned preparation. Stay updated on deadlines, follow each application step carefully, and commit to a smart study plan.

If there is any doubt, consider taking professional assistance from the experts at DocTutorials. We provide exceptional study materials, guidelines, and video lectures to support candidates in their preparation for competitive exams. Begin your preparation with DocTutorials’ INI CET course today and stay ahead in turning your medical career ambitions into reality. 

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