The INI CET exam is a crucial entrance examination for MBBS or BDS graduates seeking postgraduate courses in MD, MS, MCh, DM, and MDS. The exam for the January 2026 session was held on 9^th November 2025.

As per most candidates, the question paper was moderately challenging, with maximum emphasis on clinical subjects. The question paper included 200 MCQs, image-based questions, and one-liners. 

Keep reading to learn more about the INI CET recall by the students, focusing on different subjects. It will help you analyse the exam pattern and identify mistakes to avoid while preparing for the INI CET exam.

Detailed Exam Overview and Difficulty Assessment

According to 60% of the students, the question paper was moderately challenging with tricky question framing. Most students have attempted around 170 to 195 questions, with the maximum number of questions from the clinical concepts. Around 70% of the question paper was case-based MCQs, and the remaining questions were from other specialities. 

​​Due to the lengthy clinical stems and closely worded options, students rated the paper as moderate but challenging after attempting 170–195 questions. About 60% said it was moderately complex, 25% said it was tough, and 15% said it was easier. Time management was necessary, so avoiding unclear questions early increased accuracy.  

This exam leaned 70–75% towards case-based multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that tested the “why” behind concepts. It included questions on pathology-medicine integration or anatomy-surgery links, in contrast to previous exams that heavily relied on direct recall.

Pre-clinical (20–25 questions: Anatomy, Physiology) and para-clinical (35–40 questions: Pathology, Pharmacology) subjects are seamlessly integrated with clinical heavyweights. However, image-based questions (e.g., Radiology films) prioritised interpretation over identification.  

Repeats were low (10–15%), but high-yield areas, such as trauma protocols, recurred. According to topper feedback, the anticipated cutoffs for top ranks were between 170 and 180, with results due on November 15.

In-Depth Dermatology Recalls: High-Yield Topics and Patterns

Dermatology contributes to 10-13 questions, emphasising STDs, scabies, and the adverse effects of topical steroids. The INI CET November exam recalled the trends of the May 2025 exam, including risks of neurotoxicity in scabies, clinical red flags, etc.

As per the INI CET recall, 10-13 questions were from Dermatology with emphasis on STDs, topical steroid adverse effects, and scabies. The section on STDS included secondary syphilis via VDRL, herpes zoster differentiation, while the scabies section contained questions on permethrin (contraindicated for <2 months). 

Topical steroid adverse effects include hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, and skin atrophy, not blue-grey discolouration, which signals argyria. Image-based questions on lesion histology (acellular layers, keratolytic agents) and drug reactions (e.g., nickel allergy in jewellery, parthenium weeds) also contribute to the questions.

INI CET recall for the exam trends of May 2025, including gram stains, STDs, clinical red flags such as hypopigmentation, and risks of neurotoxicity in scabies treatment. Faculty-recommended mnemonic charts for allergens and procedural management indicate that 60% of attempts are simple if the fundamentals are sound. This was integrated with Pharmacology (steroid MOAs) and Microbiology (infections).​​

Furthermore, the May 2025 INI CET session emphasised post-video Q-bank practice for reinforcement, as repeats like steroid atrophy tested application over facts.​​

Comprehensive Medicine Recalls: Expert Insights

In INI-CET November 2025, more than 20 medical questions have been highlighted, beginning with stroke management in hypertensive crisis. Conceptual vignettes on MI interactions, cardiology (echo endocarditis), endocrinology (insulin titration), and neurology (thrombolysis) accounted for 40% of the total. For high scores, concentrate on emergency algorithms and cross-links such as Rheumatology-Pharma.

Beginning with acute stroke in hypertensive crisis (BP >220/120), 20+ medical questions were suggested by an expert, avoiding aggressive reduction and including mild hypertension for perfusion. 

Endocrinology (insulin titration in regimens) and neurology (stroke thrombolysis windows) came after cardiology (endocarditis vegetations on echo, valve choices). Vignettes on emergencies, such as MI drug interactions, are included in the moderate difficulty level.

According to experts, Cardiology-Endocrinology overweight accounted for 40% of the questions. Trends include conceptual rather than factual, such as pathology-integrated echo interpretations. Students observed that procedural accuracy was crucial, with fewer repetitions but high scorability through guidelines.

Expanded Coverage of Other Key Subjects 

Other key subjects of the INI CET November exam include Surgery, Pharmacology, Forensics, Biochemistry, ENT, etc. 15 to 18 questions come from Surgery; Biochemistry constitutes 8 to 10 questions; Forensics constitute 10 to 12 questions; Pharmacology constitutes 12 to 15 questions; and Ophthalmology constitutes 6 to 8 questions.

The INII CET recall of the November 2025 exam includes the following subjects as well:

• Surgery. It contains 15 to 18 questions on ATLS trauma (primary survey, Rule of 9s for burns, Parkland fluids), hernias (types and complications), pre-op antibiotics, and post-op ileus management. Image-based questions on X-rays or fractures are integrated with Ortho or Anatomy.​​
• Pharmacology: Includes 12-15 questions on MOAs (beta-blockers, statins), ADRs (ototoxicity), and antidotes (naloxone doses). Repeated questions were found on interactions, a high yield for quick scores.​
• Biochemistry: There were 8-10 questions. Questions were based on NGS or BRCA diagnostics, inborn errors (G6PD variants), and the Warburg effect in cancers; conceptual, with Physiology links.​​
• PSM/Forensic: There were 10-12 questions on PSM and Forensic. Questions were based on Epidemiology (odds ratios) and biostatistics (p-values). Forensic questions were on poisons/autopsy.​​
• ENT/Ophthalmology: 6 to 8 questions were there from each subject. Questions were based on BPPV manoeuvres, JNA biopsy risks (carotid bleed), retinal layers, and CN palsies.​​

FAQs about INI CET Recall

1. What dominated Dermatology in INI-CET Nov 2025?

STDs (syphilis/herpes), scabies (permethrin; contraindicated for <2 months), steroids (atrophy/acne), histology/images; 10-13 Qs, 60% easy with basics.​​

2. What were the projected cutoffs for Nov 2025?

The cutoffs for the INI CET November 2025 exam include 170-180 for top merit as per topper analyses.​

3. What is optimal recall utilisation for the INI CET exam?

The recall helps with faculty discussions and Q-banks. It guides aspirants to target high-yield (trauma/STDs) clinical application over rote.​​

4. What were the overlaps of the INI CET May and Nov 2025 questions?

Some sections overlapped in the questions of May and November. The topics include scabies, STDs, steroid effects, etc.​​

Conclusion

INI CET recall for Nov 2025, as dissected via DocTutorials, spotlights clinical integration and high-yield repeats in Dermatology and Medicine. The questions are moderately complex, rewarding conceptual understanding and application knowledge. Aspirants can use these for targeted revision—Q-banks, mocks, updates—to secure INI seats and excel in NEET PG/DNB. 

For further guidance, you can join our INI CET online coaching today!