Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test Exam Pattern 2027
Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test Exam Pattern
What is the INI CET Exam Pattern for 2026?
INI CET 2026 is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance exam conducted by AIIMS. The paper includes Single Correct Choice and Multiple Correct Choice questions.
- The INI CET will be conducted in CBT Mode.
- The paper has 200 MCQs of 200 marks.
- Each correct answer gets +1 mark.
- Each incorrect answer gets -1.3 marks.
- The exam duration is 3 hours.
INI CET Exam Structure 2026
The INI CET Exam is for admission into MD, MS, DM for 6 years, MCh for 6 years, and MDS courses. These courses are offered in AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and other institutes.
INI CET Exam Pattern 2026: Marking Scheme
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | CBT Mode |
| Number of Questions | 200 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Marks for Correct Answer | +1 |
| Marks for Incorrect Answer | -1.3 |
| Duration | 3 hours |
INI CET Exam Pattern 2026: Question Types
The paper includes two types of questions. These are Single Correct Choice and Multiple Correct Choice questions.
INI CET Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-Wise Weightage
As per the analysis of INI CET previous years' question papers, Medicine and Allied Subjects has a weightage of 60%. Surgery and Allied Subjects has a weightage of 25%.
- Anatomy, Microbiology, and Physiology have a weightage of 10% in the INI CET 2024 exam.
INI CET 2026 Syllabus
The syllabus covers subjects from pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical areas. Candidates preparing for the exam should cover all these subjects.
INI CET 2026: Pre-Clinical Subjects
Pre-clinical subjects include Anatomy and Physiology. These subjects are part of the exam syllabus.
INI CET 2026: Para-Clinical Subjects
Para-clinical subjects include Microbiology. This subject is also part of the exam syllabus.
INI CET 2026: Clinical Subjects
Clinical subjects include Medicine and Allied Subjects and Surgery and Allied Subjects. These carry the highest weightage in the exam.
INI CET Previous Year Question Paper
Analysis of INI CET previous years' question papers helps understand the weightage of topics. Medicine and Allied Subjects carries 60% weightage, and Surgery and Allied Subjects carries 25% weightage.
INI CET Exam Preparation Tips
Candidates should focus on subjects with higher weightage. Medicine and Allied Subjects and Surgery and Allied Subjects together account for 85% of the exam weightage.
FAQs
INI CET 2026 is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance exam conducted by AIIMS. The exam is for admission into MD, MS, DM for 6 years, MCh for 6 years, and MDS courses.
INI CET 2026 Exam Overview
INI CET 2026 is the postgraduate medical entrance exam conducted by AIIMS / NBE. The exam is held in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | INI CET 2026 (Postgraduate Medical Entrance) |
| Conducting Body | AIIMS / NBE |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 200 MCQs |
| Question Types | Single Correct Choice (SCC), Multiple Correct Choice (MCC) |
| Sections | 5 Sections (40 questions each) |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, -1.3 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted |
| Review Option | Questions can be marked for review |
| Syllabus | Entire MBBS Curriculum (19 subjects) |
| Exam Dates | January Session: Nov 9, 2025; July Session: May 17, 2026 |
| Medium of Exam | English |
Negative Marking in INI CET 2026
The negative marking gives +1 for each correct answer but -1.3 marks for each incorrect answer. Random guessing can lower the overall score, so it is safer to attempt questions you are confident about and skip the uncertain ones.
INI CET 2026 Exam Structure
The INI CET 2026 exam is designed to test the candidate's clinical knowledge, conceptual clarity, problem-solving, and reasoning skills across all major medical disciplines taught in MBBS. The exam pattern follows a structured layout.
| Section | Number of Questions | Duration per Section |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Section 2 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Section 3 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Section 4 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 200 | 3 hours |
Question Navigation and Review
Candidates can mark questions for review in the CBT mode. This allows skipping tricky questions at the start and returning to them later, helping with time management and prioritising high-confidence questions.
Subject-Wise Question Distribution
The INI CET Exam pattern for 2026 includes 200 MCQs to be completed in 3 hours. The questions are distributed across pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects.
| Section | Approx. Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Pre-clinical | 20–25 |
| Para-clinical | 40–50 |
| Clinical | 100–110 |
| Dental / MDS (if applicable) | 20–30 |
| Total | 200 |
INI CET 2026 Marking Scheme
The marking scheme for the 2026 exam is outlined below.
- Question Types: Mostly single-correct-answer MCQs, with some questions demanding the identification of the best combination of correct options.
- Marking: +4 mark for every correct response.
- Negative Marking: -1.3 mark for every incorrect answer to discourage guessing.
- Unattempted Questions: No marks added or deducted.
INI CET 2026 Question Types
The INI CET Exam pattern for 2026 includes 200 MCQs, to be completed in a duration of 3 hours. The exam includes both single correct choice and multiple correct choice question types.
INI CET 2026 Exam Pattern: Question Types
The INI CET 2026 exam uses two types of questions: Single Correct Answer (SCA) and Multiple Correct Choice (MCC).
| Question Type | Description | Options | Correct Answer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Correct Answer (SCA) | Only one option is correct; a test of direct knowledge or concept | 4 options | 1 correct option |
| Multiple Correct Choice (MCC) | More than one option may be correct; a test of applied knowledge or a combination of concepts | 4–5 options | More than 1 correct option (select the best combination) |
How should you approach multiple-choice questions?
For MCC questions, all correct options must be selected to earn full marks. Partial or incorrect selections may result in 0 marks or penalties, depending on the scoring rules.
It is best to attempt MCC questions only when confident about all correct options.
How does the marking scheme influence strategy?
Because of -1.3 negative marking, it is better to attempt questions you are confident about and skip uncertain ones. Use the review option strategically.
INI CET Exam Pattern 2026: Subject-Wise Weightage
This table summarizes the INI CET 2026 syllabus by category, showing how the MBBS curriculum is divided into Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical subjects.
It also provides the approximate weightage of each category in the exam, helping candidates prioritize their preparation and focus on high-yield areas for maximum scoring potential.
| Category | Subjects Included | Approximate Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Clinical Subjects | Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry | 20–25% |
| Para-Clinical Subjects | Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Pharmacology, Community Medicine (SPM/PSM) | 25–30% |
| Clinical Subjects | General Medicine and Allied, General Surgery and Allied, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Psychiatry, Radiology, Anesthesia, Orthopedics, Dermatology | 45–50% |
Which section has more weightage in INI CET 2024?
As per previous years’ analysis of INI CET question papers, the Medicine and Allied topic has 60% weightage in the INI CET exam. Other topics, such as Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology, have a weightage of around 10%.
Biochemistry's weightage is around 15%.
| Subject/Topic | Approx. Weightage (%) |
|---|---|
| Medicine & Allied | 60 |
| Biochemistry | 15 |
| Anatomy | 10 |
| Physiology | 10 |
| Microbiology | 10 |
How important are pre-clinical subjects like Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry?
Pre-clinical subjects are important but carry a lower weightage of about 10–12%. Questions usually focus on high-yield concepts, diagrams, and clinical correlations.
| Subject Type | Subjects Covered | Weightage | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Clinical | Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry | 10–12% | High-yield concepts, diagrams, and clinical correlations |
INI CET 2026 Syllabus
The INI CET 2026 is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance exam conducted by AIIMS for admission into MD, MS, DM, MCh, and MDS courses. The exam covers the entire MBBS syllabus, divided into Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical subjects.
INI CET 2026: Pre-Clinical Subjects
The table below highlights the pre-clinical subjects and their key topics for the INI CET exam 2026, helping you to prioritize high-weightage topics.
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Anatomy | Microanatomy, Gross Anatomy, Neuroanatomy, Embryology, Genetics |
| Physiology | General, Gastrointestinal, Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Renal, Neuro-Muscular, Reproductive, Endocrine, Neurophysiology, Special Senses, Higher Nervous Functions, Sleep & Yoga |
| Biochemistry | Biomolecules, Enzymes & Metabolism, Molecular Biology, Clinical Biochemistry, Environmental Biochemistry, Immunology |
INI CET 2026: Para-Clinical Subjects
The table below highlights the para-clinical subjects and their key topics for the INI CET exam 2026, helping you to prioritize high-weightage topics.
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Pathology | General Pathology, Systemic Pathology, Hematology, Clinical Pathology |
| Microbiology | Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology, Immunology |
| Forensic Medicine | Forensic Pathology, Toxicology, Medical Jurisprudence |
| Pharmacology | General Pharmacology, Autonomic Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Pharmacology, CNS Pharmacology, Chemotherapy |
| Community Medicine (SPM/PSM) | Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Health Programs, Environmental Health, Nutrition |
INI CET 2026: Para-Clinical Subjects
The table below lists the para-clinical subjects and their key topics for the INI CET exam 2026.
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Pathology | General Pathology, Systemic Pathology, Neoplasia, Immunopathology, Hematology |
| Microbiology | Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology, Immunology |
| Pharmacology | General Pharmacology, Autonomic NS Drugs, CNS Drugs, Antimicrobials, Endocrine Drugs, Toxicology |
| Forensic Medicine | Legal Aspects, Toxicology, Medical Jurisprudence |
| Community Medicine | Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Policies, Nutrition, Environmental Health |
INI CET 2026: Clinical Subjects
The table below highlights the clinical subjects and their key topics for the INI CET exam 2026.
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Medicine & Allied | Cardiology, Neurology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Pulmonology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Radiodiagnosis |
| Surgery & Allied | General Surgery, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Anesthesia |
| Obstetrics & Gynecology | Obstetrics, Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine, Obstetric Emergencies |
| Pediatrics | Neonatology, Growth & Development, Vaccination, Common Pediatric Disorders |
INI CET Previous Year Question Paper
The INI CET previous year question papers for 2024 and 2023 are given below.
INI CET 2024 Question Paper
| Exam | Question Paper PDF |
|---|---|
| July Session (May 19, 2024) | Check Here |
| January Session (Nov 5, 2023) | Check Here |
INI CET 2023 Question Paper
| Exam | Question Paper PDF |
|---|---|
| July Session (May 7, 2023) | Check Here |
| January Session (Nov 13, 2022) | Check Here |
INI CET Exam Preparation Tips
The table below summarizes a preparation strategy for INI CET 2026, highlighting key subjects, focus areas, and time allocation.
| Component | Topics Covered | Recommended Approach | Suggested Time Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-clinical |
|
|
|
| Para-clinical |
|
|
|
| Clinical |
|
|
|
| Dental/MDS (if applicable) |
|
|
|
| Mock Tests & Revision | - |
|
|
FAQs
Ques. Is the INI CET Exam held twice a year?
INI CET Frequency
No, INI CET is held only once a year. It is a single annual entrance exam conducted for admission to postgraduate medical courses (MD, MS, M.Ch., DM) in AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and other institutes.
- Earlier, there was no second session, and candidates had to appear in this only yearly exam to be considered for PG medical admissions.
Eligibility Criteria for INI CET 2026
The INI CET 2026 exam is a postgraduate medical entrance exam for admission to MD/MS/MDS/DM/MCh courses at Institutes of National Importance.
- Educational Qualification: MD/MS/DM/MCh: MBBS degree from a recognized institution; MDS: BDS degree from a recognized institution.
- Minimum Marks in Qualifying Exam: General/OBC/EWS/PwD: 55% aggregate; SC/ST: 50% aggregate.
- Age Limit: No upper age limit, minimum 17 years.
INI CET vs NEET PG Comparison
The comparison between INI CET and NEET PG is given below:
| Feature | INI CET | NEET PG |
|---|---|---|
| Syllabus | MBBS, focus on clinical & para-clinical | Entire MBBS |
| Question Types | SCC + MCC | Mostly SCC |
| Difficulty | More application-based | Knowledge/memory-based |
| Seats | Limited (AIIMS, JIPMER, etc.) | Large across India |
| Competition | Very high | High |
| Prep Strategy | Focus high-weightage & MCC | Broad coverage & speed |
Replacement of INI CET by NExT
Yes, NExT (National Exit Test) is intended to replace INI-CET (for AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS) and other medical postgraduate entrance exams in India.
- The National Medical Commission (NMC) has deferred the implementation of NExT, but it will eventually serve as a common exam for both postgraduate admissions and a license to practice medicine.
NExT and NEET PG in 2026
Yes, the NExT is expected to replace NEET PG in 2026. According to the NMC, NExT will serve as both a licensing exam for MBBS graduates and a postgraduate entrance exam, effectively replacing NEET PG and the FMGE.
NExT will be conducted in two parts:
- A theory-based MCQs exam covering the entire MBBS syllabus.
- A practical exam conducted during the internship, evaluating clinical skills and competencies.
Rank 4000 in INI CET
Ranking in the exam determines admission chances, with higher ranks increasing the likelihood of securing top colleges and specialty courses.
| Rank in INI CET | Likely Percentile / Score Range* | Admission Chances |
|---|---|---|
| 4000 | ~85–88 percentile | Low probability for AIIMS PG seats |
| Not enough for DM/MCh courses | ||
| Consider alternative PG options |
*Percentile/Score ranges are approximate, based on previous years’ analysis.
Syllabus for INI CET 2026
The INI CET Syllabus 2026 covers Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical Science sections.
INI CET 2026 Exam Overview
The INI CET 2026 is a postgraduate medical entrance exam for admission to MD, MS, MDS, DM, and MCh courses at Institutes of National Importance. It is a single annual exam conducted for admission to AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and other institutes.
Candidates must appear in this yearly exam to be considered for postgraduate medical admissions. There is no second session.
Is INI CET Held Twice a Year?
No, INI CET is held only once a year. It is a single annual entrance exam for postgraduate medical courses (MD, MS, M.Ch., DM) in AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and other institutes.
Earlier, there was no second session. Candidates had to appear in this only yearly exam for PG medical admissions.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for INI CET 2026 depend on the course and category. The minimum marks in the qualifying exam vary by category.
- Educational Qualification for MD/MS/DM/MCh: MBBS degree from a recognized institution.
- Educational Qualification for MDS: BDS degree from a recognized institution.
- Minimum Marks for General/OBC/EWS/PwD: 55% aggregate.
- Minimum Marks for SC/ST: 50% aggregate.
- Age Limit: No upper age limit; minimum age is 17 years.
INI CET vs NEET PG
The comparison between INI CET and NEET PG covers syllabus, question types, difficulty, seats, competition, and preparation strategy. INI CET is more application-based, while NEET PG is more knowledge and memory-based.
| Feature | INI CET | NEET PG |
|---|---|---|
| Syllabus | MBBS, focus on clinical and para-clinical | Entire MBBS |
| Question Types | SCC + MCC | Mostly SCC |
| Difficulty | More application-based | Knowledge/memory-based |
| Seats | Limited (AIIMS, JIPMER, etc.) | Large across India |
| Competition | Very high | High |
| Prep Strategy | Focus high-weightage and MCC | Broad coverage and speed |
Will NExT Replace INI CET?
Yes, NExT (National Exit Test) is intended to replace INI-CET for AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS, along with other medical postgraduate entrance exams in India. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has deferred the implementation of NExT.
NExT will eventually serve as a common exam for both postgraduate admissions and a license to practice medicine.
Will NExT Replace NEET PG in 2026?
Yes, NExT is expected to replace NEET PG in 2026. According to the NMC, NExT will serve as both a licensing exam for MBBS graduates and a postgraduate entrance exam, effectively replacing NEET PG and the FMGE.
NExT will be conducted in two parts:
- A theory-based MCQs exam covering the entire MBBS syllabus.
- A practical exam conducted during the internship, evaluating clinical skills and competencies.
What is Rank 4000 in INI CET?
Ranking in the exam determines admission chances, with higher ranks increasing the likelihood of securing top colleges and specialty courses. A rank of 4000 in INI CET corresponds to approximately the 85-88 percentile.
| Rank in INI CET | Likely Percentile / Score Range* | Admission Chances |
|---|---|---|
| 4000 | ~85-88 percentile | Low probability for AIIMS PG seats |
| 4000 | ~85-88 percentile | Not enough for DM/MCh courses |
| 4000 | ~85-88 percentile | Consider alternative PG options |
*Percentile/Score ranges are approximate, based on previous years analysis.
Syllabus for INI CET 2026
The INI CET Syllabus 2026 covers Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical Science sections. The syllabus includes the following sections:
| S.No. | Section |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dental Materials |
| 2 | Oral Pathology & Microbiology |
| 3 | Biostatistics |
| 4 | Other Topics |