AIIMS INI-CET January 2026 exam sees moderate difficulty; candidates give mixed reviews

The highly anticipated INI-CET January 2026 session examination concluded, leaving candidates with mixed reviews regarding its difficulty. Overall, the paper was rated as moderate, with a distinct emphasis on clinical and concept-based questions over simple one-liners. Aspirants found time management challenging due to the lengthy clinical scenarios. This article provides a detailed subject-wise analysis, key exam patterns, and essential preparation tips for future INI-CET aspirants to strategize their study plan effectively.

The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) for the January 2026 session, conducted for admission to postgraduate courses at AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST, has been primarily characterized by a moderate difficulty level. This assessment, gathered from the initial feedback of numerous aspirants, positions the exam somewhere between the slightly easier May session and the traditionally tougher papers. The test, comprising 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) to be completed in 3 hours, maintained its reputation for being a rigorous test of medical knowledge.

• ​Overall Difficulty: A large fraction of candidates rated the overall difficulty as moderate. However, reviews were mixed, with some finding it slightly easier than the previous session, while others felt it was tougher due to specific sections.
• ​Question Type Dominance: The paper strongly favored clinical scenario-based questions and those demanding conceptual clarity and integration of subjects. Direct, one-liner questions were fewer in number compared to previous patterns. Around 60% of the questions were reported to be easy to attempt, provided the candidate had a strong grasp of fundamentals.
• ​Time Management Challenge: A significant point of concern for aspirants was time management. The lengthy clinical vignettes and scenario-based questions required more time for reading, interpretation, and analysis, making the 3-hour duration a tight squeeze for many.
• ​Marking Scheme: The pattern remained consistent with +1 mark for a correct answer and a negative marking of -1/3 mark for an incorrect response, penalizing guesswork and emphasizing accuracy.

​ Subject-Wise Weightage and Key Topics

​Understanding the subject distribution is crucial for future preparation, as the INI-CET paper clearly indicated high-yield areas. The exam pattern divides questions into Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical subjects, with the latter commanding the highest weightage.

• ​Clinical Subjects (Highest Weightage): As anticipated, clinical subjects accounted for the largest portion of the paper, typically 45-50% of the questions. 
  • ​General Medicine, General Surgery, and Obstetrics & Gynecology dominated this section.
  • ​Questions in General Medicine often focused on diagnosis and management of common diseases, while Surgery and Allied subjects, including Orthopedics, were noted as being potentially the toughest section of the paper.
  • ​Specific topics like Physiology, Dermatology, and Anatomy were also highlighted by aspirants for having a notable presence.
• ​Para-Clinical Subjects (Moderate Weightage): These subjects typically hold around 25-30% weightage. 
  • ​Pathology, Pharmacology, and Microbiology remain high-yield areas.
  • ​Questions in Pharmacology were mostly concept-based, focusing on mechanisms of action and drug side effects.
  • ​Microbiology featured questions on topics like organism identification and lab diagnosis.
• ​Pre-Clinical Subjects (Lower Weightage): Making up around 20-25% of the paper. 
  • ​Anatomy and Biochemistry were prominent, with questions testing fundamental concepts and their clinical applications, such as metabolic pathways.
  • ​The Pre-Clinical section was generally considered easy to moderate to attempt.

​This trend underscores the need for an integrated study approach, where basic science concepts are linked directly to clinical scenarios and patient management.

​ Preparation Roadmap for Future INI-CET Aspirants (July 2026)

​For those targeting the upcoming INI-CET sessions, particularly the July 2026 session, the analysis of the January paper provides invaluable strategic insights. A planned, consistent, and clinically focused preparation strategy is non-negotiable for success in this competitive exam.

• ​Prioritize Clinical and Integrated Learning:
  • ​Dedicate more time to Clinical subjects (Medicine, Surgery, OBG, Pediatrics).
  • ​Practice case-based MCQs extensively, as these closely mirror the exam pattern.
  • ​Focus on conceptual clarity over rote memorization, understanding why a disease occurs and how it is managed.
• ​Master Time Management and Mock Tests:
  • ​Practice full-length mock tests under strict, exam-like conditions (3 hours).
  • ​Specifically, train to read and analyze lengthy clinical vignettes quickly without compromising on accuracy.
  • ​Analyze every mock test in detail to identify weak subjects and repetitive mistakes, using a mistake notebook for quick revision.
• ​Strategic Revision and High-Yield Topics:
  • ​Regularly revise notes using techniques like Active Recall and Spaced Repetition.
  • ​Focus on Previous Year Questions (PYQs) from INI-CET and even NEET PG to understand the repeated topics and question styles.
  • ​Do not neglect the foundational Para-Clinical subjects (Pathology, Pharmacology) as they form the conceptual basis for clinical management.

​Conclusion

​The INI-CET January 2026 session reaffirmed its position as a highly demanding, concept-driven PG entrance examination. Its moderate difficulty and strong emphasis on clinical and integrated questions highlight the evolving expectations of Institutes of National Importance from prospective specialists. Future aspirants must adopt a dedicated, clinically-focused, and well-timed preparation strategy, prioritizing conceptual integration and rigorous practice of scenario-based questions to secure a top rank.

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