AIIMS INI CET Open Round Allotment Scheduled Later in February; Candidates Track Vacancy Updates

As of February 2, 2026, AIIMS New Delhi has extended the registration for the INI CET January 2026 Open Round. With the seat allotment result now scheduled for February 21, candidates are closely monitoring the vacant seat matrix across Institutes of National Importance (INIs). This report covers the revised timeline, registration steps, and the status of MD/MS vacancies in top-tier medical institutions.

The transition into February 2, 2026, brings a critical update for aspirants seeking admission to the country’s premier medical institutions through the INI CET Open Round. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, which serves as the coordinating body for the Institutes of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET), has officially extended the registration and choice-filling window for the January 2026 session. According to the AIIMS official portal, the deadline for online registration and choice filling for the open round has been extended to February 7, 2026, at 5 PM.

Revised Timeline and Open Round Mechanics

The INI CET Open Round is distinct from the regular rounds as it allows a fresh pool of candidates to register and participate based on the remaining vacancies. Following the completion of Round 2 reporting, a substantial number of highly specialized seats have been returned to the pool, prompting this final administrative extension.

• Registration Extension: Candidates now have until February 7 to finalize their registration and submit course preferences.
• Result Declaration: The highly anticipated seat allotment result for this final round is now scheduled to be released on February 21, 2026.
• Reporting Window: Candidates who receive an allotment must complete their online acceptance and physical joining between February 23 and February 28, 2026.
• Security Deposit: Participants are required to pay a mandatory security deposit, which is detailed in the AIIMS INI CET Open Round notification.

Vacancy Analysis and Choice Filling Strategy

As of today, candidates are meticulously analyzing the INI CET Open Round vacant seat matrix to optimize their choice-filling strategy. The "open" nature of this round means that any candidate who qualified the entrance exam, regardless of their status in Rounds 1 or 2, can participate. Candidates can refer to the INI CET Counselling 2026 vacancy PDF for a subject-wise breakdown of available seats.

• Strategic Selection: Experts advise candidates to fill as many choices as possible, as the INI CET Open Round often sees unexpected shifts in rank-wise allotments due to withdrawals.
• Document Readiness: Aspirants must ensure their digital copies of the INI CET admit card and MBBS transcripts are ready for the online acceptance phase.
• Institutional Preference: While AIIMS New Delhi remains the top choice, there is significant interest in JIPMER and PGIMER seats, which have become available after initial admission cycles.
• Seat Matrix Monitoring: The vacancy list is subject to minor changes as resignation data from earlier rounds is finalized by the respective institutions.

Institutional Readiness and Candidate Support

The Institutes of National Importance (INIs) are preparing their administrative departments to handle the final surge of admissions in late February. The INI CET Open Round is crucial for these centers to ensure that their specialized departments are fully staffed with new residents for the upcoming academic semester. Candidates should also monitor the National Medical Commission (NMC) seat matrix for any updates on newly recognized seats that might be added to the pool.

• Helpdesk Activation: AIIMS has activated a 24/7 technical helpdesk to assist candidates facing issues with the extended registration portal.
• Verification Teams: Specialized boards have been formed at each INI to conduct rapid document verification during the short February 23-28 joining window.
• Hostel Allocation: Most institutes have finalized their hostel vacancy lists to provide immediate accommodation to candidates joining in the last week of February.
• Orientation Planning: Departments are scheduling orientation sessions to start immediately after the final reporting deadline to minimize any further academic delay.

Conclusion

The extension of the INI CET Open Round registration into early February 2026 underscores the commitment of AIIMS and other INIs to transparency and meritocracy. While the wait for the final seat allotment continues until February 21, the current window provides a much-needed breather for candidates to refine their career paths. The INI CET Open Round remains the most prestigious opportunity for medical graduates in India, and the current session is expected to fill the remaining gaps in the nation's specialist training framework. As the deadline of February 7 approaches, aspirants are encouraged to stay updated with the latest institutional notices to secure their future in these centers of excellence.

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