Chandigarh PGIMER Adjusts Sponsored-Category Capacity Ahead of INI-CET 2026 Allotments

The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has announced a crucial corrigendum affecting the upcoming INI-CET January 2026 session. The change involves a reduction in the highly competitive MD Medicine seats under the Sponsored Category, officially moving from six seats to five. This reduction intensifies competition for in-service doctors seeking advanced training. Aspirants must urgently check the revised seat matrix published by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and adjust their counselling strategies accordingly, as the allotment process is imminent.

The postgraduate medical admission landscape for the INI-CET January 2026 session has become significantly more competitive following a critical announcement from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. PGIMER, a premier Institute of National Importance (INI), recently revised its seat capacity for a highly sought-after discipline and category. This adjustment directly impacts medical professionals aiming for a sponsored seat in one of India's top institutes. The change, issued as a Corrigendum by the coordinating body, AIIMS, New Delhi, specifically targets the MD Medicine course under the Sponsored Category at PGIMER, necessitating immediate attention from all affected aspirants ahead of the crucial allotment rounds.

Sponsor Category Seat Reduction in MD Medicine 

The heart of the recent notification is the reduction of available seats in a core clinical specialty—MD Medicine—specifically reserved for Sponsored Category candidates. This category is distinct, catering to in-service doctors who are deputed by Central or State Government institutions for specialized training.

• The Specific Change: The number of MD Medicine seats at PGIMER, Chandigarh, designated for the Sponsored Category has been officially revised. The count has moved from six (6) to five (5). While mathematically a single-seat reduction, its effect is profound in a highly specialized, top-tier institutional setting like PGIMER.
• Official Corrigendum: The revision was issued via an official corrigendum by AIIMS, New Delhi, the organizing body for the INI-CET. This ensures the change is formally incorporated into the final seat matrix that will be used during the upcoming online seat allocation.
• Impact on Merit: With one fewer seat available, the margin for error for sponsored candidates has drastically reduced. The closing merit rank for this category in the INI-CET will inevitably become higher, meaning a better rank is now required to secure one of the five remaining seats.

Understanding the Sponsored Category Dynamics 

The Sponsored Category seats, though subject to INI-CET merit, are governed by a specific set of rules that distinguish them from the open and reserved categories. Aspirants utilizing this channel must fully understand their unique obligations and requirements.

• Eligibility and Obligation: Candidates applying under the Sponsored Category must be regular employees of a recognized Central or State Government Department/Institution or an Autonomous Body. Crucially, they must furnish a "No Objection Certificate" (NOC) from their employer.
• Service Bond Requirement: A major condition for sponsored candidates is the service bond. Upon completion of the PG course at PGIMER, the doctor is typically obligated to return and serve the sponsoring authority for a stipulated period, often a minimum of five years, in the specialty they received training in.
• Financial Stipulations: The sponsoring authority is responsible for the candidate's salary, stipend, or emoluments throughout the duration of the course. PGIMER bears no financial liability for these candidates, and they are usually not provided hostel accommodation. This is why these seats are treated as a distinct class and not merged with the general or reserved categories.

Strategic Counselling for INI-CET Aspirants 

The seat reduction at PGIMER serves as a critical alert for all INI-CET January 2026 aspirants, especially those in the Sponsored Category, to reassess their preparation and counselling strategy.

• Prioritize Higher Ranks: Aspirants must intensify their preparation to secure a top-tier rank in the INI-CET to offset the decreased availability of seats. Every mark matters, particularly in clinical subjects that influence core specialties like MD Medicine.
• Flawless Documentation: Sponsored candidates must ensure that their Sponsorship Certificate and NOC are precisely aligned with the required format and explicitly mention the course (MD Medicine) and the January 2026 session. Any discrepancy in documents can lead to the rejection of the candidature, irrespective of merit rank.
• Counselling Choice Filling: During the upcoming online seat allocation, candidates must be highly strategic in their choice filling and locking process. Given the restricted number of seats, PGIMER MD Medicine should be prioritized only if their INI-CET rank is sufficiently high to be among the top five sponsored candidates. Candidates should also explore other INI institutes like AIIMS and JIPMER in their preference list.

The decision by PGIMER to adjust its Sponsored Category capacity, while impacting a small number of seats, reflects the dynamic nature of PG medical admissions and the intense competition for esteemed institutions. This adjustment is now finalized and will be operational for the upcoming seat allocation.

In conclusion, the reduction of the PGIMER MD Medicine Sponsored Seats from six to five for the INI-CET January 2026 session mandates immediate action and strategic re-evaluation by all registered aspirants. This heightened competition demands both an excellent INI-CET rank and impeccable documentation. Ensure you have checked the final, revised seat matrix on the AIIMS portal and strategically adjusted your preference list before the INI-CET counselling commences. 

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