The AIIMS INI CET January 2026 session concludes as the Round 2 reporting window closes. This article covers the mandatory document verification steps, penalty clauses for seat withdrawal, and the final eligibility criteria for MD/MS residency programs across all INIs.

The admission process for the January 2026 session of the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) is officially entering its final stages. Managed by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, the cycle has seen the completion of major counselling rounds for post-graduate seats in MD, MS, MDS, DM, and MCh programs. As of today, January 31, the primary focus has shifted from seat allocation to the administrative closure of the current intake, with participating Institutes preparing for the full integration of the new batch of resident doctors.

Final Reporting and Seat Acceptance Protocols

The second round of seat allocation concluded recently, and the mandatory reporting window for candidates closed on January 15. Since then, the AIIMS examination section has been verifying the joining status of all allotted students to determine the final vacancy matrix.

• Reporting Completion: Most candidates have already completed their physical reporting at their respective Institutes, including AIIMS campuses, PGIMER, JIPMER, and NIMHANS.
• Document Verification: A rigorous verification of original academic credentials, including the MBBS degree and internship completion certificates, was conducted at each site.
• Internship Deadline: Today, January 31, marks the absolute deadline for the 12-month compulsory rotating internship required for eligibility in this January cycle.
• Admission Status: Candidates who failed to report by the prescribed mid-month deadline have effectively forfeited their seats, which may now be considered for any potential stray vacancy rounds.

Financial Implications and Seat Withdrawal Rules

To maintain the efficiency of the INI CET allocation system, the authorities have enforced strict financial regulations. These measures are designed to discourage seat blocking and ensure that every available medical residency is filled by a committed professional.

Candidates were required to exercise specific "options" upon allotment—either to accept the seat and end their participation or to accept while remaining eligible for further rounds. However, as the January window closes, the "Active Choice" feature on the portal has been disabled for the current session.

Transition to the July 2026 Session

With the current admission cycle concluding, the academic focus is already pivoting toward the next half-yearly intake. The AIIMS academic calendar remains one of the most disciplined in the country, ensuring that there is no overlap or delay in the training of specialist physicians.

• Open Round Possibility: While the major rounds are over, a "Spot" or "Open" round may be announced only if significant vacancies remain across the various Institutes.
• Academic Commencement: Classes and clinical duties for the January 2026 batch have already commenced at several premier centers, following the January 1 orientation.
• Next Cycle Dates: Preliminary notifications for the INI CET July 2026 session are expected by March, with the entrance examination tentatively scheduled for May.
• Portal Closure: The official AIIMS login for the current session's seat allocation will likely be archived by the first week of February.

Conclusion

The closure of the INI CET January 2026 cycle marks the end of a highly competitive period for thousands of medical aspirants. As the final admission formalities are wrapped up at the institutional level, the participating Institutes have successfully filled the majority of their postgraduate quotas. For those who secured their positions, the focus now moves to the rigors of residency training. Those who were unsuccessful in this session are already refocusing their preparation for the upcoming July cycle, maintaining the continuous flow of medical talent into India's institutes of national importance.