INI CET 2026 Preparation Cycle Gains Momentum as New Academic Year Begins

Get the latest updates on the INI CET 2026 January and July sessions. Explore the tentative examination timeline, essential eligibility criteria for aspirants, and strategic preparation tips to secure a seat at AIIMS and other premier institutes. Stay ahead in your PG medical journey with this comprehensive guide updated for the new academic cycle.

As the academic calendar turns to January 1, the race for the INI CET 2026 has officially intensified. Conducted by AIIMS New Delhi, the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) remains the most coveted gateway for medical graduates aiming for MD, MS, M.Ch. (6 years), DM (6 years), and MDS programs. With the January 2026 session timeline already taking shape, aspirants must transition from casual reading to a structured, high-intensity study phase to secure a seat in India's top medical institutions like AIIMS, JIPMER, and PGIMER.

Examination Timeline and Key Session Dates

Understanding the biannual nature of this exam is crucial for effective planning. AIIMS typically conducts the test in two cycles—the January session and the July session—ensuring multiple opportunities for candidates to prove their merit.

• January 2026 Session: While the primary exam for this session is traditionally held in November of the preceding year, the start of the new year marks the peak of the seat allocation and reporting phase for qualifiers.
• July 2026 Session: For those targeting the mid-year intake, the notification and basic registration portal are expected to open around March 2026.
• Exam Mode: Both sessions are strictly computer-based tests (CBT) featuring 200 multiple-choice questions to be completed within a 180-minute window.

Core Eligibility and Candidate Requirements

To maintain the high standards of Institutes of National Importance, AIIMS adheres to strict eligibility benchmarks. Aspirants must ensure they meet these criteria before initiating the PAAR registration process.

• Educational Degree: Candidates must hold a valid MBBS or BDS degree from an institute recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) or Dental Council of India (DCI).
• Internship Deadline: A mandatory 12-month rotating internship must be completed by the specified cutoff date (typically July 31 for the July session).
• Minimum Aggregate: General, OBC, and EWS candidates require at least 55% aggregate marks in their professional exams, while 50% is required for SC/ST categories.

Strategic Preparation for High-Yield Success

The INI CET is renowned for its clinical-heavy focus and integrated questions. Simply memorizing facts is no longer sufficient; candidates must apply basic sciences to complex clinical scenarios.

• Subject Integration: Focus on "Vertical Integration" where pre-clinical subjects like Pathology and Pharmacology are studied alongside Clinical Medicine.
• Mock Test Consistency: Engaging in weekly AIIMS-pattern mocks helps in mastering time management and reducing the impact of the -1/3 negative marking.
• Previous Year Questions (PYQs): Analyzing the last five years of papers is non-negotiable, as topics often repeat even if the specific questions change.

In conclusion, the start of the year is a defining moment for every medical postgraduate aspirant. Success in INI CET 2026 depends on early alignment with the official syllabus and meticulous tracking of registration windows. All serious candidates are advised to regularly monitor the official AIIMS exam portal for the July 2026 notification to ensure no deadlines are missed during this high-stakes cycle.