AIIMS New Delhi released the INI CET Jan 2026 Round 2 seat allotment on Jan 9. Analyze college preference shifts and reporting deadlines for top medical institutes.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has officially released the Round 2 seat allotment results for the January 2026 session of the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET). Declared on January 9, the results provide a definitive look at how medical graduates have prioritized specialized departments across the 23 participating institutes. As candidates now move into the acceptance phase, the closing ranks for high-demand specialties like Radiology, Medicine, and Pediatrics reveal a continued preference for the "Old AIIMS" campuses and premier centers like JIPMER and PGIMER.

Shifting Trends in Specialty and College Preferences

The second round of seat allotment is often the point where institutional shifts become most apparent. Unlike the first round, where candidates often "test the waters," the Round 2 data reflects a concrete commitment to specific career paths in the MD, MS, and MDS programs.

• Top-Tier Dominance: AIIMS New Delhi remains the most sought-after institute, with clinical branches closing at exceptionally high ranks. However, Round 2 saw a significant acceptance rate for newer AIIMS campuses like Rishikesh and Bhopal for niche surgical specialties.
• JIPMER and NIMHANS Focus: Candidates interested in specialized neurology and psychiatry have shown a marked preference for NIMHANS Bengaluru, while JIPMER Puducherry continues to attract top rankers for General Surgery and Anesthesiology.
• Upgradation Impact: Many candidates who were assigned seats in Round 1 utilized the "upgradation" choice to move into more preferred allotment brackets, leading to a redistribution of vacancies in the state-of-the-art facilities of institutes like PGIMER Chandigarh.
• Branch Over Institution: A rising trend this year shows many candidates choosing a preferred clinical branch in a regional AIIMS over a non-clinical branch in AIIMS New Delhi, highlighting a focus on long-term career acceptance.

Seat Matrix Overview for January 2026 Session

The INI CET January 2026 session manages the allocation for 875 postgraduate seats. The following table highlights the seat distribution and primary courses offered by the leading Institutes of National Importance (INIs) during this allotment cycle:

Mandatory Actions for Allotted Candidates

With the results now public, the university has transitioned into the reporting and acceptance phase. Candidates must follow a strict protocol to avoid the forfeiture of their hard-earned seats.

• Online Seat Acceptance: Successful candidates must log in to the official portal (aiimsexams.ac.in) and select "Option A" to accept the current allotment. This action must be completed between January 10 (11:00 AM) and January 15, 2026 (5:00 PM).
• Physical Reporting: After online acceptance, students must report to their respective allotted institutes for document verification. Failure to appear within the stipulated window will result in the immediate cancellation of the seat.
• Document Checklist: Candidates must carry original certificates, including the MBBS degree, internship completion certificate (by Jan 31, 2026), and a valid registration certificate issued by the NMC or State Medical Council.
• Security Deposit: For those reporting for the first time in this round, a security deposit or the submission of original documents is mandatory to validate the allotment.

Conclusion

The release of the Round 2 results marks the finalization of the regular admission process for the January 2026 session. As the acceptance window remains open through mid-January, the focus for the medical fraternity shifts to the commencement of the academic term. The clear trends in college preferences established in this seat allotment will serve as a benchmark for future aspirants in the July 2026 cycle. Candidates are advised to complete their reporting formalities well before the January 15 deadline to ensure their transition into India's premier medical institutions is successful.