INI CET Eligibility 2026 requires aspirants to hold an MBBS/BDS degree or equivalent and complete their mandatory rotating internship by the specified cut-off date, such as January 31, 2026, for the General/January Session. This essential examination for postgraduate medical courses at Institutes of National Importance mandates precise academic, age, and nationality criteria, with no general upper age limit. Understanding these parameters is crucial for a successful application.
Table of Contents
INI CET 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Overview of Key Requirements
Understanding the INI CET Eligibility 2026 is crucial for aspiring candidates. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the key requirements set forth by AIIMS, New Delhi, ensuring applicants meet all necessary criteria for the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test.
- INI CET Full Form: Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET)
- Exam Body: All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Degree Recognition: NMC/MCI and DCI (as applicable) recognised.
- Internship Requirement: One-year mandatory rotating internship.
- Number of Attempts: No limit.
- Eligibility Verification: Tentative until physical document verification.
Indian Nationals graduating from foreign universities must pass the FMGE exam to appear for INI CET 2026. Foreign nationals require an NOC from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, to be submitted by the 3rd Week of May 2026 (Tentative).
INI CET 2026 Age Limit: Maximum Age and Relaxation Rules
For INI CET Eligibility 2026, candidates should note there is generally no upper age limit for the exam. However, specific minimum age requirements and exceptions for certain institutes apply. This section details the age criteria for INI CET 2026 applicants.
- General Upper Age Limit: No upper age limit applies for the INI CET 2026 exam.
- Minimum Age Limit: Candidates must be at least 17 years old to apply for INI CET 2026.
- Specific Institute Exceptions: NIMHANS Bengaluru and SCTIMST Trivandrum introduced upper age limits for the January 2026 session.
Required Educational Qualification for INI CET 2026 Exam
To be eligible for INI CET 2026, candidates must hold an MBBS or BDS degree from a recognized university. This section details the essential educational qualifications, internship requirements, and minimum aggregate marks necessary for admission to various postgraduate programs.
- Required Degree: MBBS for MD/MS/DM/MCh; BDS for MDS courses.
- Degree Recognition: MBBS by NMC/MCI; BDS by DCI recognized university.
- Internship Requirement: Completion of 12 months compulsory rotatory internship.
- Internship Deadline: Must complete internship on or before January 31, 2026.
- Min Marks (OBC/EWS): 55% aggregate in MBBS/BDS for Indian Nationals.
- Min Marks (Foreign Nationals): 55% aggregate in all MBBS/BDS professional exams.
| Criterion | Detail |
|---|---|
| Min Marks (SC/ST) | 50% aggregate in MBBS/BDS for Indian Nationals. |
| Indian Candidates from Foreign Universities | Must pass Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) by NBE. |
| Marks Calculation Basis | Aggregate marks of 4-year MBBS/BDS professional courses. |
| Marks Not Considered | Marks of the 1st and 3rd examination. |
| Supplementary Exam Marks | Only qualified marks must be used. |
| Foreign Candidates Grading System | Certificate from recognized University/Institution to estimate grading value in percentage. |
INI CET 2026 Internship Completion Cut-off Date: Key Guidelines
For INI CET Eligibility 2026, candidates must complete their mandatory 12-month internship by specific cut-off dates, with January 31, 2026, being the deadline for the General/January Session. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in ineligibility for admission.
- General/January Session Cut-off: January 31, 2026
- July 2026 Session Cut-off: July 31, 2026
- November 2026 Exam Cut-off: October 2026 (tentative)
- Internship Duration: Mandatory 12-month rotating/compulsory rotating internship/practical training.
- Consequence of Missing Deadline: Ineligible if completion certificate is not obtained before the deadline.
INI CET 2026 Session-Wise Eligibility: January, July, and November
Understanding the INI CET Eligibility 2026 criteria is crucial for prospective candidates. For the January session, a key requirement involves the timely completion of the compulsory rotatory internship, ensuring applicants meet the necessary academic prerequisites for admission.
- Internship Completion (January Session): Completion of compulsory rotatory internship on or before July 31, 2026
OCI/Foreign Nationals: Detailed Overview
Understanding the INI CET Eligibility 2026 criteria is crucial for all applicants. This section details the specific requirements for Indian Nationals, Foreign Nationals, OCI, and PIO candidates, covering academic qualifications, internship deadlines, and important distinctions for seat allotment.
- Eligible Nationalities: Indian, Foreign, OCI, and PIO candidates.
- Foreign Nationals Defined: Candidates who are not citizens of India.
- Academic Qualifications: MBBS for MD/MS/DM/MCh; BDS for MDS courses.
- Internship Requirement: 12 months compulsory, completed by January 31, 2026.
- Age Limit: No minimum or maximum age limit applies to any nationality.
- Application Restriction: Cannot apply for both Foreign National and Indian National seats.
Specific aggregate marks and additional documentation are required based on nationality and graduation origin, particularly for Foreign Nationals and OCI/PIO candidates, impacting their INI CET Eligibility 2026 and seat consideration.
| Category/Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Indian Nationals (India Graduates) - Min. Aggregate | 55% for General, OBC, EWS; 50% for SC, ST in MBBS/BDS. |
| Indian Nationals (Foreign Graduates) - Qualifying Marks | Marks from Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). |
| Foreign Nationals - Min. Aggregate Marks | 55% aggregate or above in all MBBS/BDS professional exams. |
| Foreign Nationals - Additional Requirement | Grading system certificate from a recognized University/Institution. |
| Foreign Nationals - Mandatory Document | No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. |
| Foreign Nationals - NOC Submission Deadline | 3rd Week of May 2026 (Tentative). MEA NOC is not valid. |
| OCI/PIO - Indian National Seats Eligibility | Born before March 4, 2021, and OCI card obtained before that date. |
| OCI/PIO - Seat Allotment Classification | Eligible but not classed as Indian nationals; no consideration for Indian national seats. |
How to Verify Your INI CET 2026 Eligibility Before Application
- Educational Qualification: Hold a recognised MBBS/BDS degree from an NMC/DCI approved institution.
- Minimum Academic Marks: At least 55% aggregate in MBBS/BDS for General/EWS/OBC; 50% for SC/ST.
- Internship Completion: One-year mandatory rotating internship must be completed by the stipulated deadline.
- Nationality Status: Indian National, OCI/PIO, or Foreigner with an NOC from Ministry of Health.
- Age Limit: Generally no age restriction for INI CET, but MCh/DM courses may have specific criteria.
- Reservation Documents: Possess valid category certificates (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwBD) if applicable.
Beyond these core requirements, candidates should also be aware of specific institutional rules and the final verification process.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Institutional Rules | Participating Institutes (e.g., AIIMS) may have additional requirements like service bonds or special quotas. |
| Final Verification | Eligibility is tentative until physical document verification during admission/counselling. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key eligibility requirements for INI CET 2026?
INI CET 2026 eligibility, specified by AIIMS, allows Indian, Foreign, OCI/PIO nationals with no age limit for PG courses at participating Institutes of National Importance.
What are the academic qualifications needed for INI CET 2026?
Candidates must possess an MBBS degree and complete 12 months of internship/training in all medical departments. Academic qualifications are uniform for Indian and foreign nationals.
What are the minimum marks required for INI CET 2026?
Indian Nationals need 55% (OBC/EWS) or 50% (SC/ST) aggregate in MBBS/BDS. Foreign Nationals require 55% aggregate in all MBBS/BDS professional courses for INI CET 2026.
What is INI CET Eligibility 2026?
INI CET Eligibility 2026, determined by AIIMS Delhi for the July session, includes guidelines on nationality, qualification, work experience, and certificates. Candidates must fulfill these conditions to appear for the exam.
What are the eligibility requirements for INI CET Eligibility 2026?
INI CET November 2026 eligibility requires an MBBS/BDS degree with specified marks, a one-year internship, and is open to Indian nationals, OCI/PIO, and foreign applicants with no age limit.
How do I apply for INI CET Eligibility 2026?
Apply online for INI CET November 2026 via the AIIMS portal. The two-step process includes Basic Registration (personal details, photo/signature) and Final Registration (EUC, documents, fee payment).




