INI CET 2025 – Counselling, Cutoff, Result, Scorecard,Trend & Top colleges

The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) is a National-level entrance exam conducted by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi for admission into postgraduate courses such as MD, MS, M.Ch (6 years), DM (6 years), and MDS across Institutes of National Importance including AIIMS across India, JIPMER Puducherry, PGIMER Chandigarh, and NIMHANS Bengaluru. Held biannually, the exam tests candidates in areas such as Pre-Clinical, Para-Clinical, and Clinical subjects from the MBBS curriculum, and Dental Sciences for MDS aspirants, serving as a gateway to top-ranked medical and dental colleges in India. Appearing for INI CET is often the first major step for students aspiring to pursue postgraduate medical and dental education at India’s most reputed institutions. With a single exam score, aspirants can apply to multiple colleges across the country — making it a centralised, merit-based selection tool. INI CET is conducted as a Computer Based Test (CBT) and typically features a single integrated paper for MD/MS/MDS admissions, comprising 200 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are allotted three hours to complete this section, with a negative marking scheme for incorrect responses. For DM/M.Ch (6 years) courses, a separate paper of 60 MCQs is administered for one hour. The examination is designed to assess the comprehensive knowledge acquired during undergraduate medical and dental studies, covering a vast syllabus based on the MBBS and BDS curricula. The exam is known for its high competitiveness, attracting a large pool of graduates from across the nation each session. Cut-offs vary significantly each year based on the difficulty level of the paper, the number of candidates, and the available seats, reflecting the dynamic nature of admissions to these premier institutions. Successful candidates often demonstrate a strong grasp of fundamental medical and dental concepts, coupled with effective time management skills. Aspiring candidates are advised to dedicate themselves to thorough preparation, focusing on comprehensive subject knowledge and consistent practice to navigate this challenging yet rewarding entrance examination.

Common entrance for all AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and other INIs for postgraduate medical and dental courses

Online centralized seat allocation based on INI CET rank, choice filling, and category reservation policies

Qualifying INI CET opens up admission opportunities at India’s most prestigious institutions — known for their academic excellence, robust industry connections within the healthcare sector, and stellar clinical and research records. These Institutes of National Importance represent the pinnacle of medical and dental postgraduate education, shaping the future leaders of healthcare. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), particularly AIIMS New Delhi, stands as the premier institution, recognized globally for its cutting-edge research, advanced clinical facilities, and unparalleled academic rigor. Securing a seat here typically requires achieving a top rank, demonstrating exceptional merit. Similarly, the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, is a leading hub for medical education and research in Northern India, known for its comprehensive training and vast super-specialty offerings. Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, is another highly sought-after institution, lauded for its patient-centric care and strong community health programs. Specialized institutes like the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, also accept INI CET scores, offering highly specialized programs in mental health, neurosciences, and cardiovascular diseases, respectively. Graduates from these colleges often secure esteemed positions as specialist consultants in leading hospitals, pursue academic and research careers at renowned institutions, or establish thriving private practices across India and globally. The career trajectory and earning potential post-specialization are exceptionally high, with graduates becoming highly respected professionals in their fields. This showcases the powerful return on investment of qualifying INI CET, measured in professional growth and societal impact rather than traditional corporate packages.

Qualifying the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) opens doors to some of the most prestigious medical and dental institutions in India and unlocks access to high-growth career opportunities across the healthcare sector. This highly competitive examination serves as the gateway to postgraduate courses like MD, MS, MDS, M.Ch (6 years), and DM (6 years) at premier institutions such as the All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST). Studying at these institutes offers unparalleled academic prestige, world-class faculty, advanced research opportunities, and state-of-the-art clinical infrastructure. The value extends beyond conventional placements; it translates into exceptional career progression and high earning potential as a specialist. Graduates emerge as highly sought-after consultants, researchers, and clinicians, poised to lead in various medical and dental specialties. The programs align directly with the critical demand for highly skilled medical professionals, offering extensive opportunities for super-specialization, clinical exposure to diverse and complex cases, and impactful research projects. Degrees from these Institutes of National Importance are globally recognized, enhancing prospects for international fellowships, research collaborations, and advanced studies abroad. INI CET serves as a definitive launchpad for aspirants, offering a trajectory that leads to a distinguished and impactful career in medicine and dentistry, fostering lifelong opportunities for academic and professional success.

INI CET continues to evolve each year to stay aligned with modern academic frameworks and career readiness expectations. The 2024-2025 editions of the exam introduce several key considerations that candidates should be aware of. While the fundamental structure of INI CET remains robust, updates primarily focus on adapting to the dynamic landscape of medical education and policy. For the upcoming sessions in 2025, the core exam pattern, consisting of 200 objective-type questions covering the entire MBBS/BDS curriculum, is expected to remain consistent. Similarly, the detailed syllabus continues to be based on the comprehensive medical and dental undergraduate curriculum. Changes are more frequently observed in the application process timelines and specific dates for Basic Registration and Final Registration, which are updated for each January and July session. Aspirants are advised to meticulously check the official AIIMS website for the latest prospectus to note these critical deadlines. Any significant policy changes, such as adjustments in reservation quotas for specific categories or minor alterations in the seat matrix across participating Institutes of National Importance, are thoroughly detailed in the official information bulletin released prior to each examination cycle. A crucial development on the horizon for MBBS graduates is the National Exit Test (NExT), which is projected to eventually replace NEET PG and potentially influence the future of INI CET. However, for the immediate 2025 sessions, INI CET remains the established gateway for admission to AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST. These ongoing updates aim to enhance the fairness, coverage, and accessibility of the examination, benefiting aspirants and ensuring the continued high standards of postgraduate medical education.

INI CET, the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test, is a national-level postgraduate medical and dental entrance examination conducted by AIIMS New Delhi. The exam is held biannually, with sessions typically occurring in May for July admissions and November for January admissions. Prospective candidates must possess an MBBS or BDS degree from a recognized university and have completed their mandatory rotating internship by the specified cut-off date. The application process is entirely online, usually opening in February-March for the July session and September-October for the January session. Applicants need to register on the official AIIMS examinations website, complete the application form with accurate personal and academic details, and upload required documents such as photographs, signatures, and category certificates. The application fee is INR 4000 for General and OBC candidates, and INR 3200 for SC, ST, and EWS categories, while Persons with Benchmark Disabilities are exempted from paying any fee. Payments are processed online through various digital methods. It is crucial for applicants to adhere strictly to the information bulletin guidelines regarding document specifications and deadlines, as common mistakes like submitting incorrect information or failing to meet the last date can lead to disqualification. The INI CET consists of 200 multiple-choice questions for MD/MS/MDS courses, to be completed in three hours. Each correct answer fetches one mark, while one-third mark is deducted for incorrect responses. The score obtained in INI CET is valid only for the specific session for which the candidate appeared. Following the declaration of results, AIIMS New Delhi conducts a centralized online counselling process based on merit, allowing qualified candidates to choose their preferred institutions and specialties from the participating INIs. Timely application and meticulous preparation are key to successfully navigating the INI CET.