The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has opened registration for the INI CET (AIIMS Integrated National Informatics Common Entrance Test) January 2027 session, a key pathway for MBBS graduates seeking postgraduate MD and MS seats across AIIMS and affiliated institutions. The application window will close on October 13, 2026, with the entrance examination scheduled for November 1, 2026. This is a critical deadline for doctors planning their postgraduate medical career, as INI CET remains one of the major alternatives to NEET-PG for securing PG seats in India.
MBBS doctors must submit INI CET January 2027 applications by October 13, 2026, to compete for postgraduate MD/MS positions; the exam is on November 1 with results on November 7.
What is INI CET and how does it differ from NEET-PG?
INI CET is AIIMS's own postgraduate entrance examination, distinct from the national NEET-PG conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). While NEET-PG is the primary all-India pathway for MD/MS/DNB seats, INI CET offers an alternative route specifically for AIIMS institutions and their affiliated centres. Both exams serve the same purpose—selecting candidates for postgraduate medical training—but they operate independently with separate registration, exam dates, and merit lists.
For an MBBS graduate, appearing in both NEET-PG and INI CET maximizes chances of securing a postgraduate seat, as each exam has its own cutoff scores and seat allocation. Some doctors choose INI CET if they prefer AIIMS institutions or if their NEET-PG performance is uncertain. The January 2027 INI CET session is one of two annual opportunities (the other typically in July), making this deadline particularly important for those targeting early postgraduate admission.
INI CET January 2027 registration timeline and key dates
The registration window for INI CET January 2027 opened on September 16, 2026, and will remain open until October 13, 2026. Candidates must complete their online registration and submit the application form within this window. After the registration closes, AIIMS will release the status of registrations between October 17 and 19, 2026, allowing applicants to verify their submission details.
The admit card will be uploaded on the AIIMS website by October 26, 2026, giving candidates approximately one week to download and review their examination details before the test. The entrance examination itself is scheduled for November 1, 2026, with results expected on November 7, 2026. This compressed timeline means candidates should not delay their application submission, as there is no extension period once the October 13 deadline passes.
- Registration window: September 16 to October 13, 2026
- Registration status release: October 17–19, 2026
- Admit card upload: October 26, 2026
- Examination date: November 1, 2026
- Result announcement: November 7, 2026
Who is eligible to apply for INI CET January 2027?
Eligibility for INI CET January 2027 is open to MBBS graduates who have completed their undergraduate medical degree. The examination is designed for doctors seeking admission to postgraduate MD (Doctor of Medicine) and MS (Master of Surgery) programmes offered by AIIMS institutions and their affiliated centres across India. Foreign nationals, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) holders, and sponsored applicants are also permitted to apply, provided they meet the basic qualification requirement of an MBBS degree.
Candidates must ensure they have completed their MBBS programme before submitting the application. There is no upper age limit specified for INI CET, making it accessible to doctors at any stage of their career. However, candidates should verify the specific eligibility criteria on the official AIIMS website, as certain specialities or institutions may have additional requirements not covered in the general registration guidelines.
Application fee structure and payment options
AIIMS has set a tiered application fee structure for INI CET January 2027 based on candidate category. General category, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), Foreign National, OCI, and Sponsored applicants must pay Rs. 4,000. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, or EWS (Economically Weaker Section) categories are required to pay Rs. 3,200. Persons with Benchmark Disabilities are fully exempted from the examination fee.
Payment can be made through multiple digital channels: credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI. Candidates should have their payment details ready before beginning the application process to avoid delays. The fee is non-refundable once submitted, so applicants should verify all their details before confirming payment. It is advisable to keep a record of the payment confirmation for future reference during the counselling process.
- General/OBC (NCL)/Foreign National/OCI/Sponsored: Rs. 4,000
- SC/ST/EWS: Rs. 3,200
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities: Exempted (no fee)
- Payment methods: Credit/debit card, net banking, UPI
Step-by-step guide to complete INI CET January 2027 registration
The registration process for INI CET January 2027 is conducted entirely online through the official AIIMS website (aiimsexams.ac.in). Candidates should visit the website and locate the INI CET January 2027 registration link. The first step is to create a new account by clicking on 'New Registration' and entering the required personal details such as name, date of birth, contact information, and educational qualifications.
Once the account is created, candidates log in and proceed to fill out the detailed application form. This includes providing information about their MBBS institution, year of graduation, and preferred specialities for postgraduate study. Candidates must then upload all required documents, which typically include their MBBS degree certificate, mark sheets, and identity proof. After uploading documents, the application fee must be submitted through the chosen payment method. Finally, candidates should review the entire filled application for accuracy before clicking the submit button. A confirmation receipt will be generated, which should be saved for future reference.
- Visit aiimsexams.ac.in and click on INI CET January 2027
- Click 'New Registration' and enter personal details
- Log in and fill the complete application form
- Upload required documents (MBBS certificate, mark sheets, ID proof)
- Submit the application fee via card, net banking, or UPI
- Review all details and click submit
- Save the confirmation receipt
What documents are required for INI CET January 2027 application?
While the source does not provide an exhaustive list of required documents, standard practice for AIIMS postgraduate entrance examinations requires candidates to upload their MBBS degree certificate or provisional certificate, mark sheets from all years of the MBBS course, and a valid identity proof (such as Aadhaar, passport, or PAN card). Candidates should also have their contact details, email address, and mobile number ready for registration.
It is strongly recommended that candidates visit the official AIIMS website or contact the AIIMS admission office directly to obtain the complete and updated list of required documents before beginning their application. Having all documents scanned and ready in digital format (typically PDF or JPG) will expedite the upload process and reduce the risk of application rejection due to missing or incomplete documentation.
Why INI CET matters for your postgraduate medical career
For MBBS graduates, INI CET represents a significant opportunity to secure postgraduate training at AIIMS institutions, which are among India's most prestigious medical centres. AIIMS offers high-quality postgraduate education, excellent clinical exposure, and strong career prospects. By appearing in INI CET, candidates have the chance to compete for MD/MS seats in various specialities across multiple AIIMS campuses nationwide.
Strategically, applying for INI CET alongside NEET-PG broadens a candidate's options. If a doctor's NEET-PG rank is not competitive for their preferred speciality or institution, a strong INI CET performance could secure them a postgraduate seat at an AIIMS centre. Additionally, AIIMS postgraduate qualifications carry significant weight in the medical profession, opening doors to academic positions, research opportunities, and higher specialisation (DM/MCh) later. Missing the October 13 deadline means waiting until the next INI CET session, potentially delaying postgraduate entry by several months.
Common mistakes to avoid when applying for INI CET January 2027
One of the most frequent errors is submitting the application with incomplete or incorrect personal information. Candidates should double-check their name spelling, date of birth, contact details, and MBBS institution name before submission, as discrepancies can lead to complications during counselling or seat allotment. Another common mistake is uploading documents in unsupported formats or with poor image quality, which may result in rejection or delays in verification.
Candidates often underestimate the importance of meeting the October 13 deadline and delay their application until the last moment, risking technical glitches or payment failures. It is advisable to complete the application at least 2–3 days before the deadline. Additionally, some candidates forget to save their confirmation receipt or lose track of their registration number, making it difficult to track their application status later. Finally, ensure that the payment is successfully processed before closing the browser; a failed transaction may not be immediately obvious, and the application may remain incomplete.
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What is the last date to apply for INI CET January 2027?
The registration and application window for INI CET January 2027 closes on October 13, 2026. No applications will be accepted after this date, so candidates must submit their forms well before the deadline.
When is the INI CET January 2027 examination scheduled?
The INI CET January 2027 entrance examination is scheduled for November 1, 2026. Results are expected to be announced on November 7, 2026.
How much is the application fee for INI CET January 2027?
The application fee is Rs. 4,000 for General, OBC (NCL), Foreign National, OCI, and Sponsored applicants. SC, ST, and EWS candidates pay Rs. 3,200. Persons with Benchmark Disabilities are exempted from the fee.
Can I apply for INI CET if I have completed my MBBS?
Yes, INI CET is open to all MBBS graduates. You must have completed your MBBS degree to be eligible. Foreign nationals and OCI holders are also eligible if they hold an MBBS qualification.
Where do I submit my INI CET January 2027 application?
Applications are submitted online through the official AIIMS website at aiimsexams.ac.in. You will need to register, fill out the application form, upload documents, and pay the fee through the portal.
What is the difference between INI CET and NEET-PG?
INI CET is AIIMS's own postgraduate entrance examination for MD/MS seats at AIIMS institutions, while NEET-PG is the national examination conducted by NBEMS for postgraduate seats across India. Both are separate exams with different registration, dates, and merit lists. Appearing in both maximizes your chances of securing a postgraduate seat.
When will the admit card for INI CET January 2027 be available?
The admit card will be uploaded on the AIIMS website on October 26, 2026. Candidates can download it from the official portal using their registration credentials.
What payment methods are accepted for the INI CET application fee?
Payment can be made through credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI. Choose your preferred method during the application process.
If you are an MBBS graduate planning to pursue postgraduate medical training, do not miss the October 13, 2026 deadline for INI CET January 2027. Begin your application immediately on aiimsexams.ac.in, ensure all documents are ready, and submit well before the cutoff to secure your spot for the November 1 examination. Combining INI CET with NEET-PG applications gives you the best chance of entering a postgraduate programme at a premier institution.
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