The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has opened online registration for the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) January 2027 session. The exam will be held on November 1, 2026, and offers admission to 815 postgraduate seats across MD, MS, MDS, and six-year DM and MCh programmes at AIIMS campuses and other premier institutes including JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS and SCTIMST. For MBBS graduates aiming for a direct route to India's most competitive postgraduate positions without entering the general NEET PG counselling pool, INI CET is a critical opportunity. Registration closes on October 13, 2026 at 5 PM, giving candidates less than a month to apply.
INI CET January 2027 registration is now live; MBBS doctors must apply by October 13, 2026 to compete for 815 postgraduate seats at India's top medical institutes and bypass general NEET PG counselling.
What is INI CET and why does it matter for NEET PG aspirants?
INI CET is the unified entrance examination for postgraduate medical admissions at Institutes of National Importance (INIs)—a group of India's most prestigious government medical colleges. Unlike the general NEET PG exam, which feeds into a large national counselling pool, INI CET offers a separate, direct admission pathway to seats at these elite institutions. A qualifying rank in INI CET bypasses the standard NEET PG counselling process entirely, meaning successful candidates secure their postgraduate position without competing in the broader merit list.
For an MBBS graduate, this distinction is significant. The institutes participating in INI CET—AIIMS New Delhi, AIIMS Bhopal, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, AIIMS Jodhpur, AIIMS Patna, AIIMS Raipur, AIIMS Rishikesh, AIIMS Mangalagiri, JIPMER Puducherry, PGIMER Chandigarh, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and SCTIMST Thiruvananthapuram—are among the most sought-after destinations for PG training in India. Securing a seat here carries significant prestige, better research opportunities, and often superior clinical exposure compared to many other PG colleges.
INI CET January 2027 exam date and registration timeline
The examination is scheduled for November 1, 2026, and will be conducted as a computer-based test across multiple cities in India. Registration opened on September 16, 2026, and the deadline to submit applications is October 13, 2026 at 5 PM. This gives candidates approximately four weeks to complete their registration, gather required documents, and pay the application fee.
After the registration window closes, AIIMS will release a registration status window from October 17 to October 19, 2026, allowing candidates to verify their application status. Admit cards will be uploaded on October 26, 2026, giving candidates five days to download and review their exam centre and other details before the test. This compressed timeline means candidates must act promptly to avoid missing the deadline.
- Registration opens: September 16, 2026
- Registration closes: October 13, 2026 at 5 PM
- Registration status check: October 17–19, 2026
- Admit card release: October 26, 2026
- Exam date: November 1, 2026
How to register for INI CET January 2027
Registration is entirely online through the official AIIMS examinations portal at aiimsexams.ac.in. Candidates must first read the detailed prospectus (Part-A and Part-B), which will be uploaded on September 16, 2026, to understand course-specific eligibility criteria. The prospectus outlines requirements for MD, MS, MDS, and six-year DM and MCh programmes, and candidates must ensure they meet all conditions before applying.
The registration process requires candidates to provide personal, academic, and communication details using a valid mobile number and email ID. Candidates must upload a passport-sized photograph, signature, and left-hand thumb impression in the prescribed format. All required documents—such as MBBS or BDS degree certificate, internship completion certificate, and category certificates (if applicable)—must be scanned and ready for upload. The application fee must be paid online before the October 13 deadline; applications without fee payment will be rejected.
- Visit aiimsexams.ac.in and read Prospectus Part-A and Part-B
- Complete online registration with valid mobile number and email
- Enter personal, academic, and communication details
- Upload photograph, signature, and documents in prescribed format
- Pay application fee through online payment mode
- Submit form and download confirmation page for records
Eligibility criteria for INI CET January 2027
Detailed eligibility criteria will be published in the prospectus on September 16, 2026. Candidates applying for MD, MS, and six-year DM or MCh programmes must hold a valid MBBS degree and have completed their internship. Candidates applying for MDS programmes must hold a BDS degree and meet the internship requirements specific to dental graduates. All applicants must be registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the National Medical Commission (NMC) as applicable.
Course-specific requirements may vary—for example, some specialities may require additional qualifications or experience. Candidates are strongly advised to carefully read the official prospectus before submitting their application to ensure they meet all prescribed conditions. Submitting an application without meeting eligibility criteria may result in rejection during the verification stage.
- MBBS or BDS degree required
- Internship completion mandatory
- Valid registration with NMC/MCI required
- Course-specific academic qualifications must be met
- Detailed criteria will be in Prospectus Part-A and Part-B
815 postgraduate seats across multiple institutes and specialities
The January 2027 session offers a total of 815 postgraduate seats distributed across twelve participating institutes. These seats span MD programmes (such as Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry), MS programmes (such as Surgery, Orthopedics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology), MDS programmes in dental specialities, and six-year DM and MCh programmes in super-specialities. The exact seat distribution by institute and speciality will be detailed in the prospectus.
Candidates should note that while INI CET includes super-speciality programmes (DM and MCh), these are distinct from the NEET-SS (Super-Speciality) exam. INI CET's six-year DM and MCh are direct-entry super-speciality programmes for MBBS graduates, whereas NEET-SS is a separate exam for MD/MS/DM/MCh holders seeking further specialisation. For MBBS doctors targeting broad-speciality MD or MS seats, INI CET is the primary pathway at these institutes.
- Total seats: 815 across all institutes and programmes
- Programmes: MD, MS, MDS, six-year DM, six-year MCh
- Participating institutes: 12 (AIIMS campuses, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, SCTIMST)
- Seats distributed across multiple specialities
- Direct admission without general NEET PG counselling
Key documents and preparation checklist for candidates
Candidates must prepare and have ready all required documents before beginning the registration process. These include the MBBS or BDS degree certificate, internship completion certificate, category certificate (if applicable—SC/ST/OBC/EWS), and proof of NMC/MCI registration. A valid passport-sized photograph (typically 4×6 cm), signature, and left-hand thumb impression in the prescribed format are also mandatory. Candidates should scan these documents in the required file format (usually PDF or JPG) and ensure file sizes are within the portal's limits.
Beyond documentation, candidates should begin exam preparation immediately. INI CET is a competitive exam, and the time between registration and the November 1 exam date is limited. Candidates are advised to review the exam pattern, syllabus, and previous years' question papers to understand the difficulty level and question types. Many candidates prepare for both INI CET and NEET PG simultaneously, as the syllabi overlap significantly.
- MBBS or BDS degree certificate
- Internship completion certificate
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- NMC/MCI registration proof
- Passport-sized photograph (4×6 cm)
- Signature and left-hand thumb impression
- Valid email ID and mobile number
- Application fee (amount to be specified in prospectus)
How INI CET differs from NEET PG counselling
A critical distinction for MBBS graduates is that INI CET and NEET PG are separate pathways. NEET PG is the national-level exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), and its merit list feeds into state and central counselling pools where seats are allocated based on rank and choice of college/speciality. In contrast, INI CET is conducted by AIIMS and is specific to the twelve participating institutes. A candidate who qualifies in INI CET is offered a seat directly at one of these institutes and does not participate in the general NEET PG counselling process.
This means an MBBS doctor can attempt both exams. Some candidates take INI CET as their first choice because of the prestige of the institutes, while others use NEET PG as a backup to access a broader range of colleges. However, if a candidate qualifies in INI CET and accepts a seat, they typically cannot simultaneously participate in NEET PG counselling for that session. Candidates should carefully weigh their options and institute preferences before deciding which exam to prioritise.
- INI CET: Direct admission to 12 premier institutes
- NEET PG: National exam feeding into state/central counselling
- INI CET qualifiers bypass general NEET PG counselling
- Both exams can be attempted, but seat acceptance is mutually exclusive
- INI CET offers prestige and direct placement; NEET PG offers broader college choices
Important reminders and common mistakes to avoid
Candidates must complete registration and fee payment before the October 13, 2026 deadline at 5 PM. Late submissions will not be accepted. AIIMS will only communicate updates through its official website (aiimsexams.ac.in); candidates should ignore any unofficial sources or social media claims about exam dates, eligibility, or results. All corrigenda, addenda, and notices will be posted on the official portal, so regular monitoring is essential.
A common mistake is incomplete document upload or incorrect file formats. Candidates should verify that all uploaded documents are clear, legible, and in the prescribed format before submitting. Another frequent error is providing incorrect contact details; since AIIMS will communicate via email and SMS, any typo in the mobile number or email address could result in missed updates or admit card delivery issues. Finally, candidates should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria before applying; ineligible applications will be rejected during verification, wasting time and the application fee.
- Submit application and fee before October 13, 2026 at 5 PM
- Monitor aiimsexams.ac.in regularly for updates and notices
- Verify all document uploads are clear and in correct format
- Double-check email ID and mobile number for accuracy
- Confirm eligibility before submitting application
- Download and save confirmation page for future reference
- Do not rely on unofficial sources for exam information
2 minute · Free preview
Which MBBS colleges can your NEET rank actually get?
See the real colleges your rank can reach — every state and All India Quota — with official closing ranks and the exact fee for each seat.
See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the registration deadline for INI CET January 2027?
The registration deadline is October 13, 2026 at 5 PM. Candidates must complete their online application and pay the application fee before this time. Late submissions will not be accepted.
How many postgraduate seats are available in INI CET January 2027?
A total of 815 postgraduate seats are available across MD, MS, MDS, and six-year DM and MCh programmes at the twelve participating institutes: AIIMS New Delhi, AIIMS Bhopal, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, AIIMS Jodhpur, AIIMS Patna, AIIMS Raipur, AIIMS Rishikesh, AIIMS Mangalagiri, JIPMER Puducherry, PGIMER Chandigarh, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and SCTIMST Thiruvananthapuram.
When is the INI CET January 2027 exam scheduled?
The exam is scheduled for November 1, 2026, and will be conducted as a computer-based test across multiple cities in India. Admit cards will be released on October 26, 2026.
What documents do I need to upload during INI CET registration?
You must upload your MBBS or BDS degree certificate, internship completion certificate, category certificate (if applicable), NMC/MCI registration proof, passport-sized photograph, signature, and left-hand thumb impression in the prescribed format. Exact file format and size requirements will be specified on the registration portal.
Can I apply for INI CET if I have not completed my internship?
No. Internship completion is a mandatory eligibility requirement for all candidates applying for MD, MS, MDS, and six-year DM and MCh programmes. You must have completed your internship before submitting your application.
How does INI CET differ from NEET PG?
INI CET is a separate entrance exam for direct admission to twelve premier institutes (AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, SCTIMST). Qualifying in INI CET bypasses the general NEET PG counselling process. NEET PG, on the other hand, is a national exam whose merit list feeds into state and central counselling pools. You can attempt both exams, but if you accept a seat through INI CET, you typically cannot participate in NEET PG counselling for that session.
Where do I register for INI CET January 2027?
Registration is conducted online at the official AIIMS examinations portal: aiimsexams.ac.in. You will need a valid email ID and mobile number to complete the registration process.
What is the exam pattern for INI CET January 2027?
The exam is conducted as a computer-based test. Detailed information about the exam pattern, syllabus, number of questions, duration, and marking scheme will be provided in the prospectus (Part-A and Part-B), which will be uploaded on September 16, 2026.
When will the admit card be released?
Admit cards will be uploaded on October 26, 2026. Candidates can download them from the official portal using their registration credentials. It is advisable to download the admit card well before the exam date to verify exam centre and other details.
What should I do if I miss the registration deadline?
If you miss the October 13, 2026 deadline, you will not be able to register for the January 2027 session. You may have to wait for the next INI CET session. It is crucial to complete registration and fee payment before the deadline.
MBBS graduates aiming for postgraduate seats at India's top medical institutes should register immediately at aiimsexams.ac.in. With the October 13 deadline approaching, ensure all documents are ready and submit your application well before the cutoff time. Monitor the official portal regularly for admit card release on October 26 and prepare thoroughly for the November 1 exam.
Plan your admission with free AI tools
Turn your NEET score into a rank, then into the exact colleges you can get.