INI-CET: Pattern, Frequency & Success Statistics
Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test
INI-CET is conducted bi-annually by AIIMS New Delhi to regulate admissions into postgraduate medical programs across the Institutes of National Importance (INIs). Known for high-order clinical application, multi-step genetics, and cutting-edge imaging questions, it offers entrance into India's most prestigious tertiary healthcare institutions.
Total Questions
200 MCQs
4 Time-Locked Blocks
Total Duration
180 mins
3 hours
Total Marks
200 Marks
+1 / -0.33 Marking
Exam Frequency
2x / Year
Jan & July Sessions
Applicants / Cycle
~90,000+
Per Session
Premier Seats
~1,400
Across all INIs
Exam Pattern & Structure
CBT ModeTotal Questions
200 Questions
Max Marks: 200
Total Duration
3 hours (180 minutes without break)
Single morning shift (09:00 AM to 12:00 PM)
Time-Locked Section Navigation
The paper is strictly partitioned into 4 discrete blocks of 50 questions each. Exactly 45 minutes are allotted per block. Once a block is submitted or times out, you cannot revisit those questions.
Question Format & Types
- ✓Single Best Answer Multiple Choice Questions
- ✓Multiple Correct Choices (Multi-Response Questions)
- ✓Clinical diagnostic case vignettes with lab profiles
- ✓High-definition clinical images, surgical videos, and ECG tracings
- ✓Match the following & Assertion-Reasoning problems
Success Ratio & Seat Analytics
Because seats are in premier apex institutions (AIIMS Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, JIPMER, NIMHANS), competition is fierce. Clinical seats at AIIMS Delhi (e.g. Medicine, Dermatology, Radiology) often close within the top 50 to 150 All India Ranks.
Annual Candidates
85,000 – 1,00,000 candidates per session
Seats / Quota
Approx. 1,350 – 1,600 seats across all participating INIs
Conversion / Rate
Seat conversion ratio is ~1.5% to 1.8% (extremely competitive)
| Specialty / Score Tier | Typical Rank / Band | Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|
| AIIMS Delhi Clinicals (Med/Radio/Derma) | AIR 1 – 150 | Elite |
| PGI & JIPMER Top Clinicals | AIR 100 – 600 | Extremely High |
| Surgical & OBGYN Specialties | AIR 400 – 1,500 | High |
| Pediatrics & Orthopedics | AIR 600 – 1,800 | High |
| Para-Clinical & Pre-Clinical at INIs | AIR 1,500 – 4,500 | Competitive |
Syllabus & Subject Weightage
Estimated question allocation across Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, and Clinical disciplines:
Integrated Clinical & Imaging (Core Focus)
Basic Sciences & Applied Medicine
Official Marking Scheme
Every correct response receives 1 mark. Every incorrect answer deducts 1/3 (0.33) marks. Multiple correct response questions are scored based on partial and full accuracy as per AIIMS guidelines.
Annual Schedule & Timeline
Twice a year (Bi-annual)2 sessions: January Session (Held in Nov) & July Session (Held in May)
Basic and final registration with EUC generation
CBT examination conducted nationwide
Rapid scorecard release by AIIMS
Registration window for the mid-year cycle
CBT examination conducted nationwide
Rapid scorecard release and counseling rounds
Eligibility Criteria
- ✓MBBS degree from an institution recognized by the NMC / Dental Council of India.
- ✓Minimum qualifying aggregate marks in MBBS: 55% marks for General/OBC/EWS candidates (50% for SC/ST).
- ✓Completion of mandatory 1-year rotatory internship on or before January 31 for Jan session or July 31 for July session.
- ✓Registration with the NMC or State Medical Council.
Frequently Asked Questions about INI-CET
How many times per year is INI-CET conducted?
INI-CET is conducted twice a year: the January Session (held in November) and the July Session (held in May).
What is the penalty for incorrect answers in INI-CET?
Incorrect responses carry a negative penalty of -1/3 (0.33) marks per wrong question. Correct responses award +1 mark.
Can I switch between blocks during the INI-CET exam?
No. The 200 questions are split into 4 blocks of 50 questions each with 45 minutes allotted per block. Once the block time lapses, navigation locks and you cannot return.
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