If you’re an aspiring medical postgraduate student in India, the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) is one of the most important exams you’ll ever take. Conducted by AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), New Delhi, INI-CET is the gateway to MD, MS, MCh (6 years), DM (6 years), and MDS programs in top medical institutions across India, including AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS.

With INI-CET 2025 approaching, it’s time to get a deep understanding of the application form, exam dates, eligibility criteria,exam pattern, syllabus, best books & preparation tips. This guide will help you navigate every aspect of the exam and secure admission to your dream institute.

What is INI-CET?

INI-CET is a national-level medical entrance exam for postgraduate courses in some of the most prestigious medical institutions in India. Replacing multiple individual exams, INI-CET has become the single common entrance test for institutes of national importance, ensuring a centralized and merit-based admission process.

Participating Institutes

Successful candidates in INI-CET 2025 can secure admission to top-tier medical colleges, including:

• AIIMS (New Delhi, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Nagpur, Patna, Raipur, Rishikesh, etc.)
• JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry)
• PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh)
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru)

INI-CET 2025 Important Dates

INI-CET is conducted twice a year—once for the January session and once for the July session.

Expected Exam Schedule

Event	January 2025 Session	July 2025 Session
Registration Begins	September 2024	March 2025
Last Date to Apply	October 2024	April 2025
Admit Card Release	November 2024	May 2025
Exam Date	November 2024	May 2025
Results Declaration	December 2024	June 2025
Counseling Begins	January 2025	July 2025

Eligibility Criteria for INI-CET 2025

Before applying, make sure you meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Education Qualification:
  • MD/MS/MDS Candidates: Must have an MBBS/BDS degree from a recognized institution.
  • MCh/DM Candidates (6-year courses): Must have an MBBS degree.
• Internship Completion: Candidates must complete their one-year rotating internship by January 31, 2025 (for the January session) or July 31, 2025 (for the July session).
• Minimum Marks Required:
  • General/OBC/EWS candidates: 55% aggregate in MBBS/BDS
  • SC/ST/PwBD candidates: 50% aggregate in MBBS/BDS
• AIIMS Internship Requirement: AIIMS candidates must complete their internship at an NMC/MCI-approved institution.

Exam Pattern of INI-CET 2025

Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation.

Exam Structure:

• Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test)
• Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
• Total Questions: 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Question Type:
  • Single Best Answer (SBA) Questions: Choose the most appropriate answer.
  • Multiple True-False (MTF) Questions: Mark each statement as true or false.
• Marking Scheme:
  • +1 mark for every correct answer
  • -1/3 mark for every incorrect answer
  • 0 marks for unattempted questions

Subject-Wise Weightage

INI-CET questions are broadly divided into three categories:

1. Pre-Clinical Subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
2. Para-Clinical Subjects: Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine
3. Clinical Subjects: Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Orthopedics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Anesthesia, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Radiology

How to Prepare for INI-CET 2025?

1. Build a Strong Conceptual Foundation

• Focus on standard MBBS textbooks like Harrison’s Medicine, Bailey & Love for Surgery, Robbins for Pathology, and Ganong for Physiology.
• Review your MBBS notes and handwritten summaries for quick revisions.

2. Master Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests

• Solve last 5–10 years’ INI-CET and AIIMS PG papers to understand the exam pattern.
• Attempt mock tests regularly to improve your speed, accuracy, and time management.

3. Focus on High-Yield Topics

• Frequently tested topics include ECG interpretations, pharmacology drug mechanisms, infectious diseases, and systemic pathology.
• Clinical scenario-based questions are common, so develop strong diagnostic skills.

4. Time Management & Study Plan

• Divide your syllabus into daily, weekly, and monthly targets.
• Allocate more time to weak subjects and ensure consistent revision cycles.

5. Join Online Test Series & Discussion Groups

• Enroll in INI-CET online coaching programs (like DAMS, Marrow, Prepladder) for structured learning.
• Participate in study groups to clear doubts and discuss important topics.

6. Take Care of Your Health

• Avoid burnout by incorporating breaks, exercise, and meditation into your study schedule.
• Maintain a healthy sleep cycle to retain information better.

INI-CET 2025 Counseling & Seat Allotment

Once the results are declared, the next step is counseling and seat allotment.

Counseling Process:

1. Online Registration: Eligible candidates must register for counseling.
2. Choice Filling: Candidates rank their preferred colleges and specialties.
3. Seat Allotment: Based on INI-CET rank, category, and seat availability.
4. Document Verification: Candidates must submit necessary documents (MBBS/BDS degree, internship certificate, ID proof, etc.).
5. Reporting to Institute: Once allotted a seat, candidates must complete admission formalities.

Conclusion

INI-CET 2025 is the key to securing admission in India’s most prestigious medical institutes. With proper preparation, strategic revision, and smart time management, you can achieve your dream of becoming a specialist. Whether you aim for AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, or NIMHANS, starting early and staying consistent will make all the difference.

Begin your preparation today and take one step closer to your dream medical career!