Quick snapshot (one-glance)

Item

Detail

Full name

Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INICET / INI-CET)

Conducting body

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Exams Unit.

Purpose

PG medical admissions (MD/MS, DM, MCh, MDS etc.) to INIs.

Frequency

Typically twice a year (January & July sessions).

Mode

Computer-based test (online).

Typical duration

180 minutes (3 hours).

Application fee (general)

Approx. ₹4,000 (subject to official notification each session).


What is INICET and who should apply?

INICET (often written as INI-CET) is the centralized entrance test used by Institutes of National Importance such as AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS and SCTIMST for postgraduate medical admissions. It replaces multiple institute-wise exams with a single, standardized gateway — useful for candidates targeting top public medical institutes.


Eligibility — snapshot of common criteria

·         MBBS or BDS degree from a recognized university with required internship completion.

·         Candidates must meet minimum marks/percentages as defined in the current prospectus.

·         The exam permits repeat sessions; check the latest prospectus for category-wise details.

Note: Always verify exact eligibility and deadline dates from the official AIIMS exam portal before applying.


Exam pattern & marking (how the paper looks)

·         Type: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs), CBT.

·         No. of questions / marks: Refer to current prospectus for session-specific distribution. Past sessions have ranged up to ~200 items.

·         Duration: 180 minutes.

·         Marking: Check the prospectus for the exact scheme each session — historically some sessions penalized incorrect answers while others used different rules; consult current notification to confirm.

(Keyword checkpoint: INICET) — keep this keyword visible in headings and meta information to help search engines and aspirants find this guide.


Important dates & application (practical checklist)

1.      Visit the AIIMS exams portal and read the INI-CET prospectus.

2.      Complete basic registration → fill detailed application → upload documents → pay fee online.

3.      Download admit card within the window announced; note exam city and timings.

Pro tip: Keep scanned certificates (MBBS degree, internship completion, category certificate) ready in prescribed formats to avoid last-minute rejections.


Preparation strategy (what top scorers do)

·         Map the INICET syllabus subject-wise and create a revision timetable. Use past papers and official sample questions where available.

·         Focus on high-yield clinical topics and recent guideline changes relevant to your specialty.

·         Practice full-length timed mocks to build speed and accuracy; simulate CBT environment.

·         Consolidate weak topics using standard textbooks and concise notes; form peer discussion groups for clinical reasoning.

(Keyword checkpoint: INICET — repeat naturally in tips and subheadings for SEO & readability.)


Seat matrix, counseling & cutoffs

Seat allocation and counseling are conducted as per the AIIMS/INIs prospectus and subsequent counseling notices — seat lists (institute & category wise) are published after results. Keep an eye on official updates for counseling registration windows and required documents.


Sample table: Application timeline (example — always confirm official dates)

Step

Typical window

Notification release

4–8 weeks before application opens

Application start

As per notification

Last date to apply

Mentioned in prospectus

Admit card

1–2 weeks before exam

Exam

On scheduled date (check admit card)

Result & counseling

After answer key & merit list publication.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is INICET same as NEET-PG?
A: No — NEET-PG and INICET are separate exams organized by different bodies; NEET-PG covers broad PG seats while INICET is for Institutes of National Importance.

Q2: Where can I download the INICET prospectus?
A: From the AIIMS Exams official portal (aiimsexams.ac.in) under INI-CET notifications.

Q3: How much is the application fee?
A: Fees vary by category and session; recent general category fees were published around ₹4,000 — confirm the current notice.


Related searched keywords

·         INICET 2025 syllabus

·         INI-CET application form dates

·         INICET exam pattern and marking scheme

·         INI-CET prospectus download AIIMS

·         INICET mock test / previous year papers