Our Roadmap to INI CET November 2025: Dates, Application, Pattern & Smart Prep Tips
The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) is a national entrance exam conducted for postgraduate medical and dental courses at AIIMS, JIPMER, and PGIMER.
INI CET differs from NEET PG in different ways. The AIIMS conducts INI CET, whereas the NEET PG is conducted by The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). INI CET conducts the entrance exam for the AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST. NEET PG is conducted for private colleges and universities with all India quota seats, state quota seats, and DNB courses. INI CET is held twice a year and NEET PG is held once a year. NEET PG’s main question mode is MCQ and INI CET has different modes including MCQs. INI CET covers MD, MS, MDS, DM, and MCh. NEET PG covers MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses. One similarity they share is the need for an MBBS degree and the one-year internship. Compared to NEET PG students, the no.of students who go for this exam is less.
Being among the top rankers in the INI CET means a seat in one of the finest medical colleges that are excellent in academics, research, and clinical training.
Keep scrolling to know about the details and importance of INI CET for your future.
INI-CET November 2025: Key Dates and Deadlines
The INI CET exam sessions are conducted in two sessions: the July 2025 and January 2025 sessions. The entrance exam for the July session is conducted in May, and the exam for the January session is conducted in November.
The entrance exam for the July session was conducted on 18 May 2025. The results were announced on 24 May 2025. The next official entrance exam is on 9 November 2025, conducted for the November session.
The application process is a two-tier process. The first step is the basic registration (PAAR), where the basic details and documents are uploaded. A Registration Unique Code (RUC) will be generated. You can access it 3-4 months before the exam.
The next step is the final registration. Here, the candidates have to fill in the academic details, choose exam cities, and pay the fees. You can access it 1-2 months before the exam. The admit card is released two weeks before the exam, and the result is released 1-2 weeks after the exam. The counselling schedule will be announced post result declaration. There will be multiple rounds in the counselling session, including open and stray vacancy rounds for AIIMS, NIMHANS, PGIMER, and other INIs.
Unlocking INICET Exam Pattern
To get into India’s top medical institutions, you have to come in the top places of the INI CET exam. For that to happen, you need to know the exam pattern.
This computer-based test is designed to test the conceptual clarity, clinical application, and analytical skills for postgraduate medical courses. The exam mode is online and lasts for 3 hours. 200 MCQs contain single best answer image-based questions. The total mark comprises 200 marks. For every correct answer, you will score +1, for every wrong answer you will get a -1/3 mark, and 0 is given for every unanswered question. The
Subjects covered are pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects. Pre-clinical subjects include Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry. Para-clinical subjects include Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, and Community Medicine. Clinical subjects include Medicine and allied, Surgery and allied, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Paediatrics.
Winning Study Plan for INI CET
A systematic plan, intense hard work, and hardcore dedication are the essentials in cracking an INI CET exam.
One effective way is to create a phase-wise preparation plan. Divide the phases into three: foundation, integration, and intensive revision. The foundation phase should focus on strengthening basic and clinical concepts using standard textbooks and notes. The integration phase should focus on connecting basic sciences with clinical subjects to accurately answer case-based questions. The last phase, intensive revision, should focus on revising high-yield and volatile topics multiple times.
Certain subjects need more focus than others. Pathology, Medicine, Surgery, and Community Medicine should be given more focus because of their high weightage. This does not mean to ignore the low-weightage subjects. Make sure to give substantial time to those subjects also.
Theory and practical subjects are equally important. Therefore, to crack the clinical vignettes and problem-solving questions, combine theory and practical subjects.
The question mode used is MCQs. So, focus on practising solving them. Use the INI CET and NEET PG question banks, solve them, find out where you went wrong, learn the elimination techniques, and familiarise the question patterns and loopholes.
After learning the subjects and practising the MCQs, go for a mock test to test your knowledge and speed. For a proper exam environment, take a full-length and timed mock test. This will help you to identify your weak points, strengths, speed, and knowledge. Mock exams give you clarity about how the exam is going to be and will shape you accordingly.
Conclusion
In India, several postgraduate medical entrance exams are conducted. Out of these, INI CET gives two chances in a year to crack the exam. If you did not crack the first exam or are not satisfied with the results, you can go for the next exam in the same year itself. NEET PG gives you one chance to enter the top Indian medical colleges other than AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, SCTIMST and NIMHANS. INI CET is the opposite of this; it is a path to get into these prestigious institutions.
If your only dream and goal is to be a glowing student in one of these institutions, then with your hard work and dedication, you will be able to achieve your dream. Stay focused and consistent and get ready for your next shot in November.