The AIIMS Examination Section has solidified the academic Framework for the upcoming Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) July 2026 session. With the January session's open round currently concluding, the administrative focus has shifted toward the next major intake. The "Key Dates" page serves as a live Timeline, ensuring that thousands of medical aspirants can plan their transition from internship to postgraduate residency with high precision. This session is particularly vital for the batch of residents completing their rural and clinical postings by mid-2026.
- Examination Date: AIIMS New Delhi has confirmed that the INI-CET July 2026 entrance test will be conducted on May 16, 2026 (Saturday).
- Framework Release: The detailed prospectus and institutional Timeline were made accessible to the public on February 6, 2026.
- Basic Registration: Under the PAAR (Prospective Applicants Advanced Registration) system, the portal for new basic profiles is expected to open in the first week of March.
- Internship Cutoff: To be eligible for the July Session, candidates must ensure they complete their 12-month compulsory rotating internship by July 31, 2026.
Institutional Milestones and Application Procedures
The INI-CET remains the unified gateway for approximately 815 seats across the participating Institutes of National Importance (INIs). The updated Framework outlines a multi-stage application process designed to minimize errors during the high-traffic registration periods. As of mid-February, aspirants are being encouraged to verify their category certificates and academic credentials against the latest NMC standards to ensure a smooth application experience.
| Event / Milestone | Scheduled Date (2026) | Status |
| Framework Release | February 6, 2026 | Active |
| Basic Registration Start | March 2026 (1st Week) | Upcoming |
| INI-CET Entrance Exam | May 16, 2026 | Scheduled |
| Result Declaration | May 23, 2026 | Tentative |
| Academic Session Start | July 1, 2026 | Targeted |
- Code Generation: The Generation of Examination Unique Code (EUC) for the July Session is tentatively slated for the second week of April.
- Participating Centers: The exam will be held in a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format across major cities, with the final list of centers to be released with the admit cards.
- Application Fees: The fee structure remains ₹4,000 for General/OBC candidates and ₹3,200 for SC/ST/EWS, with PwBD candidates exempt.
- Image Correction: A dedicated window for correcting rejected images is built into the April Timeline to prevent application disqualification.
Conclusion
The active status of the official AIIMS Key Dates portal as of February 14 provides the medical community with the necessary transparency for career planning. By establishing the entrance exam for mid-May, AIIMS ensures that the Timeline does not overlap with other major national medical assessments, maintaining the prestige of the INI-CET. This structured Framework allows candidates to focus on high-yield clinical subjects while their administrative profiles are processed. As the Session approaches, the importance of adhering to these verified milestones cannot be overstated, as they dictate the pace of specialization for the next generation of Indian medical experts. The predictability of this cycle reflects AIIMS' commitment to a robust and fair admission process for the 2026-27 academic year.
For regular updates follow Only Education News. For more details on medical entrance exams and courses, check here: Medical Exams List.