The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has unveiled the tentative examination calendar for the 2026 academic year, specifically highlighting the schedule for the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) July session. As of February 5, 2026, the official calendar provides a clear window for thousands of graduates aiming for residency positions in AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS. This early release of the timeline is intended to help students manage their clinical duties alongside intensive preparation for one of the most competitive medical entrance tests in the country.
Examination Schedule and Eligibility Criteria
The INI-CET July 2026 entrance examination is set to take place on May 16, 2026. Following the computer-based test, the result notification is slated for May 23, 2026. A primary requirement for all applicants is the completion of their 12-month compulsory rotating internship. According to the current framework, the cut-off date for internship completion is July 31, 2026. Candidates who do not finish their service by this specific date will be ineligible for seat allocation in the July session, regardless of their test score.
- Registration: The PAAR (Postgraduate Advanced Admission Registration) portal is expected to open for basic registration in early March 2026.
- Correction Window: AIIMS typically provides a 3-day period in mid-April to rectify any rejected images or signatures in the application.
- Exam Format: The test will consist of 200 objective-type questions covering the entire MBBS curriculum, with a total duration of 180 minutes.
| Event | Official Date (2026) | Status |
| Entrance Examination | May 16 (Saturday) | Confirmed |
| Result Declaration | May 23 (Saturday) | Tentative |
| Internship Deadline | July 31 | Mandatory |
| Academic Session Start | July 1 | Scheduled |
Application and Verification Protocols
The application process is divided into three distinct phases: Basic Registration, Generation of the Exam Unique Code (EUC), and the Final Application. During these stages, candidates must upload their identity proofs and category certificates. The calendar emphasizes that certificates for OBC-NCL and EWS categories must be issued within a specific validity period to be considered for reservation. This administrative framework ensures that the merit list remains accurate and that all quota-based allotments are legally sound.
- EUC Generation: Candidates who have completed their basic registration in previous years do not need to repeat it but must generate a new EUC for the July 2026 session.
- Mock Round: AIIMS usually conducts a mock round of counselling in June to familiarize candidates with the online seat allocation system.
- Counselling Sequence: The allocation follows a strict timeline, starting from the mock round and progressing through two regular rounds and an open vacancy round.
Conclusion
The release of the INI-CET 2026 roadmap serves as a vital guide for the upcoming crop of postgraduate residents. Detailed information can be found on the official AIIMS Exam website, where the full calendar for 2026 is hosted. Aspirants are also encouraged to check the INI-CET course information page for updates on the July 2026 Prospectus. For those monitoring the internship status, the NMC internship guidelines provide additional clarity on the rotation requirements needed to meet the July 31 deadline.