INI CET July 2026 Registration Continues as Application Window Extends into April

The registration process for the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) for the July 2026 session is currently underway. Managed by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, this national-level entrance examination serves as the gateway for admission to postgraduate medical courses, including MD, MS, MDS, DM (6 years), and MCh (6 years). The application window, which opened in late March, is set to remain active throughout much of April, providing sufficient time for eligible candidates to complete their submissions.

The INI CET is a highly competitive exam that determines admission into premier medical institutions across India. These include all AIIMS campuses, PGIMER Chandigarh, JIPMER Puducherry, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and SCTIMST Thiruvananthapuram. As the process moves forward, the focus remains on the "Prospective Applicants Advanced Registration" (PAAR) facility, which simplifies the application process into basic and final stages.

Two-Stage Registration Process

The AIIMS registration system follows a structured two-stage protocol designed to reduce errors and streamline data collection. The first stage, known as Basic Registration, involves the submission of personal details and the uploading of digital images. Candidates are encouraged to complete this early, as the basic registration remains valid for future sessions, preventing the need to re-enter fundamental data.

Once the basic registration is accepted, candidates must proceed to the second stage. This involves the generation of an Exam Unique Code (EUC) and the completion of the Final Registration. During this final phase, applicants select their preferred exam cities, provide their academic qualifications, and pay the requisite application fee. The use of the EUC ensures that only verified candidates with accepted basic profiles move toward the final examination stage.

Current Schedule and Important Deadlines

While the registration window is currently open, candidates must be mindful of the closing date in late April. The portal is designed to handle a large volume of traffic, but authorities advise against last-minute submissions to avoid technical delays. Following the closure of the registration window, a brief correction period is typically provided for applicants to address any discrepancies in their uploaded images or documents.

Eligibility and Documentation Requirements

To be eligible for the INI CET July 2026 session, candidates must possess an MBBS degree for MD/MS programs or a BDS degree for MDS programs from an institution recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) or Dental Council of India (DCI). Furthermore, completion of the mandatory twelve-month rotating internship is a prerequisite. Candidates must ensure they meet the specific internship completion cutoff date as mentioned in the official information brochure.

During the online process, applicants are required to upload a recent passport-sized photograph, a clear scanned signature, and a left-thumb impression. It is vital that these images meet the specific pixel and size requirements set by AIIMS. Failure to adhere to these formatting guidelines is the most common reason for application rejection during the initial screening phase.

Logistics of the Computer-Based Test

The INI CET will be conducted as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) across various centers in India. The examination lasts for 180 minutes and consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering a wide range of clinical, pre-clinical, and para-clinical subjects. As the application window continues, candidates have the opportunity to choose three cities in order of preference for their testing venue. Center allocation is generally handled on a first-come, first-served basis, highlighting the importance of early final registration.

Conclusion

The INI CET July 2026 admission process is currently in the active registration phase, with the application window extending until April 25. This period allows medical aspirants to carefully complete both basic and final registration stages through the official AIIMS portal. With the examination scheduled for mid-May, the current focus is on accurate data entry and the successful generation of unique codes. Candidates are advised to monitor the official website for any status updates regarding their submissions. The successful completion of this registration phase is the first essential step toward securing a postgraduate seat in India's most prestigious medical institutions.