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How to Prepare for INI CET 2026 Exam (January Session)
The INI CET is a nationwide entrance test for admission to postgraduate medical courses such as MD, MS, MDS, and DM/MCh in premier institutes like AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS. This highly competitive exam which tests a candidate's knowledge in pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects. The INI CET exam is conducted twice in a year for January and July sessions.
This Story also Contains
- How to prepare for INI CET 2026 January: Understand the Exam Pattern
- How to Prepare for INI CET Exam: Know the Syllabus
- How to Prepare for INI CET MDS: Create a study plan
- How to study for INI CET: Choose the Best Study Material
- Prepare for INI CET 2026: Practice Previous Year Papers
- How to Study for INI CET: Revision is Mandatory
- How to Prepare for INI CET Exam: Stay Positive and Manage Stress
- Final Week and Last-Minute Preparation Tips for INI CET 2026 January
In order to crack the exam, the candidates need to adopt a wise and systematic preparation strategy. A precise knowledge about the syllabus of INI CET, an awareness of the pattern of the exam, and accessing proper study material are important. Systematic revision, practice with mock tests, and solving last year's question papers can improve speed and accuracy. A planned strategy improves performance and raises the chances of attaining a good rank in the exam.
How to prepare for INI CET 2026 January: Understand the Exam Pattern
Understanding the INI CET exam pattern is important for effective preparation. Candidates must familiarise themselves with the total number of questions asked in the exam, the marking scheme, the exam duration and others to manage time effectively during the actual test. The INI CET 2026 exam pattern is given in the table below.
Particulars | Details |
Examination mode | Computer-based test mode |
Language of exam | English |
Duration of exam | 180 minutes |
Nature of questions | Multiple-choice questions |
Number of questions | 200 |
How to Prepare for INI CET Exam: Know the Syllabus
Before starting the preparation, candidates need to have a deep understanding of the INI CET syllabus. A comprehensive understanding of the syllabus is crucial to developing an effective strategy for INI CET January 2026 preparation. Only when candidates are well-acquainted with the syllabus details. The syllabus contains all the core subjects of Biology. They can accurately allocate their study time to each section. INI CET syllabus is mentioned in the table below.
INI CET Syllabus for January 2026 exam
Subjects | INI CET syllabus |
Pre-clinical | Biochemistry, Physiology, Anatomy |
Para-clinical | Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic, Medicine, Pharmacology, Community Medicine |
Clinical | Obstetrics, Gynaecology, Community Medicine, Paediatrics, Clinical Postings, Surgery & Allied Subjects, Medicine and allied subjects |
How to Prepare for INI CET MDS: Create a study plan
When strategising how to prepare for INI CET 2026 January exam, candidates must allocate their time effectively, ensuring each subject receives sufficient attention. It’s mandatory to prioritise important topics and study them in detail. Candidates must develop a well-structured study plan that covers all the topics within the available time while allocating specific time slots for each subject and topic based on their strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, it’s important to incorporate short breaks into long study sessions for optional productivity.
How to study for INI CET: Choose the Best Study Material
Choosing the right study material is important for INI CET preparation. Candidates must refer to standard textbooks recommended by experts and teachers, as these provide in-depth knowledge and are reliable sources of information. Aspirants can also utilise online learning platforms that offer interactive video lectures and study materials. Remember, the quality of study material directly impacts the preparation. It’s not about the quantity but the relevance and depth of the content one studies. Choose wisely and focus on understanding concepts thoroughly rather than merely memorising facts.
Prepare for INI CET 2026: Practice Previous Year Papers
Aspirants must practise for the INI CET exam for 2026 January session from the previous year’s question paper as these provide insights into the exam pattern, boost confidence and help in time management. Regular mock tests serve as a benchmark to measure progress. These help in devoting more time to weak areas while maintaining strengths. Practising previous year’s question papers helps in identifying errors a candidate is making. By knowing the mistake, candidates can improve and can focus on revision of the specific areas.
| INI CET Previous Year Papers | Download Now |
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Use NowHow to Study for INI CET: Revision is Mandatory
In preparing for INI CET January 2026, revision is not just essential; it is mandatory for success. Regular and thorough revision consolidates the knowledge, reinforces key concepts and helps in retaining information effectively. As the candidates cover a vast syllabus, revisiting topics ensures that aspirants have not missed any crucial details. Through revision, candidates can also identify and work on weak areas, solidify their understanding of complex topics and boost their confidence. It also aids in recalling information during the exam, improving their ability to answer questions accurately and efficiently.
How to Prepare for INI CET Exam: Stay Positive and Manage Stress
In the journey of preparing for the INI CET exam, maintaining a positive mindset and effectively managing stress are paramount. The competitive nature of the exam can create immense pressure, making it crucial to stay optimistic and calm under challenging circumstances. A positive attitude not only improves focus and concentration but also boosts confidence, enabling the candidates to tackle difficult questions with a clear mind. Additionally, managing stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and adequate sleep ensures mental and physical fitness.
Final Week and Last-Minute Preparation Tips for INI CET 2026 January
- Revise high-yield topics from PYQs and your notes.
- Concentrate on short subjects: Psychiatry, Dermatology, Radiology, Anaesthesia.
- Study rapid revision notes.
- Practice a few full-length mock tests in real-time settings.
- Don't begin new books or topics—revise what you already know
- Avoid burnout and sleep 7–8 hours, eat light, and take breaks
- Meditate or do breathing exercises to remain calm.
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Questions related to INI CET
On Question asked by student community
Have a question related to INI CET ?
With a rank of around 25,686 in INI-CET and General category, the chances of getting AIIMS Microbiology are very low. In most counselling rounds, AIIMS seats (even for non-clinical branches like Microbiology) close at much better ranks. That said, counselling patterns can change slightly every year, so you should still participate in all rounds, including mop-up, if you’re eligible. Keep backup options open in other INIs or central institutes, and don’t rely only on AIIMS at this rank.
I know this is very disappointing but you can explore other options too.
Thankyou
Hello,
With a rank of 1375 in the INI CET November 2025 session under the general category, securing a seat in general surgery or orthopedics will be very difficult, but still you have chances in fields like MCh courses or related surgical fields in the counseling rounds.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Hello,
Based on previous INI-CET trends , a UR rank around 25,686 usually does not get a Microbiology seat in AIIMS institutes.
In most years, Microbiology in AIIMS closes at a much better (lower) rank for the unreserved category. Only the very last round in some years has gone close to this range, and even that is rare. Seats are few, and most AIIMS fill Microbiology well before this rank.
You may still keep hope for the open or mop-up rounds , as small movements can happen, but the chances remain low based on past data.
You can use our INI-CET College Predictor Tool to predict which colleges you can get based on your score and rank.
Hope it helps !
Hello,
If your employer refuses sponsorship, you cannot apply for a sponsored seat in INI-CET or DNB. Sponsorship is given only by the parent organisation.
You can consider these options:
-
Apply in the general category (no sponsorship needed).
-
Take Extraordinary Leave (EOL) or leave without pay to do PG.
-
Submit a written request asking the institute to reconsider sponsorship.
-
Check your institute’s rules, because many autonomous bodies have strict conditions for sponsored study leave.
There is no alternate authority that can sponsor you if your own organisation denies it.
Hope it helps !
Hello there!
AIIMS ( All India Institute of Medical Sciences) New Delhi conducts the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET). It is conducted twice a year. The INI CET cut off 2025 for January 2026 session is 50 percentile for unreserved category, and 45 percentile for the reserved category students.
Knowing cut off marks will enable students to know their chances for getting admission in particular category and courses.
Here is the link attached from the official website of Careers360 which will provide you with the cut off marks detail. Kindly go through it.
https://medicine.careers360.com/articles/ini-cet-cutoff
thank you!
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