INI-CET exam pattern at a glance
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT) — online
- Total questions: 200 MCQs
- Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
- Marks per question: 1 mark
- Negative marking: -1/3 per wrong answer
- Total marks: 200
- Frequency: Twice a year (January and July sessions)
- No subject-wise section timing — all 200 questions in one block
INI-CET syllabus (19 subjects)
INI-CET covers the same 19 subjects as NEET PG, but with greater emphasis on conceptual and image-based questions:
- Pre-clinical (15%): Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry — high-yield topics only
- Para-clinical (25%): Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine, PSM
- Medicine & Allied (25%): Cardiology, Neurology, Endocrinology, Respiratory, GI, Infectious diseases
- Surgery & Allied (20%): GI surgery, Urology, Orthopaedics, Anaesthesia
- OBG & Paediatrics (15%): Antenatal care, Gynae oncology, Neonatology, Common childhood diseases
Best books for INI-CET preparation
- Harrison + AIIMS-PGI Surgery guide — best combo for INI-CET Medicine + Surgery.
- AIIMS PG solved papers — last 10 years of AIIMS papers with explanations.
- Self Assessment & Review of NEET/AIIMS Pattern (Arora) — single-volume MCQ book for revision.
- PGI Chandigarh solved papers — pattern-setter for INI-CET.
- CrackCMS INI-CET QBank — 12,000+ PYQs with AI explanations, image-based filters, and CBT mocks.
INI-CET preparation strategy (4-month plan)
Month 1: Foundation
- Revise standard textbooks (Harrison, Bailey, Ghai, Park)
- Solve 100 MCQs/day from CrackCMS INI-CET QBank
- Focus on image-based subjects: Radiology, Pathology, Dermatology
Month 2: Deep Dive
- Solve 150 MCQs/day from previous AIIMS papers
- Take one full mock every Sunday
- Analyse every mock — identify weak areas
- Start PSM revision (high weightage, often neglected)
Month 3: Image-Based Sprint
- Dedicated image-based MCQ practice (radiology, histopath, derm)
- Solve 200 MCQs/day from random topics
- Revise mnemonics and high-yield notes
- Take 2 mocks per week under timed conditions
Month 4: Final Sprint
- Full mocks every alternate day
- Revise weak areas only — no new topics
- Review all previous mocks and mistakes
- Focus on time management (200 Qs in 180 min = 54 sec/Q)
INI-CET vs NEET PG — Which is harder?
INI-CET is generally considered slightly tougher than NEET PG due to deeper clinical reasoning, image-based questions, and -1/3 negative marking. NEET PG has a slightly higher negative marking penalty (-1 vs -1/3). Most serious candidates attempt both. See our detailed NEET PG vs INI-CET comparison.
Essential INI-CET Resources
INI-CET Preparation
12,000+ PYQs, AI tutor, CBT mocks, rank predictor for AIIMS, PGI, JIPMER.
NEET PG vs INI-CET
Side-by-side comparison of pattern, difficulty, negative marking, and career outcomes.
Why CrackCMS for INI-CET?
- 12,000+ INI-CET MCQs with image-based filters for radiology, pathology, dermatology
- AI tutor trained on AIIMS-pattern clinical reasoning
- CBT mocks that simulate the exact AIIMS interface
- All-India rank prediction using historical AIIMS cutoffs
- Image-based MCQ drill with 1,000+ curated slides and X-rays
Frequently asked questions
What is INI-CET?
INI-CET (Institute of National Importance - Combined Entrance Test) is the common entrance exam for PG medical courses at AIIMS, PGIMER Chandigarh, JIPMER Puducherry, NIMHANS Bangalore, and SCTIMST Trivandrum. It is conducted twice a year by AIIMS New Delhi.
How many times is INI-CET held per year?
Twice a year — January session and July session. The January 2026 session was held on 24 January 2026. The July 2026 session is expected in mid-July 2026.
How many questions in INI-CET?
200 MCQs, 180 minutes, 1 mark each, -1/3 negative marking, total 200 marks.
Is INI-CET harder than NEET PG?
INI-CET questions test conceptual depth and image-based reasoning more than NEET PG. Cut-offs are typically higher relative to the candidate pool. However, both exams share the same core syllabus.
Can I appear for INI-CET while doing internship?
Yes — if your internship completes by the cutoff date mentioned in the January/July session information bulletin. Provisional registration is allowed.
What is the cutoff for INI-CET?
INI-CET cutoffs vary by institute and category. AIIMS General category cutoffs typically range 60-75 out of 200. Check individual institute websites for the latest cutoffs.
Ready to start practising?
CrackCMS combines AI tutoring with 1,920+ PYQs and a full mock-test simulator.