AIIMS INI-CET November 2026 Updates: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, will conduct the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) on November 1, 2026, for admission to postgraduate medical and dental courses under the January 2027 academic session. With the examination just around the corner, candidates should carefully review the examination-day instructions, documents required, reporting time, entry restrictions and other important guidelines issued by the examination authorities.

The INI-CET January 2027 session examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode at designated examination centres across India. The three-hour examination is scheduled from 9 AM to 12 noon.

AIIMS released the INI-CET admit card on October 26, 2026. Candidates who have successfully completed the registration process can download their hall tickets through the official examination website, aiimsexams.ac.in, using their login credentials.

The admit card is a mandatory document for entry into the examination centre. Candidates must also carry an original and valid government-issued photo identity proof for verification.

Apart from these documents, candidates should familiarise themselves with the biometric verification process, security checks, examination-centre restrictions and prohibited articles. Even a minor oversight, such as carrying a mobile phone, smartwatch or unauthorised stationery, can create problems on examination day.

Here is a comprehensive guide to the AIIMS INI-CET 2026 examination, covering the November 1 examination schedule, mandatory documents, reporting time, entry rules, dress code, prohibited items, examination pattern and important instructions for candidates.

AIIMS INI-CET November 2026: Important Highlights

INI-CET 2026 Examination on November 1: Reporting Time and Entry Schedule

Candidates appearing for the INI-CET January 2027 session must strictly follow the reporting and entry instructions mentioned on their admit cards.

The examination is scheduled to begin at 9 AM. Candidates should plan their travel arrangements in advance and reach the examination centre well before the entry deadline.

The examination-day schedule is as follows:

Important: Candidates should treat 8:45 AM as the final entry deadline and not assume that they will be permitted to enter after the gates have closed.

Reporting at 7 AM will provide sufficient time for security checks, identity verification, biometric authentication and other formalities.

Candidates should follow the reporting instructions printed on their individual admit cards, as these are the controlling instructions for their allotted examination centres.

Documents Required at the INI-CET 2026 Examination Centre

Carrying the prescribed documents is essential for candidates appearing for the examination.

AIIMS requires candidates to possess a printed copy of the valid INI-CET admit card for the January 2027 session. Candidates must also carry an original, valid photo identity document.

The important documents to be carried are listed below.

1. Printed Copy of INI-CET Admit Card

The admit card is the most important document for entry into the examination centre.

Candidates must download their hall tickets from the official AIIMS examination portal and take a clear printout.

The admit card contains important information, including:

• Candidate's name.

• Registration or roll number.

• Candidate's photograph.

• Candidate's signature.

• Examination date.

• Examination centre address.

• Examination-related instructions.

• Reporting time and other entry requirements.

Candidates should check all the details carefully after downloading the document.

A mobile phone image or digital copy should not be considered a substitute for the required printed admit card.

2. Original Government-Issued Photo Identity Proof

Candidates must carry an original and valid photo identity document for verification at the examination centre.

The accepted identity documents include:

• Aadhaar Card with photograph.

• Passport.

• PAN Card.

• Voter Identity Card.

• Driving Licence.

Candidates should ensure that the identity document is valid and that the photograph and personal details are clearly visible.

The name and other identifying details should correspond with the information provided during registration.

Photocopies, screenshots or photographs of identity documents should not be relied upon in place of the original document.

3. Category and Disability Certificates, Wherever Applicable

Candidates who have registered under reserved categories or the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category should keep the relevant supporting certificates available.

These may be required for verification or subsequent admission-related procedures, depending on the applicable instructions.

Candidates should carefully check the individual admit card and official prospectus for any additional documentary requirements.

Important Document Verification Advice

Before leaving home, candidates should check the following:

• The admit card is clearly printed and legible.

• The photograph and signature are visible.

• The original photo identity document is available.

• The personal details on the admit card and identity proof are consistent.

• Any additional documents specifically required by AIIMS have been arranged.

A mismatch in the candidate's name, photograph or identity details can create difficulties during verification.

INI-CET 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Important Entry Rules

AIIMS follows a strict verification and security procedure to maintain the integrity of the examination.

Candidates should cooperate with the examination personnel and follow all instructions issued by the centre superintendent and invigilators.

The important entry rules are explained below.

1. Carry the Printed Admit Card

Entry into the examination centre will not be permitted without a valid printed INI-CET admit card for the January 2027 session.

Candidates should download the admit card well in advance and avoid waiting until the morning of the examination.

2. Carry an Original Photo Identity Document

Candidates must produce an original and valid government-issued photo ID for identity verification.

The document should correspond with the candidate's registered identity details.

3. Reach the Centre Before the Reporting Deadline

Candidates should reach the allotted examination centre by the reporting time mentioned on their admit card.

Arriving early is particularly important because security screening, frisking, biometric verification and other formalities may take time.

4. Cooperate With Biometric Verification

Candidates may be required to undergo biometric and digital identity verification procedures.

These may include:

• Photograph capture.

• Left-thumb impression.

• Identity verification.

• Security screening.

• CCTV-based monitoring.

Candidates should cooperate with the examination staff during the verification process.

5. Follow the Instructions of Invigilators

Candidates must follow all instructions issued inside the examination centre.

Any irregularity, suspected unfair practice or misconduct may attract action under the applicable examination rules.

6. Do Not Leave the Examination Centre Premises Without Permission

Candidates should remain inside the examination centre until the examination concludes and follow the instructions of the invigilators regarding departure.

7. Report Technical Problems Immediately

If candidates encounter any problem with the computer system, question display or examination interface, they should immediately inform the invigilator.

They should not attempt to resolve technical issues independently.

INI-CET 2026: Items Prohibited Inside the Examination Hall

Candidates must carefully check the list of prohibited articles before leaving for the examination centre.

AIIMS maintains strict security arrangements, and unauthorised articles may be treated as unfair-means-related violations.

The following items should not be carried into the examination hall.

Candidates should remember that the examination is conducted in CBT mode. Therefore, the computer system and examination interface provided at the centre must be used for answering questions.

Is a Calculator Allowed in INI-CET 2026?

Candidates should not carry personal calculators into the examination centre.

The examination is computer-based, and candidates must follow the instructions concerning the examination interface and permitted facilities.

Can Candidates Carry Mobile Phones?

No. Mobile phones and other unauthorised electronic devices should not be carried into the examination hall.

Candidates should preferably leave such devices at home or with accompanying persons.

Are Watches Permitted?

Candidates should avoid carrying wristwatches, smartwatches or digital watches.

The examination centre will have its own arrangements for conducting the examination.

Important: Candidates should not assume that a prohibited item can be deposited safely at the examination centre. Storage facilities for personal belongings may not be available.

INI-CET 2026 Dress Code: What Should Candidates Wear?

Candidates should wear simple and comfortable clothing that facilitates security screening.

Although candidates should follow the exact instructions mentioned on their admit cards, avoiding unnecessary accessories and metal objects is advisable.

The following precautions can help candidates avoid delays during frisking:

• Wear comfortable and simple clothing.

• Avoid garments with excessive metal accessories.

• Avoid heavy jewellery and ornamental items.

• Do not wear watches or smartwatches.

• Avoid belts and unnecessary metallic accessories.

• Prefer simple footwear without thick soles or heels, wherever possible.

• Avoid carrying caps, goggles or other unnecessary accessories.

Candidates wearing religious or customary attire that requires additional verification should report sufficiently early to allow the necessary security checks.

The objective is to ensure that every candidate completes the verification process smoothly without violating examination security requirements.

What Happens During INI-CET 2026 Security Verification?

Security verification is an important part of the examination-day procedure.

Candidates may be required to undergo multiple checks before being permitted to enter the examination hall.

The process generally involves:

1. Admit Card Verification: Examination personnel check the candidate's printed admit card and examination details.

2. Photo Identity Verification: The original identity document is examined to establish the candidate's identity.

3. Frisking: Candidates undergo security screening to ensure that prohibited articles are not carried inside.

4. Biometric Verification: Fingerprint impressions and other prescribed identity verification procedures may be conducted.

5. Digital Photograph: A photograph may be captured as part of the verification process.

6. Seating Allotment: Candidates are directed to their designated computer terminals or examination seats.

Candidates should remain calm and cooperate with the examination staff throughout these procedures.

INI-CET 2026 Examination Pattern: What Candidates Should Know

The INI-CET January 2027 session examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test mode.

The examination consists of 200 objective-type questions to be answered within three hours.

The question paper includes different types of objective questions, including single-correct-choice and multiple-correct-choice questions.

The important examination details are provided below.

Important: Four-Part Examination Structure

One of the most important aspects of the INI-CET examination is its four-part structure.

The examination is divided into four parts, each containing 50 questions and having a duration of 45 minutes.

Candidates will be able to access and answer only the currently active part.

Once the allotted 45 minutes for a particular part expire, that part will automatically be submitted and the next part will become available.

Candidates will not be permitted to return to a previously completed part.

This makes time management particularly important.

Candidates should therefore attempt all possible questions in the currently active section before its allotted time expires.

Negative Marking in INI-CET 2026

The examination follows a negative marking system.

• Correct answer: +1 mark.

• Incorrect answer: -1/3 mark.

• Unanswered question: 0 mark.

Candidates should carefully evaluate their answers, particularly in questions where they are uncertain.

Random guessing may affect the overall score because of the negative marking provision.

INI-CET 2026: Courses and Participating Institutes

INI-CET is a national-level entrance examination for admission to postgraduate medical and dental programmes offered by participating Institutes of National Importance.

The January 2027 session covers the following courses:

• Doctor of Medicine (MD).

• Master of Surgery (MS).

• Doctor of Medicine (DM), six-year programme.

• Master of Chirurgiae (MCh), six-year programme.

• Master of Dental Surgery (MDS).

• MD in Hospital Administration.

The participating institutions include AIIMS New Delhi and other AIIMS institutes, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, and Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), Thiruvananthapuram, among other participating institutes.

Admission is subject to the eligibility requirements, merit position, seat availability and applicable admission rules of the respective institutions.

INI-CET 2026 Result: When Will the Results Be Announced?

According to the announced examination schedule, the INI-CET January 2027 session result is expected to be declared on November 7, 2026.

Candidates will be able to check their results through the official AIIMS examination website.

The result will determine the candidates' qualifying status and merit position for the subsequent seat-allocation process.

Candidates should remember that qualifying the examination does not automatically guarantee admission.

They must participate in the prescribed seat-allocation process and satisfy the requirements of their preferred institutions.

The schedule for online seat allocation, including the open round, will be notified separately.

INI-CET January 2027 Session: Important Dates

Candidates should keep the following dates handy.

How to Download INI-CET 2026 Admit Card?

Candidates who have not yet downloaded their admit cards should complete the process immediately.

The admit card is available through the official AIIMS examination portal.

Follow these steps:

1.    Visit the official website, aiimsexams.ac.in.

2.    Navigate to the Academic Courses section.

3.    Select Postgraduate Courses.

4.    Open the INI-CET January 2027 session link.

5.    Click on the candidate login option.

6.    Enter the Registration ID or other prescribed login credentials and password.

7.    Complete the verification process, wherever required.

8.    Open the admit card link displayed on the candidate dashboard.

9.    Download the admit card.

10.                   Take a clear printout and verify all the details.

Candidates should preserve the printed admit card carefully and carry it to the examination centre.

The admit card will not be sent through physical post.

Important Advice for Candidates Appearing on November 1

With the examination only a day away, candidates should concentrate on examination-day preparedness rather than making major changes to their study routine.

The following checklist may be useful.

Before Leaving Home

• Keep the printed admit card ready.

• Keep the original photo identity document ready.

• Verify the examination centre address.

• Check the reporting time and gate-closing time.

• Plan the travel route in advance.

• Avoid carrying unnecessary personal belongings.

• Get adequate sleep before the examination.

At the Examination Centre

• Reach the centre by the prescribed reporting time.

• Follow security and identity verification procedures.

• Cooperate with biometric checks.

• Do not carry prohibited electronic devices.

• Follow the instructions of the invigilators.

• Check the computer terminal before beginning the examination.

During the Examination

• Read the instructions displayed on the computer screen.

• Manage the allotted 45 minutes for each part carefully.

• Attempt questions systematically.

• Remember that previously completed parts cannot be reopened.

• Avoid spending excessive time on a single question.

• Inform the invigilator immediately if a technical problem occurs.

INI-CET 2026: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When will AIIMS conduct the INI-CET 2026 examination?

AIIMS will conduct the INI-CET January 2027 session examination on November 1, 2026 (Sunday).

Q2. What is the examination timing for INI-CET November 2026?

The examination will begin at 9 AM and conclude at 12 noon. The total duration is three hours.

Q3. When was the INI-CET 2026 admit card released?

The admit card was released on October 26, 2026, through the official AIIMS examination portal.

Q4. Which documents are mandatory for appearing in INI-CET 2026?

Candidates must carry a printed copy of their valid admit card and an original, valid government-issued photo identity document, such as Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID or Driving Licence.

Q5. What is the reporting time for INI-CET 2026?

The reporting time is 7 AM, while the reported gate-closing time is 8:45 AM. Candidates should verify the exact instructions on their individual admit cards.

Q6. Will candidates be allowed entry after 8:45 AM?

Candidates should not expect entry after the gate-closing deadline. Late arrival may result in denial of entry.

Q7. Can candidates carry mobile phones inside the examination centre?

Mobile phones and other unauthorised electronic devices are prohibited inside the examination hall. Candidates should avoid carrying them to the examination centre.

Q8. Are calculators permitted in INI-CET 2026?

Personal calculators are not permitted. Candidates must use the examination system provided at the centre.

Q9. How many questions are included in INI-CET 2026?

The examination contains 200 objective-type questions divided into four parts, with 50 questions in each part.

Q10. Is there negative marking in INI-CET 2026?

Yes. One mark is awarded for every correct answer, while one-third of a mark is deducted for every incorrect answer. Unanswered questions receive zero marks.

Q11. Can candidates return to a previous section after completing 45 minutes?

No. Each part is automatically submitted after its allotted 45 minutes. Candidates cannot return to previously completed parts.

Q12. When will the INI-CET 2026 result be declared?

The result for the January 2027 session is expected to be announced on November 7, 2026.

Q13. What should candidates do if there is an error in their admit card?

Candidates should report discrepancies through the official AIIMS candidate portal or the prescribed examination helpdesk facility immediately.

Conclusion

The AIIMS INI-CET January 2027 session examination on November 1, 2026, is an important opportunity for medical and dental graduates aspiring to secure postgraduate admissions at some of India's most prestigious medical institutions.

With the examination approaching, candidates must pay as much attention to examination-day preparedness as they do to their academic revision.

The printed admit card, original photo identity proof, timely reporting and compliance with security instructions are essential. Candidates should particularly remember that the examination centre's entry deadline is 8:45 AM and that the four-part examination structure does not permit candidates to return to previously completed sections.

Avoiding prohibited articles, following the prescribed dress and entry instructions, and reaching the examination centre early can help prevent unnecessary complications.

As the examination approaches, candidates should remain calm, follow the official instructions carefully and concentrate on giving their best performance.

All candidates are advised to regularly visit the official AIIMS website for any last-minute examination-related notifications or clarifications. 

Official examination website: AIIMS Examination Portal.

Editorial accuracy note: The examination is on November 1, 2026, for the January 2027 academic session. The 7 AM reporting and 8:45 AM gate-closing timings should be checked against each candidate's individual admit card. The article distinguishes mandatory entry documents from additional category certificates that may be relevant to verification or admission.