INI-CET eligibility: degree, internship deadline and minimum marks
Who can sit INI-CET for the January 2027 session, from the official AIIMS prospectus. The internship deadline is 31 January 2027.
Everything on this page comes from Section IV of the official INI-CET Prospectus Part-A for the January 2027 session, published by AIIMS New Delhi. The July 2027 session has not been announced, and its prospectus will set its own dates.
Am I eligible for INI-CET January 2027?
For Indian nationals, you need all three:
| Requirement | January 2027 session |
|---|---|
| Degree | MBBS for MD, MS, DM, MCh and MD (Hospital Administration); BDS for MDS. From a university recognised by the NMC/MCI or DCI |
| Internship | 12-month compulsory rotating internship completed on or before 31 January 2027 |
| Minimum marks | At least 55% aggregate in MBBS or BDS; 50% for SC and ST |
What is the internship deadline?
Your 12-month compulsory rotating internship must be completed on or before 31 January 2027. If you finish after that date, you are not eligible for the January 2027 session, even by a few days.
Each INI-CET session sets its own deadline. If you miss this one, check the July 2027 prospectus when it is published.
What minimum marks do you need in MBBS or BDS?
| Category | Minimum aggregate in MBBS / BDS |
|---|---|
| SC / ST | 50% |
| Everyone else, including OBC and EWS | 55% |
Note that OBC and EWS candidates need 55%, the same as General. This minimum is separate from the qualifying percentile in INI-CET itself (see the cutoff page).
What are the rules for sponsored candidates?
Sponsored candidates need 3 years of service by:
| Institute | Service completed by |
|---|---|
| AIIMS, SCTIMST, NIMHANS | 31 January 2027 |
| JIPMER, PGIMER | 31 December 2026 |
Can foreign nationals and OCI cardholders apply?
- Foreign nationals need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- OCI cardholders are covered by rules that follow the Supreme Court judgment of 3 February 2023.
The prospectus sets out the details for both. Read it on aiimsexams.ac.in before you apply.
What is the INI-CET application fee?
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC-NCL / Foreign National / OCI / Sponsored | ₹4,000 |
| SC / ST / EWS | ₹3,200 |
| PwBD | Nil (exempt) |
When do you need to apply?
Registration for the January 2027 session closes on 13 October 2026 at 5:00 pm. The exam is on 1 November 2026. See important dates for the full schedule.
What to read next
- The exam pattern explains the 200 questions, four locked parts and +1/−1/3 marking.
- If you are also eligible for NEET PG, its rules differ. See NEET PG eligibility.
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