The INI-CET 2025 registration process is the first crucial step for candidates aspiring to pursue postgraduate medical courses at top national institutes. The INI-CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) is conducted by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for admission to postgraduate courses (MD/ MS/ DM (6 years)/ MCh (6 years)/ MDS) in AIIMS and other Institutes of National Importance, such as Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER), Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER) and National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). 

For the January 2026 session of INI-CET, the exam date is 9th November 2025. The mode of exam is Computer-Based Test (CBT), exam time duration is 3 hours (180 minutes), and the total number of questions is 200 MCQs covering pre-clinical, para-clinical and clinical subjects from the MBBS curriculum. 

INI-CET 2025-26 Exam Day Guidelines 

Reporting time and entry cut-off

• Candidates should reach the exam centre well ahead of the reporting time. As per guidelines, arriving at least 60 to 90 minutes before the scheduled time is recommended. 
• Entry may be strictly cut off after the gate closing time mentioned on the admit card; a latecomer may be denied entry. 

Frisking, biometric & verification steps 

• On arrival, candidates will undergo biometric verification (e.g. fingerprint or photograph) as per centre norms. 
• Frisking & verification of identity and admit card details will be conducted. 

List of allowed and prohibited items 

Allowed items typically include: 

• Admit card, valid photo ID proof (see next section) 
• One passport-size photograph (If required)
• Basic stationery (if permitted) 

Prohibited items include: 

• Mobile phones, smart watches, and electronic gadgets 
• Calculators, log-tables, electronic devices of any kind 
• Any metallic ornament, heavy accessories that may hinder biometric or frisking 

COVID or health safety protocols (if applicable) 

• If there are ongoing health advisories, candidates might be required to follow mask-wearing, sanitiser use, and social distancing as mandated by the centre in charge. 
• Keep a small bottle of hand-sanitiser and wear a comfortable mask if required (check your admit-card instructions). 

Tip: Check the latest bulletin from AIIMS or the official website for any health-related protocols. 

INI-CET 2025-2026 Documents Required 

On exam day, you must carry the following: 

• Admit Card of INI-CET (with your photo & signature) printed on good quality paper. 
• Valid ID proof: Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN card, Voter ID or other government-issued photo ID. 
• One passport-size photograph: As per instructions on the admit seat or information bulletin (if required). 
• PwD Certificate (if applicable): Candidates availing of the Persons with Benchmark Disability quota should carry their certified PwD certificate. 
• Ensure that the name, photo, signature, and category details on the admit card and ID match exactly. If there’s any discrepancy, get it corrected before exam day. 

INI-CET 2025-26 Dress Code 

Recommended attire for male and female candidates 

• Prefer simple, comfortable clothes- a light full-sleeve shirt or t-shirt for males, a comfortable t-shirt-pyjama for females. 
• Avoid heavy layers, jackets, hoodies or clothes with large metallic components (zippers, buttons) that may trigger extra frisking. 
• Wear light footwear, slip-ons or sandals which are easier to remove if required for verification. 

Avoid metal accessories, watches or ornaments 

• Watches (smart or analogue), earrings, nose-rings, chains, large buckles, metal hairclips: better to keep minimal or none. 
• Even belts with large metallic buckles should be avoided to save time and reduce hassle at check-in. 

Footwear rules and permitted items 

• Footwear may need to be removed during frisking: wear simple shoes or sandals. 
• Socks are fine. Avoid shoes with hidden compartments or heavy soles. 
• Permitted items only: stationery (if allowed), water bottle (transparent), admit card, ID proof, photograph (if required). 

INI-CET 2025-2026 Exam Day Do’s and Don’ts 

Do’s: 

• Arrive at least 90 minutes before the reporting time to avoid last-minute stress. 
• Carry all required documents- admit card, ID proof, photo, and PwD certificate. 
• Follow the invigilator’s instructions promptly. 
• Keep your mobile and other prohibited items outside the hall or in the designated area.
• Use the restroom before entering the exam hall to avoid leaving mid-paper. 
• Stay calm, manage your time, and mark questions with caution. 

Don’ts: 

• Don’t bring phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, calculators, log tables or any electronic gadgets. 
• Don’t argue with centre staff or invigilators, or try to change seats without permission. 
• Don’t wear jewellery or heavy metallic accessories, which may delay entry. 
• Don’t attempt to cheat or carry unauthorised material- penalty may include disqualification. 

What to Expect Inside the Exam Hall 

• The exam is conducted in a digital format (CBT): you’ll be seated at a computer terminal with your login details. 
• The question paper comprises 200 MCQs divided into 4 sets of 50 questions each; each set may have a time slot of about 45 minutes. 
• Rough sheets may be provided by the exam centre for your calculations/notes. Follow instructions regarding usage and submission. 
• Once the test ends and you submit, you will be guided for exit-there may be a biometric sign-out or verification at the door. 
• Ensure you leave the hall only after the invigilator permits, and don’t discuss the paper with others outside until the official time. 

INI-CET 2025-2026 Last-Minute Checklist 

• Verify all details on your admit card, including name, photo, signature, exam centre address, and date/time. 
• Check your ID proof and ensure it is valid and matches your name on the admit card.
• Pack required items: admit card, ID, photos (if needed), transparent water bottle, simple stationery (if allowed).
• Dress comfortably but appropriately according to dress-code guidelines.
• Get a good night’s sleep, eat a light and healthy meal before the exam, and reach the centre early to avoid rush and last-minute stress.
• Keep calm; maintain a positive mindset and pace yourself well during the test.

Appearing for the INI-CET 2025-2026 is a significant step in your academic journey toward PG medical courses in India. By following the exam-day guidelines, dress code rules, and ensuring you have the correct documents, you reduce last-minute anxiety and avoid avoidable issues. Stay focused, follow instructions, and give your best. 

Read More Blog – 

INI-CET seat matrix

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Q1. What documents should I carry for the INI-CET 2025-2026 exam day?
Ans – You must carry your admit card (with photo & signature), a valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, Voter ID, etc.), one passport-size photo (if required), and, if applicable, your PwD certificate.

Q2. Can I wear jeans or casual clothes for the INI-CET 2025-2026 exam?
Ans – Yes, you can wear casual clothes like jeans, but ensure they are simple, do not have heavy pockets, metallic zippers/buttons may increase time at frisking, and overall dress should comply with the dress code (no heavy jackets, hoodies, or accessories).

Q3. What items are allowed inside the INI-CET 2025-2026 exam centre?
Ans – Allowed: Admit card, valid ID proof, photo (if required), transparent water bottle, simple stationery (if permitted). Prohibited: mobile phone, smartwatch, calculator, electronic devices, and large metal accessories.

Q4. What is the reporting time and entry-cut-off for INI-CET 2025-2026?
Ans – Candidates should arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes before the scheduled time. Entry may be refused after the gate closing time specified on the admit card.

Q5. Are watches, jewellery, or electronic devices allowed in INI-CET 2025-2026?
Ans – No — electronic devices (phones, smartwatches) are strictly prohibited. Watches and large jewellery or metal accessories should be avoided, as they may delay entry or cause frisking issues.

Q6. How can I get my INI-CET 2025-2026 admit card corrected if there’s an error?
Ans – If there is any discrepancy in your admit card (name, photo, date, centre, etc.), contact the official exam authority (AIIMS/INI-CET helpline/email) immediately and follow the instructions given in the information bulletin to get rectified before exam day.