Aspiring to pursue a postgraduate medical degree in India? You’re likely weighing your options between NEET PG vs INI CET. Both are national-level entrance exams but are designed for different types of institutes, follow distinct exam patterns, and vary in difficulty level, syllabus, and eligibility criteria.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down the difference between NEET PG and INI CET, tougher answer, and help you decide the right path for MD/MS admission.

What is NEET PG?

NEET PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test- Post Graduate) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). It serves as the gateway for admission to MD, MS and PG Diploma courses across the various medical colleges in India.  It is mandatory for admission to most government and private medical colleges in India.

Key Features: 

• Conducting Body: National Board of Examinations (NBE)
• Frequency: Once a year 
• Mode of Examination: Computer-Based Test (CBT) 
• Duration: 3.5 hours 
• Number of Questions: 200 multiple-choice questions
• Negative Marking: Yes, -1 mark for each incorrect answer 
• Institute Covered: All medical colleges across India, except for AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER and NIMHANS 

NEET PG offers a broader range of government and private medical colleges admission opportunities. 

Participating Institutes: 

• AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences-all branches)
• JIPMER: (Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry)
• PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh)
• NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru) 

Key Features: 

• Conducting Body: AIIMS, New Delhi 
• Frequency: Twice a year (January and July sessions) 
• Mode of Examination: Computer Based Test 
• Duration: 3 hours 
• Number of Questions: 200 multiple choice questions including single best answer and multiple correct types. 
• Negative Marking: Yes, -1 mark for each incorrect answer 
• Institutes Covered: AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS 

NEET PG and INI CET Comparison

INI CET offers admission to prestigious institutions like AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS. The exam is known for its clinical focus and analytical approach.

NEET PG vs INI CET Syllabus

• NEET PG syllabus includes the entire MBBS curriculum – pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects.
• INI CET syllabus also covers the MBBS syllabus but emphasizes clinical application, concept-based learning, and integrated case-based questions.

INI CET vs NEET PG Difficulty Level: Which is Tougher?

This is a common question: Which is tougher, NEET PG or INI CET?

• INI CET is generally considered more difficult due to the limited number of seats, high competition, and the analytical nature of questions.
• NEET PG has a broader seat base and more conventional MCQs but still demands rigorous preparation.

INI CET vs NEET PG for MD/MS Admission

When considering INI CET vs NEET PG for MD/MS admission, your choice should align with:

• Your target institutions (AIIMS or broader options),
• Your strengths in clinical subjects, and
• Your preparation timeline (twice-a-year flexibility in INI CET vs once-a-year NEET PG).

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice between NEET PG and INI-CET largely depends on your career goals and target institutions.

Choose NEET PG if:

• You aim to get admission into state or private medical colleges.
• You are looking for a wider pool of institutes and branches.
• You prefer a once-a-year exam structure.
• You want more options across India in both public and private sectors.

Choose INI-CET if:

• You are targeting top-tier institutions like AIIMS or PGIMER.
• You’re confident in your ability to crack a more concept-heavy and competitive paper.
• You are prepared for a high-risk, high-reward scenario (fewer seats, but elite training).
• You’re okay with taking the exam twice a year for flexibility.

Both NEET PG and INI-CET are gateways to prestigious medical careers. The decision ultimately depends on your career goals, preparation level, and preferred institutions. Many aspirants appear for both exams to maximize their chances and explore a broader set of opportunities.

Regardless of your choice, consistent preparation, deep conceptual understanding, and strategic practice will be your best allies. Good luck!

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Q1. Is INI CET better than NEET PG?

Ans – If you aim to secure admission to AIIMS or other prestigious institutes, then you should prepare for INI-CET. However it is clear that INI-CET has limited seats in comparison to NEET PG, and appearing for NEET PG will increase the chances of securing MD/MS admission in India in the best colleges.

Q2 . What is the purpose of the INI CET exam?

Ans – Conducted by the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, INI CET, provides admission into PG courses such as Master of Surgery (MS), Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Dental Surgery (MDS), Doctor of Medicine (DM), and Master of Chirurgie (MCh) at 23 Institutions including 19 AIIMS across the country.

Q3. How many attempts are there in INI CET?

Ans – There is no limit to the number of attempts for a candidate. Candidates can appear in INI CET as often as they want. There is no limit to the nationality of a candidate. All Indian, Foreign, OCI and NRI candidates are eligible to appear in the exam.

Q4. What is the salary of a doctor after PG?

Ans – In India, the salary of a doctor after completing postgraduate studies (MD or MS) varies based on specialization, experience, and location. Generally, MD physicians can expect an annual salary range of 9 to 30 lakhs, while MS surgeons may earn between 6 and 9 lakhs. Starting salaries for MD graduates are typically between 8 and 12 lakhs per annum, and MS graduates can expect 10 to 15 lakhs