Everything You Need to Know About the INICET Exam 2025

The INICET exam (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) is one of the most competitive exams for postgraduate medical studies in India. Conducted by AIIMS, this entrance exam is the gateway to prestigious Institutes of National Importance, including AIIMS, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and JIPMER. With updated schedules, requirements, and guidelines for the INICET 2025, this article provides a comprehensive guide to help medical students succeed.

Whether you’re considering registering for the exam or preparing for it, this blog will guide you through everything from eligibility criteria to exam patterns and counselling processes.

What is the INICET Exam?

The INICET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) is a competitive entrance exam for admissions into PG medical courses, including MD, MS, MDS, DM, and MCh programs. Conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the exam evaluates candidates’ academic qualifications and skills across undergraduate degree subjects, medical studies, and allied courses.

The computer-based test features 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and candidates are allotted 180 minutes to complete it. The marking scheme awards one mark for each correct answer and deducts 1/3 marks for a wrong answer. This negative marking system requires precision and a strategic approach.

The INICET serves both Indian nationals and foreign candidates. Eligible candidates must hold a registration certificate from the Medical or Dental Council of India and have completed a 12-month compulsory internship before applying.

Important Updates for INICET 2025

Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming INICET 2025 January session:

The INICET January session will admit candidates to 872 seats across MD, MS, MDS, DM, and MCh courses at 19 Institutes of National Importance.
The Part A prospectus for the INICET January session will be available on AIIMS’ official website.
The INICET 2025 exam is scheduled to take place on 18 May 2025, through an online, computer-based mode.
Only candidates who meet the minimum percentile cut-off will qualify and can download their scorecards from the official website.
Note that INICET results are only valid for admission to Institutes of National Importance and cannot be used for other PG entrance exams such as NEET PG.

These updates ensure that eligible candidates stay informed about important exam details and deadlines.

Key Dates and Registration Process for INICET January 2025

Important Dates:

Here are the key details about the registration and examination schedule for INICET January 2025:

Online registration begins on March, 2025.
The INICET exam day is on May 18, 2025.

Registration Process:

The application process involves basic registration and final registration:

Basic Registration:

- - Candidates must fill in their personal details like name, date of birth, and contact details on AIIMS’ official portal.
  - Upload clear photographs and a completion certificate for internships.

Final Registration:

- - After eligibility verification, students must complete the academic qualification section.
  - Pay the INICET application fee via online mode.
  - Download the Admit Card for future reference.

Ensure your registration details (like the Aadhar Card or registration certificate) and login details are precise and accurate to avoid discrepancies.

INICET Eligibility Criteria

Before signing up for the INICET exam, it’s essential to ensure you meet the eligibility requirement:

Must hold an MBBS/BDS degree from an institution recognized by the Medical Council of India or Dental Council of India.
Mandatory completion of a one-year rotatory internship.
Minimum qualifying marks:
- 55% aggregate for General/OBC/EWS categories.
- 50% aggregate for SC/ST/PwBD categories.
Candidates can reattempt the INICET multiple times as there’s no upper age limit.

If you meet these criteria, you’re officially an eligible candidate for INICET!

Exam Pattern for INICET

Understanding the updated INICET exam pattern is crucial for preparation:

Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes).
Medium of Exam: English.
Number of Questions: 200 MCQs.
Marking scheme:
- +1 mark for each Correct Answer.
- –1/3 mark for every Wrong Answer.

Candidates are advised to focus on graduation-level subjects, allocate equal attention to each question, and approach strategically due to the negative marking system.

Question Format:

Comprises topics like preventive medicine, clinical subjects, and basic biology.
Designed to test knowledge in medical curriculum and allied courses.

Always cross-check the official information brochure for any last-minute updates.

Syllabus Breakdown for INICET

The syllabus for INICET includes:

Pre-Clinical Subjects:

Topics include Physiology, Anatomy, and Biochemistry.

Para-Clinical Subjects:

Covers Pathology, Pharmacology, and Community Medicine.

Clinical Subjects:

Includes Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and more.

A focused approach to these topics ensures a better exam score. Consider using coaching institutes or online mode learning materials for additional guidance.

Pro Tip:

Explore interactive learning tools and complete hand-holding resources during preparations to maximize your chances of success.

The Counselling Process

Only qualified candidates who meet the cut-off criteria are eligible for counselling sessions.

Counselling Steps:

INICET has four rounds of counselling, including a mock round and an open round.
Candidates must register and select their preferences (college and course) online to participate.
Results for seat allotment will be shared after each round.

Stay updated with the counselling schedule on the official AIIMS website.

Past Cut-off Scores:

Category-wise qualifying percentile marks for counselling are:

General/EWS/OBC – 50 percentile
Reserved categories (SC/ST/PwBD) – 45 percentile

Cut-offs play a decisive role in seat availability during counselling.

The INICET Exam versus NEET PG

Students often compare the INICET exam with NEET PG to determine which better suits their career path. Here’s a breakdown of the differences:

Feature	INICET	NEET PG
Conducting Body	AIIMS	National Board of Examination (NBE)
Frequency	Twice a year (January and July sessions)	Once a year
Courses Offered	MD, MS, MDS, DM, MCh	MD, MS, PG Diploma, postgraduate DNB
Question Structure	200 MCQs with block-wise segmentations	MCQs without segmentation
Eligibility

| Includes dental graduates (BDS) and medical graduates | Medical graduates only |

Institutions Accepted

| AIIMS, JIPMER, NIMHANS, and other leading colleges | Widely accepted across medical institutions |

While both exams are essential for progressing in the competitive fields of medicine, the INICET offers additional versatility for candidates pursuing advanced specialties like Preventive Medicine or Internal Medicine.

Preparation Tips for the INICET Exam

Mastering the INICET exam requires careful planning and a focused approach. Here’s how you can conquer it step by step:

1. Understand the INICET Exam Pattern

Familiarizing yourself with the Updated INICET exam pattern is critical. The exam includes:

200 MCQs with multiple correct answers in some cases, adding complexity.
Block-wise examination system, with four 45-minute blocks to manage time under pressure.

Pro Tip: Use official question papers from previous years to understand the difficulty level and question types.

2. Prioritize High-Yield Topics

Not all topics carry equal weight. Focus on medical subjects like:

Basic biology and physiology
Graduation-level subjects like Preventive Medicine
Core medical programs such as Genetics and Health

Spend extra time on major topics while ensuring you’re covering all category-wise questions in the syllabus.

3. Leverage Recommended Study Materials

Stay ahead by preparing with top study resources, including:

Standard textbooks aligned with graduation-level subjects
INICET-specific guides tailored for competitive level examinations
AIIMS-issued official brochures

Completing manuals on scoring systems, delicate cells, respiratory insufficiency programs, and physiological buffer systems can enhance your understanding.

4. Use Mock Tests and Previous Year Papers

Mock tests are an essential tool for mastering the INICET exam. Take at least 5-7 full-length mock tests during your preparation. Solving previous year question papers alongside mocks builds familiarity with the exam day format and conditions.

During the final month, aim to solve one mock test daily, with a focus on evaluating errors and fine-tuning your time management.

5. Master the Marking Scheme

Given the negative marking scheme, don’t attempt questions unless you are reasonably confident about the answer. Strategize your responses to:

Avoid unnecessary penalties for wrong answers
Focus on maximum questions where you feel assured.

6. Plan Your Timeline

Allocate six months for preparation:

Four months for thorough study of graduation-level subjects and medical programs.
Two months for revision, reviewing aggregate marks and key details for each topic.

Application Procedures and Exam Day Essentials

Applying for the INICET exam involves several steps:

Basic Registration:

- - Enter basic candidate details and upload documents like a registration certificate or Aadhar card.

Final Registration:

- - Submit academic qualifications, compulsory internship details, and grading certificates.
  - Pay the INICET application fee for further processing.

Admit Card:

- - Download your admit card using your login details from the Login Zone. Check the address of exam centre for future reference.

Exam Day Tips:

- - Avoid carrying electronic devices or unnecessary items to the exam centres.
  - Arrive with ample time to settle in and focus.

Pro Tip: Double-check your INICET admit card details for accuracy.

How Does the Counselling Process Work?

Post-exam, qualified candidates will proceed to the counselling schedule, which determines seat availability in their chosen specialty. Key elements include:

Counselling for seat allotment based on percentile marks.
Updates on counselling dates via the official AIIMS portal.

Flexibility for candidates allows them to explore alternative pathways if preferred seats are unavailable.

Candidates’ Expectations for INICET 2025

The INICET 2025 exam, scheduled for 18 May 2025, introduces refinements to the exam structure while maintaining its competitive level. Key details include:

Retention of the category of students eligible for medical and dental programs.
A continued emphasis on the medium of exam (English) and computer-based test format.

Staying up-to-date with these changes is critical for adjusting your preparation strategy effectively.

Final Thoughts

The INICET exam is a gateway to pursuing courses of medicine at lesser-known institutions and premier medical colleges alike. With its rigorous selection process and emphasis on precision, aspiring candidates must approach the exam with careful planning, diligent practice, and unwavering focus.

Begin by understanding the exam’s nuances, leveraging the right study materials, and utilizing mock tests to refine your skills. Pair this knowledge with a well-structured timeline, and you’re well on your way to success.

Start your INICET preparation today with the official brochure and recommended resources. Success in this exam for admission can redefine your career in the medical field, so seize the opportunity now!