Team6 · August 24, 2026 
Introduction
Securing a postgraduate seat at AIIMS remains the ultimate goal for thousands of medical graduates every year. Since 2022, admission runs entirely through a single national exam, replacing the older separate entrance tests. Therefore, understanding the AIIMS PG admission process thoroughly becomes essential before you start preparing. Consequently, this guide breaks down eligibility, cutoff trends, seat matrix, and counselling in one place.
This comprehensive overview covers exam eligibility, the counselling procedure, and realistic cutoff expectations. Moreover, navigating the entire AIIMS PG admission process becomes considerably easier once you understand each stage clearly.
Overview of AIIMS MD/MS Admission Through INI CET
All MD, MS, and MDS seats across AIIMS institutes are now filled through the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test, commonly called INI CET. Additionally, AIIMS MD MS admission through INI CET covers not just AIIMS campuses but also JIPMER, PGIMER Chandigarh, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST Trivandrum. This single-exam structure replaced the earlier separate AIIMS PG, JIPMER PG, and PGIMER entrance tests, streamlining the entire selection process. The exam runs twice yearly, in January and July sessions. For the July 2026 cycle, admissions opened for approximately 1,631 seats spread across 23 participating institutes, including 17 AIIMS campuses beyond AIIMS New Delhi.
AIIMS MD/MS Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must satisfy specific academic requirements. The AIIMS MD/MS eligibility criteria require an MBBS degree recognised by the National Medical Commission for MD and MS courses, while MDS aspirants need a recognised BDS degree. Furthermore, candidates must have completed their mandatory 12-month rotating internship by the prescribed cutoff date for each admission cycle.
AIIMS MD/MS Admission Requirements at a Glance
- Minimum 55% aggregate marks in MBBS/BDS for General, OBC, and EWS candidates
- Minimum 50% aggregate marks for SC and ST candidates
- Valid registration with NMC, DCI, or the respective State Medical/Dental Council
- No upper age limit, and no restriction on the number of attempts
These AIIMS MD/MS admission requirements apply uniformly across all participating institutes, though specific institutes may add minor conditions during counselling. Therefore, checking the official prospectus before applying remains genuinely important.
Read More – NEET PG for Foreign Medical Graduates: FMGE, Eligibility & Registration Process
Understanding the INI CET Exam Pattern
The INI CET exam is conducted in computer-based test mode, lasting three hours. It typically includes 200 objective-type questions for MD/MS aspirants, covering pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects. Additionally, each correct answer earns one mark, while incorrect answers attract negative marking of one-third of a mark. Since the exam draws heavily from the standard MBBS curriculum, candidates with strong conceptual clarity across all three years generally perform better. However, the paper is known for tricky formats like extended matching items, so focused practice with mock tests genuinely helps.
AIIMS MD/MS Cutoff Trends and What They Mean
Understandably, this is the section most aspirants care about most. The AIIMS MD MS cutoff starts with a minimum qualifying percentile, set at 50 for general category candidates and 45 for reserved categories. However, qualifying only grants eligibility for counselling; a genuinely competitive rank is still needed to secure your preferred seat.
AIIMS MD/MS Cutoff for Clinical Branches
Naturally, the AIIMS MD/MS cutoff for clinical branches runs far tighter than paraclinical or preclinical options. For instance, branches like Radiodiagnosis, Dermatology, and General Medicine consistently close at extremely competitive ranks each session. Meanwhile, branches such as anatomy, biochemistry, or physiology typically remain accessible to a wider rank range. Therefore, comparing previous session cutoffs against your expected rank helps set realistic expectations before choice filling. Since cutoffs shift based on applicant numbers and seat availability each cycle, relying solely on last year’s figures can be misleading.
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AIIMS MD/MS Seat Matrix: What to Expect
Regarding the AIIMS MD MS seat matrix, exact numbers vary by institute, branch, and category every admission cycle. The AIIMS PG seat details get released as a provisional matrix before each counselling round, followed by updates during subsequent rounds. Similarly, the AIIMS MD MS seat matrix 2026 reflects new additions like AIIMS Jammu, expanding overall seat availability across the network. Consequently, tracking the official seat matrix release closely during each session matters far more than depending on older data. For accurate AIIMS PG seat details, always cross-check the latest matrix on the official portal rather than third-party estimates.
AIIMS MD/MS Counselling Process Explained
Once results are declared, candidates enter the AIIMS MD/MS counselling phase, conducted entirely online. Here is how the process typically unfolds:
- Result Declaration: AIIMS releases the INI CET merit list on the official portal.
- Registration for Counselling: Qualified candidates register and pay the requisite counselling fee.
- Choice Filling: Candidates lock institute and branch preferences in order of priority.
- Seat Allotment: AIIMS allots seats based on rank, category, and available choices.
- Acceptance and Reporting: Allotted candidates accept the seat online and report for document verification.
This AIIMS MD MS counselling process typically spans multiple rounds, including an open round for any remaining vacancies. Therefore, staying alert to each round’s timeline prevents missing critical deadlines.
How Career Plan B Helps
Clearing NEET PG for foreign medical graduates is an important milestone, but selecting the right speciality and college requires proper counselling, rank analysis, and admission planning.
- Personalised Career Counselling: Guidance based on NEET PG rank, eligibility status, preferred speciality, and career goals.
- Psychometric & Career Assessment Tests: Helps identify suitable medical branches according to interests, strengths, and long-term plans.
- Career Roadmapping: Provides a structured pathway for college selection, speciality planning, and future career growth.
- Admission & Academic Profile Guidance: Supports FMGs with counselling strategy, document requirements, choice filling, and seat selection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the AIIMS PG admission process for MD/MS courses?
Admission happens through INI CET, followed by online counselling, choice filling, and seat allotment.
Q2. What are the AIIMS MD MS eligibility criteria?
Candidates need an MBBS degree with 55% marks (50% for SC/ST), plus a completed internship.
Q3. What is the minimum cutoff percentile for INI CET?
The qualifying percentile is 50 for the general category and 45 for reserved categories.
Q4. How many sessions does INI CET run each year?
Two sessions run annually, in January and July, each with a separate registration and exam cycle.
Q5. Are AIIMS MD MS cutoffs the same across all branches?
No. Clinical branches like radiodiagnosis and dermatology close at far tighter cutoffs than preclinical branches.
Q6. How many institutes participate in AIIMS PG admission through INI CET?
Around 23 Institutes of National Importance participate, including 18 AIIMS campuses, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST.
Conclusion
In summary, the AIIMS PG admission process demands careful preparation, from meeting eligibility norms to understanding realistic cutoff expectations. Alongside a tough exam pattern, the multi-round counselling system requires candidates to stay alert at every stage. Nevertheless, since exam dates, seat matrices, and cutoffs shift each session, always confirm current details through the official AIIMS portal. Working alongside Career Plan B advisors can help you navigate branch selection and counselling strategy with far greater confidence.
