INI CET Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit, Qualifications, Internship & Reservation Explained

The INI CET 2026 eligibility criteria, released by AIIMS Delhi, outline the minimum requirements that every aspirant must meet before applying for the exam. Candidates seeking admission to MD, MS, MCh (6 years), DM (6 years), and MDS courses across AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS must carefully check these rules. The criteria cover age limit, educational qualifications, internship completion, and reservation policy.

For example, applicants must hold an MBBS/BDS degree recognized by the NMC/DCI, complete a 12-month compulsory internship by January 31, 2025 (for Jan session), and obtain a minimum of 55% aggregate marks for General/EWS and 50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates. Meeting these conditions is essential to ensure your application is accepted and you are eligible for the entrance exam.

Who Can Apply for INI CET 2026?

Applicants may apply if they have an MBBS or BDS degree from an accredited medical or dental school. The Dental Council of India (DCI) or the National Medical Commission (NMC) must approve the degree. Candidates must also have finished the mandatory one-year rotating internship prior to the deadline.

As a result, graduates of BDS degrees apply to MDS programs, while graduates of MBBS programs apply to MD/MS/DM/MCh programs.

Is There Any Age Limit for INI CET 2026?

• INI CET has no upper age limit, in contrast to many other entrance exams. 
• As long as they possess the necessary credentials and internship completion certificate, candidates may appear at any point in their medical careers.
• Because of this, INI CET is adaptable for medical professionals who might wish to continue their education after graduating and accumulating a few years of clinical experience.

What Are the Minimum INI CET Marks Required in MBBS/BDS?

Candidates must receive a minimum percentage in their MBBS/BDS exams in order to be eligible for INI CET 2026. Each category has different requirements for marks.

Category	Minimum Aggregate Marks in MBBS/BDS
General / OBC / EWS	55%
SC / ST	50%
PwBD	As per category relaxation

Is Internship Completion Mandatory for INI CET 2026?

Yes, it is required to complete an internship. By a deadline established by AIIMS, candidates must finish their one-year rotating internship.

• For the November 2025 session, the cutoff date is July 31, 2025..
• For the July 2025 session, the cutoff date is January 31, 2025.

Applicants who continue to complete their internship past these dates are ineligible for the relevant session.

Are Foreign Medical Graduates Eligible for INI CET 2026?

Yes, but under certain restrictions. Candidates with medical degrees from other countries are required to:

• Holds a degree that has been approved by the national Medical Council.
• Pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), which is administered by NBE.
• Have a current NMC/DCI registration certificate.
• Before the deadline, finish a one-year internship in India.

Therefore, before applying, FMGs need to overcome the recognition and internship requirements.

What Is the Reservation Policy in INI CET 2026?

INI CET reservations differ at AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS and are governed by Government of India regulations. The general category-wise reservation is listed below:

Category	Reservation Percentage
SC	15%
ST	7.5%
OBC (Non-creamy Layer)	27%
EWS	10%
PwBD	5% horizontal across categories

Please Note: AIIMS institutes also follow internal institutional preference, where 50% of seats are reserved for AIIMS MBBS graduates.

Can Final-Year MBBS/BDS Students Apply for INI CET 2026?

Students in their final year may only apply if they will:

• Have finished their BDS or MBBS degree prior to the results being announced.
• Have completed their internship within the allotted time.
• The application will be denied if either requirement is not fulfilled. Students in the internship phase who complete their work by the deadline are therefore eligible.

Important Points to Remember About INI CET 2026 Eligibility

A few important points to remember about the INI CET 2026 eligibility criteria are listed below

• Candidates must be currently registered with the State Medical or Dental Council, NMC, or DCI.
• Competent authorities must issue certificates supporting caste, EWS, and PwBD in the format specified.
• For specific information on seat distribution and unique guidelines for each participating institute, candidates should consult the official AIIMS prospectus.
• Even in cases where the candidate passes the exam, incomplete eligibility documents at counseling will result in cancellation.

Conclusion

The eligibility requirements for INI CET 2026 are simple, yet they are rigorously enforced. Candidates must possess accredited MBBS/BDS degrees, earn the bare minimum of grades, finish their internship before the cutoff time, and show legitimate registration documents. Seat distribution is also influenced by AIIMS internal preference, reservation policies, and unique circumstances for international graduates. Aspirants can avoid last-minute disqualifications and concentrate entirely on preparation by carefully reviewing and meeting these requirements prior to applying.