Anita RaiThe wait is finally over for thousands of postgraduate medical aspirants across India. The INICET 2026 Admit Card for the May session has been officially released by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. If you are one of the lakhs of candidates who registered for the INI CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) May 2026 exam, your hall ticket is now available for download on the official portal.
Missing your admit card means missing the exam — no exceptions. This guide walks you through everything you need to know: the direct download link, step-by-step instructions, important exam dates, eligibility criteria, document symbols, and the key requirements you must not overlook on exam day.
Whether you’re a first-time INI CET candidate or a repeat aspirant, read this guide fully before heading to the exam centre.
Table of Contents
- What is INICET / INI CET?
- INICET 2026 May – Important Dates at a Glance
- Eligibility Criteria for INICET May 2026
- INICET 2026 Admit Card – Direct Download Link
- How to Download AIIMS INI CET May 2026 Admit Card (Step-by-Step)
- What’s Printed on Your Admit Card – Symbols & Details Explained
- Documents Required on Exam Day
- Exam Day Instructions & Best Practices
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- What to Do If You Face Issues with the Admit Card
- INICET 2026 Exam Preparation Tips
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is INICET / INI CET?
The INI CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) is a national-level postgraduate medical entrance examination conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi. It is held twice a year — in January and May — and serves as the gateway for admission to MD, MS, MDS, M.Ch. (6-year), DM (6-year), and PhD programs at premier Institutes of National Importance, including:
- AIIMS (All campuses — New Delhi, Bhopal, Jodhpur, Rishikesh, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Nagpur, etc.)
- JIPMER, Puducherry
- PGI (PGIMER), Chandigarh
- NIMHANS, Bengaluru
The exam carries huge prestige and is highly competitive. Over 60,000–80,000 candidates appear for each session, competing for a limited number of postgraduate seats.
INICET 2026 May – Important Dates at a Glance
Staying on top of dates is critical. Here is a consolidated schedule for the INICET May 2026 session:
| Event | Date (Tentative/Official) |
|---|---|
| Online Application Opens | February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | March–April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | May 2026 (Released) |
| INICET Exam Date (May Session) | May 25, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Result Declaration | Within 2–3 weeks post-exam |
| Counselling Begins | June–July 2026 |
Note: Always verify the exact dates on the official AIIMS INI CET portal at aiimsexams.ac.in, as they are subject to official revisions.
Eligibility Criteria for INICET May 2026
Before downloading your admit card, confirm you meet the eligibility requirements. Candidates whose applications were accepted have already been screened — but knowing the criteria helps you stay informed.
Academic Qualification
- MBBS degree from a recognised medical college (MCI/NMC recognised)
- Completion of one year of compulsory rotating internship on or before the date of joining (not necessarily before the exam)
- For MDS: BDS degree with completed internship
- For PhD: Relevant postgraduate medical degree
Nationality
- Indian nationals, NRI/OCI candidates (subject to institute-specific rules)
Age Limit
- No upper age bar for most programs under INI CET
Attempts
- INI CET does not impose a restriction on the number of attempts
Registration Status
- Only candidates who successfully submitted the application form and paid the fee within the stipulated window are eligible to receive an admit card
INICET 2026 Admit Card – Direct Download Link
The admit card has been released on the official AIIMS examination portal.
🔗 Official Download Portal: https://aiimsexams.ac.in
Navigate to:
“Academics” → “PG (MD/MS) Courses” → “INI CET May 2026” → “Admit Card”
You will need your registered email ID / application number and date of birth / password to log in.
How to Download AIIMS INI CET May 2026 Admit Card (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps carefully to download your hall ticket without issues:
Step 1: Open your browser and go to the official website — aiimsexams.ac.in
Step 2: On the homepage, look for the latest notification or direct link for “INI CET May 2026 Admit Card” (usually highlighted as a blinking link or under the “What’s New” section)
Step 3: Click the admit card link — it will redirect you to the candidate login page
Step 4: Enter your Application Number / Registered Email ID
Step 5: Enter your Date of Birth or Password (as set during registration)
Step 6: Complete the CAPTCHA verification and click Login
Step 7: Your admit card will appear on-screen. Click “Download Admit Card” or “Print Admit Card”
Step 8: Save the PDF and take at least 2–3 colour printouts on A4 paper
Step 9: Verify all the details mentioned on the admit card carefully (see Section 6 below)
Pro Tip: Use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for the best compatibility with the AIIMS portal. Clear your browser cache if the page doesn’t load.
What’s Printed on Your Admit Card – Symbols & Details Explained
Your INICET 2026 Admit Card is more than just a permission slip. It contains critical information you must verify before exam day.
Key Details Printed on the Hall Ticket
- Candidate’s Full Name (as registered)
- Application / Roll Number
- Photograph (uploaded during registration)
- Signature (uploaded during registration)
- Date of Birth
- Category (General / OBC / SC / ST / EWS / PwD)
- Exam Date and Reporting Time
- Exam Centre Name and Address
- Centre Code
- Subject/Programme Applied For (MD, MS, MDS, DM, M.Ch., PhD)
- Exam Timing (usually 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM for the morning session)
- Important Instructions (printed on reverse)
Understanding Symbols on the Admit Card
| Symbol / Marking | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ✓ (Tick Mark) | Field verified and accepted |
| PwD Tag | Candidate eligible for PwD accommodation (extra time, scribe) |
| *Asterisk on Name | Name as per MBBS certificate – verify carefully |
| QR Code | Used for biometric/electronic verification at exam centre |
| Watermark (AIIMS Logo) | Authenticates document; faded/missing = reprint required |
| Centre Code (e.g., DEL-01) | Identifies your specific exam venue city and hall |
Important: If your photograph is unclear, your name is misspelled, or your exam centre is wrong — contact the AIIMS helpdesk immediately via the official grievance link on the portal. Do NOT attend the exam with incorrect details.
Documents Required on Exam Day
Carrying your admit card alone is not enough. The following documents are mandatory at the exam centre:
Primary Documents (Mandatory):
- Printed INICET 2026 Admit Card (colour printout preferred)
- One valid government-issued photo ID — any one of:
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Voter ID Card
- Driving Licence
- PAN Card (with photograph)
Additional Documents (If Applicable):
- PwD certificate (for candidates with benchmark disability)
- Scribe undertaking form (if scribe is approved)
- Category certificate (OBC/SC/ST/EWS) — may be asked at some centres
Note: Digital/soft copies of ID proof are generally NOT accepted. Carry physical, original documents.
Exam Day Instructions & Best Practices
Reporting Time
Candidates must report to the exam centre at least 60–90 minutes before the exam start time. Gates typically close 30 minutes before the exam begins. Late entry is not permitted.
Items Allowed Inside the Hall
- Admit card
- Valid photo ID
- Transparent water bottle
- Simple analogue wristwatch (no smart devices)
Items Strictly Prohibited
- Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices
- Electronic gadgets of any kind
- Books, notes, or printed material
- Calculators or scientific instruments
- Wallets with hidden compartments
Dress Code
There is no formal dress code, but avoid clothing with large metallic accessories (belts, excessive jewellery) as biometric frisking is conducted at most centres.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are real errors that candidates have made in past INI CET sessions:
Mistake 1 – Printing in Black & White Only Some centres reject black-and-white printouts due to unclear photographs. Always print in colour.
Mistake 2 – Carrying the Admit Card Without an ID Proof Your admit card is invalid without a matching photo ID. Never leave home without both.
Mistake 3 – Reaching the Centre at the Last Minute Traffic, parking, or gate queues can cause delays. Aim to arrive 90 minutes early.
Mistake 4 – Not Verifying Centre Details in Advance Visit your exam centre location on Google Maps the day before. Some centres share names with nearby institutions — confirm the exact address.
Mistake 5 – Ignoring Errors on the Admit Card Candidates sometimes spot errors (wrong name, category, or photo) but assume it will be corrected at the centre. It won’t. Raise a grievance before exam day.
What to Do If You Face Issues with the Admit Card
If you cannot download your admit card or find an error, take these steps:
- Re-check your login credentials — use the “Forgot Password” option if needed
- Visit the official AIIMS Help Desk: aiimsexams.ac.in → Contact Us / Grievance Section
- Email AIIMS: The official examination helpdesk email is usually listed in the information bulletin
- Call the helpline: Check the official notification for the current session’s helpline number
- Act immediately — do not wait until the day before the exam
INICET 2026 Exam Preparation Tips
With the admit card in hand, your focus must now shift entirely to final preparation. Here is what toppers consistently recommend:
Revise High-Yield Topics First Focus on subjects with the highest number of questions in past INI CET papers — Medicine, Surgery, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Anatomy are always heavily represented.
Practice with Previous Year Papers Solve at least 5–7 years of INI CET previous year question papers under timed conditions. This builds speed and familiarises you with the question pattern.
Use Subject-Specific High-Yield Notes Standard textbooks are too vast for last-minute revision. Rely on concise, high-yield notes — many toppers recommend subject-specific handwritten or printed summaries.
Mock Tests are Non-Negotiable Take full-length mock tests in exam-simulation conditions. Aim for at least one mock test every 2–3 days in the final two weeks.
Focus on Weak Areas, Not Just Strengths It’s tempting to revise what you already know well. Identify your weak subjects and allocate dedicated time to those.
Sleep and Nutrition Matter Do not compromise on sleep in the final week. A well-rested brain retains and recalls information significantly better than a sleep-deprived one.
Key Takeaways
- The INICET 2026 Admit Card for the May session is officially available on aiimsexams.ac.in
- Download it using your application number and date of birth / password
- Print colour copies and carry a valid government photo ID on exam day
- Check all details on the admit card — name, photo, centre, and category
- Report to the exam centre at least 60–90 minutes early
- No electronic devices are allowed inside the exam hall
- In case of errors or download issues, contact AIIMS through official channels immediately
- Use the remaining time for focused revision, mock tests, and adequate rest
Conclusion
The release of the INICET 2026 Admit Card marks the final countdown for one of India’s most competitive medical postgraduate entrance exams. Download your hall ticket without delay, verify every detail, and keep it safe along with your ID proof.
Preparation is already done — now it’s about execution. Stay calm, follow exam day instructions meticulously, and walk into the exam centre with confidence. AIIMS and the other INI institutions await the best and brightest. You’ve worked hard to get here — make it count.
Best of luck for INICET May 2026! 🩺
FAQs
Q1. When was the INICET 2026 May Admit Card released?
The INICET 2026 May session admit card has been released on the official AIIMS portal (aiimsexams.ac.in). The exact release date is notified via official announcements — candidates are advised to check the portal regularly or set up email alerts.
Q2. What is the official website to download the INI CET May 2026 Admit Card?
The official and only authentic website is aiimsexams.ac.in. Do not trust third-party websites claiming to provide admit card downloads, as these may be fraudulent.
Q3. What if I forget my application number for INICET 2026?
Use the “Forgot Application Number” or “Forgot Password” option on the login page. You will need your registered email ID or mobile number to recover your credentials.
Q4. Is the admit card sufficient on its own to enter the INICET exam centre?
No. You must carry both the printed admit card AND a valid original government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card). Without both, entry may be denied.
Q5. Can I appear for INICET 2026 if my MBBS internship isn’t completed yet?
Yes — many institutes allow you to appear in the exam even if the internship is ongoing, provided it will be completed before the date of joining/admission. However, check the specific rules in the official information bulletin, as this may vary by institute.
Q6. What should I do if there is an error in my INICET 2026 Admit Card?
Do not attend the exam with an erroneous admit card. Immediately contact the AIIMS examination helpdesk through the grievance portal on aiimsexams.ac.in and provide documentary evidence of the correct information.
Q7. How many copies of the INICET admit card should I print?
Print at least 2–3 copies in colour. Keep one for yourself (for future reference during counselling) and carry at least one to the exam centre. Some centres may collect one copy at entry.