Always confirm dates, fees and eligibility on the official notification before applying.
INI-CET 2026 cut-off — expected score
The Institutes of National Importance — Combined Entrance Test (PG) (INI-CET) is a crucial examination for MBBS graduates seeking admission into prestigious institutions such as AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST. For 2026, the expected cut-off scores are anticipated to reflect a slight increase based on the trends observed over the past years.
While specific scores for 2026 have not yet been released, candidates can expect the cut-off to fall within the ranges established in previous years. Based on the analysis from 2020 to 2025, the expected cut-off for general category candidates may range approximately between 50-60 percentile, while SC/ST candidates may see cut-offs around 40-50 percentile. However, these figures are estimates and should be verified with the official notification closer to the exam date.
Year-wise cut-off trends 2020-2025
Understanding the cut-off trends from previous years can provide valuable insights into what candidates might expect in 2026. Below are the observed cut-off scores from 2020 to 2025:
- 2020: General - 52, OBC - 48, SC/ST - 40
- 2021: General - 54, OBC - 50, SC/ST - 42
- 2022: General - 56, OBC - 52, SC/ST - 45
- 2023: General - 58, OBC - 54, SC/ST - 47
- 2024: General - 60, OBC - 56, SC/ST - 49
- 2025: General - 62, OBC - 58, SC/ST - 51
These trends indicate a gradual increase in cut-off scores, which may continue into 2026. Candidates should prepare accordingly, utilising resources such as mock tests on PractiseExam.com to gauge their readiness and adapt their study strategies.
Category-wise expected cut-offs
The INI-CET cut-offs vary significantly across different categories. Here’s a breakdown of the expected cut-offs for 2026:
- General Category: Approximately 55-65 percentile
- OBC Category: Approximately 50-60 percentile
- SC/ST Category: Approximately 40-50 percentile
- EWS (Economically Weaker Section): Approximately 52-62 percentile
These ranges are based on previous years' trends and should be confirmed with the official notification. Candidates are encouraged to focus on targeted preparation strategies to improve their chances of meeting or exceeding these cut-offs.
How cut-offs are determined
Cut-offs for the INI-CET are determined by several factors, including:
- Overall performance: The average performance of all candidates in the examination.
- Number of candidates: The total number of candidates appearing for the exam each year.
- Difficulty level: The relative difficulty of the exam in a given year compared to previous years.
- Institutional requirements: Each participating institution may have its own requirements based on available seats and the quality of applicants.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, as the conducting body, uses these factors to establish fair and competitive cut-offs.
Tie-breaking criteria
In the event that multiple candidates achieve the same score, tie-breaking criteria are applied to determine the final rankings. The criteria typically include:
- 1Age: Older candidates are given preference.
- 2Marks in the qualifying examination: Candidates with higher marks in their MBBS/BDS exams are favoured.
- 3Number of incorrect answers: Fewer incorrect answers may also be a deciding factor.
These criteria ensure a fair selection process among candidates with identical scores.
Difficulty adjustment notes
The INI-CET is known for its varying levels of difficulty. In years where the exam is deemed more challenging, the cut-offs may be adjusted downwards to accommodate the overall performance of candidates. Conversely, if the exam is easier, cut-offs may rise. Candidates should be aware of these adjustments and prepare comprehensively using a variety of study materials, including the official prep guide from the conducting body and mock tests on PractiseExam.com.
In conclusion, understanding the expected cut-offs, trends, and preparation strategies is essential for candidates aiming to excel in the INI-CET. By utilising available resources and staying informed on updates from the official AIIMS portal, candidates can enhance their chances of securing a seat in their desired postgraduate programme.