- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Sat, 17 May 2025 02:09 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET) 2025 July session was held on May 17, 2025, by AIIMS in computer-based mode at over 120 test centres nationwide1. The exam, a gateway for postgraduate medical courses like MD, MS, MCh (6 years), DM (6 years), and MDS, attracted thousands of candidates aiming for top medical institutes in India. The test began at 9 am and concluded at 12 pm, with students allotted three hours to solve 200 multiple-choice questions.
INI CET 2025 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Computer-based |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 200 MCQs |
| Question Types | Single/Multiple correct answers |
| Marking Scheme | +1 for correct, -1/3 for incorrect |
| No. of Test Cities | 120 |
Candidates were required to bring a printout of their admit card and a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, etc.) for entry. Gates closed at 8:30 am sharp, and latecomers were not allowed.
INI CET 2025 Question Paper Analysis
The overall difficulty level of INI CET 2025 was moderate to hard, with most students finding it slightly easier than the previous session. According to student feedback:
60-70% of questions were easy to attempt, with most candidates attempting 150-180 questions.
The paper was concept-heavy, with a significant number of clinical scenario-based questions.
Key topics included Biochemistry, Surgery, Microbiology, and Medicine, while fewer questions were asked from Obstetrics & Gynaecology this time.
Some questions were repeated from previous years, aiding well-prepared candidates.
The time-bound section format required candidates to complete a section within 45 minutes before moving to the next, ensuring time management skills were crucial.
Memory-Based Answer Key and Student Review
AIIMS does not release the official question paper or answer key for INI CET. However, coaching institutes and expert faculties provide memory-based answer keys and paper analyses soon after the exam. These resources are considered reliable for estimating scores and understanding the exam’s structure. Students reported that the exam was less stressful due to familiar topics and a balanced distribution of questions across subjects.
Positive Reviews:
Priya S., Delhi: “The exam was less stressful than I expected. Many questions were familiar, and the time-bound sections helped me stay focused.”
Rahul K., Bangalore: “I found Biochemistry and Microbiology sections quite manageable. Surgery had some challenging clinical case questions, but overall, it was fair.”
INI CET 2025 Cutoff Percentile
| Category | Qualifying Percentile |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR), EWS, Sponsored/Deputed, OCI/Foreign | 50th |
| SC/ST/OBC | 45th |
| Bhutanese Nationals (PGI-Chandigarh only) | 45th |
Candidates must meet the minimum qualifying percentile in their respective categories to be eligible for counselling and seat allotment.
Expected Cutoff Marks for Top Institutes:
AIIMS Delhi (General): 160–200 marks (varies by branch).
Other premier institutes: Cutoff ranks and marks will depend on seat availability and candidate performance.
How to Check INI CET 2025 Result?
The INI CET 2025 result will be announced on May 24, 2025, on the AIIMS official website (aiimsexams.org). Here are the steps:
Visit aiimsexams.org.
Click on “Academic Courses.”
Select “Results.”
Find and click on the notification for “Percentile Secured by the Candidates of INI CET COURSES [MD/MS/MCh (6YRS)/DM (6YRS)/MDS] July 2025 Session.”
Log in using your registration ID and password.
Download and check your scorecard, which will include your percentile, All India Rank, category rank, and other details.
INI CET 2025 Counselling and Next Steps
Candidates who qualify the exam will participate in the INI CET 2025 counselling process, which includes four rounds (mock, round 1, round 2, and open round). The schedule and detailed instructions will be published on the AIIMS website after the result declaration.
Key Takeaways and Student Tips
INI CET 2025 was moderately difficult, with a strong focus on clinical and conceptual questions.
Most students found the time management aspect challenging but manageable.
Memory-based answer keys are useful for score estimation until the official result is released.
Candidates should keep their admit card and registration details ready to check their results and participate in counselling.
