Exam Updates
INI-CET Seat Matrix 2026: Branch-Wise and Institute-Wise Seat Availability
Detailed breakdown of INI-CET seat availability across AIIMS campuses, JIPMER, PGIMER and other INIs -- which branches are available where and how seats are distributed.
MedNext Editorial Team | 2026-08-01 | 6 min read
INI-CET Seat Matrix 2026: Branch-Wise and Institute-Wise Seat Availability
Detailed breakdown of INI-CET seat availability across AIIMS campuses, JIPMER, PGIMER and other INIs -- which branches are available where and how seats are distributed.
Understanding the INI-CET Seat Matrix
The INI-CET seat matrix details the number of seats available at each participating institute, broken down by branch (MD/MS/DM/MCh) and category (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD). Understanding this matrix is essential for realistic counselling strategy and preference filling.
Major Participating Institutes
AIIMS New Delhi remains the largest and most sought-after institute, offering MD/MS seats across nearly all clinical, pre-clinical and para-clinical branches. It also offers the largest number of DM and MCh super-specialty seats. Other major participants include AIIMS Bhopal, AIIMS Jodhpur, AIIMS Rishikesh, AIIMS Patna, AIIMS Raipur, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, AIIMS Mangalagiri, and several newer AIIMS campuses. JIPMER Puducherry and Karaikal, PGIMER Chandigarh, NIMHANS Bangalore, and SCTIMST Trivandrum are also key participants.
Branch-Wise Distribution
Clinical branches (MD Medicine, MS Surgery, MD Paediatrics, MS OBG, MS Orthopaedics, MS Ophthalmology, MS ENT) are available at most AIIMS campuses and other INIs. These are the most competitive branches with the highest closing ranks.
Pre-clinical and para-clinical branches (MD Anatomy, MD Physiology, MD Biochemistry, MD Pharmacology, MD Microbiology, MD Pathology, MD Community Medicine, MD Forensic Medicine) are available at AIIMS New Delhi and select other campuses. These branches have lower closing ranks but are excellent for candidates interested in academic and research careers.
Specialised branches such as MD Radiation Oncology, MD Nuclear Medicine, MD Dermatology, and MD Psychiatry may be available only at select institutes.
Seat Numbers and Category Distribution
Total PG seats across all INIs typically number 2,500-3,000 per session. Seats are distributed according to the reservation policy of the Central Government: General (unreserved) approximately 40.5%, OBC approximately 27%, SC approximately 15%, ST approximately 7.5%, and EWS approximately 10%. Horizontal reservation for PwD candidates is applied within each category.
The exact numbers fluctuate as new departments are created, new AIIMS campuses begin PG programmes, and existing departments expand their intake.
Newer AIIMS Campuses
AIIMS campuses established under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) have been progressively starting PG programmes. While these campuses initially offer only a few branches, they add new departments and seats over time. Candidates should consider newer AIIMS campuses as they often have lower closing ranks while still providing the AIIMS brand and training standard.
The trade-off is that newer campuses may have fewer faculty, less developed infrastructure, and fewer super-specialty departments for exposure during PG training. However, this is improving rapidly, and several newer AIIMS campuses now offer a comprehensive PG experience.
Using the Seat Matrix for Counselling Strategy
When filling INI-CET preferences, cross-reference the seat matrix with previous years' closing ranks for each institute-branch-category combination. Identify "value" options where a strong branch is available at a newer campus with a lower closing rank. Ensure your preference list includes at least some options that are realistic based on your rank, while also including aspirational choices higher up.
The official seat matrix for each session is released with the INI-CET notification and may be updated during counselling if institutes add or withdraw seats. Always check the latest version before filling preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which AIIMS campus has the most PG seats?
AIIMS New Delhi has the largest PG programme with the most seats across the widest range of branches. Newer AIIMS campuses (established under PMSSY) have progressively added seats but generally have fewer branches and smaller batch sizes than AIIMS Delhi.
Are DM and MCh seats also filled through INI-CET?
Yes. INI-CET includes super-specialty (DM/MCh) seats in addition to MD/MS seats. The DM/MCh seat matrix is released separately, and candidates must hold the requisite MD/MS qualification in the relevant discipline to be eligible.
Does JIPMER have its own exam or use INI-CET?
JIPMER now uses INI-CET for PG admissions. It previously conducted its own entrance exam, but since the introduction of INI-CET, all INIs participate in the common entrance test conducted by AIIMS New Delhi.
How do I find the latest seat matrix?
The official seat matrix for each session is published along with the INI-CET notification on the AIIMS website (aiimsexams.ac.in). The matrix can change between sessions as new departments are added or existing ones expand their intake.
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INI-CET Preparation Guide
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