INI-SS 2026 Notification Out: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has released the official prospectus for the Institute of National Importance Super-Specialty Entrance Test (INI-SS) for the July 2026 session. This national-level entrance exam is the gateway for admission to DM/M.Ch. courses at 22 premier Institutes of National Importance (INIs), including AIIMS-New Delhi, all new AIIMS, PGIMER-Chandigarh, JIPMER-Puducherry, NIMHANS-Bengaluru, and SCTIMST-Trivandrum.
The online registration window is now open, and candidates must submit their applications by 13th April 2026. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the INI-SS July 2026 exam, including important dates, eligibility, and the application process.
INI-SS 2026: Important Details
The INI-SS is a crucial examination for medical professionals seeking super-specialty training. It is conducted twice a year for the January and July sessions. For the July 2026 session, the exam is scheduled for 25th April 2026. Aspiring candidates can find all the key highlights of the INI-SS 2026 Exam in the table below.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Institute of National Importance Super-Specialty Entrance Test (INI-SS) |
| Conducting Body | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
| Official Website | www.aiimsexams.ac.in |
| Exam Level | National |
| Notification Release Date | 30th March 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 30th March 2026 |
| Application End Date | 13th April 2026 |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (January & July sessions) |
| Exam Purpose | Admission to DM/M.Ch. (Super-Specialty) courses at 22 INIs |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) for Stage-I; Online video-conferencing for Stage-II (for AIIMS & PGIMER) |
Also Read:AIIMS INI-CET July 2026 Registration Begins for PG Courses, Check Exam Date & Application Details
AIIMS INI-SS 2026 Important Dates
The timeline for the INI-SS July 2026 session is crucial for planning. The written exam is scheduled for 25th April 2026. Candidates can refer to the table below for a complete list of important events.
| Event | Important Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Starts | 30th March 2026 (Monday) |
| Last Date for Online Registration | 13th April 2026 (Monday) |
| Status of Application & Rejection | 15th April 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Admit Card Release on Website | 18th April 2026 (Saturday) |
| INI-SS Written Test (CBT Mode) | 25th April 2026 (Saturday) |
| Expected Date of Result Declaration | To be announced |
INI-SS Notification 2026 Download PDF
The detailed INI-SS Prospectus (Part-A) for the July 2026 session has been released on the AIIMS examination portal. This prospectus is a comprehensive document containing all the rules, regulations, eligibility criteria, seat matrix, exam pattern, and syllabus. Candidates must read it thoroughly before filling out the application form.
AIIMS INI-SS Apply Online 2026
Candidates aspiring to appear for the INI-SS 2026 must submit their applications exclusively online through the official AIIMS website. No other mode of application will be accepted. The application window is open from 30th March 2026 to 13th April 2026. Given the strict deadline, candidates are advised not to wait until the last day to complete their registration. The step-by-step application process is detailed below.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to www.aiimsexams.ac.in.
- Navigate to the Exam Link: On the homepage, click on the ‘Academic Courses’ tab and then select the ‘INI-SS’ link.
- Register Yourself: Click on the ‘New Registration’ button and fill in the required details (Name, Date of Birth, Email ID, Mobile Number) to generate a login ID and password.
- Fill the Application Form: Log in with your credentials and fill out the detailed online application form. This includes personal details, educational qualifications, and choices of exam cities.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and other required certificates (category, etc.) in the prescribed format.
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee of Rs. 4000/- + transaction charges through Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking. Candidates with Benchmark Disabilities (PWBD) are exempted from the fee.
- Submit and Print: After successful payment, submit the application form. Download and take a printout of the confirmation page for your records.
Application Fee
The application fee for the INI-SS exam is uniform for all applicants. However, there is an exemption for candidates with benchmark disabilities.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| All Applicants | Rs. 4000/- + Transaction Charges |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PWBD) | Exempted |
INI-SS Eligibility Criteria 2026
Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first step to a valid application. The prospectus outlines specific educational qualifications, age limits, and other conditions for each course. Key points to note include:
Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess an MD/MS/DNB or equivalent degree in the relevant specialty as specified for each DM/M.Ch. course. For example, a DM in Cardiology requires an MD in Medicine/Pediatrics.
Age Limit & Relaxation: The upper age limit varies by institute:
- AIIMS: 35 years (Born on or after 01.07.1991)
- PGIMER: 45 years (Born on or after 01.07.1981)
- NIMHANS: 37 years (Born on or after 01.07.1989)
- SCTIMST: 40 years (Born on or after 01.07.1986)
- JIPMER: No upper age limit.
Age relaxations of 3 years for OBC, 5 years for SC/ST, 5 years for PWBD, and 5 years for Ex-Servicemen are applicable as per norms.
Other Requirements: Candidates must have completed their required qualification by 31st July 2026. Sponsored and Foreign National candidates have additional specific requirements.
INI-SS Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2026
The INI-SS exam is conducted in two stages, though the final merit list is prepared differently for different institutes.
Stage-I (CBT Mode): Applicable to all participating institutes.
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Questions: 80 objective-type questions
- Total Marks: 80
- Marking Scheme: +1 for correct answer, -1/3 for an incorrect answer.
- Syllabus: The paper covers the general/basic component of the qualifying degree and the sub-specialty for which the exam is taken.
- Qualifying Marks: 50%.
Stage-II (Departmental Assessment): Applicable only to candidates applying for seats at AIIMS & PGIMER, Chandigarh.
- Mode: Online video-conferencing
- Total Marks: 20
- Purpose: To assess candidates in their respective sub-specialty.
- Qualifying Criteria: Candidates must secure 50% or more in Stage-I to be called for Stage-II. To be considered for AIIMS/PGIMER seats, they must secure 50% or more in the combined marks of Stage-I and Stage-II.
FAQ
Ques1: What is the full form of INI-SS?
Ans: INI-SS stands for the Institute of National Importance Super-Specialty Entrance Test. It is a common entrance exam for admission to DM/M.Ch. courses at various INIs.
Ques2: When is the last date to apply for the INI-SS July 2026 exam?
Ans: The last date for online registration is 13th April 2026.
Ques3: What is the INI-SS 2026 exam date?
Ans: The written test (Stage-I) for the INI-SS July 2026 session is scheduled for 25th April 2026.
Ques4: What is the application fee for the INI-SS exam?
Ans: The application fee is Rs. 4000/- + transaction charges. PWBD candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
Ques5: Is there negative marking in the INI-SS exam?
Ans: Yes, in Stage-I of the INI-SS exam, there is negative marking. One-third of a mark ( -1/3) is deducted for each incorrect answer.
Ques6: What is the upper age limit for applying to AIIMS through INI-SS?
Ans: The upper age limit for AIIMS is 35 years as of 1st July 2026. This means candidates must be born on or after 1st July 1991.
