Ritik Kumar · September 13, 2025 
Introduction
For medical graduates in India, the journey toward a postgraduate seat is shaped by highly competitive entrance exams and intricate admission processes. Among the most sought-after destinations are AIIMS New Delhi, PGIMER Chandigarh, and IPGMER Kolkata each with its own exam pathway, eligibility norms, and counseling procedures. While AIIMS and PGIMER admit students through the INI-CET/INI-SS, IPGMER follows the NEET-PG route. Understanding these differences is crucial for planning your preparation, managing timelines, and making strategic choices. In this blog, we break down the PG admission process across these three premier institutes and show how Career Plan B can guide you with strategy, counseling insights, and backup planning for guaranteed success.
About the Institutions: AIIMS, PGIMER & IPGMER
AIIMS New Delhi
AIIMS is one of India’s most prestigious medical institutions and an Institute of National Importance. It conducts the INI-CET for admissions into MD, MS, DM, MCh, and MDS programs. AIIMS consistently ranks first in medical education and research in India.
PGIMER Chandigarh
PGIMER, established in 1962, is a postgraduate-focused medical institute offering MD, MS, DM, MCh, MSc, Fellowships, and PhDs. It also uses the INI-CET / INI-SS exams for admissions and has two admission sessions each year—January and July.
IPGMER Kolkata (SSKM Hospital)
IPGMER, established in 1957, is a leading public postgraduate medical institution in Eastern India. It admits PG students through the NEET-PG, followed by centralized counseling processes.
PG Entrance Exams & Eligibility
| Institute | Entrance Exam | Frequency | Eligibility |
| AIIMS / PGIMER | INI-CET for MD/MS; INI-SS for DM/MCh | Twice annually (Jan & Jul) | MBBS degree, completed internship by Dec/June, valid medical registration |
| IPGMER | NEET-PG | Once a year | MBBS degree, passed NEET-PG, valid registration; internship completion required |
The INI-CET is a computer-based test of 200 multiple-choice questions over 3 hours, with negative marking. NEET-PG is conducted once a year and is the qualifying exam for most PG seats across India, including IPGMER.
Counseling & Admission Workflow
- AIIMS / PGIMER: After INI-CET or INI-SS, candidates undergo a national-level counseling process organized by AIIMS Delhi. Admissions occur twice a year. Final registration with the respective institute completes the process.
- IPGMER: Candidates must qualify NEET-PG. Admission is through centralized counseling under DGHS, with state-specific verification and allotment completing the admission.
How Career Plan B Helps You
- Exam Strategy Planning: Align your preparation with INI-CET or NEET-PG syllabi and practice mock tests.
- Rank vs Institute Match: Predict your projected rank and evaluate chances across AIIMS, PGIMER, and IPGMER.
- Counseling Timing: Navigate the January and July admission cycles effectively.
- Document Readiness: Prepare essential documents—internship certificate, medical registration, academic records—well in advance.
- Backup Planning: If you miss one exam or counseling, Career Plan B ensures you pivot to other opportunities without losing a year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is INI-CET different from NEET-PG?
Yes. INI-CET/INI-SS are exams for admission to select INIs like AIIMS and PGIMER, conducted twice annually. NEET-PG is the main national-level exam for most PG medical seats, including IPGMER.
Q2. Can I apply to both INI institutes and IPGMER with a single exam?
No. For AIIMS and PGIMER, you need INI-CET or INI-SS. For IPGMER, you must qualify NEET-PG.
Q3. What is the internship deadline for INI-CET eligibility?
Internship completion must be by December for the January session or June for the July session.
Q4. Which exam is more competitive: INI-CET or NEET-PG?
INI-CET is more selective as it covers only a few premier institutes. NEET-PG is also highly competitive but offers a broader range of seat options.
Q5. How does IPGMER conduct its PG admissions?
After qualifying NEET-PG, candidates are allotted seats via centralized counseling, followed by verification and admission at the institution.
Conclusion
The PG admission process differs significantly between AIIMS, PGIMER, and IPGMER:
- AIIMS/PGIMER rely on the INI-CET / INI-SS, held twice a year, with highly competitive exams leading to entry into India’s top institutes.
- IPGMER admits students via NEET-PG, integrated into centralized counseling, with a strong emphasis on clinical exposure in Eastern India.
Both pathways are prestigious, but your preparation strategy must match the exam and counseling system. With Career Plan B you can optimize your rank strategy, stay on track with deadlines, and keep backup plans ready—ensuring you never miss out on your PG seat.
