In summary
- PGIMER Chandigarh offers courses such as MD, MS, MCh, DM, MSc, PhD and postdoctoral programmes
- Admission is generally based on entrance examinations and counselling, with applications submitted online
- Eligibility varies by course and may include an MBBS degree, relevant postgraduate qualification, or bachelor’s/master’s degree
- Applicants must register online, complete the form, upload documents, pay the fee, appear for the exam and participate in counselling
- The 2025 application fee is Rs. 1,000 for General candidates and Rs. 500 for SC/ST and PwD candidates
- PGIMER has course-wise seat availability and category-based reservation policies, subject to applicable admission rules
PGIMER exam 2026: Key highlights
The PGIMER exam 2026 covers admission to postgraduate and super-speciality programmes through INI CET and INI SS, with applications and examinations conducted online.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Institution | PGIMER Chandigarh |
| Courses offered | MD, MS, MCh, DM, MSc, PhD, Postdoctoral |
| Conducting Body | AIIMS |
| Exam Name | INI CET (for MD/MS) and INI SS (for DM/MCh) |
| Admission basis | Entrance exam/Counselling |
| Exam frequency | Twice a year (January and July sessions) |
| Exam Mode | Online – Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Application mode | Online |
| Official Website | aiimsexams.ac.in |
PGIMER exam dates 2026
The PGIMER exam dates 2026 vary by course and admission session. For MD/MS programmes, PGIMER Chandigarh admissions are through INI CET, while DM/MCh admissions use INI SS. The July 2026 INI CET exam was held on 16 May 2026, while the INI SS Stage-I exam took place on 25 April 2026.
| Exam | 2026 exam date |
|---|---|
| INI CET – July session | 16 May 2026 |
| INI SS – July session | 25 April 2026 |
Candidates should check the latest admission notifications for application deadlines, admit card dates, examination schedules and counselling updates. PGIMER admissions may have different timelines for different courses and sessions.
How to apply for the PGIMER exam?
- Visit the official PGIMER website and register online.
- Fill in the application form with personal and academic details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents and photograph.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Download the admit card when released.
- Appear for the entrance exam on the scheduled date.
- Check results and participate in counselling for seat allotment.
What is the eligibility criteria for the PGIMER exam
| Course | Eligibility criteria | Selection method |
|---|---|---|
| MD/MS | MBBS degree with internship completion | Entrance exam |
| MCh/DM | Relevant postgraduate qualification | Entrance exam |
| MSc/PhD | Relevant bachelor’s/master’s degree | Entrance exam/Interview |
PGIMER exam fee 2026
| Category | Fee amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| General | Rs. 1000 |
| SC/ST | Rs. 500 |
| PwD | Rs. 500 |
How many seats are available through the PGIMER exam?
| Course | Number of seats |
|---|---|
| MD/MS | 180 |
| MCh/DM | 30 |
| MSc/PhD | 25 |
PGIMER exam seat reservation 2026
| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| General | 50% |
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| OBC | 27% |
PGIMER exam pattern 2026
The PGIMER exam pattern 2026 varies according to the course. MD/MS admissions at PGIMER Chandigarh are through INI CET, while DM/MCh admissions are conducted through INI SS. INI CET is a computer-based test comprising 200 questions, with a duration of 180 minutes. Each correct answer carries one mark, while incorrect answers attract one-third negative marking.
For INI SS, Stage I is a computer-based test with 80 questions and a duration of 90 minutes. Candidates receive one mark for each correct answer, with one-third negative marking for incorrect responses. Depending on the programme, candidates may also need to appear for a departmental assessment.
Candidates should check the applicable admission prospectus because the exam pattern, marking scheme and selection process may differ between courses.
PGIMER exam cut off 2026
The PGIMER exam cut-off 2026 varies by course, category, institute and counselling round. For MD/MS admissions, PGIMER Chandigarh uses INI CET scores and ranks. The qualifying cut-off is different for various candidate categories, while the actual admission cut-off depends on factors such as rank, course preference and seat availability.
Meeting the minimum qualifying cut-off does not guarantee admission to PGIMER. Candidates must obtain a competitive rank and participate in the applicable counselling process. Popular specialities generally have higher closing ranks because of strong competition and limited seats.
The cut-off can also change between counselling rounds as candidates accept, upgrade or vacate seats. Candidates should therefore consider previous-year closing ranks only as a reference and check the latest admission information before making their choices.
PGIMER counselling 2026
PGIMER counselling 2026 is conducted through the applicable admission process for different courses. Candidates who qualify through INI CET can participate in counselling for MD/MS seats at PGIMER Chandigarh. DM/MCh admissions follow the INI SS admission process, while other PGIMER courses may have their own counselling procedures. The counselling process generally involves registration, checking the available seat matrix, selecting preferred courses, filling choices and participating in seat allotment rounds. Candidates who receive a seat must accept the allotment and complete the required admission formalities within the specified deadline.
Conclusion
PGIMER continues to be a premier institute for medical education, offering competitive courses and structured admissions. For students and professionals looking to manage education or practice-related expenses, exploring tailored financial solutions like loans for doctors or loan for professionals can be a smart move to support your career goals. You can also check your pre-approved doctor loan offer for instant access to funds with minimal documentation.