NEET PG vs INI CET Exam: What is the Difference?

Shubhangi Pandey

Updated On: September 11, 2025 11:41 AM

INI CET offers courses like MS, MD, DM, MCh, and MDS while NEET PG offers MD, MS and PG diploma courses. Read this article to gain insights on the NEET PG vs INI CET Exam and also know their differences. 
NEET PG vs INI CET Exam: What is the Difference?

NEET PG vs INI CET Exam is a constant debate in the minds of every Medico. Both NEET PG and INI CET are entrance exams for students planning to pursue further studies after completing MBBS. One major difference between these two exams is that INI CET is accepted at 22 institutions, including 18 AIIMS and JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS, and SCTIMST, while the rest of the renowned colleges are included in NEET PG.

Also, students planning to pursue a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) after completing the BDS Course can either appear in INI CET 2025 or NEET MDS, as NEET PG 2025 does not offer Dental Courses. The syllabus and types of questions asked in both exams are similar to one another, and there is no major difference noted. Apart from that, INI CET is conducted twice a year, whereas NEET PG is conducted once a year. To know more differences between the NEET PG and INI CET Exam, keep scrolling!

NEET PG vs INI CET Exam: Overview

One of the prominent differences between NEET PG and INI CET is the seat matrix, number of seats offered in INI CET is significantly less than NEET PG. Check out the table below to find out more such differences between NEET PG and INI CET Exam.

NEET PG vs INI CET Exam

Particulars

NEET PG 2025

INI CET 2025 Exam

Full Form

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Post-Graduation

Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test

Exam Conducting Body

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)

National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS)

Official Website

nbe.edu.in

aiimsexams.ac.in

Exam Frequency

Once a Year

Twice a Year

Courses Offered

  • Master of Surgery (MS)
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • MD/MS
  • PG diploma courses
  • Post MBBS DNB Courses
  • Direct 6-Year DRNB Courses
  • NBEMS
  • Diploma Courses
  • Master of Surgery (MS)
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • Masters of Chirurgie (MCh)
  • Doctor of Medicine (DM)
  • Master's of Dental Surgery (MDS) programs

Number of Colleges Included

769+ Colleges

22 Colleges

Seat Matrix

42,717 seats (as per data recorded in 2023)

1,337 seats (as per data recorded from INI CET 2025 January Session Exam)

NEET PG vs INI CET Syllabus

The syllabus of NEET PG and INI CET, while overlapping in core medical subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology, and others, differ in specific emphases and depth. Check out the NEET PG vs INI CET Syllabus details provided below.

Similarities and Potential Differences between NEET PG and INI CET

Similarities

  • Subject Coverage: Both exams cover a broad spectrum of the medical subjects encountered during MBBS studies, including: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine (Social and Preventive Medicine for NEET PG), Ophthalmology, ENT, Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Potential Differences

  • Depth of Coverage: INI CET may emphasize specific subjects depending upon the specialty offered by the conducting institute. For example, an INI CET for a neurology programme might delve deeper into Neurology compared to NEET PG.
  • Emerging Areas: NEET PG might give slightly more weightage to the newer medical advancements and areas of research.
  • Important Resources: - Official Websites: Syllabus information can be found on the official websites of each exam

NEET PG vs INI CET Exam: Difficulty Level

Cracking NEET PG and INI CET is a milestone for aspiring postgraduate medical students. Success in these national-level entrance exams opens doors to prestigious medical colleges. Both tests demand rigorous preparation as they draw heavily from the MBBS curriculum.

NEET PG's strict marking contrasts with INI CET's complex options, yet their difficulty remains on par due to fierce competition and limited seats. Even though there are more chances of enrollment after cracking NEET PG due to its wider acceptance, owing to more participating colleges, INI CET offers access to a select few institutions.

In the NEET PG vs INI CET debate, both exams pose equal toughness but diverge in acceptance rates. To conclude, the difficulty level of both exams is the same. However, due to the lack of seats in INI CET, the competition is tougher when INI CET is compared to NEET PG.

Also Read:

NEET PG 2025 Preparation Tips

INI CET Preparation Strategy 2025

NEET PG and INI CET Exam: Application Process

There are several differences between the NEET PG and INI CET application processes. After the information bulletin is published on NBEMS's official website, NEET PG application forms are released on the same day. Applicants must register on nbe.edu.in with their email address and some basic details. The NEET PG application form can only be accessed with the registration ID and password that are created at the end of this process.

On the other hand, the INI CET application form link is made available on a separate PAAR registration portal of AIIMS, Delhi. Candidates need to complete the registration process in two steps, beginning with basic registration. Afterwards, they need to generate an Examination Unique Code (EUC), which is essential for the final registration process of the INI CET exam. Final registration is the last step to complete the INI CET application form.

Also Read:

INI CET 2025 Application Form

NEET PG 2025 Application Form

NEET PG vs INI CET Exam: Paper Pattern

NEET PG and INI CET exam’s paper pattern is similar in terms of marking system. Negative markings is followed in both entrance tests. NEET PG as well as INI CET consists of MCQ-based questions. The prime difference between the paper pattern of NEET PG and INI CET Exam is that there is more than one correct answer in INI CET examination.

Check out the table given below to know the exact difference between NEET PG vs INI CET Examination.

Particular

NEET PG

INI CET

Difference Found

Language Medium

English

English

No

Total Number of Questions

200

200

No

Type of Questions

Objective Type (MCQ)

Objective Type (MCQ) - More than one correct answer can be marked

No

Marking Scheme for Correct Answer

+4

+1 mark for the single correct answer

Yes

+1 mark for each correct answer marked during multiple responses

Marking Scheme for Incorrect Answer

-1

-1/3 mark or single correct response

Yes

-1/ 3 mark for incorrect answers marked during multiple responses


Also Read:

NEET PG Exam Pattern 2025

NEET PG Exam Pattern 2025

NEET PG vs INI CET Exam: List of Colleges

Enlisted below are the names of colleges under the NEET PG and INI CET exams.

List of Colleges under NEET PG

A total of 769 Colleges accept the NEET PG score for admission in PG Medical Courses, a few top colleges among them are listed below.

List of Colleges under INI CET Exam

There are only 22 colleges included in INI CET 2025 exam. Students must go through the complete list of colleges accepting INI CET score given below.

Also Read:

NEET PG Participating Colleges 2025

AIIMS INI CET Participating Colleges 2025


Therefore, this was all about NEET PG vs INI CET Exam, it's evident that both serve as gateways to prestigious PG medical education. Despite similar syllabi, many differences can be seen in the list of participating colleges, exam patterns, marking systems, seat matrix, and competition levels, which set them apart. Ultimately, understanding the differences between NEET PG and INI CET Exam is crucial for informed decision-making and achieving success in the competitive medical landscape. For any queries regarding NEET PG vs INI CET Exam: What is the Difference? Log on to our CollegeDekho Q&A Zone or contact our toll-free helpline number 18005729877.

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FAQs

How are NEET PG and INI CET exams different in terms of acceptance rates and competition?

NEET PG and INI CET exams are different in terms of acceptance rates and competition as both exams are equally challenging, NEET PG has wider acceptance due to more participating colleges. On the other hand, INI CET offers access to a select few institutions, making competition tougher for aspirants.

What is the difference between the exam pattern of NEET PG and INI CET exams?

The difference between the exam pattern of NEET PG and INI CET exam is mainly in the marking system. Both exams consist of MCQ-based questions, but INI CET may have questions with multiple correct answers, unlike NEET PG which typically features single correct answer questions. Also, one mark is deducted if an incorrect answer is marked in NEET PG whereas ⅓ mark is deducted for the same in INI CET.

Is there a difference in the application process for NEET PG and INI CET exams?

Yes, the application process for PG and INI CET is different. NEET PG applications are submitted through the NBEMS portal, while INI CET applications are processed through the PAAR registration portal of AIIMS, Delhi. 

How do NEET PG and INI CET exams differ in terms of course offerings?

NEET PG and INI CET differ in terms of offering as NEET PG primarily offers MD, MS, and PG diploma courses. On the other hand, INI CET includes courses such as MD, MS, MCh, DM, and MDS programs.

What are the differences between NEET PG and INI CET Exam?

The main differences between NEET PG and INI CET are in terms of participating colleges, course offerings, and frequency of examination. NEET PG covers more colleges while INI CET offers access to top institutions. For more differences, check out NEET PG vs INI CET Exam details provided above.

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