INI CET 2026: Aspirants Face 300–700 km Travel After AIIMS Allots Distant Exam Centres

With just days left for the INI CET 2026, aspirants across India are voicing frustration after AIIMS Delhi assigned exam centres hundreds of kilometres away from their home cities — despite candidates selecting preferred states during registration.

The Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI CET), conducted by AIIMS, determines admission to postgraduate medical programmes at AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS. The admit cards were released on November 2, with the exam scheduled for November 9, 2025.

⚠️ Candidates Report Ignored Preferences

Medical students say the centre allocation process feels arbitrary and inconsistent, with many receiving test locations far from their chosen areas.

Applicants allege that although the portal allowed only state-level preferences (not city-specific), AIIMS assigned centres in remote or inaccessible regions within those states. Some candidates said they were allotted centres 600–700 km away, while others who applied later received nearby centres.

One student from Mumbai’s Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College reported:

“I applied early but got a centre 600 km away. My friend who applied later got one just 40 km from home.”

This pattern, candidates say, shows no correlation between application timing and centre proximity.

Travel and Logistical Struggles Ahead of Exam

With less than a week before the test, students are scrambling for train or flight tickets, many of which are already booked. Long-distance travel has added to the mental and financial burden of aspirants already under academic stress.

Some candidates shared that the lack of clarity in the allocation system has made it difficult to plan accommodations and travel in time.

 Doctors Compare AIIMS to NBE

The issue has sparked widespread debate among medical professionals. Many are drawing parallels between AIIMS and the National Board of Examinations (NBE), which faced similar backlash for arbitrary centre allotments during NEET PG and FMGE exams.

Doctors remarked that AIIMS appears to be “behaving like NBE,” pointing to the lack of transparency and accountability in the allocation process.

They argue that postgraduate medical entrance exams should prioritize accessibility, fairness, and mental well-being, especially since many aspirants are interning doctors working under high stress.

Aspirants Demand Transparency and Fairness

Candidates have urged AIIMS to reform the centre allocation process for future sessions, suggesting the following improvements:

• City-level preference options instead of just state-level choices.

• Algorithmic fairness audits to ensure balanced allotment.

• Advance communication to help plan travel and accommodations.

• Special consideration for candidates with health or financial constraints.

Several students have also requested AIIMS to release the allocation criteria publicly, citing a need for trust and transparency.

Exam Details at a Glance

Conclusion

The INI CET 2026 centre controversy highlights a growing demand for reform in India’s postgraduate medical examination systems. As aspirants face journeys spanning 300–700 km with limited travel options, the call for transparency, accessibility, and fairness in AIIMS exam centre allocation has never been louder.

Many hope AIIMS will review its current system to ensure that future sessions prioritise student convenience and mental well-being alongside academic integrity.