Upcoming Medical Entrance Exams 2025–2026 | NEET PG, INI-CET, FMGE & NEXT Exam Dates

If you are a medical aspirant who has been dreaming of a postgraduate seat in India, staying updated with the information regarding all the medical entrance exams must become your second nature. 

The competition is intense, and notifications keep changing every now and then. And, under these circumstances, if you miss a registration or exam date, you are most likely to lose an entire year of effort and put a halt to the dream you’ve been manifesting for a very long time. 

In this blog, we have compiled everything you need to stay on track regarding every Medical exam you’re planning to attempt. It comprises all the crucial timelines, tentative dates, registration details, patterns, and everything else for NEET PG 2025 and INICET 2025. This can help you plan your entire academic year efficiently. 

You must bookmark this page to get real-time updates as soon as official notifications are published. 

Upcoming Medical Exams Calendar 2025 - 2026

Note: These are tentative timelines based on official and media reports. Exact dates will be updated as notifications are released.

A. NEET PG 2026

Overview

Being India’s largest medical PG entrance exam and conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, NEET PG can be quite competitive.

This exam serves as the gateway to MD, MS, and PG diploma seats across medical colleges in India. However, this exam excludes institutes like AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS. These come under INICET. 

Exam Schedule & Pattern

You are most likely to get the NEET PG exam schedule in August 2026. Even though it’s a shift from its usual January slot, the exam pattern still remains unchanged. There are 200 multiple-choice questions with +4 for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect answer. The duration of the paper is 3 hours and 30 minutes and is conducted entirely in Computer-based Test (CBT) mode. 

Eligibility

Candidates must possess an MBBS degree recognized by the NMC and must have completed or be completing their internship by the stipulated date.

Preparation Strategy

To ace this exam, follow a structured NEET PG preparation strategy focusing on smart revision and high-yield concepts. Begin with conceptual learning, move to NEET PG mock tests, and eventually shift to daily timed tests.

• Attempt the best online test series for NEET PG to simulate the real test.
• Mix both NEET PG test series and NEET PG mock test papers for enhanced retention.

Counselling

Post-exam, candidates must track the MCC NEET PG counselling schedule closely to secure their seat in their preferred specialization and institution.

B. INICET Nov 2025

Overview

The INICET exam also goes by the name of National Importance of Combined Entrance Test. It is conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi for postgraduate medical admissions to AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS. Its clinical, analytical, and image-based question patterns make this exam one of the toughest ones. 

Exam Date & Pattern

According to the latest information that we have, the INICET 2025 is expected to be held on November 9, 2025. The exam pattern consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering 19 subjects, with 3 hours to complete the exam. 

How It Differs from NEET PG

• The exam is for admission to institutes like All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), JIPMER, PGIMER, and NIMHANS. It emphasises clinical integration, image-based questions, and conceptual depth.
• Pattern: ~200 questions, 3 hours duration. Negative marking may be gentler (-1/3) compared to some exams.

Preparation Guide

Follow an INICET preparation guide that focuses on:

• Case-based learning from previous papers.
  
• System-wise revision using concise notes.
  
• Attempting mock tests that mimic AIIMS-style patterns.
  
• Reviewing high-yield topics like Neurology, Radiology, and Surgery integration.

Pro Tip: Revise using PrepLadder’s mock tests & notes that replicate the INI-CET interface - a crucial psychological edge for exam day.

C. FMGE / NEXT / Other Exams

FMGE

FMGE or Foreign Medical examination is specifically designed to assess the clinical and theoretical competence of Indian students who have completed their MBBS from foreign medical institutes. 

This exam comprises two papers of 150 questions each, and is expected to be taken in CBT mode. If you wish to qualify, you must score 50% and your preparation should revolve around following tips: 

• Dividing 20 subjects into weekly targets.
• Attempting subject-wise mock tests regularly.
• Focusing on concept-heavy topics like Pharmacology, Microbiology, and Medicine.

NEXT Exam 

It might come as a surprise to you that the NEXT (National Exit Test) exam is expected to replace NEET PG in the coming years. This exam promises to serve both as a licensing and postgraduate screening exam. 

Although no official NEXT exam pattern or NEXT exam syllabus has been finalized, it is expected to have two steps —

1. Step 1 (Theory): Computer-based assessment post-final MBBS.
2. Step 2 (Practical/Clinical): Conducted by respective medical colleges.

For students preparing early, focus on building clinical understanding, integrated learning, and conceptual mastery aligned with the next exam MBBS syllabus and NEXT PG exam pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the major upcoming medical exams for 2025–26?

The big 4 major exams to watch out for include INICET 2025, NEET PG, FMGE 2025, and NEXT. There are also program-specific exams like DNB-PDCET and AIIMS Nursing. 

Q. When will NEET PG 2026 be conducted?

According to the latest information, the exam is expected to be held in August 2026. Even though the final date still awaits NBEMS notification, you should start preparing for the exam while keeping an eye on NBEMS bulletins. 

Q. What is the tentative date for INICET 2025 (Nov session)?

As per AIIMS and other education portals tracking AIIMS notices, the date for the exam is 9th November, 2025. 

Q. Which exams will be conducted by AIIMS in 2025–26?

Not only this year, but typically every year, AIIMS conducts INI-CET and AIIMS nursing entrance tests.

Q. What is FMGE, and when will the next session be held?

FMGE is a screening test conducted by NBEMS for foreign Medical graduates. The next session is expected to be conducted around Dec/January. You must check NBEMS for exact dates. 

Q. Where can I find the latest registration dates for INI-CET and NEET-PG?

Always refer to AIIMS (aiimsexams.ac.in) for INI-CET and NBEMS (natboard.edu.in) for NEET-PG. Beware of fake notices.

Q. How should I prioritize if I’m appearing for both NEET-PG and INI-CET?

First of all, kudos to you for preparing for both of the exams simultaneously. Both these exams are quite tough and competitive. So, in order to ace them, you must train for INI-CET’s higher-order, image-heavy style first. After INICET, you must pivot to speed-plus coverage for NEET PG, leveraging online test series for NEET PG and PYQs. 

Q. When will the results be announced?

When it comes to INICET, the results are typically released within days to weeks. And, the results for NEET PG and other exams are expected to be released as per official calendars. You must keep checking the notification/website for each exam cycle. 

Q. Can foreign medical graduates appear for FMGE in 2025–26

Of course. If they meet NBEMS eligibility requirements and apply within the notified window, no one can stop them from appearing for FMGE. 

Wrapping Up 

If you wish to achieve success in your competitive exams, you must focus on staying ahead of notifications, exam patterns, and syllabus changes. 

From INICET 2025 to NEET PG 2026 and NEXT exam 2025, no matter which exam you are preparing for, having a structured timeline and the right test ecosystem ensures consistent progress. 

And, the best part is that PrepLadder is there with you every step of the way. With conceptual video lectures, concise notes, and mock tests that simulate the exact exam experience, you can stay confident, consistent, and always ready.

Download the PrepLadder app now to access high-yield content with 24-hr Free Trial. Explore premium study resources like Video Lectures, digital notes, QBank, and Mock Tests for a seamless exam preparation. Start your NEET PG online coaching journey with PrepLadder.