Top Medical Entrance Exams in India 2026-27 – Complete List & Preparation Guide

Medical Entrance Exams 2026-27: National, State & Institute-Level Overview

For the 2026-27 cycle, NEET UG, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), remains the single entrance test for MBBS and BDS seats across India. For MD, MS and MDS seats at AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS and SCTIMST, AIIMS New Delhi conducts INI CET. The INI CET January 2027 session exam date is scheduled for 1 November 2026. Check official updates on the NTA NEET portal and the AIIMS examination portal.

The medical field remains one of the most prestigious and noble career paths in India. Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for various medical entrance exams to secure admission into top institutions for courses in MBBS, BDS, MD, MS, BAMS, BHMS, Pharmacy, and more. While NEET is the most widely known national-level exam, several other entrance tests offer pathways to reputed institutes like AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and others.

If you're planning to pursue a medical career in 2026-27, it's essential to know the complete landscape of entrance exams — their scope, eligibility, and relevance to your chosen course.

Why Appear for Medical Entrance Exams?

Whether you're aiming for undergraduate (UG) courses like MBBS, BDS, BAMS, or postgraduate (PG) courses such as MD, MS, MDS, MSc, these entrance exams serve as official gateways to government and private medical institutions. Some exams are university-specific, while others are state-level or national-level, depending on the program.