INI-SS Exam Pattern and Guide for Radiology Candidates
By Dr. Bharath Korrapati, MD Radiodiagnosis, AIIMS Bhubaneswar · Last verified: 2026-07-25
Last verified: INI-SS July 2026 Prospectus
INI-SS is conducted by AIIMS New Delhi for admission to DM, MCh and MD Hospital Administration courses at the participating Institutes of National Importance. This guide summarises the pattern as published in the INI-SS July 2026 prospectus, with preparation guidance for MD/DNB Radiodiagnosis candidates. Examination rules can change between sessions — always verify the prospectus for the session in which you are applying.
Stage I — Computer-Based Test
Stage I applies to all participating institutes. It is a computer-based test conducted in English.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Applicability | All participating institutes |
| Mode | Computer-based test |
| Language | English |
| Question type | Objective, single-correct-choice MCQs |
| Correct response | +1 mark |
| Incorrect response | −1/3 mark |
| Unanswered or marked for review | 0 marks |
| Stage I qualifying criterion | 50% |
What the Stage I paper covers
The official prospectus describes the scope as follows: “The question paper includes questions from the general/basic component of the candidate’s qualifying educational qualification and from the subspecialty, system or component of the specialty/course for which the examination is being conducted.”
For radiology candidates this means the MD/DNB Radiodiagnosis exit level plus the applied component of the specific INI-SS course applied for.
Stage II — Departmental Assessment
Stage II applies only to seats at the AIIMS institutes and PGIMER Chandigarh.
- Carries 20 marks and is conducted online through video conferencing.
- Candidates must first obtain at least 50% in Stage I; only eligible shortlisted candidates are called for Stage II.
- The assessment relates to the subspecialty, system or component of the course applied for.
How the merit lists are prepared
Two merit lists are prepared from the examination:
- Common Merit List — based on Stage I performance; used for the participating INIs other than AIIMS and PGIMER Chandigarh.
- AIIMS Merit List — used for AIIMS and PGIMER Chandigarh seats; based on the combined Stage I + Stage II score out of 100. Candidates must secure at least 50% in Stage I and at least 50% in the combined Stage I + Stage II score.
Scoring example
Worked example under the +1 / −1/3 scheme: 50 correct, 20 incorrect and 10 unattempted.
Score = 50 − (20 × 1/3) = 50 − 6.67 = 43.33/80.
What this means for radiology candidates
The following is RadioQBank editorial guidance for MD/DNB Radiodiagnosis candidates — not an official rule.
- Revise the complete MD/DNB Radiodiagnosis exit-level syllabus.
- Prepare system-wise imaging, recent classifications, emergencies and image-based interpretation.
- Prepare the applied subspecialty/course component for the INI-SS course you are applying to.
- Practise 80-question mocks under a strict 90-minute timer.
- Use negative marking carefully — at −1/3 per wrong answer, avoid blind guessing.
Official sources and disclaimer
Exam dates, eligibility rules, seat matrices and assessment procedures may change between sessions. Always consult the official prospectus for the session in which you are applying.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are asked in INI-SS?
Stage I is a computer-based test of 80 objective single-correct-choice MCQs answered in 90 minutes, for a total of 80 marks (per the INI-SS July 2026 prospectus).
What is the negative marking in INI-SS?
+1 mark for a correct response and −1/3 mark for an incorrect one. Unanswered questions and questions marked for review carry 0 marks.
Who must appear for Stage II?
Stage II — a 20-mark departmental assessment conducted online through video conferencing — applies only to AIIMS and PGIMER Chandigarh seats. Candidates must first obtain at least 50% in Stage I, and only eligible shortlisted candidates are called.
Is the INI-SS syllabus officially divided 60:40?
No. The July 2026 prospectus describes the paper as covering the general/basic component of the qualifying qualification and the subspecialty, system or component of the course applied for — it does not prescribe a fixed 60:40 distribution.
How is the final merit list prepared?
A Common Merit List based on Stage I is used for participating INIs other than AIIMS and PGIMER Chandigarh. The AIIMS Merit List for AIIMS and PGIMER Chandigarh seats uses the combined Stage I + Stage II score out of 100, requiring at least 50% in Stage I and at least 50% in the combined score.