If you are also preparing for INI-CET May 2026 exam then these are some very crucial steps you can follow to boost up your confidence.
Cracking the INI-CET with a top rank is never just about intelligence, it’s about clarity, correction, and composure. In a candid conversation with Dr. Zainab Bohra, Dr. Shreyas Agarwal (AIIMS Delhi, 2019 batch, Indore) shared how he moved from Rank 1600 in his first attempt to secure an incredible Rank 10 this year.
His journey is not just inspiring, it’s deeply instructive for every medical aspirant preparing for INI-CET.
Watch the full interview here:
The Beginning: Starting Preparation During Internship
Shreyas always knew he wanted Medicine. And with that clarity came a goal: secure a rank under 50.
He began preparing during an internship a phase many students consider ideal because clinical exposure strengthens concepts. However, the initial momentum didn’t last long.
Like many interns, he and his friends felt resistance after a couple of months of studying. The thought was simple:
“Let’s chill during the internship. We’ll go home and study comfortably.”
That decision cost him time, something he realized only in hindsight.
First Attempt: Overconfidence and the Main Notes Trap
His first INI-CET attempt (November) resulted in Rank 1600.
What went wrong?
- No serious PYQ (Previous Year Question) practice
- Heavy reliance on main notes
- Studying professional subjects again from detailed notes
- Underestimating the paper’s demand
He assumed one year was more than enough to cover everything thoroughly. But competitive exams aren’t just coverage they are precision and recall.
Looking back, he admits:
“I should have focused more on revision modules and question-based preparation rather than going too deep into theory.”
The May Attempt: Anxiety and the Cost of Silly Mistakes
By May INI, his preparation had improved but anxiety crept in.
His rank improved significantly to 720, but it still wasn’t close to his two-digit target.
What he identified this time was crucial:
- He was going too deep into theory.
- Question practice was still insufficient.
- He made basic, avoidable mistakes due to exam pressure.
This phase hit him hard. He describes feeling low almost depressed after realizing he was capable of more.
But instead of spiraling, he analyzed it.
And that changed everything.
The Turning Point: Question Practice as a Daily Discipline
Between May INI and NEET PG, Shreyas made one strategic shift:
Massive increase in question practice.
Earlier routine:
- 100 questions daily
- 50 from the subject studied that day
- 50 randoms
After self-assessment:
- Focus shifted primarily to question solving
- Increased frequency of Grand Tests (GTEs)
- Performance tracking became consistent
Before this change, he hovered around 155–160 corrections.
After consistent practice?
- 170+ corrects in 4–5 consecutive tests.
That consistency-built belief.
And belief builds ranks.
NEET PG: Rank 263 — Stability and a Break
He secured Rank 263 in NEET PG — enough to get his preferred branch in his preferred city.
For the first time, there was relief.
He visited colleges in Delhi and Mumbai.
Explored departments.
Met seniors.
Did not study for almost two months.
Many aspirants would stop here.
But fate had one more push planned.
The Final 20-Day Comeback
When INI forms came out, he gave a random GTE and secured Rank 130 in that mock.
A senior friend told him:
“Counselling is getting delayed. Give it one more push.”
For the next 20–25 days, he studied just 3–5 hours daily.
No burnout.
No panic.
Just focused on revision and test-based preparation.
The result?
INI-CET Rank 10.
Is INI-CET Predictable?
One of the most insightful parts of the discussion was the macro-level analysis of INI-CET.
Traditionally:
- November attempt is considered easier.
- INI is labeled as “conceptual.”
But recent patterns defy these assumptions:
- November wasn’t easy this time.
- May included multiple one-liners.
- Multiple correct questions increased unpredictability.
Shreyas’ takeaway:
“At a macro level, it’s unpredictable. But if your first- and second-year subjects are strong, your INI rank becomes secure.”
That statement echoes what many AIIMS seniors say:
Master 1st and 2nd year subjects — and you master INI.
The Biggest Gamechanger: Mindset
This final attempt felt different.
- No desperation.
- No “this has to work.”
- No fear of failure.
He had nothing to lose.
And that relaxed him.
He traveled to the exam center calmly.
Revised bookmarked PYQs in the car.
Stayed steady during the paper.
Contrast this with his earlier anxious attempt — where he made basic mistakes.
Pressure reduces accuracy.
Calm improves elimination.
The 4 x 50 Strategy: Tactical Exam Execution
He followed a structured test strategy inspired by a 4-block mindset:
Think of the paper as four sets of 50 questions.
Goal per block:
- Secure 42–43 correct through elimination.
- Use educated guesses in the remaining 6–7.
Target:
- Attempt around 190–200 questions.
- Lock in the 140 “everyone should know.”
- Fight strategically for the remaining 60.
This time he attempted 197 questions.
Final score: 162.
He didn’t try to solve everything.
He tried to solve what could not go wrong.
That difference matters.
What Aspirants Can Learn
Here are the core lessons from his journey:
1. PYQs Are Non-Negotiable
INI is heavily pattern-sensitive. Skipping PYQs is a mistake.
2. Question Practice > Passive Theory
Depth is useless without application.
3. Analyze Every Failure
Rank 1600 → Rank 720 → Rank 10
Each jump came after honest self-audit.
4. Grand Tests Build Emotional Stability
Scores don’t just improve knowledge — they improve composure.
5. Pressure Management Changes Outcomes
When you stop fearing loss, you perform better.
6. Master 1st and 2nd Year Subjects
They form the backbone of INI-CET.
The Final Goal
With Rank 10, the obvious choices are:
- AIIMS Medicine
- PGI Medicine
And he’s leaning toward one of them.
From internship confusion to top 10 clarity — the journey reflects something powerful: Hard work compounds.
Strategy refines.
Calm delivers.
If you’re preparing for NEET PG or INI-CET and want structured guidance, smart revision planning, and result-driven strategy. Start your preparation journey with us today.