AIAPGET 2026 Eligibility, Attempts, Age Limit — Full Rules Explained
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Stepping into the world of postgraduate medical studies in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, or Siddha is a monumental milestone for any AYUSH graduate. The AIAPGET 2026 Eligibility criteria serve as the primary gateway for students aiming to secure a seat in MD/MS or PG Diploma courses across India’s premier institutions.
With the National Testing Agency (NTA) tightening regulations for the 2026 session, understanding the fine print regarding internship deadlines, registration requirements, and attempt limits is more critical than ever. This guide provides a 100% humanized, expert breakdown of the official rules to ensure your application remains valid and your career path clear.
What is AIAPGET 2026?
The All India AYUSH Post Graduate Entrance Test (AIAPGET) is the single-window national entrance exam conducted annually by the NTA. It replaces all individual state-level and institutional entrance tests for AYUSH PG admissions. Whether you are aiming for a clinical specialization or a research-oriented MD, qualifying for this exam is mandatory.
AIAPGET 2026 Eligibility Criteria: The Comprehensive Checklist
To appear for the exam in July 2026, candidates must satisfy a multi-tier eligibility structure. Failing to meet even one of these requirements can lead to the cancellation of your candidature at the time of counseling.
1. Educational Qualifications
Candidates must possess a recognized undergraduate degree in their respective discipline:
Ayurveda: BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)
Homeopathy: BHMS (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery)
Unani: BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery)
Siddha: BSMS (Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery)
These degrees must be recognized as per the provisions of the NCISM (National Commission for Indian System of Medicine) or NCH (National Commission for Homoeopathy) Acts.
2. Mandatory Internship Deadline
The most critical aspect of AIAPGET 2026 Eligibility is the completion of the one-year compulsory rotatory internship.
Expected Cutoff Date: For the 2026 session, the internship must be completed on or before October 31, 2026 (tentative, based on recent NTA extensions).
Provisional Status: If you are currently an intern, you can apply only if your official internship completion certificate will be issued before the specified deadline.
3. Registration Certificate
You must hold a permanent or provisional registration certificate issued by:
NCISM / NCH (Central Councils)
State AYUSH Boards
Universities or Deemed Universities
AIAPGET 2026 Age Limit and Number of Attempts
One of the biggest advantages for AYUSH practitioners is the flexibility offered by the NTA regarding age and frequency of appearing for the exam.
Is there an Age Limit for AIAPGET 2026?
According to the latest official guidelines, there is no upper age limit for candidates appearing for the AIAPGET 2026 exam. This ensures that even seasoned practitioners who wish to specialize later in their careers can do so without administrative barriers.
How many attempts are allowed?
There is no limit on the number of attempts. You can appear for the AIAPGET as many times as you wish, provided you meet the basic educational and registration eligibility. This allows students to improve their scores in subsequent years to secure a seat in high-demand government colleges.
AIAPGET 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
Understanding the structure is as important as knowing the AIAPGET 2026 Eligibility. The exam is a Computer Based Test (CBT) consisting of 120 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
Feature | Specification |
Total Duration | 120 Minutes (2 Hours) |
Total Questions | 120 MCQs |
Maximum Marks | 480 Marks |
Correct Answer | +4 Marks |
Incorrect Answer | -1 Mark (Negative Marking) |
Unattempted | 0 Marks |
Qualifying Percentile and Category-wise Cutoffs
Simply appearing for the exam isn't enough; you must hit the minimum qualifying percentile to be eligible for the AACCC (Ayush Admissions Central Counseling Committee) rounds.
General/EWS: 50th Percentile
OBC/SC/ST: 40th Percentile
UR-PH: 45th Percentile
SC/ST/OBC-PH: 40th Percentile
Note: Achieving the qualifying percentile makes you eligible for counseling, but it does not guarantee a seat. Seat allotment depends on your All India Rank (AIR) and the availability of seats in your preferred college.
Analysis of Important Questions & High-Yield Topics
Based on the analysis of previous year papers (2021–2025), certain areas consistently yield a high volume of questions. While there are no mathematical "formulas" in the traditional sense, the "names" of key diagnostic and dosage calculations are vital.
Repeated Concepts in AYUSH PG:
Samhita Based: Questions on Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthana) and Sushruta Samhita (Sharira and Sharira Sthana) are highly frequent.
Materia Medica: Comparative study of "Drug Families" in Homeopathy.
Modern Medical Science: Basic Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology questions often carry a weightage of 15–20%.
Important Formula Names (Conceptual):
Ponderal Index (for nutritional assessment).
Rule of Nines (in surgery/burn cases).
Young’s Rule & Dilling’s Rule (for pediatric dosage calculations).
Conclusion
The AIAPGET 2026 Eligibility rules are designed to ensure that only qualified and clinically trained AYUSH graduates enter postgraduate specialization. With no age limit and unlimited attempts, the exam is accessible to all, but the strict internship deadlines require careful planning. Ensure your documents—especially your provisional registration—are in order well before the registration window opens in May 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum AIAPGET 2026 Eligibility for a BHMS student?
A BHMS student must have a recognized degree, a valid registration certificate from the NCH or a State Board, and must complete their one-year internship by the cutoff date (expected Oct 31, 2026).
2. Can I apply if my internship ends in November 2026?
Technically, no. If the NTA sets the cutoff for October 31, and your internship ends in November, you will not meet the AIAPGET 2026 Eligibility criteria. Always check the official information bulletin for any date extensions.
3. Is there a reservation for EWS candidates in AIAPGET?
Yes, 10% of seats in Central Universities and National Institutes are reserved for General-EWS candidates, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and possess a valid certificate.
4. Are the eligibility rules different for private and government colleges?
No, the basic AIAPGET 2026 Eligibility (Degree + Internship + Registration) remains the same for both. However, individual states may have specific domicile requirements for their 85% state quota seats.
CTA
Official NTA AIAPGET Website: https://exams.nta.ac.in/AIAPGET/
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