NTA Extends AIAPGET 2026 Internship Cut-Off Date to October 31; AYUSH PG Applicants Can Apply Till July 30

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a significant relief for candidates aspiring to pursue postgraduate AYUSH courses by extending the AIAPGET 2026 internship completion cut-off date. As per the latest notification, candidates who complete their compulsory internship on or before October 31, 2026, will now be eligible to appear for the All India AYUSH Post Graduate Entrance Test (AIAPGET) 2026. Earlier, the internship completion deadline was August 31, 2026.

Alongside this revision, the NTA has clarified that the online application window remains open until July 30, 2026. The extension is expected to benefit thousands of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathy graduates whose internships conclude between September and October, allowing them to compete for MD/MS AYUSH admissions in the 2026–27 academic session.

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AIAPGET 2026: Key Highlights

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What Has Changed?

The major update concerns the internship eligibility criteria.

Earlier, only candidates completing their mandatory rotating internship by August 31, 2026 were eligible to apply. Following recommendations from the concerned AYUSH regulatory bodies, the NTA has now extended the cut-off date to October 31, 2026.

This means candidates whose internships finish during September or October 2026 can also submit their AIAPGET applications and participate in the admission process, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.

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Why Is the Extension Important?

The revised eligibility criteria are expected to benefit a large number of final-year AYUSH students across India.

Every year, internship completion schedules vary across colleges and universities because of differences in academic calendars, examinations, and hospital postings. Many students previously risked becoming ineligible despite completing their internship shortly after the earlier cut-off.

The revised deadline provides:

• Equal opportunity for more candidates.
• Relief for students whose internship schedules were delayed.
• Better participation in AIAPGET 2026.
• Increased access to postgraduate AYUSH education.

The extension is especially significant for candidates from institutions where internships conclude later in the academic year.

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AIAPGET 2026 Application Deadline

Although the internship deadline has been extended, the last date to submit the AIAPGET 2026 application form remains July 30, 2026.

Candidates are advised not to wait until the last day due to heavy traffic on the application portal.

After the application window closes, the NTA is expected to open a correction facility, allowing applicants to modify permitted fields in their forms.

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Who Can Apply?

Candidates seeking admission to postgraduate AYUSH programmes must satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions.

Applicants should:

• Hold a recognised BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS, or equivalent AYUSH degree.
• Complete the compulsory rotating internship on or before October 31, 2026.
• Possess registration with the relevant State or Central Council, wherever applicable.
• Fulfil all conditions mentioned in the official information bulletin.

There is no upper age limit for appearing in AIAPGET.

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Courses Covered Under AIAPGET

AIAPGET serves as the single national entrance examination for admission into postgraduate AYUSH programmes.

Admissions are offered in:

• MD Ayurveda
• MS Ayurveda
• MD Homoeopathy
• MD Siddha
• MD Unani

Qualified candidates become eligible for admission under both All India Quota and State Quota seats across participating colleges, universities, and deemed institutions.

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AIAPGET 2026 Exam Pattern

The examination will be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

The question paper generally consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions based on undergraduate AYUSH subjects.

The exam assesses candidates on:

• Basic medical sciences
• Clinical subjects
• Para-clinical disciplines
• Professional AYUSH subjects
• Diagnosis and treatment concepts

Candidates should refer to the official information bulletin for the detailed syllabus and marking scheme.

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Important Dates

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How to Apply for AIAPGET 2026

Candidates can complete the online application process by following these steps:

1. Visit the official AIAPGET portal.
2. Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
3. Fill in personal and academic details.
4. Upload the required documents.
5. Pay the application fee online.
6. Submit the application form.
7. Download and print the confirmation page.

Applicants should verify all information carefully before final submission.

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Documents Required

Candidates should keep the following documents ready:

• Passport-size photograph
• Signature
• Class 10 certificate
• AYUSH degree details
• Internship details
• Registration certificate (where applicable)
• Aadhaar or valid identity proof
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• PwBD certificate (if applicable)

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Why AIAPGET Is Important

AIAPGET is the only national-level entrance examination for admission to postgraduate AYUSH courses across India.

Qualifying the examination allows candidates to compete for seats in:

• Government AYUSH Medical Colleges
• State Universities
• Central Universities
• Deemed Universities
• Private AYUSH Institutions participating in counselling

A postgraduate qualification significantly improves opportunities in clinical practice, teaching, research, public health, and government services.

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Preparation Tips for AIAPGET 2026

With the examination scheduled for August 22, candidates should now focus on revision rather than starting new topics.

Some useful strategies include:

• Revise standard undergraduate textbooks.
• Solve previous years' AIAPGET papers.
• Attempt mock tests regularly.
• Focus on frequently asked clinical topics.
• Strengthen weak subjects through short notes.
• Maintain accuracy and time management during practice.

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What Happens After AIAPGET?

Once results are declared, qualified candidates will participate in the AYUSH PG counselling process.

The counselling process generally includes:

• Registration
• Choice filling
• Seat allotment
• Document verification
• Reporting to allotted colleges
• Admission confirmation

Candidates should regularly monitor counselling notifications released by the designated authorities.

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FAQs

What is the revised internship completion date for AIAPGET 2026?

The internship completion cut-off has been extended to October 31, 2026.

What is the last date to apply?

The online application window will remain open until July 30, 2026.

When will AIAPGET 2026 be conducted?

The examination is scheduled for August 22, 2026.

Which courses are covered?

AIAPGET is conducted for admission to postgraduate courses in Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathy.

Who benefits from the revised internship deadline?

Candidates completing their compulsory internship between September 1 and October 31, 2026, who were previously ineligible under the earlier cut-off, can now apply, subject to meeting all other eligibility conditions.