The INICET tends to blend image-based questions with clinical vignettes, emphasizing practical application over rote learning. Clinical reasoning, such as interpreting lab values or recognizing syndromes from case scenarios, is prioritized. Also, several questions in the last few papers have integrated basic sciences like pathology and microbiology into clinical contexts, so revisiting integrated concepts may give you an edge.

For the November INI-CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test), General Medicine is a key subject. The exam tends to emphasize clinical knowledge, diagnostics, management protocols, and recent updates. Here’s a structured list of must-know topics for General Medicine preparation:

1. Cardiology

– ECG interpretation– MI, arrhythmias, heart blocks, electrolyte disturbances

Horizontal ST depression with upright T waves + R/S > 1 in lead V2

HTN patient with SOB and palpitations. On examination, HR= 120 min, irregular with BP= 90/60 mm Hg. Bilateral crackles in both lung fields is seen. Which is not correct?

a. Rate control with esmolol

b. Warfarin is not used non -valvular atrial fibrillation

c. Rhythm control with Amiodarone

d. DC shock is not given in persistent AF

1. a
2. a,b
3. b,c
4. b,d

– Brugada syndrome vs TTCM

-Acute Coronary Syndrome (STEMI/NSTEMI management)

– Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and NYHA Classification

– Infective Endocarditis (update ISCVD 2023 update modified Duke’s criteria)

– Hypertension – Aortic dissection management based on type A and type B

2. Neurology

– Stroke – Types, NIHSS score, thrombolysis, secondary prevention

Would you perform thrombolysis a patient with weakness of face and arm weakness for last 1 hour with normal CT scan

– Epilepsy – types and GCSE management

– Parkinson’s disease vs HD vs PSP

– Multiple Sclerosis and Guillain-Barré Syndrome

– Meningitis/Encephalitis – Empirical antibiotics, CSF findings

– Headache – Migraine, cluster headache, tension headache vs SAH vs GCA

3. Endocrinology

– Diabetes Mellitus – Diagnostic criteria of DKA/HHS management

– Thyroid Disorders – Hypo- and hyperthyroidism, nodules, malignancy markers

– Adrenal Disorders – Addison’s disease, Cushing’s syndrome

– Pituitary Disorders – Acromegaly, SIADH, DI (diabetes insipidus)

– MEN Syndrome

4. Pulmonology

– Sleep Apnea Syndrome and obesity hypoventilation syndrome

– Pulmonary Embolism and DVT – Risk factors, anticoagulation therapy

Biker had polytrauma and develops breathing difficulty after 12 hours of injury. Sp02= 85%CT chest is shown. Echo shows Normal cardiac parameters.

a. Fat embolism

b. Pulmonary embolism

c. ARDS

d. Pneumothorax

– COPD and Asthma – Harrison based guidelines, stepwise management

– Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILDs) and Sarcoidosis

– Tuberculosis (including MDR-TB management)

5. Gastroenterology and Hepatology

– Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis – Child-Pugh score, MELD

– Hepatitis – B graphs of Acute and chronic hepatitis B

– GI bleed – Upper vs. lower, endoscopic management

– Boerrhave vs Stomach volvulus vs Mallory Weiss vs Acute variceal bleeding

6. Nephrology

– Acute interstitial nephritis: Eosinophiluria

— CIN vs Athero-embolic kidney disease

-Fluid and Electrolyte Disorders – Sodium, potassium, calcium disturbances

– Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) vs Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) identification

– Glomerulonephritis – RPGN, nephrotic vs nephritic syndrome

– Renal replacement therapy – Hemodialysis, CRRT, peritoneal dialysis

7. Rheumatology

– Overlap syndrome

– Anti synthetase syndrome vs Dermatomyositis vs Polymyositis

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) – Diagnostic criteria and antibodies

– Rheumatoid Arthritis – Treatment protocols (DMARDs, biologics)

– Vasculitis syndromes – ANCA-associated vasculitis, Takayasu’s arteritis

– Gout and Pseudogout

8. Infectious Diseases

– Scrub typhus

– Tropical Infections – Dengue, Malaria

– HIV/AIDS – ART guidelines, opportunistic infections

– COVID-19 and Post-COVID Syndromes

-Sepsis and Septic Shock – Management protocols

9. Hematology and Oncology

– Leukemia and Lymphoma – Acute vs chronic, Hodgkin’s vs non-Hodgkin’s

– Multiple Myeloma and Plasma Cell Disorders

– Coagulation Disorders – DIC, hemophilia, thrombophilia

– Paraneoplastic Syndromes

10. General Topics & Miscellaneous

– Acid-Base Disorders (ABG interpretation)

– Shock – Types and management

Study Tips 

– Solve MCQs from previous INI-CET papers and clinical vignettes.

– Focus on latest guidelines and protocols– These are frequently tested.

– Give time to integrated questions involving multi-system involvement (e.g., heart and kidney-related disorders).

This plan covers high-yield topics that are essential for the exam. Practice application-based questions regularly and ensure you revise the core topics thoroughly.