With a rank around 25,686 in INICET under the general category, the chances of getting a seat in AIIMS for Microbiology are very low. AIIMS institutes usually close Microbiology seats for the general category at much lower ranks because the number of seats is very limited and the competition is high.
However, this rank may still give you a chance in some of the newer or less competitive institutions that participate in INICET, especially in later rounds or the open round, where cutoffs can shift depending on seat withdrawals and up-gradation by higher-ranked candidates. You should also keep in mind that sometimes candidates with better ranks opt for other courses like MD/MS, which may slightly open up chances for paramedical and non-clinical specialties in the later stages.
To maximize your chances, participate in all rounds of counselling, fill every possible option where your rank might realistically reach, and remain open to seats in non-AIIMS institutes as well. This approach improves the likelihood of obtaining a Microbiology seat even if AIIMS remains out of reach at this rank. All the best.
