IMAT Registration Process for Indian Students: Step-by-Step
For many aspiring doctors in India, the dream of studying medicine in Europe often starts with a single, crucial hurdle: the International Medical Admissions Test (IMAT). Navigating the IMAT registration process for Indian students can initially feel overwhelming, especially with the high stakes involved in securing a seat in one of Italy’s prestigious public medical schools. The official portal, Universitaly, is the gateway to your future, but its dual-language interface and rigid bureaucratic steps can be confusing for first-time applicants. This guide is designed to walk you through every single click, ensuring your application is flawless and submitted well before the strict deadlines.
Studying MBBS in Italy is an incredible opportunity for Indian students to receive world-class education at a fraction of the cost of private colleges in India. However, because seats for non-EU students are strictly limited, a mistake during registration isn’t just a minor error—it could cost you a full academic year. From creating your account to selecting your test center in New Delhi and paying the fees in Euros, we have documented the entire journey below.
Documents to Prepare Before You Start
Before you even open the Universitaly website, you must have your digital “folder” ready. The system can time out, and scrambling for documents mid-way is a common reason for registration errors. Ensure you have the following scanned in high resolution (PDF or JPEG as specified):
- Valid Passport: This is your primary ID. Ensure it is valid for at least 18 months from the date of registration.
- Academic Marksheets: Your 10th and 12th-grade certificates. If you are currently in Class 12, you will need your 11th-grade marks or predicted scores.
- Passport-size Photograph: A recent digital photo with a white background, following standard visa specifications.
- Active Email ID: Use a Gmail or Outlook account that you check daily. All official communications, including your exam venue details, will be sent here.
- International Credit/Debit Card: The registration fee is paid in Euros (€130). Ensure your Indian card has international transactions enabled and a sufficient limit (approx. ₹12,000–₹13,000 depending on exchange rates).
Step 1: Create Your Universitaly Account
The first step in the IMAT registration process for Indian students is establishing your digital identity on the Universitaly portal. This portal is managed by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR).
Go to the official website and click on “Why and how to register” in the top right corner. You will be asked to provide your basic details. Crucial Tip: Enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport. If your passport has a middle name, include it. If your passport doesn’t have a surname, follow the specific instructions on the portal to avoid “Tax Code” (Codice Fiscale) generation errors. Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation email. You must click the link in that email to set your password and activate your account.
Step 2: Fill Personal Information — Common Mistakes
Once logged in, navigate to the “International Students” section and select “IMAT Registration.” You will be asked to fill in your personal data again for the specific exam application.
Common mistakes Indian students make at this stage include:
- Date Format: Italy uses the DD/MM/YYYY format. Double-check your birth date.
- Tax Code (Codice Fiscale): For non-residents, the system will often generate a “provisional” tax code based on your name and birth data. Do not worry if you don’t have an official Italian one yet; the system-generated one is sufficient for the exam registration.
- Permanent Address: Use your Indian address exactly as it appears on your passport or Aadhaar card for consistency during the later Italy student visa process.
Step 3: Upload Documents — Format and Size Limits
The portal will require you to upload your identity document (Passport) and your photograph. The file size is usually restricted to under 2MB. If your scan is too large, use an online compressor before uploading.
Ensure the passport scan includes both the front and back pages. The image must be clear, with no glare on the laminated parts of the passport, as automated systems and human invigilators will use this to verify your identity on the day of the IMAT exam.
Step 4: Select Universities and Test Centers
This is perhaps the most strategic part of the registration. As a non-EU student (Indian citizen residing in India), you are subject to the “One-Shot Rule.”
- University Choice: You must select your first-choice university. For non-EU students, your application is generally tied to this single choice. If you don’t meet the cutoff for your first choice, you cannot typically “scroll” to other universities like EU students can. Popular choices include the University of Milan, Pavia, Rome La Sapienza, and Bologna.
- Test Center Selection: For students in India, the primary test center is usually in New Delhi. Seats at international centers are limited and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If the New Delhi center is full, you might have to travel to Dubai or even Italy to take the exam. Register on Day 1 to secure the Delhi center!
Step 5: Pay the Fee — Methods from India
The IMAT registration fee for 2026 is expected to be approximately €130 (roughly ₹12,200). Payment must be made online through the portal’s integrated payment gateway.
Most Indian students face issues here due to bank restrictions on international payments. Use a credit card or a “Global” debit card. Ensure “International Transactions” and “E-commerce” are toggled ON in your banking app. Once the payment is successful, the portal will refresh to show a “Payment Confirmed” status. You will also receive a receipt via email. Save this receipt; you must carry a printed copy to the exam center.
Step 6: Download Confirmation and Summary
After payment, the system will generate a “Registration Summary” (often called the Pre-enrollment summary or Receipt). This PDF contains your registration number, your chosen university, and your test center details. Download this immediately and keep multiple digital backups.
Check the document for any typos. While some minor edits are possible before the registration deadline, major changes (like changing your first-choice university) often require canceling the registration and starting over, which can be risky if the test center seats are nearly full.
Common Errors and Fixes
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Email confirmation not received | Check your ‘Spam’ or ‘Promotions’ folder. If it’s not there after 30 minutes, re-register using a different email provider. |
| Payment fails/declines | Contact your bank to authorize the international payment to an Italian merchant. Use a card with ‘3D Secure’ enabled. |
| Test center not showing | If New Delhi isn’t visible, it means the seats are full. You must select the next closest international center. |
| Incorrect Passport Number | If the registration period is still open, you can usually edit your profile details. If closed, contact Universitaly technical support immediately. |
After Registration — What Happens Next?
Once you have your confirmation, your focus should shift entirely to preparation. About 1-2 weeks before the exam date (usually in September), you will receive an email with specific instructions regarding the venue address in New Delhi and the reporting time. You will need to bring your printed summary, the payment receipt, and the original passport you used during registration.
While waiting for the exam, ensure you begin the “Pre-enrollment” process on Universitaly if you haven’t already, as this is a separate but parallel requirement for your visa application. Start gathering your academic documents for the Declaration of Value (DoV) or CIMEA certification early, as these can take months to process in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my university preference after paying the fee?
Generally, no. For non-EU students, the first-choice university is final once the registration window closes. You must choose carefully before making the payment.
Is NEET mandatory for IMAT registration?
You do not need a NEET score to register for the IMAT on the Universitaly portal. However, to practice in India later or to comply with certain Indian embassy requirements for a visa, qualifying for NEET is mandatory for Indian citizens.
What happens if I miss the registration deadline?
The IMAT registration window is very strict (usually only 2-3 weeks in July). If you miss it, there are no late fees or extensions. You will have to wait until the following year to apply.
Do I need to upload an IELTS score during IMAT registration?
No, the registration portal does not usually require an English proficiency certificate. However, you will likely need it later for the university enrollment or the visa interview.
How many times can I take the IMAT?
There is no limit on the number of attempts, but the exam is only held once a year, typically in September.
Is there an age limit for registration?
There is no upper age limit for the IMAT. However, you must be at least 17 years old and have completed 12 years of schooling to be eligible for university entry.
Can I take the IMAT in my home city in India?
Currently, the only designated test center in India is in New Delhi. Students from other cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, or Chennai must travel to Delhi for the exam.
What is the ‘Tax Code’ requested on the form?
This is the Italian ‘Codice Fiscale’. The registration system will generate a temporary one for you based on your personal details. You don’t need to apply for one separately at this stage.
Navigating the journey from India to an Italian medical school requires precision, especially during the registration phase. One small mistake on the Universitaly portal can jeopardize your entire application. Our experts at the Italy Study Centre specialize in hand-holding Indian students through every bureaucratic turn, ensuring your focus remains on your studies while we handle the paperwork.
Book a free consultation at Italy Study Centre today and let our experts guide you through the IMAT registration and admission process for 2026!
