A method of forming an AEI-type zeolite in a hydrothermal synthesis without the use of hydrogen fluoride (HF) and in the absence of any FAU zeolite Y. A gel composition formed upon using this method includes one or more sources of silica; one or more sources of alumina, one or more organic structure directing agents (OSDA); a source of alkali metal ions; and water. This gel composition is defined by the molar ratios of: SiO2/AI2O3 16:1 to 100:1; M2O/SiO2 0.15:1 to 0.30:1; ROH/SiO2 0.05:1 to 0.20:1; and H2O/SiO2 5:1 to 20:1; wherein M is the alkali metal ion and R is an organic moiety derived from the OSDA. This gel composition, after reacting at a temperature between 135° C. to about 180° C. for 15 hours to 168 hours forms the crystalline AEI-type zeolite having a silica to alumina ratio (SiO2:AI2O3) that is greater than 8:1.