Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Radiologist in India

Radiology has become one of the most prestigious and rewarding medical careers in India. As technology advances and modern medicine increasingly depends on medical imaging, the demand for radiologists has grown rapidly. Whether it’s diagnosing a brain tumor through an MRI, guiding a surgeon during a complex operation using imaging, or detecting fractures through X-rays, radiologists play a central role in healthcare. Check out these radiology courses for a better future.

If you are a medical aspirant in India and wondering “How to become a radiologist in India?”, this guide will give you the exact roadmap — from schooling to MBBS, postgraduate training, specialization, career opportunities, salaries, and future prospects.

This is a complete 5000+ words article, written in simple English so that even beginners can understand it clearly. Let’s get started.

1. What is Radiology?

Radiology is a branch of medicine that uses imaging techniques to diagnose and sometimes treat diseases inside the human body. It plays a vital role in modern healthcare because many diseases cannot be confirmed without imaging tests.

Some common radiology techniques are:

• X-rays: Detect fractures, lung infections, and bone disorders.

• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Cross-sectional images of internal organs.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Detailed imaging of brain, muscles, and spinal cord.

• Ultrasound: Widely used in pregnancy, abdominal issues, and cardiac evaluation.

• PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): Detects cancers and metabolic activity.

• Nuclear Medicine: Uses radioactive substances for diagnosis and therapy.

• Interventional Radiology: Minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty, stenting, and biopsies using imaging guidance.

Thus, radiology is not only about diagnosis but also about treatment in certain areas.

2. Who is a Radiologist?

A radiologist is a licensed medical doctor (MD/MS/DM) trained to:

• Interpret medical images (X-rays, CT, MRI, Ultrasound).

• Help in diagnosing diseases and planning treatment.

• Perform interventional procedures like inserting catheters, draining fluids, or biopsies.

• Collaborate with surgeons, physicians, oncologists, gynecologists, and neurologists.

In short, radiologists are the “doctor’s doctor” — they guide other doctors with accurate imaging interpretations.

3. Why Choose Radiology as a Career in India?

Radiology is one of the most in-demand and lucrative careers in medicine. Some reasons include:

• ✅ High Demand: Hospitals and diagnostic centers require radiologists daily.

• ✅ Excellent Salary: Radiologists earn among the highest salaries in India.

• ✅ Technology-Driven: If you love working with machines and advanced medical technology, this is perfect.

• ✅ Work-Life Balance: Compared to surgery or emergency medicine, radiology often allows fixed schedules.

• ✅ Diverse Specializations: From pediatric radiology to interventional radiology.

Radiology is especially attractive for students who enjoy problem-solving, analysis, and technology.

4. Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Radiologist in India

Let’s break down the exact roadmap.

🟢 Step 1: Schooling (Class 10+2)

• Choose Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) in 11th and 12th.

• Aim for 50% marks minimum in 12th boards (40% for reserved categories).

• Prepare for NEET-UG from Class 11 itself.

🟢 Step 2: Appear for NEET-UG

• NEET-UG is the mandatory entrance exam for MBBS admission.

• It is conducted by NTA every year.

• Subjects tested: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Class 11 & 12).

• Rank determines admission to MBBS seats in government and private colleges.

🟢 Step 3: Complete MBBS Degree

• Duration: 5.5 years (4.5 years academic + 1-year internship).

• Subjects studied: Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and basics of Radiology.

• Internship gives clinical exposure in all departments.

🟢 Step 4: Internship and Registration

• After completing MBBS, you must do a 1-year rotating internship.

• Register with the State Medical Council/National Medical Commission (NMC) to get a license to practice.

🟢 Step 5: Appear for NEET-PG / INI-CET

• To pursue specialization in radiology, you must appear for NEET-PG or INI-CET (AIIMS/JIPMER/PGI).

• NEET-PG: Conducted by NBE (National Board of Examinations).

• INI-CET: Conducted for AIIMS and other central institutes.

🟢 Step 6: Pursue Postgraduate Radiology (MD/MS/DMRD)

• MD Radiology (3 years): Most preferred course.

• MS Radiology (3 years): Surgical approach to imaging.

• DMRD (Diploma in Medical Radio Diagnosis, 2 years): Shorter course but less scope compared to MD/MS.

🟢 Step 7: Super-Specialization (Optional)

After MD/MS, you may pursue DM or fellowship courses such as:

• DM Neuroradiology

• DM Interventional Radiology

• DM Cardiovascular Radiology

• Fellowship in Pediatric Radiology, Onco-Radiology, Musculoskeletal Radiology, etc.

🟢 Step 8: Licensing and Registration

• You must register with the NMC (National Medical Commission) or respective State Medical Council as a radiology specialist.

🟢 Step 9: Start Your Career as a Radiologist

Now you can work in:

• Government hospitals

• Private hospitals

• Diagnostic imaging centers

• Medical colleges (teaching + practice)

• Private practice / owning a diagnostic center

5. Courses in Radiology After MBBS

• MD Radiology – 3 years

• MS Radiology – 3 years

• DMRD (Diploma in Radiology) – 2 years

• Fellowships – 1–2 years in super-specialized areas

• DM Super-specialty – 3 years (after MD/MS)

6. Eligibility Criteria for Radiology in India

• 10+2 with PCB (minimum 50%).

• MBBS degree from a recognized university.

• Internship completion.

• NEET-PG/INI-CET qualification for MD/MS.

7. Entrance Exams for Radiology in India

• NEET-UG → For MBBS admission.

• NEET-PG → For MD/MS in Radiology.

• INI-CET → For AIIMS, JIPMER, NIMHANS, PGIMER.

• AIIMS Fellowship Exams → For super-specializations.

8. Top Colleges for Radiology in India

1. AIIMS, New Delhi

2. PGIMER, Chandigarh

3. CMC, Vellore

4. Armed Forces Medical College, Pune

5. Kasturba Medical College, Manipal

6. MAMC, New Delhi

7. JIPMER, Puducherry

8. NIMHANS, Bangalore

These institutes offer world-class training and best career opportunities.

9. Detailed Syllabus of Radiology Courses

Core Subjects:

• Imaging Physics

• X-rays and Radiographic Techniques

• Ultrasound Principles

• CT and MRI Imaging

• Nuclear Medicine and PET Scan

• Interventional Radiology

• Radiation Safety and Protection

• Radiotherapy Basics

• Research and Thesis Work

The syllabus combines theory, practical training, and case studies to prepare students for real-world diagnosis.

10. Types of Radiologists (Specializations)

• Diagnostic Radiologist – Interprets imaging tests.

• Interventional Radiologist – Performs image-guided procedures.

• Neuroradiologist – Brain and nervous system imaging.

• Pediatric Radiologist – Imaging for children.

• Onco-radiologist – Cancer diagnosis and treatment.

• Cardio-radiologist – Heart and blood vessel imaging.

• Musculoskeletal Radiologist – Bones and joint imaging.

11. Skills Required to Become a Radiologist

• Strong analytical skills

• Attention to detail

• Good communication

• Patience and accuracy

• Computer and technology proficiency

• Ability to work in a team

12. Job Roles & Career Opportunities

• Hospital Radiologist

• Diagnostic Center Consultant

• Interventional Radiologist

• Academic/Teaching Faculty

• Radiology Researcher

• Private Practice Radiologist

13. Work Environment of a Radiologist

Radiologists work in:

• Hospitals

• Imaging Centers

• Cancer Treatment Units

• Military Hospitals

• Academic Institutions

They may have regular working hours, but emergency cases require on-call duty.

14. Salary of Radiologists in India

• Fresh MD Radiologist: ₹10–15 lakhs per year.

• 5–10 years experience: ₹20–40 lakhs per year.

• Super-specialist: ₹50 lakhs+ per year.

• Private practice/own diagnostic center: Can earn ₹1 crore+ annually.

15. Career Growth Path of a Radiologist

1. MBBS → Resident Doctor

2. MD/MS Radiology → Junior Consultant

3. Senior Consultant → Head of Department

4. Super-specialist → National/International Career

16. Future Scope of Radiology in India

• Growing healthcare infrastructure.

• Rising lifestyle diseases (cancer, cardiac issues).

• Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in radiology.

• Expanding tele-radiology services.

• Shortage of radiologists in rural areas.

17. Challenges in Radiology Profession

• Intense competition for PG seats.

• Constant technology updates.

• High stress for accurate diagnosis.

• Expensive education.

18. Comparison: Radiology vs Other Specialties

• Radiology vs Surgery: Radiology has better work-life balance.

• Radiology vs Medicine: Radiology is more technology-driven.

• Radiology vs Pediatrics: Radiology has higher salary potential.

19. Global Opportunities for Indian Radiologists

Indian radiologists are in demand in:

• USA (after USMLE + residency).

• UK (after PLAB + GMC registration).

• Middle East (high-paying jobs).

• Australia, Canada, Singapore.

20. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many years does it take to become a radiologist in India?
👉 Around 10–12 years (MBBS + PG + optional super-specialization).

Q2. Is NEET compulsory for radiology?
👉 Yes, both NEET-UG and NEET-PG are compulsory.

Q3. Can I do radiology without MBBS?
👉 You cannot become a radiologist doctor without MBBS, but you can pursue B.Sc. Radiology and become a radiology technician.

Q4. Which is better: MD Radiology or DMRD?
👉 MD Radiology has better scope and recognition compared to DMRD.

Q5. Do radiologists perform surgery?
👉 Not traditional surgery, but interventional radiologists perform minimally invasive procedures.

21. Conclusion

Radiology is one of the most respected and rewarding medical careers in India. The journey is long — nearly a decade of study and training — but the rewards are exceptional in terms of salary, prestige, and impact on patient care.

If you are passionate about medicine, technology, and diagnosis, becoming a radiologist in India is a great career path. With healthcare expanding and AI transforming imaging, radiologists will remain at the core of medical practice in the future.