A radiologist is a doctor who uses medical imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasounds to diagnose and treat diseases. Radiologists play a key role in identifying problems inside the body without surgery.
Who Is a Radiologist?
A radiologist is a medical specialist who examines internal body images to detect diseases and injuries. They help other doctors understand what’s happening inside the body so they can treat patients correctly.
Radiologists don’t usually perform surgery or directly treat patients. Their main job is to study imaging results and give accurate reports.
Types of Radiologists
There are different types of radiologists based on specialization:
- Diagnostic Radiologist – Interprets medical images like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
- Interventional Radiologist – Uses imaging to perform minor procedures like biopsies or inserting stents.
- Therapeutic Radiologist – Uses radiation to treat diseases like cancer (also known as radiation oncologist).
- Pediatric Radiologist – Specializes in diagnosing diseases in children using imaging.
Eligibility to Become a Radiologist in India
To become a radiologist, you need to study medicine and then specialize in radiology.
Basic requirements:
- Qualification: Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Entrance Exam: NEET-UG for MBBS and NEET-PG for MD/MS.
- Degrees Required: MBBS → MD (Radiology) or DNB (Radiology).
- Duration: Around 10–11 years of education and training.
Step-by-Step Process to Become a Radiologist in India
Step 1: Complete 10+2 with Science Stream
You must complete Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Step 2: Appear for NEET-UG Exam
After 12th, apply for the NEET-UG exam.
Step 3: Complete MBBS Degree
After qualifying NEET-UG, join a recognized medical college to pursue MBBS.
- Duration: 5.5 years (including 1 year of internship).
- You will learn about human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and basic radiology during MBBS.
Step 4: Pursue MD or DNB in Radiology
After MBBS, you must appear for NEET-PG and get admission to MD (Radiology) or DNB (Radiology).
- Duration: 3 years.
- During this course, you will study diagnostic imaging, radiation safety, and how to interpret various scans.
Step 5: Gain Experience or Do Fellowship
After completing MD or DNB, you can work as a radiologist in hospitals or diagnostic centers. You can also do fellowship programs in specialized areas such as:
- Interventional Radiology
- Neuroradiology
- Musculoskeletal Radiology
- Breast Imaging
Step 6: Register and Start Practicing
After completing your studies, register with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Council to practice legally as a radiologist.
Duration to Become a Radiologist in India
| Course | Duration |
| MBBS | 5.5 years |
| MD/DNB in Radiology | 3 years |
| Fellowship (optional) | 1–2 years |
| Total Duration | 10–11 years |
Entrance Exams for Radiology
- NEET-UG – For MBBS admission.
- NEET-PG – For MD/DNB Radiology admission.
- INI-CET – For AIIMS and other central institutes.
Top Colleges for Radiology in India
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
- JIPMER, Puducherry
- King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow
- Grant Medical College, Mumbai
- Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune
Skills Required to Become a Radiologist
A good radiologist must have:
- Strong knowledge of medical imaging technology.
- Observation and accuracy.
- Patience and focus.
- Analytical and logical thinking.
- Communication skills to explain reports clearly.
- Awareness of radiation safety.
Career Options After Radiology
After completing your specialization, you can work in:
- Government or private hospitals
- Diagnostic imaging centers
- Medical colleges and research institutions
- Tele-radiology centers (reporting scans remotely)
- Private practice or clinics
You can also become a faculty member in a medical college or a consultant in large hospitals.
Salary of a Radiologist in India
The salary depends on your qualification, skills, and experience.
| Level | Average Salary (Per Month) |
| Freshers | ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Experienced Radiologists | ₹2,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
| Senior Consultants | ₹5,00,000 and above |
| Private Practice | ₹3,00,000 – ₹10,00,000+ |
Radiologists working in private diagnostic centers or running their own practice usually earn higher incomes.
Conclusion
If you are interested in medical imaging, patient care, and technology, radiology can be a suitable and long-term career choice for you. You need to complete MBBS and then MD or DNB in Radiology to become a radiologist in India.
Radiology is a growing and respected branch of medicine that combines technology with diagnosis. It takes years of study and practice, but once you become a radiologist, you can build a successful and stable career. The demand for skilled professionals in this field is rising, making it a strong and promising choice for medical students in India.
FAQs
Q1. What is the qualification required to become a radiologist in India?
You must complete MBBS followed by MD or DNB in Radiology from a recognized medical institution.
Q2. How many years does it take to become a radiologist in India?
It takes around 10 to 11 years including MBBS (5.5 years) and MD/DNB (3 years).
Q3. Which entrance exams are needed for radiology courses?
You must clear NEET-UG for MBBS and NEET-PG for MD/DNB in Radiology.
Q4. Can I study radiology after 12th?
Not directly. After 12th (with PCB), you must complete MBBS first and then specialize in radiology.
Q5. What is the difference between a radiologist and a radiographer?
A radiologist is a doctor who interprets imaging results. A radiographer operates imaging equipment and takes scans but is not a doctor.
Q6. What is the average salary of a radiologist in India?
A new radiologist can earn ₹1–2 lakh per month. With experience, salaries can go up to ₹5 lakh or more per month.
Q7. Is radiology a good career in India?
Yes. Radiology is a high-demand and well-paying medical specialty. Almost every hospital and diagnostic center needs radiologists.
Q8. Can I open my own diagnostic center after studying radiology?
Yes. After completing MD/DNB and obtaining the required license, you can open your own diagnostic or imaging center.
Q9. Do radiologists perform surgeries?
No. Radiologists diagnose diseases through imaging. However, interventional radiologists perform minor non-surgical procedures using imaging guidance.
Q10. What subjects are taught in radiology?
Main subjects include X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, radiation safety, and image interpretation.