MD Radiology in India: Colleges, Fees, Entrance Exams, and Career Opportunities
MD Radiology in India is a 3-year postgraduate medical course pursued after MBBS, focusing on diagnostic imaging techniques like X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound. Admission is through NEET-PG, with strong career prospects in hospitals and diagnostic centers.
MD Radiology is a three-year postgraduate medical program designed to provide advanced training in diagnostic imaging and interventional radiology. Pursued after MBBS, the course equips doctors with expertise in X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and other imaging technologies—fields witnessing rapid growth across India. To be eligible, candidates must complete an MBBS degree from a recognized institution, finish a one-year compulsory rotating internship, and qualify in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Postgraduate (NEET-PG). Annual fees typically range from ₹25,000 to ₹8,00,000, depending on the institution. With around 119 government colleges offering over 1,500 seats, MD Radiology graduates can expect starting salaries averaging ₹11,00,000 per annum, reflecting strong career demand nationwide.
MD Radiology Course Overview
MD Radiology is a 3-year full-time postgraduate medical program that focuses on diagnosing and managing diseases using imaging techniques such as X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, and interventional radiology procedures. Admission is based on performance in the NEET-PG examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences. Candidates must hold an MBBS degree and complete a compulsory one-year rotating internship.
After completion, graduates primarily work as Radiologists. Roles such as Radiographer or Radiology Technician require paramedical qualifications and are not direct career outcomes of MD Radiology.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | MD Radiology |
| Course Duration | 3 Years (Full-Time) |
| Course Level | Postgraduate (Medical PG) |
| Eligibility | MBBS + 1-Year Rotating Internship + NEET-PG Qualification |
| Entrance Exam | NEET-PG |
| Conducting Body (Exam) | National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences |
| Regulatory Body | National Medical Commission (NMC) |
| Admission Mode | Centralized Counseling (AIQ & State Quota) |
| Average Fees (Government) | ₹25,000 – ₹1,50,000 per annum |
| Average Fees (Private) | ₹5,00,000 – ₹25,00,000+ per annum |
| Total Seats (Approx.) | 1,500+ across India (varies yearly) |
| Average Starting Salary | ₹10–18 LPA (varies by experience & sector) |
| Career Prospects | Consultant Radiologist, Interventional Radiologist, Diagnostic Imaging Specialist, Teleradiologist, Academic Faculty, Private Diagnostic Centre Owner |
MD Radiology Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for MD Radiology are regulated by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Admission is strictly based on NEET-PG merit.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
- MBBS degree from an NMC-recognized institution
- Completion of 1-year compulsory rotating internship
- Permanent or provisional registration with State Medical Council or NMC
- Qualification in NEET-PG
NEET-PG Cutoff Percentile
| Category | Minimum Percentile |
|---|---|
| General | 50th Percentile |
| SC / ST / OBC | 40th Percentile |
| PwD (General) | 45th Percentile |
Course & Exam Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Duration | 3 Years |
| NEET-PG Questions | 200 (Computer-Based Test) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Total Seats (Approx.) | 1,500+ |
| Government Seats | ~750–800 (varies yearly) |
| Private Seats | ~700–800 (varies yearly) |
MD Radiology Admission Process in India
Admission to MD Radiology is conducted through centralized counseling based on NEET-PG rank.
Step 1: Complete MBBS
- Obtain MBBS from an NMC-recognized institution
- Complete 1-year rotating internship
Step 2: Qualify NEET-PG
- Appear for NEET-PG conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences
- Secure required percentile cutoff
Step 3: Counseling Registration
Counseling is conducted by:
- Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) – for All India Quota (AIQ) 50% seats in government colleges
- State Directorates of Medical Education (for remaining 50% state quota seats)
Step 4: Choice Filling
- Select preferred colleges and courses
- Lock choices before deadline
Step 5: Seat Allotment
- Based on NEET-PG rank
- Choice preference
- Seat availability
Step 6: Document Verification
Submit original documents including:
- MBBS degree certificate
- Internship completion certificate
- NEET-PG scorecard
- Medical registration certificate
- Identity proof
Step 7: Admission Confirmation
- Pay required tuition fees
- Complete reporting formalities
Seat Distribution & Fees Overview
- Total Seats in India: Approx. 1,500+
- Government Colleges: ~750–800 seats
- Private Colleges: ~700–800 seats
- Annual Fees:
- Government Colleges: ₹25,000 – ₹1,50,000
- Private Colleges: ₹5,00,000 – ₹25,00,000+ (may vary significantly by institution and quota)
Seats may be available under:
- All India Quota (AIQ)
- State Quota
- Management Quota
- NRI Quota
Each quota has different fee structures and eligibility norms.
Top Government Medical Colleges for MD Radiology in India
The following table lists leading government medical colleges in India offering MD Radiology. Admission is strictly based on the NEET-PG examination conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, followed by centralized counseling through the Medical Counselling Committee (for All India Quota) and respective state authorities. Rankings mentioned refer to medical category rankings released by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF).
| College Name | City | NIRF Medical Ranking Band | Approx. Annual Fees | Admission Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AIIMS New Delhi | New Delhi | Top 5 | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 | NEET-PG + MCC Counseling |
| PGIMER Chandigarh | Chandigarh | Top 10 | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 | INI-CET |
| Banaras Hindu University (IMS-BHU) | Varanasi | Top 15 | ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 | NEET-PG + MCC Counseling |
| Government Medical College | Amritsar | Top 100 Band | ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 | NEET-PG + State Counseling |
| Lady Hardinge Medical College | New Delhi | Top 100 Band | ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 | NEET-PG + MCC Counseling |
| University College of Medical Sciences | New Delhi | Top 50 Band | ₹30,000 – ₹60,000 | NEET-PG + MCC Counseling |
| SCB Medical College | Cuttack | Top 100 Band | ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 | NEET-PG + State Counseling |
| Grant Medical College & JJ Hospital | Mumbai | Top 100 Band | ₹80,000 – ₹1,20,000 | NEET-PG + State Counseling |
| Madras Medical College | Chennai | Top 50 Band | ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 | NEET-PG + State Counseling |
| King George’s Medical University | Lucknow | Top 50 Band | ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 | NEET-PG + State Counseling |
Top Private Medical Colleges for MD Radiology in India
The following private institutions offer MD Radiology programs approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC). Medical colleges are regulated by NMC, not UGC. Admission is based on NEET-PG rank followed by MCC (for deemed universities) or state counseling authorities.
| College Name | City | Recognition | Approx. Annual Fees | Admission Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kasturba Medical College (KMC) | Manipal | NMC Approved (Deemed Univ.) | ₹35,00,000 – ₹45,00,000 | NEET-PG + MCC |
| Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) | Bhubaneswar | NMC Approved (Deemed Univ.) | ₹18,00,000 – ₹25,00,000 | NEET-PG + MCC |
| Sri Ramachandra Medical College | Chennai | NMC Approved (Deemed Univ.) | ₹25,00,000 – ₹35,00,000 | NEET-PG + MCC |
| Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College | Pune | NMC Approved (Deemed Univ.) | ₹30,00,000 – ₹40,00,000 | NEET-PG + MCC |
| Subharti Medical College | Meerut | NMC Approved | ₹12,00,000 – ₹20,00,000 | NEET-PG + State Counseling |
| Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences | Karad | NMC Approved (Deemed Univ.) | ₹25,00,000 – ₹35,00,000 | NEET-PG + MCC |
| GSL Medical College | Rajahmundry | NMC Approved | ₹18,00,000 – ₹28,00,000 | NEET-PG + State Counseling |
| St. John’s Medical College | Bengaluru | NMC Approved | ₹15,00,000 – ₹25,00,000 | NEET-PG + State Counseling |
| American International Institute of Medical Sciences | Udaipur | NMC Approved | ₹40,00,000 – ₹60,00,000 | NEET-PG + State Counseling |
| Geetanjali Medical College | Udaipur | NMC Approved | ₹35,00,000 – ₹50,00,000 | NEET-PG + State Counseling |
MD Radiology Fee Structure in India: Government vs Private Colleges
The fee structure for MD Radiology varies significantly depending on whether the institution is government, private, or deemed. Government colleges offer highly subsidized education, while private and deemed universities charge substantially higher tuition fees. Fees may also vary based on quota (All India, State, Management, or NRI).
| Fee Component | Government Colleges (INR) | Private/Deemed Colleges (INR) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | ₹10,000 – ₹1,50,000 per annum | ₹15,00,000 – ₹45,00,000 per annum | Varies by state & quota |
| Hostel Fees | ₹5,000 – ₹40,000 per annum | ₹75,000 – ₹2,00,000 per annum | Depends on facilities |
| Examination Fees | ₹2,000 – ₹10,000 per annum | ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 per annum | University-specific |
| Miscellaneous Charges | ₹5,000 – ₹25,000 per annum | ₹25,000 – ₹1,00,000 per annum | Lab, library, caution deposit etc. |
| Total Approx. Annual Cost | ₹25,000 – ₹2,00,000 | ₹18,00,000 – ₹50,00,000+ | Can be higher under NRI quota |
| Scholarships | Limited (State/Central schemes) | Limited institutional scholarships | Merit & category-based |
| Education Loans | Available via nationalized banks | Available via private & nationalized banks | Subject to eligibility |
MD Radiology Subjects and Syllabus
MD Radiology is a competency-based 3-year postgraduate program regulated by the National Medical Commission. The curriculum focuses on diagnostic imaging, radiation safety, clinical application, and interventional procedures. Training is practical-intensive and hospital-based rather than semester-theory structured like undergraduate courses.
Year 1: Basic Sciences & Foundational Radiology
- Radiological Physics and Radiation Protection
- Basic Radiological Anatomy
- Imaging Techniques (X-ray, Ultrasound Basics)
- CT and MRI Physics (Introduction)
- Contrast Media & Pharmacology
- Radiation Hazards and Safety Protocols
- Emergency Procedures in Radiology
- Hands-on Training in Conventional Radiography
Year 2: Advanced Diagnostic Imaging
- Ultrasound & Doppler Imaging
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Neuroradiology
- Musculoskeletal Imaging
- Chest & Cardiovascular Imaging
- Abdominal & Gastrointestinal Imaging
- Pediatric Radiology
- Obstetrics & Gynecological Imaging
- Image-Guided Diagnostic Procedures
Year 3: Super-Specialized & Interventional Radiology
- Interventional Radiology (Vascular & Non-Vascular)
- Neuro-Intervention (Basic Exposure)
- Oncology Imaging
- Breast Imaging
- Emergency & Trauma Radiology
- Teleradiology Practice
- Research Methodology & Thesis Submission
- Independent Reporting & Case Discussions
Download the MD Radiology syllabus.
Entrance Exams for MD Radiology Admission in India
Admission to MD Radiology in India is primarily through national-level postgraduate medical entrance examinations.
1. NEET-PG
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NEET-PG |
| Conducting Body | National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Duration | 3 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Total Questions | 200 |
| Eligibility | MBBS + Completed Internship + Medical Registration |
| Admission Route | Government, Private & Deemed Universities |
2. INI-CET
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | INI-CET |
| Conducting Body | All India Institute of Medical Sciences |
| Applicable Institutes | AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS |
| Eligibility | MBBS + Internship Completion |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year |
Career and Job Prospects After MD Radiology in India
MD Radiology offers strong career growth due to the increasing demand for diagnostic imaging services across hospitals, trauma centers, cancer institutes, and private diagnostic chains. With advancements in MRI, CT, interventional radiology, and teleradiology, radiologists are among the highest-paid medical specialists in India.
Graduates are eligible to work in government and private healthcare sectors after registration with the National Medical Commission or respective State Medical Councils.
Major Career Roles
- Consultant Radiologist – Interpreting X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds
- Interventional Radiologist – Performing minimally invasive image-guided procedures
- Neuroradiologist – Specializing in brain and spine imaging (with further training)
- Pediatric Radiologist – Imaging in neonatal and pediatric cases
- Onco-Radiology Specialist – Cancer diagnosis and image-guided interventions
- Teleradiologist – Remote reporting for hospitals and global diagnostic networks
- Academic Faculty – Assistant Professor/Professor in medical colleges (after experience)
- Diagnostic Centre Owner/Director – Private imaging practice
Employment Sectors
- Government Hospitals
- Private Multi-Specialty Hospitals
- Corporate Hospital Chains (Apollo, Fortis, etc.)
- Diagnostic Laboratories (Dr Lal PathLabs, Metropolis, etc.)
- Medical Colleges & Research Institutions
- Teleradiology Companies
Salary Overview in India
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Fresh MD Graduate | ₹10 – ₹18 LPA |
| 3–5 Years Experience | ₹18 – ₹30 LPA |
| Senior Consultant | ₹30 – ₹60+ LPA |
| Private Practice/High-End Centers | Can exceed ₹70 LPA |
Future Scope
- Growing demand due to increasing lifestyle diseases and trauma cases
- Expansion of AI-assisted imaging and digital radiology
- Rising need for interventional radiology specialists
- Opportunities abroad after clearing licensing exams
MD Radiology remains one of the most competitive and financially rewarding postgraduate medical specialties in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the duration of the MD Radiology course in India?
The MD Radiology course in India is a 3-year full-time program in both government and private colleges, designed to provide comprehensive training in radiology.
Q2. What is the eligibility criteria for MD Radiology admission in India?
To be eligible for MD Radiology admission in India, candidates must have an MBBS degree from a recognized institution with a minimum of 55% aggregate marks, complete a mandatory 1-year rotating internship, and be registered with the MCI or State Medical Council.
Q3. What is the average fee range for MD Radiology courses in India?
The average fee range for MD Radiology courses in India is between INR 25,000 to INR 8,00,000 per annum for both government and private colleges, with government colleges generally having lower fees.
Q4. What are the key subjects covered in the MD Radiology syllabus?
The MD Radiology syllabus covers key subjects such as radiological anatomy, emergency drugs, and radiology in infertility, along with practical training in areas like ultrasound, CT, MRI, and interventional radiology.
Q5. What is the entrance exam for MD Radiology admission in India?
The entrance exam for MD Radiology admission in India is the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Postgraduate (NEET PG), conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
