How to become a Radiology / Imaging Technologist in India
रेडियोलॉजी टेक्नोलॉजिस्ट
Operate X-ray, CT, MRI and other imaging machines to produce the scans doctors use for diagnosis.
- Streams
- Science (PCB), Science (PCM)
- Time it takes
- 3–4 years after Class 12
- Key exams
- CUET, AIIMS B.Sc
What you actually do
- Position patients and run imaging scans safely
- Follow radiation-safety rules for patients, staff and yourself
- Check image quality and maintain equipment logs
A day in the life
A queue of X-rays in the morning, a few CT scans including an emergency trauma case, explaining an MRI to a nervous patient, and checking dose records at the end of the shift.
The path, step by step
- Class 9–10: science, especially physicsabout 2 yr
- Class 11–12: Science with PCB (some institutes also accept PCM)about 2 yr
- Entrance: institute or state tests (e.g. AIIMS paramedical), or CUET (UG) where usedabout 6 mo
- B.Sc Radiology / Medical Imaging Technology (3–4 years) or a diplomaabout 3 yr
- Internship in a hospital imaging department; register as required under the NCAHP frameworkabout 6 mo
- First job: Radiographer / Imaging Technologist in a hospital or diagnostic centreabout 1 yr
Entrance and recruitment exams
| Exam | Conducted by | How often |
|---|---|---|
| CUET (UG) | National Testing Agency (NTA) | Once a year (usually May–June) |
| AIIMS B.Sc (Hons) Paramedical courses | AIIMS New Delhi | Once a year |
Exam dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle. Always read the latest notice on the official website before you apply.
Cost and pay
Government / public route
Government institutes: roughly ₹10,000 to ₹60,000 per year
Private route
Private institutes: roughly ₹60,000 to ₹2 lakh per year
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
Salary
Pay rises with CT/MRI experience and in larger hospitals. No official salary series; check hospital and government recruitment notices.
Skills that matter
Is this for me?
Good fit if…
- You like technology and machines
- You want patient contact in short sessions
- You follow safety rules carefully
Maybe not, if…
- You dislike shift work
- You are anxious about working near radiation even with protection
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Common questions
How do I become a Radiology / Imaging Technologist in India?
1. Class 9–10: science, especially physics 2. Class 11–12: Science with PCB (some institutes also accept PCM) 3. Entrance: institute or state tests (e.g. AIIMS paramedical), or CUET (UG) where used 4. B.Sc Radiology / Medical Imaging Technology (3–4 years) or a diploma 5. Internship in a hospital imaging department; register as required under the NCAHP framework 6. First job: Radiographer / Imaging Technologist in a hospital or diagnostic centre
Which entrance exams lead to a career as a Radiology / Imaging Technologist?
CUET (UG) (National Testing Agency (NTA)); AIIMS B.Sc (Hons) Paramedical courses (AIIMS New Delhi). Check each official website for current dates and eligibility.
Which stream should I choose after Class 10 to become a Radiology / Imaging Technologist?
Science (PCB), Science (PCM).
How long does it take to become a Radiology / Imaging Technologist?
3–4 years after Class 12
How much does it cost to become a Radiology / Imaging Technologist?
Government route: Government institutes: roughly ₹10,000 to ₹60,000 per year. Private route: Private institutes: roughly ₹60,000 to ₹2 lakh per year. Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
What is the salary of a Radiology / Imaging Technologist in India?
Pay rises with CT/MRI experience and in larger hospitals. No official salary series; check hospital and government recruitment notices.
Sources and last check
We list every rate, limit and date this page relies on, where it comes from and when we last checked it. Rules change: please confirm on the official website before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
- Radiology / Imaging Technologist: path, eligibility and costsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Approximate. Fees change every year and differ by state, institute and category (fee waivers and scholarships may apply). Always check the official fee notice.
National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions · AIIMS New Delhi
- Entrance and recruitment examsVerified 13 Oct 2026
Frequency shown is typical; dates, eligibility and patterns change every cycle.
CUET (UG) — National Testing Agency (NTA) · AIIMS B.Sc (Hons) Paramedical courses — AIIMS New Delhi
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