Radiologist
Medical doctor who identifies and treats conditions using imaging — and interprets the pictures.
Overview
A Radiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in identifying and treating conditions using imaging equipment. They are especially trained in creating and interpreting pictures of areas inside the body.
Where they work
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Government Primary healthcare centres
Work environment
It is not a desk job. You may be required to handle a team of nurses or medical staff. Local travel is not a part of the job role. Hospitals and clinics usually work for 6 or 7 days a week and 8 to 9 hours every day. This may vary from hospital to hospital. Entrepreneurship: you can set up your own private practice.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You have interest in understanding how the human body functions
- You pay attention to details while working
- You like to analyse problems and situations
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (M.B.B.S.) OR complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Sc.) in Medical Radiography and Imaging Technology.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree (M.Sc.) in Radiology/Radio-Diagnosis/Medical Radiography and so on.
Alternative route 3
- 1Pursue a Diploma in Radiology Therapy/Medical Radio Diagnosis.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Radiology/Radiodiagnosis. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
- Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra
- BJ Government Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Government Medical College, Surat, Gujarat
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Stanley Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- KPC Medical College and Hospital, Jadavpur, West Bengal
- Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra
- Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University, Gurugram, Haryana
- Smt NHL Municipal Medical College, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Kasturba Health Society Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Maharashtra
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Intern
- 2Junior Radiologist
- 3Radiologist
- 4Senior Radiologist
- 5Head of the Department
- 6Medical Director/Superintendent
Related careers to explore
Medical Technician
Runs medical equipment and procedures — MRI, X-ray, ECG, EEG — and keeps instruments working.
Oncologist
Cancer specialist — medical, radiation or surgical oncology.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Bhavin Jankharia — One of India's leading radiologists, former President of the Indian Radiology and Imaging Association and Editor-in-Chief of the Indian Journal of Radiology & Imaging. He introduced sophisticated technologies such as the first 64 slice CT scanner in Asia, first High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy (HIFU), as well as a PET scanner in Indian private practice.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 417 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Radiologist/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.