A radiology course after 12th trains you to take X-ray, CT and MRI scans safely, so that doctors can see inside the body. The most common choices are a 2 year diploma in radiography or a BSc in Radiology and Imaging Technology. On this page I also cover the OT technician course, which prepares you to run the operation theatre with the surgical team. You will find eligibility, duration, fees, jobs and salary for both.
Radiology technician vs radiologist: clear the confusion first
Many students mix these two up. They are very different careers.
| Point | Radiology technologist | Radiologist |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Allied health professional who operates scan machines | Doctor who reads scans and writes the report |
| Route | Diploma or BSc after 12th PCB | MBBS through NEET, then MD or DNB in Radiodiagnosis |
| Time after 12th | About 2 to 4 years | About 9 to 10 years |
| Pay | Modest at the start, grows with CT and MRI skills | Among the higher paid medical specialties |
Radiologist salary in India is high because it needs a medical degree and a 3 year specialisation. Interventional radiology salary is higher still, after further training. If that is your goal, read MBBS doctor and NEET UG. The rest of this page is about the technician route.
Radiology course details and duration
| Course | Duration | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma in Radiography or X ray technician course | Usually 2 years | 12th science, mostly with PCB |
| BSc Radiology and Imaging Technology (BSc MRIT or RIT) | 3 years plus internship, often 1 year | 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Biology |
| MRI technician course or CT certificate | Short add-on training, months to 1 year | Diploma or degree in radiography |
| MSc Medical Imaging Technology | 2 years | BSc in radiology or imaging |
The BSc radiology course duration is 3 years of study, and most universities add an internship. In the BSc you study anatomy, physiology, radiation physics, radiographic positioning, CT, MRI, ultrasound basics, contrast media, patient care and radiation protection. Radiation safety rules in India are set by the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), and you will learn them in detail.
Radiology course details in Hindi: radiology technician course mein X-ray, CT aur MRI machine chalana, mareez ko sahi position mein rakhna aur radiation se suraksha sikhai jati hai. Diploma 2 saal aur BSc 3 saal plus internship ka hota hai.
OT technician course: operation theatre technology
An operation theatre course trains you to prepare the theatre, sterilise instruments, set up anaesthesia and monitoring machines, and assist the surgeon and anaesthetist. You work in shifts and often in emergencies.
- Diploma in OT Technology: usually 2 years after 12th science.
- BSc Operation Theatre Technology: 3 years plus internship in many universities.
The OT technician course duration is the same as for radiology at each level. Main subjects are anatomy, physiology, microbiology, sterilisation, anaesthesia equipment, surgical instruments, patient safety and theatre management. Both radiology and OT are allied health professions under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP), which is setting common standards.
Admission and entrance
Most diploma seats are filled on 12th marks through state paramedical counselling. BSc seats may need a state or university entrance, CUET at some central universities, or NEET scores in some states and AIIMS style institutes. Look for an operation theatre course college with a busy attached hospital, because hands on cases matter more than anything else here.
Radiology courses fee and OT technician course fees
| Course | Government college | Private college |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma (radiography or OT) | Often under ₹25,000 a year | Roughly ₹30,000 to ₹1 lakh a year |
| BSc radiology or OT technology | Often ₹10,000 to ₹60,000 a year | Roughly ₹60,000 to ₹1.5 lakh a year |
Radiology courses in government college seats are cheaper and give better hospital exposure. Radiology course fees in a private college vary widely by city. State run institutes charge a fraction of private fees, so check fees, the hospital tie-up and recognition before admission. OT technician course government college fees are usually low as well.
Radiology jobs and OT technician jobs
- X ray technician jobs in hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres
- CT scan technician jobs and MRI technologist jobs in imaging centres
- Ultrasound and mammography support roles
- OT technician job roles in surgical hospitals, day care surgery units and trauma centres
- Equipment application roles with medical device makers, after experience
Government radiology technician jobs and OT assistant posts come from state health departments, central hospitals, railways, ESIC, AIIMS and defence hospitals. Pay is set by each notification. See govt jobs after 12th for the wider list.
Radiology course salary: technician and OT pay
| Role | Fresher (per month) | After 5 to 8 years |
|---|---|---|
| X ray technician salary (diploma) | About ₹10,000 to ₹18,000 | Higher with CT skills |
| BSc radiology salary per month | About ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 | Senior technologist roles pay much more |
| MRI technician salary | About ₹18,000 to ₹30,000 with MRI training | Among the better paid technician roles |
| OT technician salary | About ₹10,000 to ₹22,000 | Higher in large surgical hospitals |
These are broad ranges, not quotes. Operation theatre technician salary and radiology technician salary rise with night shift allowance, city, and skill on advanced machines. Check private offers with our CTC to in-hand salary tool.
Higher study and growth
After a diploma, do the BSc. After the BSc, an MSc in Medical Imaging Technology or a specialised CT, MRI or cath lab training opens senior and teaching roles. Some technologists move into radiation safety work after the required AERB training. Compare with DMLT lab technician, paramedical courses and medical courses after 12th.
Questions students ask
What is the radiology course duration?
A diploma in radiography usually takes 2 years. The BSc in Radiology and Imaging Technology takes 3 years plus an internship, often 1 year. Becoming a radiologist doctor takes MBBS plus a 3 year MD or DNB.
What is the radiologist salary per month?
Radiologists are doctors with MD or DNB, and they are among the better paid specialists, with pay depending on city and hospital. Radiology technicians earn far less at the start, roughly ₹10,000 to ₹25,000 a month for freshers.
What is the OT technician course?
It trains you to prepare the operation theatre, sterilise instruments, handle anaesthesia and monitoring equipment and assist the surgical team. It is offered as a 2 year diploma or a 3 year BSc with internship.
What is the X ray technician course fees range?
Government colleges often charge under ₹25,000 a year for the diploma. Private colleges often charge ₹30,000 to ₹1 lakh a year. Confirm recognition and hospital training before you pay.
Which pays more, radiology or OT technician?
Radiology usually pays a little more over time, especially with CT and MRI skills. OT technicians in large surgical hospitals also earn well. Pick the work you prefer: scans or surgery.
Is NEET needed for a BSc radiology course?
Not in most places. Diploma seats are usually filled on 12th marks. Some states and institutes use NEET or their own entrance for BSc seats, so read the admission notice.
Sources and official websites
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources. Rules change with each notification, so always read the latest one before you apply.
- National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions
- Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
- National Testing Agency
Last checked on 11 October. Spot an error? Tell us on the contact page.