PhD Radiology, also known as Doctor of Philosophy in Radiology, is a specialized doctoral program that focuses on advanced research in diagnostic imaging techniques, radiation therapy, medical imaging technologies, and their applications in clinical, academic, and industrial healthcare settings.
Depending on the candidate's research progress and institutional policies, the typical Doctorate in Radiology course lasts three to five years. During this time, scholars engage in independent research, thesis writing, and lab-based radiological studies.
The eligibility criteria for PhD Radiology includes a Master’s degree in Radiology, Radiodiagnosis, Medical Imaging, or equivalent with a minimum aggregate of 55% (50% for reserved categories). Most universities require candidates to clear a national-level or university-level entrance exam like UGC NET, CSIR NET, or institutional PhD entrance tests.
After earning a PhD in radiology, the typical annual salary falls between INR 8,00,000 and INR 20,00,000, particularly for those working in academic, clinical, or upscale diagnostic facilities. Following a PhD, positions as a radiology consultant, academic researcher, imaging scientist, clinical trials lead, and professor of radiology are common..
- PhD in Radiology Course Highlights
- What is PhD in Radiology?
- Why Pursue PhD in Radiology Course?
- Who should study a PhD in Radiology?
- PhD in Radiology Eligibility Criteria
- PhD in Radiology Entrance Exams
- PhD in Radiology Colleges in India
- PhD in Radiology Admission Process 2025
- PhD in Radiology Syllabus
- PhD in Radiology VS PhD in Biomedical Engineering
- PhD in Radiology Jobs & Salary
- PhD in Radiology FAQs
PhD in Radiology Course Highlights
Provided below are some of the basic highlights for the course Doctorate in Radiology:
What is PhD in Radiology?
A Doctor of Philosophy in Radiology is a research-oriented doctorate degree that is achieved through the advanced study of medical imaging techniques, including X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography, sonography, and nuclear medicine. In comparison to a clinical degree in radiology (such as MD or DNB), a PhD focuses on scientific research and innovation and the advancement of new imaging technologies, diagnostic methods or uses in medicine.
This program suits best to students who want to pursue medical research, biomedical engineering, or pursue a career in academics. Topics of research that PhD students in the field undertake include image processing, artificial intelligence in diagnostics, radiation safety, or the bettering of imaging techniques to detect and monitor disease progression.
Why Pursue PhD in Radiology Course?
For those who are enthusiastic about developing medical imaging, diagnostics, and radiological science, pursuing a PhD in Radiology can be a life-changing academic and professional experience. Here’s why:
- Research-Focused Career: A PhD in Radiology lets you contribute to advancements in technologies like nuclear medicine, MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound.
- Academic Opportunities: Graduates can take up roles as professors or academic consultants in top medical colleges and universities.
- Strong Clinical Impact: Since radiology is vital for modern diagnosis, PhD holders can also work in hospitals and specialized clinics, helping improve patient care.
- Attractive Salary Prospects: PhD graduates can earn high salaries, especially when working with international research centers, private hospitals, or diagnostic labs.
- Global Research Scope: The degree opens doors to post-doctoral research and collaborations with renowned global institutions and medical journals.
Who should study a PhD in Radiology?
Below mentioned are the pointers of who should pursue this course:
- Engineers, physicists or life scientists who have an interest in creating imaging technologies or products.
- Radiologists already on the job, who have desires to add to academic knowledge, to teach or to publish a scientific journal.
- Anyone who is interested to apply artificial intelligence, machine learning, or data analysis in radiology and diagnostics.
- Individuals interested in enhancing the diagnostics of cancer, neurological and cardiovascular diseases, etc.
- People interested in working at research labs, universities or clinical innovation centers.
- Individuals who have a desire to become leaders of research teams or develop projects with international medical imaging enterprises.
- The people dealing with radiation management studies aim at making imaging safe to patients and staff.
PhD in Radiology Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the PhD Radiology course is listed below:
- Educational Qualification: Master’s degree (MD/MS/MSc) in Radiology, Medical Imaging, Radiodiagnosis, or Allied Health Sciences.
- Minimum Marks Required: At least 55% aggregate marks (relaxable to 50% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD).
- Entrance Exams:
- UGC-NET / CSIR-NET
- AIIMS PhD Entrance Test
- SRM PhD Entrance Exam
- JIPMER PhD Admission Test
- Institutional Entrance + Interview
- Research Proposal: Some universities may require a synopsis of proposed research along with the application.
PhD in Radiology Entrance Exams
Listed below are some of the common entrance exams for the Doctorate in Radiology course admission in India:
PhD in Radiology Colleges in India
Here is a list of top Ph D Radiology colleges in India offering the program in real time:
PhD in Radiology Admission Process 2025
The admission to Ph D Radiology is generally based on an entrance test and interview, followed by submission of a research proposal. Here’s the general process:
Step 1: Apply Online through the university portal of SRM Institute of Science & Technology.
Step 2: Students must have appeared for entrance exams like UGC-NET.
Step 3: Shortlisted candidates must face a viva-voce or research discussion round.
Step 4: Submit synopsis and guide approval from the research supervisor.
Step 5: Pay the course fee, register for coursework, and begin the PhD journey.
PhD in Radiology Syllabus
The PhD Radiology syllabus is research-intensive and includes both mandatory coursework and independent thesis work.
* The final submission involves the defense of the thesis in front of a panel of experts.
PhD in Radiology VS PhD in Biomedical Engineering
Mentioned below is the comparison between PhD Radiology and PhD Biomedical Engineering:
PhD in Radiology Jobs & Salary
Graduates of Ph D Radiology course can work in high-profile academic, clinical, research, and industrial roles.
PhD in Radiology FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for India's PhD program in radiology?
Applicants must have earned at least 55% of the possible points in a Master's degree in Radiology, Radiodiagnosis, or Allied Health Sciences. This means that to pursue advanced research in radiology, candidates must have a solid academic background in a related field.
What is the salary for someone with a PhD in radiology?
A PhD holder in radiology typically makes between INR 8 LPA and INR 20 LPA, depending on their institution, experience, and job profile. Higher compensation may be available for leadership roles in the healthcare industry, academic positions, and research roles.
Do private universities offer PhD programs in radiology?
A variety of private universities, including Manipal Academy, Amrita University, and SRM IST, do offer PhD programs in radiology. These universities offer PhD students flexible learning options and state-of-the-art research facilities.
Who earns more, a radiologist or a neurosurgeon?
Neurosurgeons earn more than radiologists, with average salaries around INR 20,00,000 per year. This is due to the complex and high-risk nature of neurosurgery. Radiologists earn high salaries too, but generally less than neurosurgeons.
How many years does it take to become a radiologist?
Becoming a radiologist usually requires about 5 years of medical school (MBBS) plus 3 years of specialization (MD/DNB in Radiology). In total, it takes approximately 8 years after high school. Additional fellowship training can extend this period depending on the subspecialty.
