If you are preparing for the AIIMS CRE (Common Recruitment Examination) Radiographer / X-Ray Technician post in 2026, the first step is to understand the complete syllabus and exam pattern. This guide gives you the cross-checked, subject-wise AIIMS CRE Radiographer syllabus along with the exam pattern, eligibility, salary, selection process, preparation strategy and important MCQs — everything in one place.
AIIMS CRE Radiographer 2026 — Overview
| Exam Name | AIIMS CRE (Common Recruitment Examination) |
| Conducting Body | All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi |
| Posts Covered | Technician (Radiology), Radiographic Technician Grade-I, X-Ray Technician (Radio-Diagnosis), X-Ray Technician (Radiotherapy), Dark Room Assistant |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions / Marks | 100 MCQs / 400 Marks |
| Duration | 90 Minutes |
| Negative Marking | Yes (+4 correct, −1 wrong) |
| Official Website | aiimsexams.ac.in |
Note: Exact vacancy numbers and exam dates are released in the official AIIMS CRE notification — always confirm them on the official website before applying.
AIIMS CRE Radiographer Exam Pattern 2026
The AIIMS CRE Radiographer exam is conducted online (CBT) with objective MCQs. Key points:
- Total 100 questions carrying 400 marks.
- Each correct answer = +4 marks; each wrong answer = −1 mark (¼ negative marking).
- Total time = 90 minutes, usually split into 5 sections of 20 questions (around 18 minutes per section, auto-submit, no backtracking).
- Question split: 80 questions from the technical / domain (Radiography) syllabus and 20 questions from General Awareness, Reasoning, Aptitude, Computer & English.
- Qualifying marks (typical): 40% (UR/EWS), 35% (OBC), 30% (SC/ST).
- Medium: English for technical-degree posts; bilingual (English & Hindi) for 10th/12th-level posts.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Domain / Radiography (Technical) | 80 | 320 |
| General Knowledge, Reasoning, Aptitude, Computer & English | 20 | 80 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
AIIMS CRE Radiographer Syllabus 2026 (Subject-Wise)
A. Technical / Domain Syllabus (Radiography — 80 Questions)
This is the most important and highest-weightage part of the paper. The cross-checked, commonly tested topics are:
- Human Anatomy — bones, joints, systems and surface anatomy relevant to radiography.
- Human Physiology — basic body systems and their functions.
- Medical Biochemistry — fundamentals relevant to clinical practice.
- Basics of Radiation Physics — structure of atom, X-ray production, properties of X-rays, interaction of radiation with matter.
- Radiation Physics & Radiation Protection — units of radiation, dose measurement, ALARA principle, protective devices, standards & regulations (AERB).
- Fundamentals of Medical Imaging — image formation, film & digital imaging, dark room techniques, image processing.
- Equipment of Radio Diagnosis — X-ray tube, generators, accessories, grids, intensifying screens, fluoroscopy.
- Radiographic Positioning & Techniques — standard projections and positioning of all body regions.
- Special Radiographic Techniques & Procedures — contrast studies (Barium, IVU, etc.) and special examinations.
- Advanced Radiographic Techniques & Imaging Modalities — CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Mammography, DSA, PACS.
- Interventional Radiology & Drugs Used in Diagnostic Radiology — contrast media, basic pharmacology, reactions & management.
- Radiotherapy & Brachytherapy — basics of radiotherapy in malignant & non-malignant diseases, equipment of radiotherapy, planning & quality control (for radiotherapy posts).
- Quality Control & Quality Assurance in Radiology.
- Hospital Practice, Patient Care & Record-Keeping — patient handling, medical ethics, emergency care.
- Orientation in Clinical & Para-Clinical Sciences.
- Community Healthcare.
B. General Section (20 Questions)
- General Knowledge & Current Affairs — national & international events, general science, static GK.
- General Intelligence & Reasoning — coding-decoding, series, analogy, logical reasoning.
- Quantitative Aptitude — arithmetic, data interpretation, basic numerical ability.
- Computer Awareness — fundamentals of computers, MS Office basics, internet.
- English Language — grammar, comprehension, vocabulary.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies by post. The general requirement is:
- Educational Qualification: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry & Biology, plus a Diploma / B.Sc. in Radiography / Radio-Diagnosis / Medical Imaging Technology from a recognised institute. Some Grade-I posts may require a B.Sc. degree.
- Age Limit: As specified in the official notification (generally 18 years onwards, with upper limit and category-wise relaxation per AIIMS rules).
Always verify post-wise qualification and age limit from the official AIIMS CRE notification before applying.
Salary & Pay Scale
Radiographic Technician Grade-I / X-Ray Technician posts at AIIMS are generally placed at Pay Level-6 (7th CPC), with a basic pay starting around ₹35,400 per month, plus DA, HRA, TA and other allowances as per central government rules. Dark Room Assistant and entry-level posts may be at a lower pay level. Final pay is as per the post and the official notification.
Selection Process
- Computer-Based Test (CBT) — the main written exam.
- Document verification for shortlisted candidates.
- Skill test / final merit as per the official notification (where applicable).
Best Books & Free Resources
For focused preparation, use a topic-wise practice book plus a strong test series. You can explore Radiographer / X-Ray Technician books and PDF material on the Testpaperlive Book Store, and join the structured Radiographer Competitive Exam Course and RRB Radiographer / X-Ray Technician Test Series for full coverage.
Preparation Strategy
- Give maximum time to the technical section (80 marks) — it decides your selection.
- Master Radiation Physics, Equipment, Positioning and Imaging Modalities — these carry the most questions.
- Revise Anatomy & Physiology regularly with diagrams.
- Practise previous-year papers and full-length mock tests with negative marking to build speed and accuracy.
- Keep 30 minutes daily for GK, current affairs, reasoning and computer basics for the 20 general marks.
- Maintain a short notes / one-liner notebook for last-month revision.
