Are you planning to build a career in medical imaging and radiography? The DRT 1st Year Syllabus 2026 is the first big step. DRT stands for Diploma in Radiology Technology (Radiography), a popular paramedical course under Allied Health Sciences that trains students to operate X-ray, CT, MRI and other imaging equipment. On this page you will get the complete DRT first year syllabus, subject-wise topics, marks distribution, recommended books and a free PDF download.

DRT Course Overview

Particulars Details
Course Name Diploma in Radiology Technology (DRT) / Diploma in Radiography
Course Level Diploma (Paramedical / Allied Health Sciences)
Course Duration 2 Years (Divided into 1st & 2nd Year)
Eligibility 10+2 with Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Examination Type Yearly (Theory + Practical + Viva-voce)
Regulating Body State Paramedical Council / State Medical Faculty
Job Roles Radiographer, X-Ray Technician, CT/MRI Technician, Imaging Assistant

DRT 1st Year Subjects List

The DRT first year focuses on building a strong foundation in human anatomy, radiation physics and basic radiographic techniques. Below is the list of subjects (papers) taught in the 1st year:

  • Radiological Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology (Paper I)
  • Radiological Physics (Paper II)
  • Radiography – I (General) (Paper III)
  • Dark Room Procedures (Paper IV)
  • Clinical & Instrumental Skill Lab (Practical & Training)

DRT 1st Year Marks Distribution (Paper Scheme)

Each theory paper in the DRT 1st year generally carries 100 marks, along with practical and viva-voce marks. The typical exam pattern followed by most paramedical councils is shown below (marks may vary slightly by institute):

Paper Subject Theory Practical / Viva Total Marks
Paper I Radiological Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology 100 – 100
Paper II Radiological Physics 100 – 100
Paper III Radiography – I (General) 100 – 100
Paper IV Dark Room Procedures 100 – 100
Practical Clinical & Instrumental Skill Lab (+ Viva) – 200 200
Total 1st Year Total 400 200 600

Note: The above marks scheme is indicative. Always confirm the exact marks distribution from your college or state paramedical council’s official syllabus.

DRT 1st Year Syllabus (Subject-Wise Topics)

Here is the detailed subject-wise breakdown of the DRT 1st year syllabus. These topics form the core foundation for your second year and clinical practice.

1. Radiological Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology (Paper I)

  • Introduction to human anatomy: cell, tissue, terminology and body planes
  • Skeletal system: bones, joints and radiographic anatomy of the skeleton
  • Respiratory system and thorax (lungs, trachea, diaphragm)
  • Cardiovascular and circulatory system
  • Digestive system and abdominal organs
  • Urinary and reproductive systems
  • Nervous system and special sense organs
  • Basics of physiology of major organ systems
  • Introduction to pathology and common disease conditions relevant to imaging

2. Radiological Physics (Paper II)

  • Structure of matter: atom, atomic structure and electromagnetic radiation
  • Fundamentals of electricity, magnetism and electromagnetism
  • Production of X-rays and properties of X-rays
  • X-ray tube: construction, working and rating
  • Interaction of X-rays with matter
  • Units of radiation measurement and dosimetry
  • Radiation hazards, protection and safety (ALARA principle)
  • Basics of rectification, transformers and X-ray generators

3. Radiography – I (General) (Paper III)

  • Introduction to radiography and imaging chain
  • Radiographic equipment and accessories
  • Patient positioning terminology and general principles
  • Radiographic positioning of upper and lower limbs
  • Radiography of the chest, abdomen and pelvis
  • Radiography of the vertebral column and skull
  • Exposure factors: kVp, mAs, focus-to-film distance (FFD)
  • Care of the patient during radiographic procedures

4. Dark Room Procedures (Paper IV)

  • Dark room construction, layout and design
  • Dark room accessories and safe lights
  • X-ray films: types, structure and handling
  • Intensifying screens and cassettes
  • Chemistry of film processing (developer and fixer)
  • Manual and automatic film processing
  • Storage and care of unexposed films
  • Common film faults, artefacts and their remedies

5. Clinical & Instrumental Skill Lab (Practical & Training)

  • Practical training related to all theory papers
  • Handling and identification of radiographic equipment and accessories
  • Basic patient positioning demonstrations
  • Dark room and film processing practicals
  • Clinical posting and hospital training

The right books make it much easier to understand radiography concepts. Here are some widely recommended books for DRT 1st year students:

Subject Recommended Book
Radiological Anatomy & Physiology A textbook of Anatomy & Physiology for Paramedical students
Radiological Physics The Fundamentals of X-ray and Radium Physics – Joseph Selman
Radiography (General) Textbook of Radiographic Positioning & Related Anatomy – Bontrager
Radiological Physics Christensen’s Physics of Diagnostic Radiology
Practice / Solved Papers DRT 1st Year Solved Papers (Manish Publications / local publishers)

DRT 1st Year Syllabus PDF Download

You can download the complete DRT 1st Year Syllabus 2026 PDF for offline study and revision. The PDF includes all subjects, topic-wise details and the marks distribution covered above. Always cross-check with your own college or state paramedical council’s official syllabus, as the curriculum may vary slightly from state to state.

Conclusion

The DRT 1st Year Syllabus lays a strong foundation in anatomy, radiation physics, general radiography and dark room procedures – the core skills every radiographer needs. Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning, practise positioning and film processing regularly, and use previous year question papers for revision. With consistent effort, you can score well and move confidently into your second year and clinical career in medical imaging.