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For decades, Indian MBBS graduates and postgraduates have mainly relied on traditional career pathways within the country, such as MD, DNB, or diploma programs. While these qualifications still remain highly valuable, they often limit doctors to local recognition and opportunities. And the scenario is rapidly changing among Indian MBBS graduates.
With the medical and healthcare sector becoming increasingly global, Indian doctors today are seeking international alternatives that provide greater recognition, high salaries, global mobility, and better career prospects.
One such pathway among these is the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR), a prestigious credential from the UK that is considered the gold standard for clinical radiology professionals. For Indian MBBS graduates who are interested in making a thriving career in clinical radiology, FRCR opens the door to advanced training opportunities and practice not only in the UK but also in several other countries.
Here, we will discuss in detail the FRCR, its parts, eligibility, and how it provides better career prospects for Indian MBBS graduates.
Structure of the FRCR exam
The FRCR exam is divided into three progressive stages, and each focuses on different areas of clinical radiology training.
FRCR Part 1: This part tests candidates’ knowledge in radiological anatomy and the physics underlying diagnostic imaging. It is divided into two modules, namely physics and anatomy.
Physics module
- Mode of exam: Computer-based test
- Number of questions: 40 multiple-choice questions
- Duration of the exam: 2 hours
Anatomy module
- Mode of exam: Computer-based test
- Number of questions: 100 image-associated questions
- Duration of the exam: 90 minutes
Eligibility criteria for FRCR Part 1
- Must have a primary medical qualification that is recognised by the GMC.
- Must hold a formal clinical radiology training post or have held one in the past.
- No minimum period of clinical experience or clinical radiology training required.
FRCR Part 2A: This exam assesses aspirants’ knowledge in areas like imaging, congenital abnormalities, pathology, and radiological techniques. A strong foundation in physics, anatomy, imaging modalities, and understanding of core clinical radiology is essential to pass this stage.
- Mode of the exam: Computer-based exam
- Number of papers: 2
- Number of questions: 120 SBA (Single Best Answer) questions per paper
- Duration of the exam: 3 hours for each paper
- Frequency: 2 times a year
Eligibility criteria for FRCR Part 2A
- Must have passed the FRCR Part 1 examination.
- Should have completed 24 months of formal clinical radiology training by the month of the exam.
- A maximum of six attempts is permitted to clear the FRCR Part 2A exam.
FRCR Part 2B: The FRCR Part 2B exam comprises three components: a long case reporting session, a short case reporting session, and an oral exam. Aligned with the Specialty Training Curriculum, it tests your ability to interpret images, make accurate diagnoses, and communicate effectively.
Short case reporting: 25 plain film cases in 120 minutes
Long case reporting: 6 multimodality cases in 75 minutes
Oral/viva component: 12 cases in 60 minutes (with four examiners)
All are conducted via the risr/assess digital platform.
FRCR Part 2B: Eligibility criteria
- Must have cleared the FRCR Part 2A exam.
- Should have completed at least 34 months in a formal clinical radiology training post before the exam.
- If a candidate fails in the exam, all three components must be retaken in the next attempt.
- After two failed attempts, the performance of candidates in the UK specialty training will be reviewed.
- The review findings will be shared with the candidate’s training programme director to help with the preparation for the next attempt.
Why choose FRCR as an Indian doctor?
Global career opportunities: Recognised not just in the UK but also in the Middle East, Europe, Singapore, India, and beyond.
Higher salaries & growth: Opens doors to financially rewarding positions.
International recognition: Adds prestige to one’s profile compared to local qualifications.
Professional mobility: Easier to work, train, and settle abroad with FRCR.
So that’s all about FRCR. We hope this information was helpful for you. At StudyMEDIC, we go beyond the exam preparation by offering the Advanced Clinical Training Program for FRCR. It is a unique 2-year hospital-based training with clinical rotations aligned to the Royal College curriculum. The program provides hands-on training at top multispecialty hospitals in India, over 1000 hours of structured learning, and opportunities to build real-world radiology skills. Participants also benefit from a stipend of up to ₹12 lakh, exclusive e-portfolio access, and 100% placement support across the US, UK, EU, GCC, and Australia, ensuring a seamless pathway to a successful international radiology career.
Authored By: Sarath
By : Admin
