Preparing for the DNB/MD Radiology practical exam is a challenging task, especially because of the variation in exam settings, examiner expectations, and the subjective nature of practical assessment. This guide aims to give clear, actionable advice to help candidates perform well in all sections of the practical exam.
1. General Approach
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Start early in your residency. Practical skills take time to build.
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Focus on consistent practice, not just theory.
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Don’t panic—many students pass with focused preparation and practice.
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Stress, poor sleep, and anxiety can cause you to forget what you know. Stay calm.
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Take feedback from seniors and practice speaking confidently.
2. Spotters
You’ll be given 40 spotters in 40 minutes. Each carries 2 marks.
Preparation Tips:
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Use textbook images (Farr’s Physics, Berry series, Osborn, Diagnostic Imaging Series).
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Join Telegram/WhatsApp spotter groups and regularly solve cases.
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Visit local radiology museums if accessible.
Answering Tips:
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Write clearly and specify the side and location.
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Avoid short forms and acronyms (e.g., don’t write OM for osteomyelitis).
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Mention ancillary findings when possible.
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If unsure, write at least the key finding.
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Don’t write differential diagnoses unless asked.
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Don’t leave spotters blank—attempt all.
3. Case Presentation & Case Viva
Format: 4 short cases, 15 minutes each, total 160 marks.
Preparation:
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Read: RadCases, Duke Case Review, Diagnostic Radiology (Berry), FRCR case books.
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Know anatomy well: Use atlases like Weir & Abrahams, Müller, Ryan.
Presentation Format:
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Age/Sex and brief clinical history.
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Modalities shown (e.g., CT/MRI/X-ray).
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Positive findings.
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Relevant negatives.
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Summary in one sentence.
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Incidental findings.
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Suggestions for further work-up.
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Treatment (basic idea if applicable).
Approach:
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Start with lesion localization.
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Next, describe imaging characteristics (density, echogenicity, intensity).
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Narrow down differentials.
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Some cases will be classic—don’t give differentials.
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Others will be open—give 2 well-reasoned differentials.
Practice tip:
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Present cases to friends, seniors, and juniors. This builds fluency.
4. Table Viva
Divided into:
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Conventional radiology and safety (30 marks)
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IR and procedures (30 marks)
High-Yield Topics:
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Instruments (TLD badge, grids, cassettes, contrast agents)
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X-ray physics and film processing
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Radiological safety (AERB guidelines)
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PC-PNDT Act guidelines
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Basic interventional radiology procedures and tools
Books & Sources:
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Berry’s Series (Recent Advances)
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Farr’s Physics
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Bhushan Lakhkar (Radiological Procedures)
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Chapman’s Guides
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Online articles (AERB, PCPNDT)
Tips:
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Be strong in at least 1 topic. You might be asked to choose.
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Know the basic structure and steps of common IR procedures.
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Review emergencies (e.g., contrast reactions, anaphylaxis management).
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Avoid guessing. Admit if you don’t know something.
5. Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
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Be confident and calm.
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Dress professionally.
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Bring pointer, magnifying lens, and ruler.
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Be honest in your answers.
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Listen carefully before responding.
Don’ts:
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Don’t argue with examiners.
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Don’t guess if unsure—just say "I don’t recall right now."
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Don’t give differentials where the diagnosis is clear.
This exam is not just a test of knowledge, but of composure, clarity, and communication. Practicing case presentation and doing daily spotters is key. Learn to take feedback and grow from it.
Start today. Build consistency. Trust your preparation.
Best of luck!
If you want to contribute questions or experiences, feel free to get in touch.