RRB Radiographer study plan

Trace X-ray production inside the tube from thermionic emission at the filament to bremsstrahlung and characteristic photon emission, and state at least eight properties of X-rays (wavelength range, penetration, ionisation, fluorescence, effect of magnetic fields).

Label a cross-section of a stationary-anode and a rotating-anode tube, explaining the focusing cup, anode angle and focal spot, line-focus principle, anode heel effect and tube housing with its lead lining and oil cooling.

Calculate mA, exposure time and mAs from any two given values, and predict how changes in kVp, mA, time, filtration and SID alter radiographic density and contrast.

Distinguish primary, remnant, scattered and leakage radiation, and justify the use of collimators, cones, filtration (2.5 mm Al equivalent) and grids in controlling scatter and patient dose.

Name the standard projections and centring points for chest PA and AP, abdominal AP, skull PA and lateral, cervical spine lateral, and the common upper- and lower-limb views, stating patient position and cassette size for each.

Apply the inverse square law, the 15% rule and the geometric factors SID, OFD and OID to worked numerical examples explaining magnification, distortion and unsharpness.

Compare screen-film, computed radiography and direct digital radiography receptors on resolution, exposure latitude, processing time, darkroom dependence and reuse of the plate.

Sequence film processing from developing through fixing, washing and drying, and diagnose common faults such as fog, poor density, roller marks, static and light leaks from their likely causes.

State the ALARA principle and quote the occupational dose limit of 20 mSv per year averaged over five years (100 mSv in five years) and the public limit of 1 mSv per year, with correct SI units and the role of the TLD badge.

Classify biological effects of ionising radiation as deterministic or stochastic and as somatic or genetic, and define half-value layer, LD50/60, and the protective value of lead, concrete and distance.

Describe practical protection measures: collimation to the area of interest, gonad and thyroid shielding, 0.25 to 0.5 mm lead-equivalent aprons, time-distance-shielding, and the rule that no unprotected person holds a cassette during exposure.

Differentiate positive contrast agents (barium sulphate, water-soluble iodinated compounds) from negative agents (air, carbon dioxide), giving indications, contraindications and the immediate management of a mild and a severe contrast reaction.

Solve 30 arithmetic problems covering percentage, ratio and proportion, time and work, averages, simple interest and unitary method at a speed of one question per minute.

Convert and recompute exposure factors across problems - mAs from mA and time, new mAs after a 15% kVp change, new exposure at a changed SID using the inverse square law, and dose divided by the number of films.

Re-attempt every question marked wrong in weeks 1 to 3 and write the correct reasoning in one sentence for each, naming the concept that was missed.

Trace the full procedure for contrast examinations - intravenous urogram, barium swallow and meal, barium enema and hysterosalpingography - including bowel preparation, patient positioning, films taken and aftercare instructions.

List the handling of a trauma or unconscious patient in the X-ray room: immobilisation, removal of opaque objects, sterile technique for open wounds, monitoring lines, and radiation protection of accompanying attendants.

Solve verbal and non-verbal reasoning sets on number and letter series, coding-decoding, blood relations, syllogisms and seating arrangement at 80% accuracy.

Work through mirror-image, paper-folding, embedded-figure and figure-series questions using a written elimination method rather than guesswork.

Recap high-yield Domain 1 items: quality assurance tests for kVp, tube output, filtration, collimator alignment and leakage, plus routine equipment maintenance and infection control between patients.

Summarise the Constitution of India - fundamental rights and duties, the three-tier structure of government, and the constitutional provisions on health and education - in your own words.

Compile 60 frequently repeated static general awareness facts covering national parks, rivers, capitals, currency, important days, awards, space missions and Indian Railway zones and headquarters.

Read and condense the last six months of current affairs into a four-page digest, weighting railways, health, science and appointments.

Take two sectional tests - 50 Domain 1 questions and 25 mixed arithmetic and reasoning questions - and score above 70% in each under timed conditions.

Classify every error from weeks 1 to 6 as a knowledge gap, a calculation slip or a misread question, and state the specific fix for each category.

Recite a ten-point pre-exposure checklist covering patient identification, clinical indication, pregnancy enquiry, collimation, shielding, exposure factors and image critique before acceptance.

Complete three full-length mock tests of 100 questions in 90 minutes under exam conditions, and compare the score trend across the three attempts.

Revise the condensed eight-week notes for 90 minutes daily in the ratio 7:1:1:1 across Domain 1, Domain 2, Domain 3 and Domain 4.

Rehearse the final-week rapid list: dose limits, grid ratios, film processing steps, common projections and formulae for mAs, inverse square law and the 15% rule.