1,614 candidates were allotted MD Radiology in Round 1. By Round 3, 1,453 remained. 90% retention — tied with General Medicine for the highest among major specialities. But the story of Radiology isn't just retention. It's about who CHOSE it.
145 left General Medicine for Radiology
This is the defining stat. 145 candidates who had General Medicine — the most sought-after speciality in PG — gave it up for Radiology. The reverse flow (Radiology → Gen Med) was only 78.
Radiology is the ONE speciality that consistently wins against General Medicine in head-to-head switches. Net flow: +67 from Gen Med.
+256 net gain — the second biggest magnet
409 candidates switched INTO Radiology. Only 153 left. Net gain of +256 — second only to General Medicine's +328.
The inflow comes from everywhere — Gen Med, Paediatrics, even Dermatology (41 candidates chose Radiology over Derm). Radiology pulls across speciality boundaries.
Where did the 153 go?
78 to Gen Med — the only significant exit. And 27 to Dermatology — the Derm↔Radio tension works both ways.
What does this mean for you?
If you're targeting Radiology: the speciality has strong demand AND strong retention. 90% who get it, keep it. Competition in R2/R3 will be intense — 409 candidates will try to switch in.
If you're choosing between Radiology and General Medicine: 145 candidates made that exact choice in 2025 and chose Radiology. That's a strong revealed preference. But Gen Med's breadth and sub-speciality options are unmatched — it depends on your career vision.