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Ranga Raya Medical College (RMC), Kakinada, established in 1958, is one of the premier government medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh, affiliated to Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences (YSRUHS), Vijayawada. The Diploma in Dark Room Assistant (DDRA) is a 2-year full-time paramedical diploma programme that trains students in darkroom techniques, film processing, X-ray film handling, radiographic support, and basic radiology department operations. RMC Kakinada offers 6 seats in this programme. The course is offered at a highly subsidised government fee of approximately Rs. 25,000 per year (Rs. 50,000 total for 2 years), making it one of the most affordable paramedical programmes in the country. Admission is based on merit in Intermediate (10+2) with BiPC or MPC group, and the course is suited for students seeking entry-level careers in radiology and medical imaging departments.

As of March 2026, the AP Paramedical Diploma admissions for 2025-26 have been completed. The next admission cycle (2026-27) is expected to commence around July-August 2026, with notifications from the AP State Allied Health Paramedical Council (APSAHPC) or Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences. Candidates should monitor the official DRNTRUHS website (drntr.uhsap.in) and the APSAHPC portal for the 2026-27 admission notification.

Key Points

RMC Kakinada is a government medical college, ensuring highly subsidised fees for all students.
The Diploma in Dark Room Assistant programme has 6 seats, with admission based on Intermediate merit.
The programme provides hands-on training in the Radiology Department of the attached Government General Hospital (GGH), Kakinada, one of the largest government hospitals in Andhra Pradesh.
Graduates are eligible to work as Dark Room Assistants/Radiographic Support Staff in government and private hospitals, diagnostic centres, and imaging labs.
As per the AP Government G.O.Ms.No.65, if BiPC candidates are not available, MPC group candidates and thereafter other group candidates are considered for admission.
The course is recognised by the AP State Allied Health Paramedical Council (APSAHPC) and affiliated to Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences.

Official Link:

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Highlights
Fees
Admission
Scholarships
FAQs

RMC DDRA Fees

The Diploma in Dark Room Assistant at RMC Kakinada is offered at a government-subsidised fee. The annual fee is approximately Rs. 25,000 per year, with a total fee of Rs. 50,000 for the 2-year programme. This is consistent with the fee structure for other 2-year paramedical diploma programmes at RMC Kakinada and other government medical colleges in Andhra Pradesh.

Fee Components

Fee Component	Amount
Tuition Fee (per year)	Rs. 25,000 (approx.)
Total Tuition Fee (2 years)	Rs. 50,000 (approx.)

The above fees are indicative based on available data for paramedical diploma programmes at RMC Kakinada.
Exact fees will be notified in the official APSAHPC/DRNTRUHS admission notification for 2026-27.
Hostel facilities are available on campus.
Monthly hostel rent is approximately Rs. 1,200 to Rs. 3,000, and mess charges are approximately Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 3,500 per month.
Hostel is not mandatory.
Application fee for AP paramedical diploma admissions is nominal (as per official notification).

RMC DDRA Admission 2026

Admission to the Diploma in Dark Room Assistant at RMC Kakinada is conducted through centralised counselling by the AP State Allied Health Paramedical Council (APSAHPC) or Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences. Seats are filled based on merit in Intermediate (10+2) with BiPC or MPC group. The 2025-26 admission cycle has been completed. The 2026-27 admission cycle is expected to begin around July-August 2026.

AP Paramedical Diploma Admission Dates

Event	Date
AP Paramedical Diploma 2025-26 Online Application Opens	July-August 2025 (approx.)
AP Paramedical Diploma 2025-26 Merit List Released	August-September 2025 (approx.)
AP Paramedical Diploma 2025-26 Counselling/Allotments	September-October 2025 (approx.)
Batch Start (Academic Year 2025-26)	October-November 2025 (approx.)

Note: For the 2026-27 cycle, candidates should watch for the official notification on drntr.uhsap.in or the APSAHPC portal. No separate entrance exam is required; admission is based on Intermediate merit.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have passed Intermediate (10+2) with BiPC (Biology, Physics, Chemistry) group from a recognised board.
If BiPC candidates are not available, MPC group candidates and thereafter other group candidates are considered, as per AP Government G.O.Ms.No.65.
Minimum age: 17 years as on December 31 of the year of admission (as per general paramedical norms).

Admission Process

Monitor the official DRNTRUHS website (drntr.uhsap.in) or APSAHPC portal for the AP Paramedical Diploma 2026-27 admission notification.
Register online and pay the application fee as per the official notification.
Upload required documents including Intermediate marks memo, caste certificate (if applicable), and identity proof.
A merit list is prepared based on Intermediate marks.
Participate in web-based counselling (web options) or attend in-person counselling as per the schedule notified.
Report to the allotted college with original documents and pay the fee at the time of joining.

RMC DDRA Scholarships 2026

Students admitted to the Diploma in Dark Room Assistant at RMC Kakinada (a government medical college) are eligible for various state and central government scholarship schemes. The government-subsidised fee structure itself is a significant financial benefit. Eligible students from reserved categories and economically weaker sections can avail of post-matric scholarships that may cover a significant portion of the tuition fee.

Scholarship Schemes

Scholarship / Financial Support	Amount	Eligibility
AP State Government Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST)	Up to full tuition fee reimbursement	SC/ST candidates from Andhra Pradesh
AP State Government Post-Matric Scholarship (BC/EWS)	Partial fee reimbursement	BC/EWS candidates from Andhra Pradesh
National Scholarship Portal (NSP) - OBC/Minority Scholarships	Varies	Based on category and income criteria

Scholarship applications are typically made online at the beginning of the academic year through the AP State Scholarship portal and the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
SC/ST students in government colleges in AP are generally eligible for full fee reimbursement under the state post-matric scholarship scheme.
Candidates should check the latest notifications for updated amounts and deadlines.

RMC DDRA FAQs

Ques. What is the total fee for Diploma in Dark Room Assistant at RMC Kakinada?

Ans. The total fee for the 2-year Diploma in Dark Room Assistant programme at RMC Kakinada is approximately Rs. 50,000 (Rs. 25,000 per year). This is a government-subsidised fee. Exact fees will be confirmed in the official APSAHPC/DRNTRUHS admission notification for 2026-27. SC/ST students may be eligible for full fee reimbursement under the AP state scholarship scheme.

Ques. What does a Dark Room Assistant do in a hospital?

Ans. A Dark Room Assistant is responsible for handling and processing X-ray films, maintaining the darkroom environment, assisting radiographers in film development, managing radiographic supplies, and ensuring proper storage and handling of radiographic materials. With the shift to digital radiology, the role has evolved to include support in digital imaging systems and PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) in modern hospitals.

Ques. How many seats are available in Diploma in Dark Room Assistant at RMC Kakinada?

Ans. RMC Kakinada offers 6 seats in the Diploma in Dark Room Assistant programme. Admission is based on Intermediate marks. Candidates with strong BiPC scores have a better chance of securing a seat.

Ques. What is the career scope after Diploma in Dark Room Assistant from RMC Kakinada?

Ans. Graduates can work as Dark Room Assistants or Radiographic Support Staff in government hospitals, private hospitals, diagnostic centres, and imaging labs. Graduates can also pursue further studies such as B.Sc (Imaging Technology) or Diploma in Radiographic Technician for career advancement in the medical imaging field.

Ques. Does RMC Kakinada provide practical training for Diploma in Dark Room Assistant students?

Ans. Yes. RMC Kakinada is attached to the Government General Hospital (GGH), Kakinada, which is one of the largest government hospitals in Andhra Pradesh with a high patient load. Students get hands-on training in the Radiology Department, including film processing, darkroom operations, and radiographic support, providing excellent practical exposure during the 2-year programme.

Ques. When does the 2026-27 admission process for Diploma in Dark Room Assistant at RMC Kakinada begin?

Ans. The 2026-27 admission process for AP Paramedical Diploma courses (including Diploma in Dark Room Assistant) is expected to begin around July-August 2026, with the official notification released by APSAHPC or Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences. Candidates should regularly check the official website drntr.uhsap.in for updates.

RMC Kakinada Diploma Dark Room Assistant: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

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