Radio–diagnosis and imaging is one of the important specializations, used as a tool for the diagnostic and therapeutic examination but ionizing radiation used in the radiology examination also carries well–known potential risks. The knowledge of ionizing radiation exposure risks among the medical staff is essential for planning diagnostic procedures and therapy.Objective: The main objective of this study is to assess the knowledge of medical students on radiation dose, its hazards and radiation protection protocol.Materials and methods: A cross sectional questionnaire–based study was conducted among final year medical students, house surgeons and post graduate students in a rural medical institute in South India. 185 students participated in the study. Each correct answer was awarded one mark and no mark was given for wrong answer.Results: The highest rates of correct answers to questions related to the issue of radiation protection were provided by the post graduates followed by house surgeons and final year medical students. Few students incorrectly believed MRI and ultrasonography utilizes ionising radiation. Conclusion: Medical students have limited awareness about radiation risks and protection. Periodic training of both undergraduate and postgraduate medical students on radiation risks and protection needs to be emphasized.