Understanding MRI Cost in Kolkata: A Beginner’s Guide to Affordable and Quality Scans
If you’re searching for MRI cost in Kolkata, this guide will help you navigate everything—from typical price ranges to the best diagnostic centers, affordable options, and factors influencing cost. By the end, you’ll understand local pricing, where to go, and how to choose wisely.
1. Why MRI Cost in Kolkata Varies
1.1 Government vs Private Settings
The MRI cost in Kolkata differs significantly between public hospitals (like IPGMER/SSKM) and private labs. Public institutions may charge ₹2,500–₹7,000 per scan, often with long waiting periods. Private centres typically charge ₹3,500–₹10,000 or more depending on the technology and reputation.
1.2 Machine Strength
MRI scanners can be 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla. High-end labs using 3 T machines charge more, but provide sharper image quality—so the MRI cost in Kolkata can climb by ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 for 3 T scans.
1.3 Body Part & Contrast Use
A brain or knee scan typically costs ₹3,000–₹6,500. Contrast-enhanced scans (e.g., MRI with contrast) can add ₹2,000–₹5,000 to the MRI cost in Kolkata.
1.4 Lab Reputation and Location
Premier hospitals quote like ₹7,000–₹15,000 per scan, while smaller centers may range ₹3,500–₹6,000 for basic MRI services.
2. Typical MRI Cost in Kolkata: A Snapshot
According to BookmeriLab and MFine listings, the MRI cost in Kolkata falls in these ranges:
- Brain / Spine / Joint scans: ₹3,150–₹6,500
- Whole abdomen / whole spine: ₹10,000–₹12,000+
- Contrast-enhanced studies: ₹6,500–₹11,000+
- MFine offers discounted packages starting at ₹5,100 for brain/spine scans, and ₹11,050 for whole abdomen scans
- BookmeriLab lists MRI Brain from ₹3,150 and whole spine from ₹5,400 etc.
3. Top MRI Centres in Kolkata with MRI Cost in Kolkata
Here are 10 reputable MRI centres in Kolkata, with hyperlinks to their sites (where available), addresses, contact info, and typical MRI cost in Kolkata:
- [Aarthi Diagnostics, Bhowanipore] – 6 Sambhunath Pandit St, behind SSKM Hospital
● Contact: 9550595505 | MRI cost in Kolkata: ₹3,500 (₹3,150 online) for brain; ₹3,500 – ₹6,800 for other scans - [Victoria MRI Centre] – 4 Victoria Terrace, near Minto Park, Elgin
● Contact: 033‑2290997 | MRI cost in Kolkata: ₹5,525–₹5,950 for brain/spine/joint; ₹11,050 for Whole Abdomen; ₹8,525 for contrast brain scans - [Midnapore Diagnostics (Shyambazar)] – R G Kar Medical College Campus, Shyambazar
● Contact: 09434010719 | MRI cost in Kolkata: ₹4,500 list price for basic brain scan - [EKO Diagnostic (College Street)] – Calcutta Medical College Campus, College Square
● Contact: 033‑22123778 | MRI cost in Kolkata: ₹4,200 for MRI brain/spine etc. - [RB Diagnostic Topsia] – 9/2A Topsia Road, Puspanjali Chambers
● Contact: 033‑40854085 | MRI cost in Kolkata: ₹6,000 approximately - [Welkin Medicare Pvt Ltd] – Sambhunath Pandit St, Bhowanipore (near SSKM)
● Contact: 033‑24365238 | MRI cost in Kolkata: ₹3,900 for basic scan - [North City Diagnostic Centre Pvt Ltd] – 35A Canal West Road, Shyambazar
● Contact: 033‑66050888 | MRI cost in Kolkata: ₹4,500 - [Pulse Diagnostics] – 75 Sarat Bose Road, Bhowanipore
● Contact: 033‑71981800 | MRI cost in Kolkata: ~₹6,000 - [JMD Diagnostics Pvt Ltd] – CIT Road, Phool Bagan, Kankurgachi
● Contact: 033‑23629338 | MRI cost in Kolkata: ₹4,250 - [Apollo Hospitals, Kankurgachi] – 58 Canal Circular Rd, Kadapara
● Contact: 18605001066 | MRI cost in Kolkata: ₹7,500 for brain etc.
4. Personal Insights & Reddit Feedback
Local users share their experiences on Reddit about MRI cost in Kolkata:
- “Quadra […] quoted ₹12k, while Victoria […] quoted around ₹7k” in mid‑2024
- A resident in early 2025 noted: “Quadra … Fortis […] charges enraging 12–16k! But Aarthi Scans charges around ₹4k”
- Many highlight Aarthi Diagnostics as affordable and transparent, even though some complaints about printouts vs plates exist
- Another commented that EKO Diagnostic and some hospital labs (Institute of Neuroscience) offered ₹6k scans with seamless experience
These experiences affirm that trusted local centres offer far lower MRI cost in Kolkata, typically ₹3,500–₹6,500 with quality standards.
5. Cost Comparison: Public vs Private MRI Cost in Kolkata
| Centre | Sector | MRI Type | Approx. MRI cost in Kolkata |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPGMER / SSKM Hospital | Public | Basic MRI | ₹2,500–₹7,000 (waitlisted) |
| Aarthi Diagnostics (Bhowanipore) | Private Lab | 1.5 T Brain | ₹3,150–₹3,500 |
| Victoria MRI Centre | Private Lab | 1.5 T Standard | ₹5,525–₹5,950; contrast ₹8,525 |
| Quadra Diagnostics | Private Hospital | 3 T AI-assisted | ₹12,000+ reported |
| Apollo Hospitals (Kankurgachi) | Private Hospital | Standard MRI | ₹7,500 |
6. How to Choose the Best Centre Considering MRI Cost in Kolkata
6.1 Balance Cost Vs Quality
If your MRI cost in Kolkata budget is ₹3,500–₹4,500 for a routine scan, Aarthi Diagnostics, EKO Diagnostic, or Welkin Medicare offer good value. For higher resolution or contrast needs, Victoria MRI Centre or Apollo with higher cost may be better.
6.2 Look for Discounts & Packages
Booking via platforms like MFine or BookmeriLab often gives 10–15% off, bringing MRI cost in Kolkata lower—and may include add-ons like free online doctor consults
6.3 Verify Machine & Accreditation
Check whether the centre has NABL accreditation and whether the machine is 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla. Centres like Quadra offer 3 T and AI features (higher terminal MRI cost in Kolkata) but quality may vary
6.4 Patient Reviews
Redditors frequently recommend Aarthi and EKO for affordability without compromising quality. Meanwhile, Quadra and high-end hospital labs come with complaints of poor scans or inflated MRI cost in Kolkata
6.5 Contrast Requirement
If your doctor orders a contrast scan, expect to pay ₹2,000–₹3,500 extra. Confirm this ahead of booking to avoid surprises in MRI cost in Kolkata.
7. Real-World MRI Cost in Kolkata Ranges
Here’s a focused breakdown:
- MRI Brain / Knee / Single Joint: ₹3,150 – ₹6,500
- MRI Spine (cervical/dorsal/lumbosacral): ₹4,000 – ₹7,000
- MRI Shoulder / Elbow / Ankle: ₹5,950 – ₹6,800
- Whole Abdomen or Whole Spine Screening: ₹10,000 – ₹13,000+
- Contrast-enhanced scans: ₹6,500 – ₹11,000+
Keep in mind MRI cost in Kolkata can fluctuate by ₹500–₹1,000 based on location and booking mode.
8. FAQs about MRI Cost in Kolkata
Q1: Are government hospitals significantly cheaper?
Yes, MRI cost in Kolkata at IPGMER/SSKM can be ₹2,500–₹7,000—but expect long queues and limited slots
Q2: Why is MRI cost in Kolkata lower at some centers like Aarthi?
Because they operate high-volume, online-booked models with less overhead and no admission services, allowing them to quote ₹3,150–₹3,500 for standard brain scans
Q3: Should I always opt for the cheapest MRI cost in Kolkata option?
Not necessarily. Lower price is good but check machine strength (1.5 T vs 3 T), reporting accuracy, and patient reviews. EKO Diagnostic is reasonably priced (~₹4,200) with good reputation.
Q4: Does insurance cover MRI in Kolkata?
Mostly only if you’re an inpatient. Outpatient scans on prescription might not be covered; check your policy details
Q5: Can I negotiate on MRI cost in Kolkata?
Often yes—especially with online booking platforms or patient-specific discount cards.
9. Final Recommendations
- For the most affordable yet quality MRI scan, go with [Aarthi Diagnostics, Bhowanipore], [EKO Diagnostic, College Street], or [Welkin Medicare].
- If you need enhanced imaging (3 T) or contrast usage, consider [Victoria MRI Centre] or [Apollo Hospitals, Kankurgachi], but be prepared for MRI cost in Kolkata of ₹5,500–₹8,500.
- Avoid overpriced options like Quadra or Fortis, unless there’s a specific medical need—they often charge ₹10,000+ for similar scans with uncertain added value (users reported ₹12k–₹16k)
- If time is not urgent and you’re eligible, public hospital IPGMER/SSKM can be the cheapest choice.
10. Summary Table: MRI Cost in Kolkata by Scan Type
| MRI Scan Type | Affordable Range | Premium Range |
|---|---|---|
| Brain / Knee / Single Joint | ₹3,150–₹4,200 | ₹5,500–₹7,500 |
| Cervical / Dorsal / LS Spine | ₹3,500–₹4,500 | ₹6,000–₹8,000 |
| Shoulder / Ankle / Elbow | ₹5,950–₹6,800 | ₹7,500–₹10,000 |
| Whole Abdomen / Whole Spine Scan | ₹10,000–₹12,000 | ₹12,000–₹15,000+ |
| Contrast-enhanced Brain Scan | ₹6,500–₹8,500 | ₹9,000–₹11,000+ |
Conclusion
If you’re comparing MRI cost in Kolkata, you’ll find that standard scans can range from ₹3,150 to ₹7,000 depending on center and technology. For high-end studies or contrast, expect ₹6,500–₹12,000+. Centers like [Aarthi Diagnostics], [EKO Diagnostic], and [Welkin Medicare] offer some of the lowest prices with fair quality. Higher-end centres like [Victoria MRI Centre] and [Apollo Hospitals] charge more for advanced features. Government institutions like IPGMER/SSKM remain the cheapest but come with wait times.
Choose based on your scan type, urgency, and required imaging clarity—balancing cost and quality. For more information on MRI in cost in Kolkata, visit the website; https://mrikolkata.in/ and get all the information you need!