CARBOXYMETHYL chitosan (CMCt) was synthesized through ….. carboxymethylation reaction for chitosan. The prepared (CMCt) was subjected to crosslinking reaction by using γ- radiation. Different process parameters were investigated to clarify the effect of radiation dose, pH, and time upon the gel fraction and swelling properties of the produced hydrogels. The gel fraction was reduced after radiation dose 20 KG. The swelling% was dependent on the paste concentrations. At higher paste concentrations, 30- 40% higher doses of γ- radiation, 20 KG, were required for optimum swelling. The high concentration paste, 40%, showed superior swelling in alkaline medium, pH > 8, while lower concentration paste manifested optimum swelling in neutral medium, pH = 7. The prepared (CMCt) hydrogels were characterized by FTIR, SEM, DSC and swelling kinetics.