Cellulose is the most common natural polymer. It has been intensively researched for medical and industrial purposes due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, availability and harmlessness. The focus of this research paper it the synthesis of cellulose hydrogels grafted with N-vinyl-2pyrrolidone and crosslinked with N,N-methylenebisacrilamide (MBA) in two different ways, namely by direct synthesis and synthesis by radiation, as well as the comparison of their properties. The chemical reaction of cellulose and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone was carried out in the solvent N,N-dimethyl acetamide/LiCl with a peroxide initiator at the temperature of 90°C and using N,N-methylene-bis-acrylamide as a crosslinker. Microstructure of prepared hydrogels were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The synthesised hydrogels are characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. The degree of swelling was controlled in unionized water, as well as in an acidic- and an alkaline solution for some systems. Based on the ratio of intensity of a band at 1645-1660 cm^-1 and 897 cm^-1, it has been concluded drastically increase after irradiation of 10 kGy compared to the hydrogel prepared by chemical synthesis. Furthermore, the ratio of intensity in hydrogels in both series lowers by increasing the radiation to 30 kGy. Finally, with an excess radiation of 100 kGy, there is no change in the intensity. During the period of two months during which the experiment was being conducted, the greatest level of swelling occurred in the series 1:3-100 kGy. By using scanning electron microscopy, it has been determined that 1.) radiation significantly increases porosity of prefabricated hydrogel and 2.) after eight weeks of swelling, the sphere shows a significant shape deformation.