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Clinical Psychologist in India
To become a licensed Clinical Psychologist in India, a regular psychology degree is not enough. Only candidates trained through programs approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) can legally register and practice. With the phase-out of the M.Phil. and the introduction of the RCI-regulated M.A. in Clinical Psychology, choosing the right approved institution has become essential.
This guide covers:
- Difference between general psychology degrees and professional clinical training
- Updated list of approved institutions
- Eligibility criteria and admission process
Understanding the Role of Rehabilitation Council of India
The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) is a statutory body functioning under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. It is the apex authority responsible for regulating education, training, and professional standards in the fields of rehabilitation and clinical psychology across the country.
Key Functions of RCI
- Maintains the Central Rehabilitation Register (CRR) of qualified professionals
- Prescribes curriculum, course duration, and required clinical training hours
- Grants approval to institutions offering professional rehabilitation and clinical psychology programs
- Ensures ethical and lawful delivery of mental health services
- Provides eligibility for professional licensure and registration
Important Clarification for Aspirants:
A regular M.A. or M.Sc. in Psychology or Clinical Psychology from universities such as University of Delhi, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, or Banaras Hindu University does not qualify an individual for RCI registration. To practice as a Clinical Psychologist, one must complete an RCI-recognized professional program.
Transition from M.Phil. to MA Clinical Psychology (RCI)
Official Update (UGC & RCI)
India’s clinical psychology training pathway is undergoing a major transition:
- 2025 marks the final admission cycle for M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology
- From the 2025–26 academic session onward, the M.Phil. program is discontinued in line with NEP 2020 reforms
- A new professional degree – M.A. in Clinical Psychology (RCI-regulated) – has been introduced as its replacement
Despite the change in nomenclature, the new MA program maintains the same level of professional rigor, supervised clinical exposure, and licensure eligibility that was previously associated with the M.Phil. course.
What is the RCI-Regulated MA in Clinical Psychology?
The RCI-approved M.A. in Clinical Psychology is a specialized professional postgraduate program designed specifically to prepare students for clinical practice. It is fundamentally different from conventional academic master’s degrees in psychology.
Core Characteristics
- Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
- Nature: Professional + Intensive Clinical Training
- Outcome: Eligibility for RCI Registration (CRR)
- Training Includes: Supervised hospital postings, psychological assessments, psychotherapy, case documentation, and rehabilitation work
Eligibility Criteria for MA Clinical Psychology (RCI)
Primary Eligibility
- 4-year BA/BSc Psychology (UGC-recognised)
- Minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST as per GoI norms)
Candidates with 3-Year UG Degree
Must complete one of the following:
- A Bridge Course (4th Year), OR
- First year of MA/MSc Psychology with minimum 55% marks
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Admission Process for MA Clinical Psychology (RCI)
While the exact procedure may differ from one institution to another, most RCI-approved programs follow a structured selection process that typically includes the following stages:
- Submission of application to the chosen RCI-recognized institute
- Entrance examination assessing subject knowledge and aptitude
- Personal interview and/or counselling round for shortlisted candidates
- Final selection based on overall merit and performance
- Verification of academic records and required documents
List of RCI-Recognised Institutions Offering MA in Clinical Psychology
| Institution Name | Location | Valid Status | Number of Seats |
| Gurugram University | Gurugram, Haryana-122003 | 2025-26 to 2027-28 | 10 |
| Christ (Deemed to be University) | Bengaluru, Karnataka – 560029 | 2025-26 to 2027-28 2028-29 to 2031-32 | 10 |
| Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh – 208024 | 2025-26 to 2027-28 2028-29 to 2029-30 | 10 |
| Faculty of Psychology & Behavioural Sciences, Rama University | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh – 209217 | 2025-26 (conditional approval | 10 |
| National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (Divyangjan) (NIEPVD) | 116, Rajpur Road, Dehradun | 2025-26 to 2027-28 2028-29 to 2031-32 | 10 |
| Desh Bhagat University | NH-1, Amloh Road, Mandi Gobindgarh, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab – 147301 | 2025-26 to 2027-28 | 10 |
| Shyam University, Department of Special Education | Dehlal-Didwana, Lalsot, Dausa, Rajasthan – 303511 | 2025-26 (conditional approval) | 10 |
| Pannadhay University | Department of Special Education Salghari Zoom, Gangtok, Sikkim – 737126 | 2025-26 (Conditional Approval) | 10 |
| Amity Institute of Behavioural (Health) & Allied Sciences (AIBHAS), Amity University, Noida | Amity University, Amity Campus, Sector -125, Plot No. 4, Gautam Budh Nagar, Noida | 2025-26 to 2027-28 2028-29 to 2031-32 | 10 |
| Amity University, Malhore | Near Railway Station, Gomti Nagar Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh– 226028 | 2025-26 to 2027-28 2028-29 to 2029-30 | 10 |
| Amity Institute of Behavioural Health & Allied Sciences (AIBHAS) | Plot No. 48A, Knowledge Park-III, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh – 201308 | 2025-26 | 10 |
| Amity University Haryana | Amity Education Valley, Gurgaon (Manesar), Haryana – 122413 | 2025-26 to 2027-28 2028-29 to 2029-30 | 10 |
| Amity Institute of Behavioural & Allied Sciences (AIBAS) – Amity University Rajasthan | Kant Kalwar, NH–11C, Jaipur-Delhi National Highway, Jaipur, Rajasthan –303002 | 2025-26 to 2027-28 2028-29 to 2029-30 | 10 |
| Amity Institute of Behavioural And Allied Sciences (AIBHAS) | Major Arterial Road, Action Area – II, Rajarhat, New Town, Kolkata – 700135 | 2025-26 to 2027-28 2028-29 to 2029-30 | 10 |
| Amity Institute of Clinical Psychology (AICP), Amity University, Bihar | Police Station, Bailey Road near Rupaspur, Rupaspur, Kaliket Nagar, Patna, Bihar 801503 | 2025-26 to 2027-28 | 10 |
| Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital (SBMCH) | No. 7 Works Roads, Chromepet, Chengalpattu, Chennai, Tamil Nadu-600044 | 2025-26 to 2027-28 2028-29 to 2029-30 | 10 |
| Ashtavakra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences & Research | 5 PSP Institutional Area, Sector-14, Madhuban Chowk, Rohini, Delhi – 110085 | 2025-26 to 2027-28 2028-29 to 2029-30 | 10 |
| Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University SGT | Chandu-Budhera Gurgaon- Badli Road Gurgaon – 122505 | 2025-26 to 2027-28 2028-29 to 2029-30 | 10 |
| Kateel Ashok Pai Memorial Institute of Allied Health Sciences | Manasa Trust “Vinodini Building”, Park Extension, Durgigudi, Shivamogga, Karnataka – 577201 | 2025-26 to 2027-28 | 10 |
| Shekhawati Teachers Training Institute | Behind Circuit House, Jaipur Road, Sikar, Rajasthan-332001 | 2025-26 to 2027-28 | 10 |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University | Located Near Shedung Toll Plaza, Panvel, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra – 410206 | 2025-26 to 2027-28 | 10 |
| Apex Institute of Special Education, Apex University | Padmani VT Rd, Ward 27, Mansarovar Sector 5, Mansarovar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302018 | 2025-26 to 2027-28 | 10 |
| J.S.S. Medical College (Deemed to be Univeristy) | KARNATAKA-570015 | 2025-26 to 2027-28 | 10 |
| Rashtriya Raksha University (M.Phil.(Cl.Psy.)) | Gujarat-38230 | 2022-23 to 2026-27 | 12 |
| Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal University | Manipal | 2023-24 to 2025-26 | 14 |
| University of Kashmir | Kashmir | 8 | |
| National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS) (formally MPhil Clinical Psychology) | Banglore | 50 |
Important Note for Aspirants
At present, more than 20 institutions across India have received approval from the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) to offer the M.A. in Clinical Psychology program. Many institutes that previously conducted the M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology are also in the process of transitioning to the new MA program and are expected to obtain approval in the near future.
Therefore, the number of recognized institutions is likely to grow steadily over the coming years. Aspirants are strongly advised to confirm the latest approval status directly through official RCI notifications before applying, as approvals may be conditional or subject to change. Click here for updated list.
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