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About the University

The Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), located in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, is an Institution of National Importance under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India. Established in 1993 and later declared as an Institution of National Importance through an Act of Parliament in 2012, RGNIYD has emerged as a leading centre dedicated to youth development, education, training, and research in India. The institute offers a range of postgraduate academic programmes that focus on different dimensions of youth development, including social development, policy studies, and community engagement. It functions as a national resource centre and think tank for youth-related policies and initiatives, providing guidance and support to various government and non-government organizations working in the field of youth welfare.


In addition, RGNIYD actively engages in research, capacity-building programmes, training workshops, and extension activities in collaboration with national and international agencies. Through its multidisciplinary approach, the institute addresses key issues affecting young people and promotes leadership, skill development, and social responsibility among youth. Overall, RGNIYD plays a vital role in empowering young individuals and strengthening their contribution towards nation-building, sustainable development, and inclusive growth of society.

About the Department

The Department of Applied Psychology focuses on a wide range of areas including cognitive, social, cyber, community, health, and industrial psychology, along with research methodology and statistics. The programme is designed to help students apply psychological theories to real-life situations and address contemporary societal challenges effectively. Students receive practical training through psychological assessments, case studies, internships, counselling practice, and field-based learning, which helps them develop strong skills in assessment, intervention, and evidence-based practice.

The department is supported by highly experienced faculty with international exposure, providing students with strong academic guidance and good career opportunities in healthcare, education, industry, NGOs, and policy-related sectors.

Programme Overview

  • M.Sc. Applied Psychology

    • Eligibility : Candidates must have a B.A./B.Sc. (3-year degree) in Psychology or any Bachelor’s degree with Psychology as one of the subjects for at least four semesters from a recognized university, with a minimum of 50% marks. Reservation and relaxation are applicable as per Government of India (GOI) rules.
    • Seats : 40
    • Admission Based on CUET PG HUQP20
    • Registration Deadline : 14th June,2026
    • Application Link : CLICK HERE

    Documents required to upload (Samarth – RGNIYD Application):

    • Recent Passport Size Photograph (less than 500 KB)
    • Candidate’s Signature (less than 500 KB)
    • Mark sheets and Certificates (10th, 12th, Graduation / Degree) (less than 1024 KB)
    • Experience Certificate (if applicable) (less than 1024 KB)
    • Category Certificate (SC / ST / OBC / EWS, if applicable) (less than 1024 KB)

Key Highlights of the Admission Process

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for admissions at the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) for the academic year 2025–2026.   

1. Seat Allocation Priority

  • First Preference (CUET): The primary goal is to fill the maximum number of seats using top scorers from the Common University Entrance Test (CUET).   
  • Second Preference (Non-CUET): Any remaining seats are filled using other non-CUET entrance exams, capped at a maximum of 40% of the total seats.   
  • Last Resort (Spot Admissions): If seats still remain vacant after both rounds, they are filled via spot admissions (which include an MCQ test and an interview).   

2. The Interview Call Ratio

  • To ensure enough qualified candidates, the institute will call 20% more students for interviews than the actual number of available seats. For example, if a course has 30 seats, 36 students will be called for the interview stage.   

3. Step-by-Step Merit List Screening (The Rounds)

The institute filters applicants for interviews through sequential rounds based on their entrance scores:   

  • Round 1 (60% Cut-off): Top scorers with more than 60% in CUET are called first. If numbers fall short, top scorers with more than 60% in non-CUET exams are called (keeping within the 40% seat limit).   
  • Round 2 (50% Cut-off): If slots are still open, the pool expands to applicants scoring above 50% in CUET, followed by non-CUET applicants.   
  • Round 3 (40% Cut-off): If needed, the criteria drops to a 40% score limit.   
  • Minimum Eligibility: A minimum score of 40% in the entrance exam is mandatory to qualify for admission.   

4. Role of the Interview

  • Pass/Fail Only: The interview is purely qualifying in nature. It is used as a tool to qualify or disqualify a candidate; it carries no individual marks or scores.   
  • The Interview Panel: It consists of three members: one Ministry representative, one RGNIYD representative, and one external nominee from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS).   
  • Evaluation Criteria: Instead of academic testing, the panel evaluates candidates based on their Geographical Location (to ensure student diversity) and the Relevance of their undergraduate degree to the RGNIYD course.   

5. Final Selection

After the interviews, a final merit list is prepared only from the students who successfully qualified the interview stage. Admissions are then handed out from the top of this list until all seats are full.

Ph.D. admission in Applied Psychology at RGNIYD is conducted through an entrance test followed by an interview, with NET/JRF/M.Phil candidates exempted from the entrance test but required to attend the interview.Final selection is based on overall merit, including academic performance, entrance/interview scores, and availability of supervisors. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official RGNIYD website for updates on admission notifications, eligibility, entrance test, and interview details for 2026–27.


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