On August 29, the Rehabilitation Council of India published a public notice regarding the new MA in Clinical Psychology program. Since this announcement, students have become even more confused. Let’s understand this new guideline of RCI in an easy way.
What does the new guideline speak about?
Through a public notice dated 29th August, the RCI has just spoken about the implementation of a new 2-year MA Clinical Psychology program from the academic year 2025-26.
This MA Clinical Psychology course will be recognized by RCI, and institutions willing to offer this course will require an RCI approval.
The RCI will issue registration in the Central Rehabilitation Register (CRR) or License of Clinical Psychologist on successful completion of this 2-year course.
How to become a Clinical Psychologist after NEP – Read more…
RCI MA Clinical Psychology Eligibility (as per notice):
- The students who have finished four (4) years of an undergraduate program with practical orientation/ research in clinical psychology in the last year of graduation from a UGC-recognized University.
- The RCI has also instructed the institutions/ universities offering the 3 years UG program that such institutions may offer may offer bridge courses. So that students with a 3-year bachelor’s degree in psychology can do bridge courses and become eligible for the said course.
What about an M.Phil in Clinical Psychology?
One of the major questions that arise after this guideline is “Will there be an M.Phil Clinical Psychology in 2024 and 2025?”
After going through this public notice, it can be understood that this notice only speaks about MA Clinical Psychology implementation from the academic year 2025, but nothing about M.Phil.
UGC and RCI, in their previous notices, have mentioned that the M.Phil Clinical Psychology course may continue until 2025-26 sessions. This new course (MA Clinical Psychology) is not yet offered by any Institute/University in India, and it may take some time to implement the new course and guidelines. Meanwhile, the M.Phil in Clinical Psychology course may continue until the 2025-26 academic year. So, those who have completed their master’s in Psychology or pursuing their final year of master’s should enrol into an M.Phil Clinical Psychology for 2025 session.
The course like PDCP and PsyD Clinical Psychology are the other option to get an RCI License.
Read More: Revised RCI Clinical Psychology Courses as per NEP