Educational courses in Clinical Psychology in India.
To practice as a clinical psychologist in India students now on need one year less of study time.
Rehabilitation council of India (RCI) has introduced fresh guidelines whereby total years of study after higher secondary/plus two is reduced to 6 from 7.
As per the new guidelines, RCI has introduced a new four year BSc Psychology(Hon) degree after which one can practice as Counselling Psychologist(Mental Health).
Not all arts and science colleges currently offering psychology UG programs will be able to offer this four-year UG course in clinical psychology (hon).
Only those with RCI dictated facilities can now offer the BSc Clinical Psychology (Hons) course.
Eligibility for entry has been fixed as plus two science for this course. So other streams from now on will not be able to do it.
After successful completion of this course, students can enrol for a two-year PG MPsy (Master of Psychology) psychology in an RCI-approved college which enable one to register with RCI to practice as a Clinical Psychologist This course is a replacement for the present MPhil Psychology which will be discontinued.
As a result, students get a saving of one year. Thus It is possible to become a clinical psychologist in six years now.
Earlier it was 3 year degree + 2 year PG + 2 year MPhil - a total of 7 years.
The other two RCI approved courses will continue.
A one-year PG Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PGDCP) which was formerly Professional Diploma for Clinical Psychology
and four year
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).
After PGDCP one can be an Associate Clinical psychologist but cannot practice independently.
PsyD is the ultimate and authoritative course for clinical psychology in India which enables one to supervise research work in the field.
Eligibility:
4 Years /8 Semesters bachelor’s degree in subject Psychology (as a core subject) with not less than 60% minimum grade average is the eligibility for PGDCP
Eligibility for PsyD course is Bsc Psy(Hon):
Candidates who have completed MPsy with 65% score will have lateral entry in the third year and those with PDCP in the first attempt having 60% grade aggregate can get into Year 2 of the PsyD program
Article By: Nizar Peruvad
CIGI Career Team