Revised RCI Clinical Psychology Courses as per NEP

The Professional Clinical Psychology courses in India are undergoing significant changes after implementing the New Education Policy (NEP).

The Revised RCI Clinical Psychology Courses as per NEP aim to streamline and enhance the educational framework to meet global standards while catering to the unique socio-cultural needs of the country.

Considering the suggestions of UGC and NITI Aayog, the RCI has introduced the “Professional Track for Education and Training in Clinical Psychology”.  

What is RCI?

The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) is modernizing its disability-focused programs to align with the credit system proposed by the UGC and National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF), as per NEP guidelines. This effort aims to standardize educational standards and credits within disability rehabilitation, promoting uniformity and excellence. Embracing this system is expected to bolster transparency, flexibility, and accreditation of qualifications in the field, fostering higher standards and better service delivery across the country.

Primary features of the reform include:

1. Implementation of a credit-based system for greater flexibility
2. Provision of multiple entry/exit options.
3. Transportability of the credits between programs.
4. Uniform course code.
5. Skill-based learning through hands-on practice and real-world application.
6. Enhanced skill component to a minimum of 60% of the total credits as per NVEQF
7. Categorizing the level of knowledge and skill acquired as per the Competency Framework for facilitating the recruitment for the relevant role
8. Updating each course with recent advances in the area
9. Introducing a set of measures for objective evaluation and grading of academic and hands-on training components uniformly
10. Introducing a system of regular feedback on faculty performance by trainees

Revised Clinical Psychology courses by RCI:

Under the updated criteria, an individual can pursue one of the following courses in order to obtain the Registration in Central Rehabilitation Register (CRR).

Each of the following programs is crafted to provide students with specialized skills and qualifications necessary for diverse professional roles within the field of Clinical Psychology.

1. PG (Postgraduate Diploma) in Clinical Psychology – (NHEQF Level 6.5)

The traditional Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PDCP) is now aligned with the new guidelines under the NEP framework, and it will further be known as the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology. The focus of this diploma remains on providing comprehensive training in clinical assessment, therapeutic interventions, and research methodologies.

On successful completion of 1 yr. Postgraduate Diploma (Clinical Psychology), a trainee can register with RCI as a “Clinical Psychologist (Associate)” under CRR. This diploma helps the individual to function in a variety of service settings (non-teaching) as a specialist.

Duration: 1-year full-time program.

• Number of Credit – 60
• Theory – 24 Credits
• Practical – 36 Credits
• No. of Credit Hours – 1440

2. M.A. or M.Psy (Clinical Psychology) – (NHEQF Level 7)

RCI in their initial modification, introduced the term “M.Psy (Clinical Psychology) but they renamed it after a few months only and proposed the course “M.A. (Clinical Psychology)”.

Whether the RCI finalizes an M.Psy or MA, this course will replace the traditional and most popular M.Phil (Clinical Psychology) in the coming academic years. Similar to the current M.Phil course this new course (M.Psy or M.A. Clinical Psychology) will represent more advanced and comprehensive academic and clinical training in the field.

Qualified Clinical Psychologists with this degree, can work both as faculty members and as professional experts in a variety of settings including the Institute of Mental Health, medical colleges and hospitals, community health centers, schools and colleges, psychosocial and neurorehabilitation centers, child protection, family courts and family support counseling services, allied clinics and services, and private practice.

Duration: 2-year full-time program.

• Number of Credit – 120
• Theory – 48 Credits
• Practical – 72 Credits
• No. of Credit Hours – 2880

3. Psy.D. (Clinical Psychology)

The Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology is a professional doctoral program emphasizing clinical practice and applied research. This course is committed to providing its trainees with essential knowledge, therapeutic and practical skills, and the required attitudes to function as a senior consultant, researcher, supervisor, and trainer “Clinical Psychologist”.

Duration: 4-year full-time program

• Number of Credit – 180
• Theory – 72 Credits
• Practical – 108 Credits
• No. of Credit Hours – 4320
• No. of non-credit course – 2

Admission Eligibility: Revised RCI Clinical Psychology Courses as per NEP:

A Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) of 4-years duration (NHEQF 6) in subject Psychology (as a core subject) with a minimum grade average of 60% (or equivalent grade as per UGC norms) from a UGC recognized University.

OR

A 2 years Masters’ Degree in any branch of Psychology (NHEQF 6.5) after obtaining a 3-year Bachelor’s Degree with Psychology as one of the major/core subjects in all three years of a Bachelor’s Degree, with a minimum grade average of 60% (or equivalent grade as per UGC norms) from a UGC recognized University.

OR

UGC recognized Masters’ Degree in any branch of Psychology of 1-year duration (2 semesters) (NHEQF 6.5) after obtaining a 4-year (Hons) Degree in Psychology, with a minimum grade average of 60% (or equivalent grade as per UGC norms)

AND

Successfully qualifying in the entrance test and interview by a panel assessing proficiency and knowledge.

Difference between Clinical Psychology Professionals

Diploma Holder (Associate Clinical Psychologist)	Masters Qualified (Masters level Clinical Psychologists)	Psy.D Graduate (Doctoral level Clinical Psychologists)
The competency level of Associate Clinical Psychologists could be placed at the level ‘Basic and Capable’. They are knowledgeable of the specified activity and its concepts. They can carry out standard relevant tasks confidently and consistently without supervision. With experience they may even supervise others. However, they are likely to need to seek advice before carrying out more complex or non-standard tasks.	The competency of Masters level Clinical Psychologists could be at the ‘Accomplished and Expert” level. They are expected to have the knowledge and experience to carry out complex, specialist, or non-standard tasks confidently and consistently. They will be aware of alternative approaches and can provide guidance, instruction, and advice on the activity to others.	The Competency level of Consultant Clinical Psychologists, qualified at the Doctoral level could be at the ‘Authoritative’ level. They will be widely recognized as trustworthy/authentic, in their own organization as well as by external peers, for the knowledge and experience they demonstrate.

Provision of entry/exit options among the courses:

1. Trainees completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology can apply to transfer to the M.Psy/M.A. (Clinical Psychology) if they score a 65% marks in aggregate in first-attempt and also meet other criteria.
2. Trainees completing the M.Psy/M.A. (Clinical Psychology) can apply to transfer to the Psy.D. under similar conditions mentioned above.
3. The Psy.D. trainees can exit on completion of Year I or Year II exam of the course and get the Postgraduate Diploma or M.Psy/ M.A. (Clinical Psychology) based on completed years and eligibility.
4. Trainees exiting the Psy.D. after Year I or Year II with 65% marks in their first attempt can apply within three academic years to transfer credits for the Postgraduate Diploma or M.Psy/M.A. (Clinical Psychology) and continue their studies, subject to eligibility criteria.

Lateral Entry for existing professionals

A) Candidates who have completed a 1-year Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology from RCI-recognized centers, within three years before the admission year, on the first attempt with at least 65% aggregate marks, valid CRR, and a clean professional record, can join the program from Year-2 after passing a separate entrance exam.

B) Candidates who have completed a 2-year M.Phil in Clinical Psychology from RCI-recognized centers, within three years before the admission year, in the first attempt with minimum 65% marks in both Part-1 and Part-2, valid CRR, and a clean professional record, are eligible to join the Psy.D. program from Year-3 after passing a separate entrance exam.

Also read: Complete list of RCI-recognized Institutes for M.Phil

Impact of Revised RCI Clinical Psychology Courses as per NEP

For years, the pathway to becoming a clinical psychologist in India allowed individuals based on their master’s degree in psychology, regardless of their undergraduate background, to pursue further education and training in clinical psychology. 

However, the recent changes by the RCI as per NEP to make a bachelor’s degree in psychology (or as a major subject) compulsory undermines the aspirations of numerous aspirants who may not have pursued psychology at the UG level but are currently pursuing or have completed their master’s degree in psychology.

This change in eligibility criteria creates barriers for those already on the path toward this profession (MA/MSc Psychology pursuing students) with no background in the field.

On the other hand, this revision also comes with very positive changes such as updates to syllabi, implementation of credit systems, establishment of clear entry and exit points, and facilitation of smoother transitions between courses.