To practise as a clinical psychologist in India students now 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 from seven years to six. 

As per the new guidelines, RCI has introduced a new four year BSc Psychology(Hon) degree after which one can practise 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 take up this course.

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 enables one to register with RCI to practise as a Clinical Psychologist. This course is a replacement for the present MPhil Psychology which will be discontinued. 

As a result, students save one year of studies. 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 practise 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  Psychology (as a core subject) with not less than 60% minimum grade average is the eligibility for PGDCP

Eligibility for the 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

(The author is a Senior Career Guide with Centre for Information & Guidance India, CIGI a non-profit career guidance organisation)