M Phil in Clinical Psychology: Top Colleges, Syllabus & Salary

M.Phil in Clinical Psychology prepares psychologists to diagnose and provide treatment as vital contributors to holistic well-being. It is designed to provide the knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding necessary for skilled clinical psychologists. This blog is for highly passionate professionals who want to know the comprehensive details of recent updates, eligibility, top institutes, syllabus structure, salary expectations, and career options after pursuing this course. 

The M.Phil. program in Clinical Psychology has been approved to continue through 2026.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) took a rewarding step in March 2024 and announced the continuation of the M.Phil. in clinical psychology through the 2025–26 academic year. The UGC took this step due to the ongoing shortage of mental health professionals in India. This step reflects the important contribution of clinical psychologists in fulfilling that gap.

Final Call: Last Opportunity to Enrol

The path to becoming a licensed clinical psychologist in India has long centred around the M.Phil in Clinical Psychology, a prestigious program recognised and approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). RCI made a major announcement on September 2, 2020, that the M.Phil Clinical Psychology Program will be open for admission up until the 2025-2026 academic session. This is the last chance for students to enter the regulated field. This update has become a major relief for many psychology graduates who were unsure about the future of their professional journey. 

This is a critical moment for students holding a three-year undergraduate degree and a two-year postgraduate degree in psychology—the last chance to apply for the RCI-approved M.Phil Clinical Psychology course. This isn't just another admission season; it represents the closing of a vital chapter in India’s mental health education landscape. The course is expected to be discontinued as new regulatory structures take shape. What makes this program stand out is its legal recognition under the RCI Act, offering a direct pathway to register as a Clinical Psychologist in India. 

The two-year, full-time course provides rigorous training, combining academic learning with supervised clinical practice, diagnostic skills, and therapy techniques. Once completed, graduates are eligible to practice legally and independently across various sectors such as government hospitals, private clinics, rehabilitation centres, mental health NGOs, research organisations, and even in private practice. In recent years, especially after the pandemic, India has seen a sharp rise in mental health awareness, pushing psychology into mainstream educational and professional domains. With an increasing need for qualified mental health professionals, the RCI-approved M.Phil in Clinical Psychology has emerged as one of the field's most trusted and in-demand qualifications. 

This course involves:

• Supervised clinical internships
• Psychological assessments
• Therapy sessions
• Dissertation work
• Research methodology

M.Phil Clinical Psychology Eligibility Criteria

To apply for an M.Phil in Clinical Psychology in India, a candidate must meet the following criteria:

• M.A. or M.Sc. in Psychology from a University Grant Commission-recognised university can apply for the course
• 55% of aggregate marks (50% for SC/ST/OBC or PwD candidates) is required minimally to apply for the course
• Some institutions may accept applicants with a 4-year B.A./B.Sc. in Psychology under NEP
• Proficiency in English and strong academic records
• An upper age limit of 28–30 years is  required for some institutions

M.Phil Clinical Psychology colleges in India

M.Phil Clinical Psychology Syllabus

The M.Phil Clinical Psychology syllabus comprises theoretical papers, case presentations, supervised internships, and a final dissertation according to RCI guidelines.

1st Year

2nd Year

Salary after M.Phil Clinical Psychology in India

The salary of a clinical psychologist will depend on various factors like the location they choose, the institution they graduated from, and their experience.

Jobs after M.Phil Clinical Psychology 

• Clinical Psychologist in hospitals
• Psychological Counselor
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• School Psychologist
• Researcher in academic institutions
• Government psychologist (e.g., Armed Forces, Railway)

Scope & Career Opportunities

Due to increasing mental health awareness, the scope of M.Phil clinical psychology is growing in India. Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) took a supportive step for India's future in mental health.

Career Opportunities

• Government Hospitals (AIIMS, GMCH, RML)
• Private Hospitals (Apollo, Fortis, Manipal)
• Mental Health NGOs (Mind Peers, Sangath, etc.)
• Academic Institutions (Teaching, Research)
• Corporate Mental Health (HR wellness programs)
• Forensic Psychology and De-addiction Centres
• Startups and Digital Health Platforms (like Inner Hour, Wysa)

Entrance Exams for M.Phil Clinical Psychology

• Most reputed colleges conduct entrance tests to assess a candidate’s knowledge, aptitude, and clinical orientation.
• Entrance exams usually test areas like General Psychology, Research Methodology, Psychopathology, and Reasoning.
• Entrance exams allow admission in clinical psychology are like, 

1. UGC NET 
2. CUET PG
3. GATE (Psychology)
4. Other University-Specific Exams

M.Phil Clinical Psychology (RCI Approved M.Phil) vs. Other Psychology Courses 

Comparison of M.Phil Clinical Psychology RCI Approved and other psychology courses for a better understanding. 

Visit Docthub to explore more such courses.

FAQs 

Q1. What is M.Phil in Clinical Psychology?

The M.Phil in Clinical Psychology is a two-year postgraduate program regulated by the RCI that offers advanced clinical training in mental health assessment, therapy, and diagnostics.

Q2. Is there demand for Clinical Psychologists in India?

Yes. With increasing mental health issues, the demand for licensed psychologists has surged in hospitals, schools, and corporations.

Q3. Can I apply for M.Phil after a B.A. in Psychology?

Typically, you need an M.A. or M.Sc. in Psychology. Some NEP-based 4-year undergraduate programs may be accepted by select institutes.

Q4. What is the entrance exam for M.Phil in Clinical Psychology?

Entrance exams allow admission in clinical psychology are like, 

• UGC NET 
• CUET PG
• GATE (Psychology)
• Other University-Specific Exams

Q5. Can I start a private practice after M.Phil Clinical Psychology?

Yes, after registration with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), you can work independently or in collaboration with healthcare providers.