GD Goenka University’s  RCI Recognised Clinical Psychology programmes

As part of its School of Liberal Arts, GD Goenka University has started a number of clinical psychology programs in partnership with Fortis Healthcare. The Clinical Psychology program consists of the following: Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PDCP), B.Sc. (Hons.), and two-year full-time MA Clinical Psychology (provisionally approved by the Rehabilitation Council of India). RCI approval is required for clinical psychology. Through a curriculum that helps students become skilled and caring mental health clinical professionals, the programs seek to give students the ideal balance of demanding academic instruction and organized clinical exposure.

The stark lack of mental health specialists in India is the reason behind these programs. For every 100,000 Indians, there are 0.7 mental health professionals, according to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, India. To guarantee that graduates have the abilities necessary to succeed in a varied and ever-changing mental healthcare environment, the Clinical Psychology programs adhere to the Rehabilitation Council of India’s (RCI) guidelines. One of the top tertiary care providers in the nation, Fortis Healthcare, will serve as the clinical training partner. Through the inpatient mental health units in Fortis’ hospitals, students will be able to learn and apply what they have learned by taking part in multidisciplinary clinical care, therapeutic interventions, and real-time psychological assessments.

“We are delighted to launch the Clinical Psychology programmes at GD Goenka University. This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing excellence in mental health education. By offering a curriculum that integrates academic depth with real-world clinical practice, we aim to develop professionals who are empathetic, ethical, and well-prepared to contribute to mental health wellbeing globally,” said Mr. Nipun Goenka, Managing Director of GD Goenka Group.

The increasing need for skilled mental health practitioners was emphasized by Dr. Anjali Midha, dean of GD Goenka University’s School of Liberal Arts. “Our partnership with Fortis Healthcare is a significant and timely step in meeting India’s growing demand for psychological support. These courses will guarantee that students are able to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world clinical settings in addition to understanding the theory underlying clinical psychology programs. We are dedicated to equipping our students with the knowledge, abilities, and values necessary to significantly improve people’s lives and society at large because we acknowledge the vital role that mental health plays in today’s world,” Dr. Midha stated.

The two-year MA Clinical Psychology program includes foundational courses in clinical casework, psychotherapy techniques, psychological testing and assessment, and psychopathology. A four-year BA or B.Sc. in psychology from an institution approved by the UGC with at least 55% of the possible points is required of applicants. Applicants with a three-year degree must finish a bridge course or have at least finished the first year of an MA or MSc in psychology with a minimum first-year average of 55%. The entrance exam taken for admission (70%) and the in-person interview (30%) will be the basis for selection. Graduates will be equipped to take on roles such as Clinical Psychologist (with registration with RCI), Mental Health Consultant, Researcher, Academician, and Rehabilitation Provider, or pursue a higher speciality, such as PsyD.

The Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PDCP), a one-year full-time, intensive program designed to give postgraduates advanced clinical training, is subject to RCI approval. According to RCI regulations, candidates must have an MA/MSc in Psychology (Clinical, Counseling, or Applied) from a university recognized by the UGC with at least 55% of the possible points. A practical test, group discussion, an entrance exam, and an in-person interview pertaining to the admissions process will all be used to determine admission. Students who successfully complete the PDCP are eligible to work as counselors in rehabilitation facilities, mental health workers in the community or school, or Associate Clinical Psychologists under supervision in hospitals and mental health facilities.

The four-year undergraduate BSc (Hons) Clinical Psychology program is designed for students who wish to gain a basic understanding of psychology and some early clinical experience. Candidates must have finished their 10+2 in the science stream or its equivalent from an approved board in order to be eligible. A personal interview (30%) and an entrance exam (70%) make up the selection process. Graduates of the program may find employment as clinical assistants, mental health coordinators in community programs, psycho-social support workers during emergencies or disaster relief, or even as research and/or assessment assistants.

The clinical excellence of Fortis Healthcare and the academic leadership of GD Goenka University combine to make these clinical psychology programs well-positioned to generate future-ready professionals who can improve the quality of mental health care in academic, community, and clinical settings.