RCI Approved MA Clinical Psychology at MGM University, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (MH): Admission, Eligibility, Fees, Syllabus

Students searching for an RCI-approved MA Clinical Psychology programme in Maharashtra should carefully check the exact programme nomenclature and recognition status before applying. At MGM University, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the current RCI-regulated programme is officially titled Master in Clinical Psychology (M.Clin.Psy.).

RCI Approved MA Clinical Psychology at MGM University

For the 2026–27 academic session, MGM University lists the M.Clin.Psy. programme as an RCI-approved, full-time postgraduate programme with 14 sanctioned seats. The university states that its RCI approval covers the academic sessions 2026–27 to 2030–31, under RCI Institute Code MH117 and Serial No. 424.

This article explains the programme’s RCI status, eligibility, admission process, fees, duration, curriculum, clinical training, career scope and other important details for students considering Clinical Psychology as a career.

Important: Students often search for this programme as “M.A. Clinical Psychology at MGM University”. However, the RCI-regulated programme’s official name is Master in Clinical Psychology (M.Clin.Psy.). MGM University separately lists an MA (Clinical Psychology) programme, so applicants should select the correct programme when applying.

MGM University M.Clin.Psy. at a Glance

The above details are based primarily on MGM University’s current programme and Department of Clinical Psychology pages and the RCI’s current Master in Clinical Psychology curriculum framework.

About MGM University, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

MGM University is a self-financed State University established under the MGM University Act 2019 of Maharashtra. The university states that it has also been accorded 2(f) status by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Its academic ecosystem includes the Institute of Social Sciences, which offers programmes in Psychology and related disciplines.

The Institute of Social Sciences currently lists undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes in areas including Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Social Work, Economics and Public Health. Its programme list includes both a general MA (Clinical Psychology) and the separately identified RCI-Master in Clinical Psychology (M.Clin.Psy.).

For students specifically seeking an RCI-regulated professional Clinical Psychology programme, the distinction between these programmes is important.

Is the M.Clin.Psy. at MGM University RCI Approved?

Yes. MGM University’s Master in Clinical Psychology (M.Clin.Psy.) is listed by the university as RCI approved for the 2026–27 to 2030–31 academic sessions.

MGM University’s Department of Clinical Psychology page identifies the institution as:

• RCI Serial No.: 424
• RCI Institute Code: MH117
• Programme: Master in Clinical Psychology (M.Clin.Psy.)
• Approval period: 2026–27 to 2030–31
• Sanctioned intake: 14 seats

The RCI’s own current programme framework identifies Master in Clinical Psychology (M.Clin.Psy.) as a two-year programme under the Council’s regular-mode Clinical Psychology programmes. RCI’s revised curriculum states that the programme was introduced in place of the earlier M.Phil. Clinical Psychology pathway following the changes associated with NEP 2020.

Students should therefore avoid assuming that an old M.Phil. Clinical Psychology structure applies to this programme. The current RCI framework uses the nomenclature Master in Clinical Psychology (M.Clin.Psy.).

Official references:

• MGM University – Department of Clinical Psychology
• RCI – Regular Mode Programmes
• RCI Master in Clinical Psychology Guidelines & Syllabus

What Does RCI Approval Mean?

The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) is a statutory body under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India.

RCI regulates education and training in specified rehabilitation and allied professional fields. Its official curriculum page lists the Master in Clinical Psychology (M.Clin.Psy.) as a two-year Clinical Psychology programme.

For students, RCI recognition is particularly important because Clinical Psychology is a regulated professional field. However, students should distinguish between:

1. Completing an academic programme.
2. Completing an RCI-regulated professional programme.
3. Meeting applicable requirements for professional registration.
4. The scope of professional practice permitted under current rules.

Therefore, students should always check the latest RCI regulations and registration requirements rather than assuming that every psychology postgraduate degree has the same professional status.

Duration of M.Clin.Psy. at MGM University

The Master in Clinical Psychology (M.Clin.Psy.) is a two-year programme.

The RCI’s official programme framework describes it as a rigorous two-year programme combining theoretical education with extensive clinical experience.

MGM University’s programme page also specifies:

• Duration: 2 years
• Programme level: Postgraduate
• Mode: Full-time
• Intake: 14 students

The programme is therefore substantially different from a conventional general M.A. in Psychology because its structure includes professional clinical training, practical assessments, clinical placements and research.

Eligibility for M.Clin.Psy. at MGM University

According to MGM University’s current programme information, candidates seeking admission to the RCI Master in Clinical Psychology programme require a:

Four-year B.A./B.Sc. degree in Psychology from a university recognised by RCI/UGC with at least 55% aggregate marks.

The university states that the minimum is 50% for SC/ST candidates, subject to the applicable norms.

The university also provides a pathway for candidates with a three-year graduation degree in Psychology. Such candidates must complete either:

• A fourth-year Bridge Course, or
• The first year of a Master’s programme in Psychology with at least 55% marks,

as specified by the university.

Important eligibility point

Students should not assume that any bachelor’s degree followed by a general Master’s degree in Psychology automatically satisfies the eligibility requirements for the M.Clin.Psy. programme.

The RCI-regulated M.Clin.Psy. has specific entry requirements, and MGM University’s current eligibility information should be checked before submitting an application.

Admission Process for MGM University M.Clin.Psy.

MGM University’s programme page currently describes an admission process involving the university application system and MGMU-CET. The published process is:

1. Register on the MGM University admissions portal.
2. Complete the application form.
3. Receive the entrance-test link/information.
4. Appear for MGMU-CET.
5. Check the merit list through the student dashboard.
6. Complete document verification.
7. Pay the applicable fees.
8. Complete admission formalities.

The Department of Clinical Psychology admission page also describes selection components including an objective-type examination, written test, group discussion, practical examination and interview, with final selection based on the total score across the stated components.

Because admission procedures can be updated during an admission cycle, candidates should follow the latest instructions displayed on the official MGM University admission portal.

M.Clin.Psy. Fees at MGM University

MGM University’s current programme page lists the following fee structure:

The annual tuition fee listed by MGM University is ₹5 lakh. Other charges are additional according to the university’s published fee structure.

The university’s Department of Clinical Psychology page also lists the annual tuition fee for the RCI M.Clin.Psy. programme as ₹5,00,000 and notes that other charges are governed by the applicable university fee notification.

Students should confirm the final payable amount with MGM University before making payment because fee notifications can change.

M.Clin.Psy. Curriculum and Syllabus

The curriculum is based on the RCI’s Master in Clinical Psychology Guidelines and Syllabus.

The RCI framework describes a combination of theoretical education, practical training, clinical placement and research. It is designed to develop professional competencies in psychological assessment, clinical formulation, intervention, rehabilitation and research.

Major areas covered include:

1. Psychosocial Foundations of Behaviour and Psychopathology

Students study psychological and psychosocial foundations relevant to understanding mental health and mental disorders.

The psychopathology component covers areas including psychotic disorders, mood-related conditions, neurotic and stress-related disorders, personality and behavioural disorders, substance-use-related conditions, childhood and adolescent conditions, and other clinical presentations.

2. Psychiatry

Psychiatry forms a significant part of the first-year curriculum.

The RCI syllabus includes areas such as:

• Psychotic disorders
• Mood disorders
• Personality disorders
• Substance-use disorders
• Childhood and adolescent conditions
• Psychotropic medication
• Liaison psychiatry
• Rehabilitation strategies
• Psychiatric subspecialties

3. Statistics and Research Methodology

Research training is another important component.

The RCI curriculum includes statistical concepts, research design, epidemiological methods, regression, multivariate analysis, qualitative research and the use of statistical software.

4. Psychological Assessment

Students receive practical training in psychological assessment.

The RCI curriculum specifies hands-on experience in:

• Selecting psychological tests
• Administering tests
• Scoring
• Interpreting results
• Integrating information from multiple sources
• Preparing psychological assessment reports

The curriculum includes assessment of areas such as cognition, intelligence, personality, adjustment, neuropsychological functioning and clinical symptoms.

5. Neuropsychology

The second-year curriculum includes Biological Determinants of Behaviour and Neuropsychology.

Students study the relationship between brain functioning and behaviour, neuropsychological assessment and neuropsychological rehabilitation.

6. Behavioural Medicine

Behavioural Medicine addresses psychological and behavioural factors associated with physical health and illness.

This area connects psychological knowledge with healthcare settings and the psychosocial dimensions of medical conditions.

7. Psychotherapy and Counselling

The programme includes psychotherapy and counselling training.

The RCI curriculum covers behavioural, cognitive, systemic and other therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioural therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, family therapy, group therapy, interpersonal therapy and other evidence-informed approaches.

Practical Training and Clinical Exposure

One of the major differences between an RCI-regulated professional Clinical Psychology programme and a purely academic psychology degree is the emphasis on supervised clinical training.

The RCI curriculum specifies Clinical Placement I during the first year. The placement begins from enrolment and continues through the first year, providing practical experience in clinical settings.

Students are expected to develop skills including:

• Clinical interviewing
• History taking
• Mental-status examination
• Psychological assessment
• Differential diagnosis
• Case formulation
• Clinical documentation
• Communication with clients and families
• Working with multidisciplinary professionals

The curriculum also provides for exposure to different client groups, including children, adolescents, adults and special populations.

Second-year clinical placement

The RCI framework includes Clinical Placement II during the second year.

The training progresses towards more complex clinical work and psychotherapy interventions. It also includes evidence-informed practice, clinical supervision, therapeutic relationships, shared decision-making and professional ethics.

The second half of the second-year placement also involves clinical work in general medical settings and psychological evaluation related to acute, subacute and chronic health conditions.

Research and Thesis

Research is an integral part of the programme.

The RCI examination framework includes a Research Thesis in the second year. The curriculum also specifies expectations relating to literature review, research methods, statistical analysis, results, discussion, conclusions and ethical documentation.

This component can be useful for students who are interested in research, evidence-based practice or further academic study in Psychology and related fields.

Examination Structure

The RCI curriculum provides a two-part examination structure.

First Year

The first-year components include:

• Psychosocial Foundations of Behaviour and Psychopathology
• Psychiatry
• Statistics and Research Methodology
• Psychological Assessment and Clinical Placement I
• Five full-length psycho-diagnostic case records

Second Year

The second-year components include:

• Biological Determinants of Behaviour and Neuropsychology
• Behavioural Medicine
• Psychotherapy and Counselling
• Psychological Therapy and Clinical Placement II
• Five full-length psychotherapy reports
• Research Thesis

This structure demonstrates the programme’s combination of academic knowledge, clinical competency and research.

Career Opportunities After M.Clin.Psy.

The programme is designed as professional Clinical Psychology training.

Possible career environments may include:

• Hospitals
• Mental-health clinics
• Rehabilitation centres
• Psychiatric settings
• Community mental-health programmes
• Healthcare organisations
• Research institutions
• Educational and community settings where the role permits
• Academic and training environments
• Mental-health and rehabilitation services

MGM University lists potential roles including Clinical Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Mental Health Counselor, Hospital Psychologist and Rehabilitation Specialist.

However, students should distinguish between a job title and the legally or professionally permitted scope of practice. The exact professional role depends on the qualification, RCI registration/status, applicable regulations and requirements of the employer or institution.

Can You Become a Clinical Psychologist After M.Clin.Psy.?

This is one of the most important questions for students.

The RCI’s Master in Clinical Psychology is specifically designed as a professional Clinical Psychology programme. MGM University describes its M.Clin.Psy. as an RCI-approved programme and states that graduates are eligible for RCI registration as clinical psychologists.

However, students should not interpret this as meaning that every degree called M.A. Clinical Psychology automatically provides the same professional status.

The relevant questions are:

• Is the programme RCI regulated/approved?
• Is the institution approved for the relevant academic session?
• Does the student’s programme and completion satisfy the applicable RCI requirements?
• Does the graduate meet current registration requirements?

Because professional regulations can change, students should verify their eligibility for registration directly with RCI before making career decisions.

M.Clin.Psy. vs M.A. Clinical Psychology: What Is the Difference?

This distinction is especially important at MGM University.

The university’s postgraduate programme listings show both:

• MA (Clinical Psychology)
• RCI-Master in Clinical Psychology (M.Clin.Psy.)

These should not automatically be treated as identical programmes.

The M.Clin.Psy. is the programme specifically identified by MGM University as RCI approved, with RCI Institute Code MH117, Serial No. 424 and approval for 2026–27 through 2030–31.

Students whose objective is an RCI-regulated professional Clinical Psychology pathway should therefore carefully check the exact programme name and RCI status before completing the application.

M.Clin.Psy. vs Older M.Phil. Clinical Psychology

The current RCI curriculum explains that the Master in Clinical Psychology was introduced in the context of the discontinuation of M.Phil. programmes under the changes associated with NEP 2020.

RCI describes the current programme as a two-year Master in Clinical Psychology (M.Clin.Psy.) and identifies it as an RCI-regulated programme.

Therefore, students researching older articles should be careful. Information written several years ago about M.Phil. Clinical Psychology may not describe the current admission structure, nomenclature or curriculum.

Why Students May Consider MGM University for Clinical Psychology

MGM University’s current Department of Clinical Psychology information highlights several programme features that can be verified from its official pages:

• RCI-approved M.Clin.Psy. programme
• 14 sanctioned seats
• Five academic sessions covered by the stated RCI approval
• Dedicated Department of Clinical Psychology
• Clinical Psychology faculty
• Practical and clinical training aligned with the RCI framework
• Research and clinical training components

The university identifies Dr. Mansi Karajgaonkar as Head and Coordinator and states that she is an RCI-registered Clinical Psychologist, Associate Professor and Research Supervisor.

These are factual programme and faculty details rather than a ranking of the university against other institutions.

Salary After M.Clin.Psy.

There is no single salary figure that applies to every Clinical Psychology graduate.

Earnings can vary according to:

• Employer
• City
• Clinical experience
• Professional registration
• Job role
• Healthcare institution
• Government or private sector employment
• Research or academic position
• Additional specialisation

Students should be cautious about websites that promise a particular salary immediately after completing a Clinical Psychology degree.

For this reason, a fixed “average salary” has not been included here without a sufficiently reliable, current and programme-specific source.

Higher Studies After M.Clin.Psy.

Students completing the programme may consider further academic or professional development depending on the eligibility rules applicable at that time.

Possible areas include:

• Doctoral-level study
• Clinical Psychology research
• Psychology research
• Specialised mental-health training
• Academic careers
• Continuing professional development
• Research projects in clinical populations

Eligibility for specific doctoral or professional programmes varies by institution and regulations, so students should check the current admission criteria of the programme they intend to pursue.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is MGM University’s Clinical Psychology programme RCI approved?

Yes. MGM University states that its Master in Clinical Psychology (M.Clin.Psy.) is RCI approved for 2026–27 to 2030–31, with RCI Institute Code MH117, Serial No. 424, and 14 sanctioned seats.

2. Is it called M.A. Clinical Psychology or M.Clin.Psy.?

The RCI-regulated programme is officially titled Master in Clinical Psychology (M.Clin.Psy.). MGM University also lists a separate MA (Clinical Psychology) programme, so students should check the exact programme selected during admission.

3. What is the duration of M.Clin.Psy. at MGM University?

The RCI Master in Clinical Psychology is a two-year programme.

4. What is the eligibility for M.Clin.Psy.?

MGM University specifies a four-year B.A./B.Sc. degree in Psychology with at least 55% aggregate marks, with 50% for SC/ST candidates under the stated norms. Candidates with a three-year Psychology graduation may need to complete the specified bridge course or first year of a Master’s programme.

5. How many seats are available?

The RCI-approved M.Clin.Psy. programme has 14 sanctioned seats at MGM University.

6. What is the fee for M.Clin.Psy.?

MGM University currently lists ₹5,00,000 per year as tuition fees. Additional university charges apply.

7. Does the programme include clinical training?

Yes. The RCI curriculum includes Clinical Placement I and Clinical Placement II, along with psychological assessment and psychotherapy training.

8. Is there a research component?

Yes. The second-year examination structure includes a Research Thesis.

9. What does RCI approval mean?

RCI approval indicates that the institution/programme is recognised within the RCI’s regulated professional training framework for the relevant programme and academic period. Students should separately verify the requirements applicable to professional registration.

10. Can I become a Clinical Psychologist after completing the programme?

The RCI Master in Clinical Psychology is designed as a professional Clinical Psychology programme, and MGM University states that graduates are eligible for RCI registration as clinical psychologists. Students should nevertheless verify the current RCI registration requirements applicable at the time of graduation.

11. Is M.Clin.Psy. the same as an ordinary M.A. in Psychology?

No. An RCI-regulated M.Clin.Psy. is structured as professional Clinical Psychology training and includes extensive clinical placements, practical assessments and research. A general M.A. in Psychology has a different academic structure and should not automatically be treated as equivalent.

12. What subjects are taught?

The RCI curriculum includes areas such as Psychosocial Foundations of Behaviour and Psychopathology, Psychiatry, Statistics and Research Methodology, Psychological Assessment, Neuropsychology, Behavioural Medicine, Psychotherapy and Counselling, clinical placements and research.

13. Does the course include psychotherapy training?

Yes. Psychotherapy and Counselling is a second-year component, with the RCI curriculum covering several evidence-informed therapeutic approaches.

14. Where is MGM University located?

The Department of Clinical Psychology is located at MGM Campus, N-6, CIDCO, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar – 431003, Maharashtra.

15. How can I verify the latest RCI approval?

Students should check both the official MGM University programme page and the RCI’s official approved-institution/programme information before admission. Approval status should always be checked for the relevant academic session.

Final Takeaway

For students researching an RCI-approved Clinical Psychology programme in Maharashtra, MGM University’s current offering is officially identified as the Master in Clinical Psychology (M.Clin.Psy.) rather than simply an M.A. Clinical Psychology.

For the 2026–27 academic session, MGM University states that the programme has:

• RCI approval from 2026–27 to 2030–31
• 14 sanctioned seats
• Two-year duration
• Full-time regular mode
• ₹5 lakh annual tuition fee
• Specific eligibility requirements for Psychology graduates
• Clinical placements
• Psychological assessment training
• Psychotherapy training
• Research and thesis components

The most important point for applicants is to verify the exact programme name and RCI status. MGM University lists both an MA (Clinical Psychology) and the RCI Master in Clinical Psychology, and these should not be assumed to have identical professional recognition.

Admission requirements, fees, dates, RCI regulations and professional registration rules can change. Students should verify the latest information directly with MGM University and RCI before submitting an application or paying fees.

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Official Sources

MGM University – Department of Clinical Psychology

The university’s official page provides the current RCI status, programme name, intake, approval period, eligibility, admission information, fee and contact details.

MGM University – Department of Clinical Psychology

MGM University – RCI Master in Clinical Psychology

The official programme page provides the two-year duration, 14-seat intake, fee structure, eligibility, admission procedure, programme outcomes and faculty information.

MGM University – RCI Master in Clinical Psychology

Rehabilitation Council of India – Regular Mode Programmes

RCI’s official programme page lists Master in Clinical Psychology (M.Clin.Psy.) as a two-year regular-mode Clinical Psychology programme.

Rehabilitation Council of India – Regular Mode

RCI – Master in Clinical Psychology Guidelines and Syllabus

The official RCI curriculum document describes the two-year M.Clin.Psy. programme, curriculum, clinical placements, assessments, psychotherapy training and research requirements.

RCI Master in Clinical Psychology Guidelines & Syllabus

Last Updated: September 30, 2026

Note: Programme fees, admission procedures, eligibility requirements, RCI approvals and professional regulations can be revised. Students should confirm the latest details with MGM University and the Rehabilitation Council of India before admission.