NIMHANS MA Clinical Psychology (RCI) and PhD Clinical Psychology Admissions 2026

NIMHANS has opened its online application forms for Postgraduate programs, including PhD in Clinical Psychology, and MA Clinical Psychology (RCI) (formerly MPhil Clinical Psychology). The MA Clinical Psychology Program at NIMHANS is recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).

Interested and eligible candidates can apply for the program by filling out the online application form before the deadline. Read on for detailed information about eligibility, entrance exam pattern, selection process, and application steps.

About NIMHANS

The National Institute of Mental Health and NeuroSciences (NIMHANS), located in Bangalore, Karnataka, began in 1954 with a focus on training, clinical care, and research. The institute originally emerged from the All India Institute of Mental Health and the Mental Hospital of the Government of Karnataka, which later came together to form NIMHANS. In 1974, the organizations merged to establish NIMHANS as an autonomous institution. The unique feature of the institution is its multidisciplinary approach to compassionate and comprehensive skill-based services for patients under one roof. For training programs, the institute provides an intense academic and clinical exposure platform.

Programs Offered by NIMHANS

NIMHANS offers the following programs in Clinical Psychology:

• MA Clinical Psychology (RCI) (formally MPhil Clinical Psychology)
• PhD in Clinical Psychology

MA Clinical Psychology (RCI) (formerly MPhil Clinical Psychology)

Course Duration & Number of Seats

The Duration of the MA Clinical Psychology (RCI) program is 2 years. Seats for the MA Clinical Psychology Programs are available under the following categories:

• Under Institute Support:
  • All India Category: 22
  • Karnataka Domicile category: 07
• Foreign/Sponsored Category: 03

Eligibility Criteria for the MA Clinical Psychology (RCI) Program

• A 4-year BA/BSc degree in Psychology from a UGC-recognized university, or
• A 4-year BSc in Clinical Psychology from an RCI-recognized institute.
• Candidates with a 3-year BA/BSc degree in Psychology are also eligible, provided they have completed:
  • a One-Year Bridge Course, or
  • One Year of a Master’s Program in Psychology from a UGC-recognized university.
• Candidates who have completed a Master’s degree in any branch of Psychology are also eligible, provided their undergraduate degree included Psychology as a major or core subject in all years from a UGC-recognized university.
• Minimum Aggregate Marks:
  • 55% (in all qualifying examinations)

Method of Selection for the MA Clinical Psychology (RCI) Program

Selection to NIMHANS’s MA Clinical Psychology Program will be based on an Entrance Examination that includes a Written Test & an Interview.

Exam Pattern for the MA Clinical Psychology (RCI) Entrance Test

• 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Test duration: 90 Minutes
• Each correct answer carries 1 mark.
• For every Incorrect answer, 0.25 marks (negative marking) will be deducted.
• No marks will be deducted for unanswered questions.

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PhD in Clinical Psychology

Number of Seats for the PhD in Clinical Psychology Program

The Duration of the PhD in Clinical Psychology program is 3-5 years. Seats for the PhD Clinical Psychology Programs are available under the following categories:

• Under Institute Support:
  • All India Category: 06

Eligibility Criteria for the PhD in Clinical Psychology Program

Candidates must have one of the following qualifications for the PhD Clinical Psychology Program:

• MPhil in Clinical Psychology, or
• MPhil in Mental Health and Social Psychology, or
• A 2-year Master’s degree in one of the following disciplines:
  • Applied Psychology,
  • Clinical Psychology,
  • Counselling Psychology,
  • Psychological Counselling,
  • Psychology.
• Candidates must have obtained a minimum of 55% aggregate marks in their qualifying degree from a UGC-recognized university.
• A relaxation of 5% in aggregate marks will be granted to candidates belonging to the SC, ST, and PwBD categories.

Method of Selection for the PhD Clinical Psychology Program

Selection to NIMHANS’s PhD in Clinical Psychology Program will be based on an Entrance Examination that includes a Written Test & an Interview.

• Weightage for selection: 70% for the entrance test, and 30% for the interview.
• Eligibility for Interview: minimum 50% marks in the Entrance Test. (The interview will focus on the candidate’s area of research interest, proficiency in their subject, and any research experience, presentations, or publications)

Exam Pattern for PhD in Clinical Psychology

Candidates will answer 100 multiple-choice objective questions within 90 minutes in the entrance test.

• Each correct answer: +1 mark
• Each incorrect answer: –0.25 mark (negative marking)
• Unanswered questions: No deduction

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Application Process for MA & PhD Clinical Psychology Programs

Eligible candidates can apply online through the official NIMHANS admission portal.

Applicants are advised to:

• Register on the portal using a valid email ID and mobile number.
• Fill in the online application form carefully with accurate academic and personal details.
• Upload the required documents (as per the prescribed format).
• Pay the application fee through the online payment gateway.
• Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.

Submit applications online only. NIMHANS will not accept incomplete or offline applications.

Important Dates and Other Details

NOTE: The dates are tentative and may vary. Applicants should check the official NIMHANS website for updates or changes, or they can contact us at UPS Education.

1. No Objection Certificate (NOC) (for candidates who are applying for the PhD program):

Applicants who are employees of the State or Central Government or Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) must upload a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer along with the application.

2. Documents to be Uploaded (Mandatory):

All applicants must upload scanned copies of original documents in the online application form, including:

• 10th / SSLC / Matriculation Certificate (showing date of birth and full name)
• Marks cards and degree certificates of qualifying examinations
• Transfer and Migration Certificates (from the last attended institution and university)
• Experience Certificate, if applicable
• No Objection Certificate (for employed candidates)
• Equivalence Certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (for foreign degrees)

3. Venue of Entrance Examination

Examination and Interview for all the above-described courses will be held in NIMHANS, Bangalore, Karnataka. The candidates need to make their own travel arrangements, both for the entrance/interview and document submission, in case of selection.

ALSO READ: Admissions Open For MA-MSc Psychology Programs at Amity University 2026

Need More Help?

If you need more information regarding the programs, like eligibility criteria, application process, or what documents to upload or bring with you at the time of the interview, etc, you can contact us at UPS Education or reach out, using the contact details provided below:

Contact no: +91-9990717772

Website: upseducation.in

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Has the MPhil in Clinical Psychology been revised and replaced by a Master’s in Clinical Psychology program?

The updated academic structure has revised the M.Phil in Clinical Psychology and transitioned it into a Master’s in Clinical Psychology (RCI) program.

2. Does qualifying for the entrance examination and interview lead to selection for a PhD program?

Qualifying Entrance Examination and Interview don’t necessarily lead to selection; it depends on the availability of eligible guides and facilities in the respective department.

3. Will applicants who are not selected be individually notified about their application status?

No notification will be sent to applicants who are not selected. Only the selected candidates will be informed through the official communication channels.

4. What does Benchmark Disability refer to?

It indicates persons with 40% disability as certified by the government of India, under the Rights of Persons with Disability Act, 2016.

5. Will any TA/DA be provided for the entrance examination and Interview?

No TA/DA will be paid by NIMHANS for the entrance examination, interview, or submission of documents.

6. Does the MA in Clinical Psychology (RCI) also lead to RCI registration?

Yes. After completing the MA Clinical Psychology (RCI) from NIMHANS, Bengaluru, students become eligible to apply for registration with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). This license allows them to work as fully licensed Clinical Psychologists, with the ability to practice independently in clinical settings, conduct psychological assessments, make diagnoses, and provide therapeutic interventions.