Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology

The Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PDCP) at SGT University, Gurugram is a 1-year full-time postgraduate diploma programme offered through the Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural Sciences. The programme is recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) and is designed to provide comprehensive training in clinical psychology, equipping graduates to function effectively in various clinical settings. With a limited intake of 16 seats, the programme is highly selective and admission is based on an offline entrance examination comprising a written test and a personal interview. The course fee is Rs. 4,00,000 per annum. Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to register with the RCI as Clinical Psychologist (Associate), enabling them to work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, mental health clinics, NGOs, and other healthcare settings. The programme is popular among MA/MSc Psychology graduates who wish to gain formal clinical training and RCI registration without undertaking the 2-year MA Clinical Psychology (RCI) programme.

Admissions for the 2026-27 session are open. The last date to submit the application form for PDCP is July 18, 2026, and the entrance examination is scheduled for July 25, 2026 at SGT University, Gurugram. The batch is expected to commence in August 2026.

Key Points

• The programme is recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), and graduates are eligible to register as Clinical Psychologist (Associate) with the RCI.
• Admission is through an offline entrance examination comprising a written test and a personal interview, making it a merit-based and competitive selection process.
• The curriculum covers Foundations of Clinical Psychology, Psychopathology, Psychological Assessment, Therapeutic Techniques, Ethics and Professional Practice, Research Methodology, and Practical Training.
• Seat intake is strictly limited to 16 students, ensuring intensive supervision and personalised clinical training.
• The programme is offered under the School of Behavioural Sciences at SGT University, which has a dedicated clinical psychology department with experienced faculty and clinical supervisors.
• Graduates can work as Clinical Psychologist (Associate), Counselling Psychologist, Behavioural Therapist, Psychometrician, and Community Mental Health Worker.

SGT PDCP Fees

Fee Structure

• The total academic fee of Rs. 4,00,000 covers the full 1-year programme duration.
• Hostel accommodation is optional and not mandatory for the programme. Hostel fee of Rs. 1,40,000 per year is charged separately.
• Application/registration fee of Rs. 1,500 is payable at the time of online application (non-refundable, not included in the above table).
• No official EMI or instalment plan details are published; candidates are advised to contact the admissions office for payment schedule options.

SGT PDCP Admission 2026

Important Dates

• The entrance examination is conducted offline at SGT University, Gurugram campus.
• There is no national-level entrance exam for this programme.
• Admission is entirely based on the university's own entrance test and personal interview.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must hold an MA or MSc degree in Psychology from a UGC-recognised university.
• Minimum aggregate marks of 55% in the qualifying examination for General category candidates.
• Minimum aggregate marks of 50% for SC/ST category candidates.

Admission Process

• Visit the SGT University official website and complete the online registration by paying the application fee of Rs. 1,500.
• Select Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PDCP) under the Faculty of Behavioural Sciences and submit the application form with required documents.
• Appear for the offline entrance examination (written test) at SGT University, Gurugram on the scheduled date.
• Shortlisted candidates are called for a Personal Interview.
• Final selection is based on combined performance in the written test and personal interview.
• Selected candidates proceed for admission and fee payment.

SGT PDCP Scholarships 2026

Scholarship Details

• Scholarship is awarded at the time of admission; continuation requires 75% aggregate marks, 80% attendance, and clearance of all dues.
• The 5% additional concession is available in only one category and the total scholarship cannot exceed 100%.
• Scholarship amount is in the form of tuition fee concession only and does not cover hostel fees.
• Students must not be receiving any other government scholarship simultaneously to avail the university's internal scholarship.

According to an external review site Ranking 2025, SGT University Gurgaon ranks 178 out of 280 colleges in India and 3rd in state Haryana for its Diploma Clinical Psychology program.

• 105 out of 217 under India Today Science Ranking 2025.

Read more on SGT University Gurgaon Rankings here

SGT PDCP FAQs

Ques. What is the difference between the PDCP and the MA Clinical Psychology (RCI) at SGT University, and which one should I choose?

Ans. Both the PDCP and the MA Clinical Psychology (RCI) are RCI-recognised programmes at SGT University, but they differ significantly in duration, depth, and the level of RCI registration they confer. The PDCP is a 1-year programme (16 seats, Rs. 4,00,000) that leads to RCI registration as Clinical Psychologist (Associate), which allows graduates to work in non-academic clinical service settings, typically under supervision. The MA Clinical Psychology (RCI) is a 2-year programme (10 seats) that leads to full RCI registration as a Clinical Psychologist, enabling independent practice, psychological assessments, diagnoses, and therapeutic interventions. If you want to enter the clinical field quickly and work under supervision, PDCP is suitable. If you aim for independent clinical practice and full RCI registration, the MA Clinical Psychology (RCI) is the right path.

Ques. Is the PDCP from SGT University recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), and what does RCI registration as Clinical Psychologist (Associate) mean?

Ans. Yes, the Professional Diploma in Clinical Psychology (PDCP) at SGT University is recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). Upon successful completion, graduates are eligible to register with the RCI as Clinical Psychologist (Associate). This registration allows them to work in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, mental health clinics, NGOs, government agencies, and corporate wellness programmes in clinical support roles. However, as an Associate, practice is typically in non-academic service settings and often under the supervision of a fully registered Clinical Psychologist. This is distinct from the full RCI registration as Clinical Psychologist that is conferred after completing the 2-year MA Clinical Psychology (RCI) programme.

Ques. How competitive is the admission process for PDCP at SGT University, given only 16 seats are available?

Ans. With only 16 seats, the PDCP at SGT University is one of the most competitive clinical psychology programmes in the Delhi-NCR region. Admission is based on an offline entrance examination comprising a written test and a personal interview. The written test typically covers topics in clinical psychology, psychopathology, psychological assessment, and research methodology. Candidates with strong academic backgrounds (55% and above in MA/MSc Psychology), relevant clinical exposure or internship experience, and clear articulation of their clinical psychology goals in the personal interview tend to perform well. The last date to apply for the 2026-27 session is July 18, 2026, and the entrance exam is on July 25, 2026. Early preparation and application are strongly advised.

Ques. What are the career opportunities after completing the PDCP from SGT University?

Ans. Graduates of the PDCP can work as Clinical Psychologist (Associate) in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, mental health clinics, schools, NGOs, government agencies, private practices (under supervision), research institutions, corporate wellness programmes, and community mental health centres. Specific job profiles include Counselling Psychologist, Behavioural Therapist, School Counsellor, Mental Health Consultant, Rehabilitation Psychologist, Research Assistant, Clinical Assistant, and Psychometrician. The growing mental health awareness in India, combined with the government's National Mental Health Programme and increasing corporate wellness initiatives, has significantly expanded career opportunities for trained clinical psychology professionals.

Ques. What is the fee for PDCP at SGT University (Rs. 4,00,000) compared to similar RCI-recognised programmes elsewhere, and is it justified?

Ans. The PDCP fee at SGT University is Rs. 4,00,000 for the 1-year programme. Compared to similar RCI-recognised PDCP programmes at other institutions in India, this is on the higher end, with some institutions offering PDCP at Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 2,50,000 per year. However, SGT University's PDCP is backed by a dedicated clinical psychology department, experienced RCI-registered faculty, access to the university's hospital and clinical facilities for practical training, and a strong placement network in the Delhi-NCR healthcare sector. Students with 70% and above in their MA/MSc Psychology can avail merit-based scholarships of 25% to 100% on tuition fees, which can significantly reduce the effective cost.

Ques. Does SGT University provide clinical placement or internship opportunities as part of the PDCP programme?

Ans. Yes, practical training is a core component of the PDCP curriculum at SGT University. The programme includes supervised clinical placements in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and mental health clinics. SGT University has its own hospital and medical facilities on campus, providing students with direct access to clinical settings for their practical training. The Department of Clinical Psychology also has tie-ups with external mental health organisations, NGOs, and healthcare institutions in the Delhi-NCR region for clinical placements. All practical training is supervised by RCI-registered clinical psychologists and experienced faculty, ensuring that students receive quality clinical supervision in line with RCI standards.