M.Phil. (Clinical Psychology)

The M.Phil. (Clinical Psychology) program at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Chennai, is a 2-year full-time postgraduate research program offered by the Department of Clinical Psychology under the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences. With only 10 seats, this is one of the most sought-after and competitive M.Phil. Clinical Psychology programs in South India. The total fee is Rs. 4,00,000 for the 2-year duration (Rs. 2,00,000 per year). The program is recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), which is mandatory for practicing as a Clinical Psychologist in India. Admission is based on a written entrance examination, interview, and practical assessment conducted by SRIHER.

Admissions for the 2026-27 batch are expected to open around February 2026, with the entrance examination likely in June/July 2026 (based on the 2025 pattern: application period January-June 2025, exam June 29, 2025). The current admission season is upcoming. Candidates are advised to monitor the official admissions portal at admissions.sriramachandra.edu.in for the 2026 notification.

Key Points

• The program is recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), which is mandatory for registration as a Rehabilitation Professional (Clinical Psychologist) in India.
• With only 10 seats, the program is highly competitive; candidates with a special paper in Clinical Psychology in their PG degree are given preference.
• The program is offered at the Sri Ramachandra Medical College campus, providing trainees with access to a 2,500-bedded multi-specialty teaching hospital for clinical training.
• Selection is based on a combination of written exam, interview, and practical marks; in case of a tie, academic performance from first year to final year is considered.
• Graduates are eligible to register with RCI and practice as Clinical Psychologists in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and private practice.

SRIHER M.Phil. (Clinical Psychology) Fees

The M.Phil. Clinical Psychology program at SRIHER has a fee of Rs. 2,00,000 per year, totalling Rs. 4,00,000 for the 2-year duration. This is relatively competitive compared to other RCI-recognized M.Phil. Clinical Psychology programs in India. There is a non-refundable application fee of Rs. 1,000. Hostel accommodation is available on campus at an additional cost.

Fee Components

Hostel Fees (Optional)

• Application fee of Rs. 1,000 is non-refundable.
• Hostel accommodation is optional; mess facility is compulsory if hostel is availed.
• Examination fees are charged separately per semester.
• No management quota seats are available; all 10 seats are filled through merit.

SRIHER M.Phil. (Clinical Psychology) Admission 2026

Admissions to the M.Phil. Clinical Psychology program at SRIHER are conducted annually. The selection process involves a written entrance examination (180 MCQs, 3 hours, no negative marking), followed by an interview and practical assessment. Candidates with a special paper in Clinical Psychology in their PG degree are given preference. Based on the 2025 admission cycle, the 2026 cycle is expected to follow a similar timeline.

Important Dates

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must hold an MA or M.Sc. degree in Psychology from a UGC-recognized university with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate.
• A relaxation of 5% marks (from 55% to 50%%) is available for SC/ST/OBC category candidates.
• Candidates with a special paper in Clinical Psychology in their PG degree are given preference during selection.

Admission Process

• Apply online at admissions.sriramachandra.edu.in and pay the application fee of Rs. 1,000.
• Appear for the SRIHER Entrance Examination (180 MCQs, 3 hours, offline mode, no negative marking).
• Attend the interview and practical assessment.
• Final merit list is prepared based on written exam marks, interview marks, and practical marks.
• In case of a tie, academic performance from first year to final year in the qualifying examination is considered.
• Selected candidates complete fee payment and document submission to confirm admission.

SRIHER M.Phil. (Clinical Psychology) Scholarships 2026

SRIHER offers institutional scholarships to meritorious and economically disadvantaged students. The Founder-Chancellor Merit-cum-Means Scholarship is available from the 2nd year onwards based on academic performance and family income. Government scholarships for SC/ST/OBC students are also available through the National Scholarship Portal.

Scholarship Details

• Institutional scholarships are awarded based on attendance percentage, academic scores, and family income.
• Students must apply separately for government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in).
• Loan facilities are available through nationalized banks; the college assists with documentation.

SRIHER M.Phil. (Clinical Psychology) FAQs

Ques. Is the SRIHER M.Phil. Clinical Psychology program recognized by RCI?

Ans. Yes. The M.Phil. Clinical Psychology program at SRIHER is recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). RCI recognition is mandatory for practicing as a Clinical Psychologist in India. Graduates of this program are eligible to register with RCI as Rehabilitation Professionals.

Ques. How competitive is admission to M.Phil. Clinical Psychology at SRIHER given only 10 seats?

Ans. With only 10 seats, the program is extremely competitive. Thousands of psychology graduates apply for these limited seats each year. Candidates with a special paper in Clinical Psychology in their PG degree are given preference. Strong performance in the written exam (180 MCQs), interview, and practical assessment is essential. Candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly from clinical psychology topics and research methodology.

Ques. What is the difference between M.Phil. Clinical Psychology and M.Sc. Clinical Psychology?

Ans. M.Phil. Clinical Psychology is a 2-year research-oriented program recognized by RCI, which qualifies graduates to practice as Clinical Psychologists in India. M.Sc. Clinical Psychology is a 2-year taught postgraduate program that provides foundational knowledge but does not by itself qualify for RCI registration as a Clinical Psychologist. For clinical practice in hospitals and rehabilitation settings, M.Phil. Clinical Psychology (RCI-recognized) is the required qualification.

Ques. What career options are available after M.Phil. Clinical Psychology from SRIHER?

Ans. Graduates can work as Clinical Psychologists in hospitals, psychiatric centres, rehabilitation centres, NGOs, and private practice. They can also pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or Behavioural Sciences. Common roles include clinical psychologist, neuropsychologist, rehabilitation psychologist, and counselling psychologist. SRIHER's hospital-based training provides strong clinical exposure that is valued by employers.

Ques. Is there a stipend provided during the M.Phil. Clinical Psychology program at SRIHER?

Ans. Unlike some government institutions (such as NIMHANS) that provide a stipend to M.Phil. Clinical Psychology trainees, SRIHER does not offer a stipend for this program. Students are required to pay the full tuition fee of Rs. 2,00,000 per year. However, merit-cum-means scholarships are available from the 2nd year for eligible students.

Ques. Can I apply for M.Phil. Clinical Psychology at SRIHER if I have an M.Sc. in Psychology (without a Clinical Psychology specialization)?

Ans. Yes. The eligibility criterion is an MA or M.Sc. in Psychology from a UGC-recognized university with at least 55% marks. However, candidates with a special paper in Clinical Psychology in their PG degree are given preference during selection. Candidates without a Clinical Psychology specialization can still apply but may face stronger competition from those with the specialization.