Students in the city aspiring to become licensed clinical psychologists are encountering a significant institutional gap. While interest in psychology as a discipline continues to grow, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) and its affiliated colleges currently do not offer the academic pathways required for registration with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). This absence forces students to adopt indirect routes, or leave the city altogether to meet professional requirements. RCI mandate and licensing requirements RCI is the statutory body responsible for regulating and monitoring services provided to persons with disabilities.

 

It standardises syllabi and maintains the Central Rehabilitation Register (CRR), which lists qualified professionals in rehabilitation and special education. Earlier, the process required three years of undergraduate study, two years of postgraduate study, and a two-year MPhil in Clinical Psychology, amounting to seven years of training. However, under updated guidelines, the MPhil has been discontinued. The new route mandates a four-year undergraduate degree (BA/BSc Honours), followed by a specialised Master’s in Clinical Psychology (RCI). RTMNU missing both pathways At present, RTMNU does not offer either of the courses required under the new system.

 

There is no provision for BA/BSc Honours programmes in psychology, nor is there an Master’s in Clinical Psychology (RCI) available at the university or its affiliated colleges. In the absence of an honours programme, students have to take alternative routes. Those pursuing a three-year undergraduate degree must either complete a one-year bridge course or finish one year (two semesters) of a master’s degree with at least 55% marks before becoming eligible for Master’s in Clinical Psychology (RCI). This work around substitutes for the missing honours structure but adds complexity and uncertainty to the academic journey. Institutional and regulatory challenges The absence of RCI-recognised programmes is not solely a matter of policy delay. Starting a Master’s in Clinical Psychology (RCI) programme involves multiple regulatory conditions. Institutions must have specialised infrastructure and qualified faculty, including teachers who themselves hold RCI licenses.

 

A top official from the Higher Education Department commented that most colleges affiliated with RTMNU currently lack these prerequisites. Although the University Grants Commission has directed universities to incorporate honours programmes and align with the new structure, implementation remains incomplete. The official also mentioned that processes are underway, but several formalities are still pending. At the national level, new professional pathways are being introduced. The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), a four-to-six-year practice-oriented doctoral programme, has been launched in select government universities over the past year. However, this programme is not available at RTMNU, further limiting local options for advanced clinical training. Gap in a growing field The lack of structured, RCI-aligned programmes highlights a broader issue in Nagpur’s higher education ecosystem. Psychology, particularly clinical psychology, is an expanding field with increasing demand for qualified professionals. Yet, the absence of essential academic infrastructure means that students must migrate to other cities to pursue recognised qualifications.