New RCI, UGC & NCAHP Guidelines 2025: What Early Career Psychologists in India Need to Know

There has been growing confusion and uncertainty regarding the recent changes introduced by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the NCAHP guidelines. Many aspiring and early career therapists are unclear about the new mandates, eligibility requirements, and program structures.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key updates made by the RCI and UGC and NCAHP.

Phasing out of the M Phil program 

The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) is gradually phasing out the M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and revised UGC guidelines. To replace it, a new RCI-regulated M.A. in Clinical Psychology will become the main pathway for full licensure as a Clinical Psychologist in India. The aim is to make training more standardized, structured, and accessible while maintaining quality and ethical practice.

Therapists who have completed their Master’s before 2025 and wish to become Clinical Psychologists will now have to pursue the RCI-approved M.A. in Clinical Psychology — a two-year postgraduate program that includes supervised training leading to RCI registration.

The following universities offer the RCI approved MA Clinical Psychology programme as per the official website:

Haryana

Manav Rachna University, Faridabad

Gurugram University, Gurugram

Karnataka

J.S.S. Medical College (Deemed University), Mysuru

Christ (Deemed University), Bengaluru

Madhya Pradesh

Global University, Shivpuri

Maharashtra

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, Navi Mumbai

Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune

Punjab

Lovely Professional University, Kapurthala

Rajasthan

Apex University (Apex Institute of Special Education), Jaipur

Shyam University (Dept. of Special Education), Dausa

Uttar Pradesh

Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur

Faculty of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Kanpur Nagar

RCI-Recognized Academic Programmes

According to the new RCI framework, these programs form the professional route for those entering psychology:

• B.Sc. (Hons.) in Clinical Psychology – 4 years → RCI registration as Clinical Psychology Assistant
• M.A./M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology (RCI-Approved) – 2 years → RCI registration as Clinical Psychologist after supervised training
• Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology – 4 years → Professional doctorate offering advanced clinical and research training

Students who pursue their Masters from Non-RCI recognized universities will be registered by the NCAHP as per their academic qualifications.

UGC’s stand on Distance education programmes on Psychology

The UGC has announced the discontinuation of ODL and fully online programs in healthcare and allied fields, including Psychology, Microbiology, and Nutrition, as well as research programs like M.Phil. and Ph.D. Therefore, w.e.f 2025, professionals will no longer be able to pursue a degree in Psychology from the distance mode. These changes aim to improve quality, ensure hands-on training of mental health professionals

However, these reforms are a huge setback for students who rely on online learning due to distance or finances. Besides, this has also brought a lot of uncertainty about the recognition of professionals who have completed their Masters from distance mode prior to 2025, and have been working in the field ethically, under supervision.

Understanding the NCAHP Guidelines 2025 

The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) proposes a centralized registration system for psychology professionals—except for Clinical Psychologists, who will continue to be governed by the RCI.

The draft aims to unify behavioral and support roles under one main category, “Psychologist”, establish a standardized qualification framework, and ensure national recognition through a Unique ID for all registered professionals. Registration will be valid for five years and renewed through Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours and verified supervised practice.

For foreign-trained professionals, temporary registration may be granted for teaching, research, or voluntary work, provided their qualifications meet equivalency standards.

These guidelines are still in draft form and may be revised as per the recommendations sent by the mental health fraternity.

Categories Under the NCAHP Act

• Psychologist (Non-RCI) – 4-year B.Psych + 2-year M.Psych + PhD/PsyD
• Behavioral Analyst – B.Psych + 5 years’ experience, or M.Psych + 3 years, or 1-year Diploma in Counselling/Behavioral Psychology with 5 years’ experience. Registered provisionally, works in applied behavior analysis or child behavior under supervision of a psychologist or psychiatrist.
• Mental Health Support Worker – B.Psych + 5 years’ experience, or M.Psych + 3 years, or 1-year Diploma in Counselling with 3–5 years’ experience. Provisional allied registration; supports therapy in schools, NGOs, or clinics under supervision.
• HIV/Family Planning Counselor – Bachelor’s or Master’s in Psychology or Social Work with 2–3 years of health-sector experience. Focuses on HIV, sexual health, and family-planning counselling.
• Integrated Behavioral Health Counselor – MA/MSW in Health or Counselling specialization (2 years) with at least 6 months’ experience. Regular registration; interdisciplinary counselling in health settings.
• Expressive/Movement Therapist –Bachelor’s/Master’s in Movement, Art, or Dance Therapy, or any degree with a relevant diploma. Regular registration; allied therapeutic specialization, psychology background preferred.

Key Concerns and Objections

Unrealistic Eligibility Criteria:

The 4-year B.Psych + 2-year M.Psych + PhD/Psy.D requirement is impractical since these programs have not been fully implemented in Indian Universities. Besides, there are concerns over making PhD a mandatory requirement for qualifying as a Psychologist, since most PhD programs in India focus primarily on research rather than therapeutic training. Therefore, a PhD may not be an appropriate indicator of professional competence in applied or clinical practice.

Provisional registration for existing mental health professionals

Professionals who have completed their education via 3 year BA + 2 year MA programmes will receive only a provisional registration, thus discounting the recognition they deserve for their work.

Ambiguity in recognizing ‘work experience’:

The guidelines do not clearly define what counts as “work experience,” leaving scope for confusion in registration.

Exclusion from Integrated Behavioral Health Role:

Psychologists are excluded from roles that are currently reserved for Social Workers, despite being equally qualified.

Recommendations made by the Mental Health Community

Expand Eligibility:

Recognize 3 year BA/BSc + 2-year MA/MSc in Psychology completed before 2023, as valid qualifications in order to ensure recognition for professionals who have been offering mental health services as Psychologists.

Remove Mandatory PhD Requirement:

Encourage, but not mandate PhD until doctoral programs include sufficient clinical training.

Define Work Experience Clearly:

Include supervised private practice and NGO work as valid experience.

Make Behavioral Analyst a Permanent Category:

Align with international standards where such roles are distinct and recognized.

Include Psychology Graduates in Behavioral Health Roles:

Ensure inclusive recognition for those already serving in counseling capacities.

While these new reforms aim to bring structure, accountability, and ethical uniformity to the field of psychology in India, there remain gaps in clarity and implementation. Many practicing professionals fear exclusion despite years of experience, and students are left uncertain about their academic paths. For these reforms to succeed, the RCI, UGC, and NCAHP must work collaboratively to develop a clear, transparent transition process that recognizes existing professionals, and guides aspiring professionals. 

(This blog covers updates received upto the 12th of October 2025. For recent updates, please check the official websites of RCI, UGC and NCAHP)