HI, I am currently pursuing BA. Psychology honours from IGNOU and as per the latest RCI guidelines it is compulsory to have a 4 year BA degree or a 3 1 bridge course degree to become a clinical psychologist but IGNOU doesn't offer any bridge course or an extented year for the same. what should i do?

Dear Aspirant,

You are currently pursuing a BA in Psychology (Honours) from IGNOU. According to the latest guidelines from the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), becoming a Clinical Psychologist now requires either a four-year undergraduate degree in Psychology or a 3+1 model, which consists of a three-year BA and a one-year bridge course. Unfortunately, IGNOU does not provide a bridge year or a four-year honours program. This creates a significant challenge for your clinical psychology goals. However, there is a clear path forward. After completing your three-year BA, you can enroll in a regular, UGC-recognized two-year MA or MSc in Psychology. Make sure to achieve at least 55 percent in your first year. This will qualify you to apply for the RCI-approved MA in Clinical Psychology program, which has replaced the previous M.Phil course. This program leads directly to licensure as a Clinical Psychologist. Alternatively, you can consider options like IGNOU’s RCI-approved Post Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology (PGDRP). This program allows you to practice as an Associate Clinical Psychologist. While the path may appear complicated, with careful planning and informed academic choices, you can still achieve your goal of becoming a Clinical Psychologist under the new RCI guidelines.

Best wishes