NIMHANS M.Phil Clinical Psychology Admission 2025

The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, has released its official notification for admission into the M.Phil in Clinical Psychology course for the academic year 2025 – 2026. Known as a top-tier institution for mental health training, NIMHANS offers a rigorous, evidence-based training program for future Clinical Psychologists.

This article provides a complete overview of the eligibility, seat matrix, selection process, course structure, and key dates, updated as per the official brochure.

📌 Important Note on Course Nomenclature

As per the latest notification issued by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), the nomenclature of the course has been officially revised from M.Phil in Clinical Psychology to M.A. Clinical Psychology (2 years, RCI). However, RCI has permitted approved institutions, including NIMHANS, to continue using the name "M.Phil in Clinical Psychology"until the completion of the 2026 academic session. In due course of time, all institutions will be required to update the program name in alignment with the revised guidelines. Aspirants are encouraged to stay informed and treat both titles as referring to the same RCI-approved professional training program in Clinical Psychology.

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Educational Qualification

Candidates must have completed a 2-year Master's Degree in any of the following disciplines from a recognized university:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Applied Psychology
- Counselling Psychology
- Psychological Counselling

Other Requirements

The qualifying degree must be obtained from a UGC-recognized university/institution.

Final-year students or those awaiting final results are also eligible to apply. However, the final marksheet must be submitted on the day of admission.

Other Eligibility Conditions

a. Sponsored Category: Indian nationals who are permanent employees sponsored or deputed by the State/Central Government, Public Sector Undertakings, or recognized institutions/universities may apply under the ‘Sponsored Category’.

b. Karnataka Domicile Category: Indian nationals who are residents of Karnataka (domicile certificate required) can apply under the ‘Karnataka Domicile Category’.

c. Foreign Nationals are eligible to apply under the ‘Foreign/Sponsored Category’.

Age Limit

Maximum Age: 32 years (as on the course commencement date, i.e., 1st July 2025)

Reference Date for Age Calculation: The candidate's age will be calculated as on 01 July 2025 for the July 2025 Session.
Course-specific Age Limits: The maximum age limit for each course is specified in its respective section.
- For M.Phil in Clinical Psychology, the upper age limit is 32 years.
Relaxation in Age Limit (for Reserved Categories):
- SC/ST Candidates: Up to 5 years of relaxation.
- OBC Candidates: Up to 3 years of relaxation.
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD): Up to 5 years of relaxation. (Refer to PwBD section in the prospectus for detailed conditions.)
Sponsored Candidates: No age relaxation or reservation is applicable for candidates applying under the Sponsored Category.

Seat Matrix: Category-wise Distribution

Course Name	Seats under Institute Stipendiary Category	Availability of Guideship Slots
All India Category (UR–10, EWS–3, OBC–6, SC–3, ST–1)	23 Seats	–
Karnataka State Domicile Category (UR–3, OBC–1, EWS–1)	06 Seats	–
Foreign / Sponsored Category	–	03 Slots
Total	29 Seats	03 Slots

Awards and Recognitions

Students demonstrating outstanding academic and clinical performance during the M.Phil Clinical Psychology program at NIMHANS are eligible for the following prestigious awards:

Dr. M. V. Govindaswamy Memorial Prize
Awarded to the student who secures the highest marks in the M.Phil Clinical Psychology examination.
Prof. V. Kumaraiah Award
Presented to the best outgoing student in recognition of excellence in clinical work during the course.

Admission Process

The admission to the M.Phil in Clinical Psychology program at NIMHANS follows a merit-based selection processcomprising an entrance examination and document verification. The process is designed to ensure transparency, academic rigour, and equal opportunity for all eligible applicants.

1. Online Application

Candidates must apply through the official NIMHANS admission portal within the prescribed application period.
All required details such as academic qualifications, category, and contact information must be filled carefully.
Scanned copies of the relevant documents (mark sheets, certificates, photograph, signature, etc.) should be uploaded as per the guidelines.
Application Fees:
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹1,500/-
- SC/ST: ₹1,000/-

2. Eligibility Screening

Only those candidates who meet the minimum eligibility criteria (2-year Master’s degree in Psychology or allied fields from a UGC-recognized institution) will be allowed to appear for the entrance exam.
Final-year students are also eligible, provided they submit their final marksheet at the time of admission.

3. Entrance Examination

Mode: Offline (held only in Bengaluru city)
Pattern:
- 100 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Marking Scheme:
  - +1 for each correct answer
  - –0.25 for each incorrect answer (negative marking applicable)
Syllabus: Based on core areas of Psychology as per standard postgraduate curriculum.

4. Qualifying Criteria

Minimum Qualifying Marks:
- UR/OBC/EWS: 50%
- SC/ST/PwBD: 45%
Only those who meet the minimum cut-off will be considered for admission under the respective category.

5. Merit List and Result Declaration

The result of the entrance examination will be published on the official website as per the notified schedule.
A merit list will be prepared based on performance in the entrance exam alone.
No interview or group discussion is conducted in the selection process.

6. Document Verification & Admission

Shortlisted candidates will be called for in-person verification of original documents at the time of admission.
Candidates must carry all original certificates, mark sheets, age proof, category certificate (if applicable), and proof of identity.

7. Commencement of Course

After successful verification, candidates will be formally admitted, and the course will commence as per the academic calendar.

Important Dates

Event	Date
Notification Release	01 March 2025
Last Date to Apply	31 March 2025
Entrance Exam Dates	24–25 May 2025
Result Declaration	09 June 2025
Admission & Document Verification	26 June 2025
Course Commencement	01 July 2025

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NIMHANS Previous Year Papers (Memory Based) by Team PWP

1. Which of the following best describes the psychiatric syndrome known as "Folie à deux"?

a. A condition where an individual develops delusions in the absence of any external influence.

b. A disorder characterized by shared delusional beliefs between two or more closely associated individuals.

c. A neurological disorder where two individuals simultaneously experience identical symptoms of epilepsy.

d. A rare form of dissociative identity disorder affecting two people at the same time.

2. What is the center portion of the eye responsible for high levels of visual acuity called?

What is the center portion of the eye responsible for high levels of visual acuity called?

a. Iris

b. Retina

c. Fovea

d. Lens

3. In Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), the concepts of "awfulizing" and "musterbation" refer to:

In Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), the concepts of "awfulizing" and "musterbation" refer to:

a. The therapeutic techniques used to enhance mindfulness and relaxation.

b. The cognitive distortions involving catastrophizing situations and holding rigid demands, respectively.

c. The stages of therapeutic intervention focusing on behavior modification.

d. The assessment methods for identifying underlying unconscious conflicts.

4. Who among the following did research to determine the smallest difference between two weights that could be detected?

Who among the following did research to determine the smallest difference between two weights that could be detected?

a. Fechner

b. Weber

c. Wundt

d. Helmholtz

5. James Marcia's theory of identity development includes which of the following identity statuses?

James Marcia's theory of identity development includes which of the following identity statuses?

a. Identity Diffusion, Identity Foreclosure, Identity Moratorium, Identity Achievement

b. Preconventional, Conventional, Postconventional, Transcendental

c. Trust vs. Mistrust, Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, Initiative vs. Guilt, Industry vs. Inferiority

d. Exploration, Commitment, Realization, Implementation

Answers & Explanations

1. Ans. b

Sol. "Folie à deux" is a rare psychiatric syndrome also known as "shared psychotic disorder" or "induced delusional disorder." The term, which translates from French to "madness for two," describes a situation where two or more individuals, usually in a close relationship, share the same delusional beliefs or hallucinations. Key characteristics include: 1. Shared Delusions (the presence of identical or similar delusional beliefs that develop in an individual who is in a close relationship with someone else who already has a psychotic disorder with prominent delusions), 2. Close Relationship (individuals involved typically have an intimate emotional bond and often live in proximity) 3. Isolation (involved individuals often have limited interactions with others outside of their relationship) 4. Secondary Case (The person who initially develops the delusional beliefs is considered the "primary case," usually exhibiting a more robust and identifiable psychotic disorder. The "secondary case" is the individual who subsequently adopts these delusions; this person often doesn't show psychotic features independently and may not exhibit any symptoms if separated from the primary case.)

2. Ans. c

Sol. The fovea is a small depression in the retina at the back of the eye where visual acuity is highest. It is responsible for sharp central vision, which is necessary for activities where visual detail is of primary importance, such as reading and driving.

3. Ans. b

Sol. In REBT, developed by Albert Ellis, "awfulizing" refers to the cognitive distortion where an individual irrationally exaggerates the negative aspects of a situation, perceiving it as far worse or more 'awful' than it actually is. "Musterbation," was term coined humorously by Ellis, refers to the tendency of individuals to hold rigid, absolute beliefs about how they or others must act or perform, often leading to significant emotional distress when these unrealistic demands are not met.

4. Ans. b

Sol. Weber did research to determine the smallest difference between two weights that could be detected. According to Weber, the just noticeable difference (or the difference threshold) is the minimum difference a person is able to notice between two stimuli.

5. Ans. a

Sol. James Marcia expanded on Erik Erikson's work on identity development by describing four distinct identity statuses that adolescents and young adults might experience as they develop a sense of self. These statuses are:

Identity Diffusion: Individuals in this status have not yet explored or committed to any particular identity. They often lack direction or purpose.

Identity Foreclosure: Individuals have committed to an identity without exploring other options, often adopting roles and values handed down by authority figures, such as parents.

Identity Moratorium: Individuals are actively exploring different identities and experiencing a crisis but have not yet made a commitment to any particular identity.

Identity Achievement: Individuals have explored various options and made a commitment to a particular identity, having resolved their identity crisis.