Career Guide · IGNOU MAPC

What Can You Actually Do
After IGNOU MAPC?

MAPC is a rigorous 2-year MA in Psychology. It opens real doors — but the path from degree to practice is not obvious. Here is the complete guide to every route, including the new 2026 clinical pathway that changes everything.

Last updated: May 2026 · Written by an IGNOU MAPC graduate (Dec 2025 batch)

Not sure which path fits you?

Answer these questions:

Do you want to work with severe mental disorders (schizophrenia, BPD, major depression)?

Yes → Go for MA Clinical Psychology (new route) or PGDRP. Both give RCI registration.

Do you want to work in corporate, schools, or coaching contexts?

Yes → MAPC alone is sufficient. Consider a counselling certification for credibility (BACP, ICF).

Do you want to research or teach at university level?

Yes → PhD in Psychology is the direct route. MAPC → PhD via CSIR-NET/UGC-NET.

Do you want to start practicing in the next 12 months?

Yes → PGDRP (1 year, RCI) or Counsellor Practice (no additional degree). Don't wait.

Are you in the Dec-2025 or Jun-2026 final year batch?

Yes → Apply for MA Clinical Psych admissions immediately. 2026 is the first big cohort for the new pathway.

Every Pathway, Explained

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RCI Registration — The Licence You Need to Practice

Required for clinical practice

The Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) is the statutory body that licenses professionals in clinical and rehabilitation psychology. Without RCI registration, you cannot legally call yourself a "psychologist" or provide paid clinical/counselling services in India.

›MAPC alone does NOT qualify you for RCI registration. You need a post-MAPC qualification.
›RCI-recognized roles include: Clinical Psychologist, Rehabilitation Psychologist, Special Educator, and Rehabilitation Counsellor.
›Non-RCI therapists can still practice under terms like "wellness coach", "life coach", or "psychotherapist" — but clinical designation requires registration.
›Check your therapist's RCI number at rciregistration.nic.in before booking clinical services.

Verify RCI registration ↗

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MA Clinical Psychology (New Route — Recommended from 2026)

Recommended (2026+)

Several RCI-recognized universities now offer a 2-year MA/MSc in Clinical Psychology that leads directly to RCI registration as a Clinical Psychologist. This route replaced M.Phil as the primary clinical training pathway starting 2026.

›Duration: 2 years (4 semesters), full-time.
›Includes practicum hours at affiliated hospitals and clinics — this is what RCI requires.
›RCI recognition: Yes, for registered institutions. Verify the specific institution at rciregistration.nic.in before applying.
›Admission: Entrance exam (CUCET, TISS-NET, or institution-specific) + interview.
›Recommended institutions: TISS Mumbai, Amity University, Manipal Academy, Christ University Bengaluru, Nimhans (separate competitive exam), AIIMS (limited seats).
›Fees: ₹1.5–4 lakh for private universities; government-aided institutions are lower.
›This is the recommended route for MAPC graduates from the 2026 batch onward.

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M.Phil in Clinical Psychology (Last Batch: 2025)

Closed after 2025 (most institutions)

The M.Phil in Clinical Psychology was the gold standard for RCI registration for decades. It is being phased out — 2025 was the last batch for most institutions. If you are reading this after 2025, this route is likely closed.

›Duration: 2 years, full-time, highly competitive.
›Stipend: ₹15,000–25,000/month at government hospitals (NIMHANS, AIIMS, IHBAS, etc.).
›Seats: Extremely limited — 2 to 8 per institution nationally. Pass rate for top institutions: ~1%.
›Entry requirement: MA/MSc Psychology + written exam + interview. MAPC is accepted at most institutions.
›Why it matters: M.Phil holders are the most sought-after clinical psychologists in India.
›2025 was the last batch for most programs. The MA Clinical Psychology (new) replaces it from 2026.

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PGDRP — Postgraduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology

Quick RCI route (1 year)

A 1-year RCI-recognized diploma that qualifies you as a Rehabilitation Counsellor. Accessible, affordable, and practical for MAPC graduates wanting to work in disability, NGO, or community mental health contexts.

›Duration: 1 year (some institutions offer 2-year variant).
›Eligibility: BA/BSc or MA in Psychology (MAPC qualifies).
›RCI recognition: Yes — registers you as a Rehabilitation Counsellor.
›Scope of practice: Counselling in rehabilitation settings, special education support, NGO/community health work. NOT for independent clinical practice with severe disorders.
›Institutions: NIMHANS, NIEPID Secunderabad, AYJNIHH Mumbai, RCI-affiliated state centres.
›Fees: ₹20,000–60,000 (government institutions are lower).
›Best for: MAPC graduates who want to start practicing quickly without a 2-year commitment.

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PsyD — Doctor of Psychology

Advanced (3–5 years)

A clinical doctorate that produces practice-ready psychologists. Common in the US but now available at select Indian institutions. Highest qualification in the field — suited for those who want to combine research and senior clinical practice.

›Duration: 3–5 years.
›Focus: Applied clinical practice (vs. PhD which focuses on research).
›In India: Limited availability. Amity University and a few deemed universities offer PsyD-equivalent programs.
›Internationally: US/UK/Australia routes are established but expensive (₹40–80L for US PsyD).
›Entry requirement: MA/MSc + relevant work experience (usually 2+ years post-master's).
›RCI status: RCI recognition for Indian PsyD programs is evolving — verify at rciregistration.nic.in.
›Best for: MAPC graduates who want research credentials + clinical depth + long-term career options.

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Counselling Practice Without RCI

Available immediately post-MAPC

MAPC plus some supervised practice hours qualifies you to work as a counsellor in schools, corporates, NGOs, and private practice — without RCI registration. The scope is narrower, but the market is large and the barriers are lower.

›Job titles that don't require RCI: School Counsellor, Career Counsellor, Employee Assistance Counsellor, Wellness Coach, Life Coach.
›Relevant certification bodies: BACP-India (British Association for Counselling, India affiliate), IACP (Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists — verify status), EMDR India, ICS.
›Supervised practice: Most reputable employers expect 100–200 supervised hours. Document yours early.
›Private practice: You can set up a counselling practice post-MAPC. Call yourself a "counsellor" or "psychotherapist" — NOT a "clinical psychologist" without RCI.
›Earnings: ₹800–3,000 per session (urban private practice). Corporate EAP contracts pay ₹20,000–60,000/month for part-time work.
›Growth path: Counsellor → Senior Counsellor → Supervisor → Trainer/Trainer of Trainers.

Before you book a therapist: verify their RCI number

In India, anyone can call themselves a "therapist" or "psychologist" without any license. If you are seeking clinical services for a serious concern, check that your provider holds a valid RCI registration. It takes 30 seconds.

Check RCI registration ↗

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