Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), Delhi, has officially announced the opening of applications for its MPhil programmes in Mental Health and Rehabilitation for the academic session 2025–2027. These highly specialised two-year postgraduate research courses are offered in collaboration with reputed institutions in Delhi and are designed to prepare professionals in the fields of Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychiatric Social Work.
As the need for trained mental health professionals rises across India, these programmes offer an opportunity to gain advanced, RCI-compliant training that combines rigorous academics with clinical practice. This guide provides a complete overview of the admission process, eligibility, course structure, application steps, exam pattern, and career opportunities for aspirants planning to apply this year.
About the MPhil Programmes Offered by GGSIPU
The MPhil in Mental Health and Rehabilitation is a professional programme aimed at developing expertise in two critical domains:
- MPhil in Rehabilitation Psychology
- MPhil in Psychiatric Social Work
The programmes are aligned with national guidelines under the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 and are built to meet the growing demands for skilled mental health and disability rehabilitation practitioners across India.
The Rehabilitation Psychology programme is conducted at the Regional Centre of NIEPID (National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities), while the Psychiatric Social Work programme is hosted in partnership with Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi.
Each course admits only 8 students, making the total number of seats 16. This ensures highly focused instruction and individualised clinical exposure.
Duration and Structure of the Programmes
Both MPhil programmes span two academic years and include:
- Theoretical coursework
- Supervised field training
- Research dissertation
- Clinical casework (especially in psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and disability-related contexts)
The structure ensures that students graduate with both deep academic knowledge and extensive hands-on clinical exposure in institutional and community mental health settings.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for either of the MPhil programmes, candidates must meet the following academic requirements:
MPhil in Rehabilitation Psychology
- Master’s degree in Psychology (MA/MSc) from a recognised university
- Minimum 55% aggregate marks
- Prior internship or fieldwork in clinical or rehabilitation settings is advantageous
MPhil in Psychiatric Social Work
- Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from a recognised university
- Minimum 55% aggregate marks
- Preferably with field experience in psychiatric or medical settings
Reservation of seats will follow the Government of NCT of Delhi’s guidelines, including provisions for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD candidates.
Application Deadline and Admission Timeline
Candidates must submit their online applications no later than July 24, 2025. No offline applications will be accepted.
The university will conduct its own entrance examination on August 10, 2025. Candidates are advised to visit the university’s official website regularly for updates regarding the release of admit cards, exam centre information, and counselling schedules.
The admission process, including document verification and counselling, is expected to conclude by September 2025, allowing the academic session to begin by October.
Entrance Examination Details
GGSIPU will conduct a centralised entrance test for both programmes. The paper will assess subject knowledge, critical thinking, and readiness for postgraduate research and clinical work.
Key details:
- Exam mode: Offline (subject to confirmation)
- Type: Objective multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
- Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
- Medium: English
- Syllabus: Postgraduate-level Psychology or Social Work (depending on the programme), General Mental Health Knowledge, Research Aptitude, and Rehabilitation Frameworks
The weightage given to different components of the paper will be disclosed in the university’s detailed admission brochure.
How to Apply for the MPhil Programme
Step 1: Visit the official GGSIPU website https://ipu.ac.in
Step 2: Navigate to the “Admissions 2025–26” section
Step 3: Register with your email ID and mobile number
Step 4: Select your desired MPhil programme and fill the application form
Step 5: Upload required documents (passport-sized photo, signature, postgraduate degree mark sheets, etc.)
Step 6: Pay the application fee online (expected to be approximately ₹1500)
Step 7: Download the application confirmation page for future reference
Candidates applying for both programmes must ensure that they meet the eligibility requirements for each and may be required to submit separate forms.
Institutional Collaborations and Clinical Training
GGSIPU has partnered with two leading institutions in Delhi to provide clinical training and practical exposure:
NIEPID Regional Centre, New Delhi
The Rehabilitation Psychology programme is delivered in collaboration with the Regional Centre of NIEPID, an apex body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Students will receive supervised clinical training in assessment, therapy, and community-based rehabilitation for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Delhi
One of India’s most reputed government hospitals, RML is the training site for the MPhil in Psychiatric Social Work. Students will be involved in hospital-based psychiatric casework, psychosocial assessments, family interventions, and community outreach. The hospital setting offers exposure to both acute and chronic psychiatric conditions.
Professional Recognition and Licensure
The MPhil in Rehabilitation Psychology is recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), which is essential for professional registration and practice in India. Successful graduates are eligible to apply for licensure under the RCI Act, enabling them to work as Rehabilitation Psychologists in both public and private sectors.
While the MPhil in Psychiatric Social Work does not currently require RCI registration, it remains a recognised qualification for advanced roles in mental health institutions, academic research, and government health programmes.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduates of these MPhil programmes are highly sought after in the following domains:
- Government and private mental health hospitals
- Special education and inclusive schools
- Psychiatric wards and de-addiction centres
- NGOs and rehabilitation centres
- Research and teaching institutions
- Policy advisory roles in health and social justice
Given India’s increasing focus on mental health infrastructure and disability inclusion, professionals with formal training in rehabilitation and psychiatric social work are playing a crucial role in building a more inclusive society.
Starting salaries typically range between ₹4.8 lakh and ₹10 lakh per annum, depending on experience, role, and location. Research-focused professionals and those pursuing PhD studies also have excellent scope for academic careers.
Why This Programme Matters
With rising awareness around mental health and an urgent need to bridge the treatment gap, these MPhil programmes play a pivotal role in preparing India’s next generation of mental health professionals. By combining university-level academic rigour with field-based clinical training, IPU’s offerings provide a foundation for meaningful, licensed, and socially impactful careers.
If you’re a psychology or social work graduate who wants to build a future in mental health, education, or rehabilitation, this programme is not just a degree—it’s a step toward real-world impact.
FAQs
What is the IPU MPhil programme in Mental Health and Rehabilitation?
It is a two-year postgraduate research programme offered by GGSIPU in collaboration with NIEPID and RML Hospital, providing clinical and academic training in either Rehabilitation Psychology or Psychiatric Social Work.
Who is eligible to apply for IPU’s MPhil in Rehabilitation Psychology?
Candidates with a Master’s degree in Psychology (MA or MSc) with at least 55% marks are eligible to apply. Clinical internship or practical exposure in disability or mental health is preferred.
What is the eligibility for MPhil in Psychiatric Social Work at IPU?
Applicants must have a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) with a minimum of 55% marks from a recognised university. Preference is given to those with mental health or medical social work fieldwork experience.
How many seats are available in IPU’s MPhil programmes?
Each programme—Rehabilitation Psychology and Psychiatric Social Work—has 8 seats, making a total of 16 seats available for the 2025–27 session.
When is the last date to apply for IPU’s MPhil admission 2025?
The last date to submit your online application is July 24, 2025.
What is the date of the entrance exam for IPU’s MPhil courses?
The university-level entrance exam will be held on August 10, 2025.
Is IPU’s MPhil in Rehabilitation Psychology approved by RCI?
Yes, the MPhil in Rehabilitation Psychology is recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), and graduates are eligible for professional registration.
Where will the training take place for each programme?
Rehabilitation Psychology students will train at NIEPID Regional Centre, Delhi, and Psychiatric Social Work students will train at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi.
What is the expected fee for the programme?
The annual tuition fee is expected to range between ₹40,000 and ₹60,000. Exact fee details will be announced during the counselling process.
What kind of career opportunities are available after completing these MPhil programmes?
Graduates can work in government hospitals, mental health centres, inclusive education settings, NGOs, and research institutes. Many pursue PhD programmes or register with RCI to practice professionally.