Aimed at bolstering the mental health workforce in India, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced an extension of the validity of the MPhil in Rehabilitation Psychology program until the 2025-26 academic session. This decision underscores the critical importance of Rehabilitation Psychology in providing essential mental health services, particularly in the context of growing societal needs.
As per NDTV reports, the extension comes as part of a broader relaxation of UGC regulations, allowing Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) across the country to continue offering the MPhil in Rehabilitation Psychology for an additional few years. This move is expected to benefit both students and institutions, offering clarity and continuity to those pursuing advanced studies in this specialized field.
Rehabilitation Psychology is a vital area of mental health that focuses on helping individuals with disabilities and chronic health conditions achieve their personal and social goals. Given the increasing demand for mental health services, the continuation of the MPhil program in this discipline is seen as a crucial step toward meeting the needs of a growing population that requires specialized psychological care.
In addition to extending the MPhil in Rehabilitation Psychology, the UGC has also announced similar extensions for the MPhil in Clinical Psychology and MPhil in Psychiatric Social Work until the 2025-26 academic session. These programs are integral to the development of a skilled mental health workforce capable of addressing the complex challenges posed by mental health disorders in the country.
The extension has been widely welcomed by students, educators, and mental health professionals alike. For students, this provides an opportunity to pursue their passion for mental health and rehabilitation without the immediate pressure of transitioning to alternative pathways. For institutions, it ensures that they can continue to offer these essential programs, contributing to the training of the next generation of mental health professionals.
The decision also aligns with the broader goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises the need for a holistic approach to education and the development of skills that are responsive to societal needs. By extending the validity of these MPhil programs, the UGC is supporting the NEP's vision of creating a more inclusive and effective education system that prepares students to address real-world challenges.
Moreover, this extension is seen as a timely response to the increasing prevalence of mental health issues in India, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. With more people requiring psychological support, the need for trained professionals in rehabilitation and clinical psychology has never been greater. The UGC's decision ensures that the country will continue to produce qualified experts in these fields, capable of providing the care and support that is so urgently needed.
As the 2025-26 academic session approaches, the UGC is expected to review the impact of these extensions and make further decisions regarding the future of these MPhil programs. In the meantime, students and institutions can proceed with confidence, knowing that their efforts in the field of mental health will be supported and recognized by one of the country’s leading educational bodies.
