Kerala University PG Diploma Counselling: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The PGDPC is technically classified as a full-time programme, but classes are conducted exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays. This makes it highly suitable for working professionals, teachers, social workers, and others who cannot attend weekday classes. The 12-month programme is structured into two semesters of 6 months each, with 400 hours of theory and 150 hours of field placement. The weekend-only schedule is one of the key reasons for the programme's popularity among psychology graduates who are already employed.

Ans. The PGDPC is a 1-year diploma programme specifically focused on counselling skills and practice, whereas the MA/MSc in Psychology is a 2-year degree programme covering the full breadth of psychological theory and research. The PGDPC is designed for those who already hold a psychology degree and want to specialise in counselling practice. It includes substantial field placement hours (150 hours), which gives students direct client interaction experience. The PGDPC does not carry the same academic weight as a master's degree for purposes of university teaching positions, but it is well-regarded for clinical and counselling practice roles.

Ans. Yes, the PGDPC from Kerala University's Department of Psychology is widely recognised for counselling roles in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, NGOs, and community mental health organisations in Kerala and across India. Many school counsellors, hospital counsellors, and NGO workers in Kerala hold this diploma. However, for positions that require a full master's degree (such as clinical psychologist roles in government hospitals), the PGDPC alone may not be sufficient. Candidates are advised to check the specific qualification requirements of the organisation they wish to join.

Ans. The PGDPC entrance test is conducted by the Department of Psychology, University of Kerala. With 50 seats available and a growing interest in mental health careers, the test is moderately competitive. The entrance test is subject-based, covering topics from the undergraduate psychology curriculum including General Psychology, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Organisational Behaviour. Candidates with a strong foundation in undergraduate psychology and some awareness of counselling theories and practices are generally well-prepared. Preference is given to postgraduate (MA/MSc Psychology) candidates.

Ans. The PGDPC admission notification is typically released by the Department of Psychology, University of Kerala, in December or January each year, with the application deadline usually falling in January or February. For the 2026-27 batch, the last date was February 20, 2027. The application form can be downloaded from the official Kerala University website (keralauniversity.ac.in). Candidates must submit the completed form along with a Demand Draft of Rs. 100 to the Head, Department of Psychology, Kariavattom Campus, Thiruvananthapuram. There is no online submission; the application must be sent by post or submitted in person.

Ans. Graduates of the PGDPC from Kerala University can pursue careers as school counsellors, hospital counsellors, rehabilitation counsellors, career counsellors, and community mental health workers. Many graduates work with NGOs, government welfare departments, and private counselling centres. The diploma also serves as a stepping stone for those who wish to pursue further specialisation, such as a PG Diploma in Child and Adolescent Counselling or a Master's in Counselling Psychology. With the growing awareness of mental health in India, demand for trained counsellors has increased significantly, making this a career with strong prospects, particularly in Kerala's well-developed healthcare and education sectors.