SGT University Gurgaon Ph.D Clinical Psychology: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The School of Behavioural Sciences at SGT University is approved by RCI (Rehabilitation Council of India), which is the statutory body that regulates clinical psychology education and practice in India. This RCI approval is important because it means the department meets the standards required for training clinical psychologists. However, the PhD programme itself is governed by UGC regulations, and RCI recognition pertains to the department's overall standing. Candidates who intend to practice as clinical psychologists after their PhD should note that RCI registration requires specific clinical training hours and qualifications; the PhD alone does not automatically confer RCI registration for practice.

Ans. SGT University offers the PhD under a combined programme titled Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology/Clinical Psychology) with two specialisations. The Psychology specialisation focuses on theoretical and applied aspects including cognitive, developmental, social, and organisational psychology, preparing candidates for research and academic roles. The Clinical Psychology specialisation emphasises the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders, with hands-on clinical placements and training in therapeutic techniques. Candidates should specify their preferred specialisation in their research proposal and discuss it with the faculty supervisor during the interview.

Ans. Yes, candidates who have completed an M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology with at least 55% marks are eligible to apply for the PhD programme at SGT University. In fact, M.Phil. holders may be exempted from the coursework component of the PhD if their M.Phil. coursework is deemed equivalent by the Research Degree Committee, as per UGC guidelines. This can potentially reduce the overall duration of the PhD. Candidates should clarify this with the PhD Cell at the time of application.

Ans. A PhD in Clinical Psychology opens diverse career pathways. In academia, graduates can apply for Assistant Professor and Associate Professor positions in psychology departments across universities and colleges, where demand is growing due to the National Education Policy 2020's emphasis on mental health education. In clinical practice, PhD holders can work as senior clinical psychologists in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and private practice. Research roles are available in government institutions like NIMHANS, AIIMS, and ICMR, as well as in NGOs, corporate wellness programmes, and international mental health organisations. The growing awareness of mental health in India is significantly expanding opportunities in this field.

Ans. The SGT University Research Entrance Test (RET) is a 70-question MCQ paper (70 marks, 2 hours) covering 50% subject knowledge in Psychology/Clinical Psychology and 50% Research Methodology. UGC-NET for Psychology (Paper I: General Teaching and Research Aptitude + Paper II: Psychology) is a national-level exam conducted by NTA. Candidates who qualify UGC-NET are fully exempted from the RET at SGT University and proceed directly to the personal interview. Qualifying UGC-NET/JRF also makes candidates eligible for national fellowships (Rs. 37,000/month for JRF), which is a significant financial advantage. It is strongly advisable to attempt UGC-NET before applying for the PhD.

Ans. The School of Behavioural Sciences at SGT University supports research across a wide range of areas in clinical and applied psychology. Potential research topics include psychopathology and mental health disorders, cognitive-behavioural therapy outcomes, neuropsychological assessment, child and adolescent mental health, trauma and PTSD, positive psychology interventions, organisational psychology, forensic psychology, and community mental health. The university's 700+ bed teaching hospital provides access to clinical populations for research, and interdisciplinary collaboration with the medical, dental, and neuroscience departments is encouraged. Candidates are advised to review the faculty's published research and contact potential supervisors before finalising their research proposal.