Course Details

The Master of Science in Psycho Social Rehabilitation (M.Sc. PSR) is a two-year postgraduate degree recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) that prepares professionals to support individuals with psychiatric disabilities in rebuilding their lives, reclaiming their social roles, and achieving meaningful independence.

Rooted in the global Recovery Model, this programme goes beyond symptom management — it trains graduates to see the whole person, not just the diagnosis. As India rapidly expands its mental health infrastructure under the Mental Healthcare Act 2017, M.Sc. PSR graduates are among the most urgently needed professionals in the country. At AAKAAR, we train you to meet that need with competence, compassion, and clinical confidence.

 Eligibility

• Minimum educational qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, or any allied health or social science discipline from a recognised university
• Minimum aggregate marks: 50% at undergraduate level (45% for SC/ST/OBC)
• Graduates with B.Sc. Nursing, B.Sc. OT, BSW, or BA/B.Sc. Psychology are particularly suited for this programme
• Working professionals in mental health, social welfare, or rehabilitation are encouraged to apply
• No upper age limit

Duration

2 Years (Full-Time) — structured across 4 semesters

• Year 1: Theoretical foundations, psychopathology, rehabilitation principles, and supervised clinical exposure
• Year 2: Advanced specialisation, community rehabilitation, research dissertation, and extended clinical internship

Total supervised clinical internship: minimum 500 hours across both years — one of the most rigorous clinical training components in the field.

Seats

Total intake: 20 seats per academic batch

Reservation as per RCI and applicable state government norms.

Admission through academic merit, written entrance examination, and personal interview.

Fees

Annual Fee: Rs. 80,000 per year
Total Programme Fee: Rs. 1,60,000 for the full two-year programme

Fee includes:

• Tuition and instruction across all four semesters
• Study material and clinical training resources
• Supervised internship placement
• Research dissertation guidance and library access
• RCI registration processing support

Application fee: Rs. 500 (non-refundable)

Merit-based scholarships and instalment plans are available for eligible candidates. Contact the Admissions Office for details.

Syllabus

Year 1

Semester 1:

• Foundations of Psychosocial Rehabilitation — History, Philosophy, and the Recovery Model
• Psychiatry and Psychopathology — Understanding Major Mental Illnesses
• Psychological Assessment and Diagnosis in Mental Health Settings
• Social Psychology and Group Dynamics
• Research Methodology and Biostatistics
• Practicum I — Observation in Psychiatric Rehabilitation Settings

Semester 2:

• Rehabilitation Principles and Practice in Mental Health
• Behaviour Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) — Theory and Application
• Vocational Rehabilitation and Supported Employment in Mental Health
• Family Psychoeducation and Caregiver Support
• Legal Framework — Mental Healthcare Act 2017, RPwD Act 2016, Rights of Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities
• Practicum II — Structured Case Observation and Assessment Practice

Year 2

Semester 3:

• Community Mental Health and Community Based Rehabilitation
• Psychiatric Rehabilitation Approaches — Social Skills Training and Illness Management
• Substance Use Disorders — Assessment, Intervention, and Rehabilitation
• Trauma-Informed Care and Practice
• Ethics and Professional Practice in Psychosocial Rehabilitation
• Practicum III — Supervised Clinical Internship

Semester 4:

• Advanced Case Management in Psychiatric Rehabilitation
• Advocacy, Human Rights, and Disability Inclusive Development
• Mental Health Policy in India — History and Current Landscape
• Research Dissertation
• Practicum IV — Extended Clinical Internship and Final Case Presentation

Career Opportunities

M.Sc. PSR graduates hold one of the most versatile and impactful qualifications in India’s mental health and rehabilitation landscape:

Clinical and Hospital Settings:

• Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist in psychiatric hospitals and mental health centres
• Case Manager in community mental health teams
• Rehabilitation Coordinator in de-addiction and recovery centres

Government Sector:

• District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
• National Institutes — NIMHANS, IHBAS, LGBRIMH, Central Institute of Psychiatry Ranchi
• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• State Mental Health Authorities

NGO and Civil Society:

• Programme Lead and Rehabilitation Coordinator in mental health organisations
• Community outreach and disability advocacy specialist
• Trainer and curriculum developer for capacity building programmes

Research and Academia:

• Research positions in national institutes and universities
• Faculty roles in rehabilitation science and social work departments
• Health policy research and programme evaluation

International Opportunities:
Psychosocial Rehabilitation is a growing global field. M.Sc. PSR graduates with additional certification find opportunities with international NGOs, WHO-affiliated programmes, and humanitarian response organisations.

Salary Range (indicative): Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 70,000 per month depending on sector, role, and experience. Senior professionals and researchers command significantly higher remuneration.

Apply Online

Applications for the upcoming academic year are now open.

How to Apply:

Step 1 — Complete the Online Application Form
Step 2 — Upload all academic documents, ID proof, and supporting certificates
Step 3 — Pay the application fee of Rs. 500 online
Step 4 — Appear for the written entrance examination on the date announced
Step 5 — Attend a personal interview if shortlisted
Step 6 — Receive your admission offer and confirm your seat with fee payment