IGNOU’s New Pathway in Professional Psychology: Entrance Test for PG Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology (July 2026 Cycle)
In a development poised to attract attention from aspiring psychologists and mental health professionals alike, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has formally announced the commencement of registrations for the entrance test for admission to its Post Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology (PGDRPC) for the July 2026 session. This announcement represents more than a simple call for applications, it is indicative of a broader shift in the realm of professional qualifications in psychology, particularly in the fields of rehabilitation and disability support.
Situated within IGNOU’s Discipline of Psychology under the School of Social Sciences, the PGDRPC programme is designed to cultivate professionals equipped with a nuanced blend of theoretical insight and practical competence. Its curriculum aims to prepare learners to work effectively in assessment, intervention and support services for individuals with disabilities across diverse stages of life.
A New Opportunity Within Open and Distance Learning
The PG Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology emerges in the context of an evolving educational landscape. Open and distance learning (ODL) institutions have historically played a crucial role in broadening access to higher education, especially for learners constrained by geography, employment or other commitments. IGNOU, as one of India’s largest and most respected open universities, has long been at the forefront of this mission.
With the launch of an entrance test for this diploma, the university has endeavoured to ensure that entrants possess foundational academic preparedness and aptitude relevant to the field. This represents a conscious effort to balance academic rigour with inclusivity, enabling learners from varied backgrounds to aspire to a professional programme while maintaining quality standards.
Eligibility: Who May Apply?
Prospective candidates who wish to sit the entrance exam must meet specific eligibility criteria that reflect both academic competency and recognition by regulatory bodies. Candidates are required to hold one of the following:
- A Bachelor’s degree (regular mode) with General Psychology as a subject across all three years;
- A Master’s degree in any branch of psychology, whether in regular or distance mode;
- A Master’s degree in counselling psychology, also in regular or distance mode.
Moreover, eligibility is benchmarked against minimum academic performance: 55 per cent aggregate marks for candidates from the general category, and 50 per cent for those from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes-Non-Creamy Layer, in accordance with recognised norms.
Importantly, the programme does not allot any additional weightage for previous professional experience, internships, or training. This ensures that every applicant is evaluated on a level field based principally on academic achievement and performance in the entrance test itself.
Application Process and Timeline
Interested students must complete their registrations online, through the dedicated Samarth Higher Education Admission Portal (ignoupgdrpc.samarth.edu.in). The registration window, a brief but crucial period, remains open until 5 March 2026. Those wishing to pursue this diploma must create a user profile, upload requisite documentation and fulfil the application requirements by this deadline.
The entrance test carries a nominal fee of ₹1,000, whereas the total programme fee for the PG Diploma is ₹22,000. With a sanctioned intake capacity of 200 seats per academic session, competition for admission is expected to be considerable, particularly given the specialised nature of the discipline and the increasing societal emphasis on mental health and rehabilitation services.
Understanding the Entrance Examination
Unlike merit-based admissions that rely on past academic records alone, the PGDRPC programme offers an entrance examination that assesses a candidate’s aptitude and readiness for postgraduate study in rehabilitation psychology.
The test comprises 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), with each question offering four possible answers, of which only one is correct. Each correct response carries four marks, making the test worth a total of 200 marks, while a negative marking scheme deducts one mark for each incorrect answer. No marks are subtracted for unanswered questions, a structure that places emphasis on both accuracy and disciplined risk-taking.
Conducted in an offline mode, the test is administered at designated IGNOU examination centres across India. Candidates are expected to record their responses on OMR sheets within a 90-minute duration. Such conventional testing methodology ensures accessibility for students regardless of their digital resources and reflects a longstanding tradition within Indian competitive examinations.
Reservation Policy and Region-Wise Allocation
IGNOU’s admissions policy for the PGDRPC programme adheres strictly to the Government of India’s reservation norms, ensuring equitable access for candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and other applicable categories.
The allocated 200 seats are distributed across regional or work centres, with up to 25 seats per centre. Allocation is not merely formulaic but takes into account the regional merit list, reinforcing the notion that academic performance, rather than arbitrary weighting, remains central to the selection process. This region-wise approach also ensures logistical balance, assisting candidates to take exams and participate in academic activities within convenient geographic proximity.
The Imperative of Rehabilitation Psychology
Rehabilitation psychology itself is a field of growing importance. It integrates principles of psychological assessment, therapeutic intervention and community support to assist individuals with disabilities, whether physical, cognitive or psychosocial to maximise their functioning and quality of life. This discipline is multidimensional, encompassing clinical techniques, counselling strategies and an understanding of disability within social and cultural contexts.
Professionals trained in rehabilitation psychology may find themselves working in educational settings, hospitals, rehabilitation centres, non-governmental organisations, or in policy development environments where advocacy for inclusive practices is essential. The exponential growth in public awareness around mental health, disability rights and inclusive support services means that trained specialists in rehabilitation psychology are increasingly in demand.
Implications and Opportunities
The introduction of an entrance test for the PG Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology signals several pivotal trends:
- It emphasises academic merit and aptitude as the basis for postgraduate admission;
- It delineates clear criteria and structure for what has traditionally been a domain with diverse entry pathways;
- It reinforces IGNOU’s commitment to offering credible professional programmes that align with regulatory frameworks and evolving societal needs.
At a time when mental health and disability services are receiving heightened recognition at both policy and grassroots levels, this programme and the rigorous selection it entails will contribute to a cadre of professionals equipped with specialised skills. Graduates may extend their expertise to sectors where empathetic, evidence-based intervention is indispensable.
Conclusion
For candidates contemplating a career in psychology, clinical support or rehabilitation services, the PGDRPC entrance test represents both a challenge and an opportunity. The demand for practitioners who can combine academic knowledge with practical dexterity is on the rise, making this diploma particularly relevant in an era defined by the pursuit of inclusive societal frameworks. As the deadline for applications approaches, prospective students should ensure that they not only complete their registrations on time but also rigorously prepare for the entrance examination, recognising the role that such programmes play in shaping professional competence and enhancing lives.
