NIMHANS Cut-off Trends | UPS Education

National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, also known as NIMHANS, Bengaluru, is one of the most prestigious institution for Mental Health and Neurosciences in India. It’s well known for academic excellence, hands-on training, and intense medical and clinical exposure. Every year, its entrance exam attracts thousands of students, especially for its MPhil Clinical Psychology program.

And it gets extremely competitive, too, but how competitive exactly? Well, one way to find out is to look at the Cut-Offs of previous years. A look back at the previous years of its cut-off can tell us that NIMHANS has seen a lot of changes in it, due to various reasons, whether it’s because of changing courses, increasing competition, or varying degrees of exam difficulty level.

In this article, we will explore the previous year’s NIMHANS MPhil Clinical Psychology Cut-offs that will help future candidates understand where they stand and how to prepare.

What are cut-offs, and why do they matter?

Cut-offs are the minimum marks, score, or percentile that a candidate needs to qualify for the next stage (Interview/admission). Various things or factors can influence a cut-off, like Course, Fee, and Competitiveness. Understanding these changes and trends can help make candidates a better and informed decision. It also helps them prepare strategically and set realistic goals.

Important UPDATE: Shift from MPhil to MA in Clinical Psychology

Now, before looking at the cut-off comparison, let’s first address a major shift in the field of psychology in India. So, from the next year, 2026, the MPhil in Clinical Psychology (RCI) is set to be replaced by a new MA in Clinical Psychology (RCI) Program.

This change comes in response to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the recent RCI notifications aimed at restructuring the professional psychology training in India. The NIHMANS and other institutions, that offer psychology programs, are expected to introduce this new course from the next year, 2026. And it’s most likely that this new MA in Clinical Psychology will become the standard qualification for clinical psychologists in India in a few years.

What does this mean for the candidates?

Well, the future candidates can still get valuable insights from the cut-offs of previous years, but they should also consider and look for the updated course structure, revised exam pattern, and eligibility criteria, as the MA program rolls out.

Year-wise MPhil Clinical Psychology Cut-offs

What Do These Cut-Offs Mean for Future Aspirants?

If you’re planning to apply to NIMHANS, especially for courses like M.Phil Clinical Psychology, understanding these cut-off trends isn’t just about numbers. It’s about strategy.

• Set Your Target Above the Minimum

While the official eligibility marks for M.Phil Clinical Psychology may vary, in reality, scoring just above the minimum will not be enough to secure admission. Due to intense competition and limited number of seats, candidates should aim significantly higher than the cut-off, think 70%–80% or more, based on anecdotal trends and reports from past candidates.

• Consistency Beats Cramming

The Entrance exams for NIMHANS are known to test not just memory, but conceptual clarity, applied knowledge, and critical thinking. Regular study, deep reading of prescribed texts, and practicing MCQs over months, not just weeks, can give you the competitive edge. Consistency also builds exam temperament, helping you manage time, stress, and tricky questions better than last-minute cramming.

• If an Interview Is Involved – Prepare Holistically

The M.Phil Clinical Psychology program also includes an interview round, so it’s not just your score that matters; your confidence, clarity of goals, and communication skills matter too. Practicing self-introduction, ethical case discussions, and current developments in psychology and mental health can help you stand out if shortlisted for interviews.

Conclusion

Cut-offs are more than lines or numbers; they give aspirants a realistic sense of the competition, a target to work toward, and a benchmark to measure their progress against. Whether you’re preparing for M.Phil Clinical Psychology or any of the highly sought-after programs at NIMHANS, understanding past cut-offs helps you set clear, achievable goals for your preparation. But here’s the truth: cut-offs are not everything.

What truly matters is the effort you put in, the consistency you maintain, and the strategy you follow. Every year, candidates surprise even themselves by exceeding expectations, not because they knew the cut-off beforehand, but because they worked diligently with purpose & consistency. So, as you plan your NIMHANS journey, let the numbers guide you, but not define you. Stay focused, stay motivated, and remember: you’re more than your score.

Need more help?

Feel free to contact us at UPS Education or reach out, using the contact details provided below:

Contact no: +91-9990717772

Website: upseducation.in

FAQ

Question: What is the minimum cut-off for MPhil Clinical Psychology at NIMHANS?

Answer: For the general category, the minimum qualifying score is often around 50%, but actual selection cut-offs go much higher, often 70–88%, depending on the year and competition level.

Question: Is there a separate cut-off for Karnataka domicile candidates?

Answer: Yes. NIMHANS provides a separate category for Karnataka Domicile under General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS. These cut-offs can differ slightly from the All-India category.

Question: Does NIMHANS conduct an interview for MPhil Clinical Psychology?

Answer: Yes. After clearing the entrance exam, shortlisted candidates are usually called for an interview round that assesses communication, reasoning, ethical understanding, and clinical interest.

Question: Will MPhil Clinical Psychology be discontinued in India?

Answer: Yes. As per NEP 2020 and RCI updates, the MPhil Clinical Psychology will be replaced by an MA Clinical Psychology program starting from 2026. However, its professional equivalency will be maintained under new course regulations.

Question: Is the MA Clinical Psychology from NIMHANS RCI-approved?

Answer: The new MA Clinical Psychology program is expected to be RCI-recognized, replacing the MPhil as the qualifying degree for clinical psychologists under the new NEP structure. Official confirmation will be provided by NIMHANS soon.

Question: How many seats are available for MPhil Clinical Psychology at NIMHANS?

Answer: Seat intake varies slightly each year but is usually around 30–35 seats, divided across various categories including General, OBC, SC/ST, EWS, and Karnataka domicile.

Question: How should I prepare for the NIMHANS entrance exam?

Answer: Focus on core areas like Abnormal Psychology, Research Methods, Neuropsychology, and Developmental Psychology. Regular MCQ practice, conceptual clarity, and mock tests are key. Also prepare for interview scenarios if shortlisted.

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