Madurai: Admissions for the M.Phil. Clinical Psychology course at Kilpauk Government Medical College, Chennai, have been temporarily halted this year.

The two-year program, aimed at students who have completed an M.Sc., enables graduates to work as assistant professors in government and private colleges. While private institutions charge additional fees, Kilpauk College has traditionally offered the course as an affordable option for meritorious students, admitting 12 students annually through the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).

Following complaints regarding certain shortcomings, a medical team review led to the temporary suspension of admissions this year.

Currently, Kilpauk is the only government college in Tamil Nadu offering the M.Phil. Clinical Psychology course.

Experts argue that the course could be expanded to other government medical colleges in Madurai, Tirunelveli, Trichy, and Coimbatore by utilizing existing classrooms and infrastructure. Graduates of the program are in demand not just in psychiatry, but also in pediatrics and neurology departments.

Authorities are urged to address the issues that led to the suspension and resume admissions promptly to ensure wider access for students across the state.