Navigating the UGC Ban on Online Psychology Education: Why a Blended Approach is the Need of the Hour

The recent directive issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) banning fully online psychology degree programs in India has reignited an important conversation about the future of psychology education. The decision has been both applauded and debated, as all stakeholders try to balance academic rigor, accessibility, and practical training needs. To understand this issue fully, let’s start with the basics.

Is Psychology an Arts or Health Discipline?

In India, psychology is traditionally categorized as an arts subject. However, there is growing movement toward recognizing it as a scientific discipline with several universities offering MSc in Psychology. Interestingly, graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology can pursue MSc programs, blurring the lines between arts and science classifications. This ambiguity reflects some of the challenges in curriculum design and employing the right teaching strategies.

Assessing the Curriculum

Another critical question is whether the psychology curriculum currently offered is up to date. Many courses still follow patterns developed before the digital and industrial revolutions that have profoundly changed societal behaviors and mental health challenges. The outdated theories and standard teaching frameworks do not always align with the complexities of modern psychological phenomena shaped by technology, global pandemics, and shifting social dynamics.

Limitations of Current Teaching Methodologies and Faculty Resources

Psychology education demands hands-on experience and nuanced interaction, yet many institutions rely heavily on theoretical instruction with minimal practical exposure. Most psychology faculties consist of 4-5 members responsible for both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, often without sufficient capacity for immersive clinical training. Much of the learning around therapeutic skills is conducted via peer role-plays, but their effectiveness is questionable, especially considering that over 90% of psychology students are female, which could limit diversity in peer interactions.

Why Fully Online Teaching Falls Short

A fully online psychology program cannot substitute for the rich, experiential learning that in-person education offers. Key skills like interpreting body language, managing confidentiality during counseling, and performing clinical assessments require direct supervision and real-time feedback. Ethical considerations and the complexity of mental health interactions underscore why a purely virtual environment is insufficient to prepare competent psychologists.

The Benefits of Online Learning

Online learning, on the other hand, has expanded access to education like never before, especially for learners in remote and underserved regions. It enables flexible pacing, incorporates multimedia and interactive content, and has been proven vital during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain educational continuity. Additionally, online platforms provide opportunities to connect students with global experts and diverse perspectives.

The Case for a Blended Learning Model

Given these realities, the debate shouldn’t focus on “online versus offline” but rather on how best to blend both. A hybrid or blended learning approach can combine rigorous theoretical instruction online with carefully structured in-person experiential training, supervised clinical practice, and direct mentorship. Such a model offers many advantages:

• It brings specialized national and international faculty into students’ reach.
• It facilitates hands-on learning crucial for developing clinical competence.
• It provides flexibility for working professionals and non-traditional students.
• It supports inclusivity by expanding access without compromising quality.

Psychology Is More Than Counseling

It’s also important to remember that psychology is a vast field encompassing research, education, clinical practice, and applied specializations. Preparing students for this spectrum requires diverse pedagogical approaches supported by both theoretical and practical foundations.

Conclusion

The UGC’s ban on fully online psychology programs prompts necessary reflection but should be seen as inspiration to innovate rather than restriction. The blended learning approach represents the future striking a balance between academic rigor, accessibility, and the human connection at the heart of psychology. By embracing blended education models, institutions can prepare ethical, capable mental health professionals who are ready to meet the challenges of our changing world.

Dr. Girish Lad
Founder Chairman
Texas School of Mental Health