Based on RCI-approved institutes including NIMHANS, Gurugram University, Amrita University, JSS University, and other major institutions.
Evolution of psychology, Schools of psychology (Structuralism, Functionalism, Behaviorism, Gestalt, Psychoanalysis, Humanistic)
Experimental, observational, survey, case study, correlational methods
Neuron, synapse, brain structures (CNS, PNS), neurotransmitters, endocrine system
Visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory, kinesthetic, proprioceptive senses; Perceptual processes (attention, pattern recognition)
Classical conditioning, operant conditioning, cognitive learning, observational learning
Types (sensory, STM, LTM), forgetting, memory improvement techniques
Theories of motivation, types of motivation, theories of emotion
Problem-solving, decision-making, creativity, intelligence
Trait theories, type theories, psychodynamic theories
Definition, criteria of abnormality (statistical, social, personal distress, maladaptiveness)
DSM-5, ICD-11, differences and applications
GAD, panic disorder, phobias, OCD, PTSD, acute stress disorder
Major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, dysthymia, cyclothymia
Types, symptoms (positive, negative, cognitive), etiology, treatment
Cluster A (odd-eccentric), Cluster B (dramatic-emotional), Cluster C (anxious-fearful)
DID, dissociative amnesia, depersonalization/derealization
Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder
Types, assessment, treatment approaches
ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities
Conversion disorder, somatic symptom disorder
Paraphilias, sexual dysfunctions, gender dysphoria
Definition, scope, objectives, history, professional roles and functions
Clinical interview, mental status examination, psychological testing
Intelligence tests (WAIS, WISC, Binet), personality tests (MMPI, Rorschach, TAT), neuropsychological tests
Case conceptualization, differential diagnosis, formulation
Psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, existential, family systems, integrative
CBT, DBT, ACT, IPT, EMDR, exposure therapies
Suicide assessment and intervention, crisis counseling
Basic knowledge of psychotropic medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers)
Psychosocial rehabilitation, community mental health
Ethical principles, professional standards, confidentiality, informed consent
Selective attention, divided attention, theories of attention
Pattern recognition, depth perception, perceptual constancies
Working memory, long-term memory, episodic vs. semantic vs. procedural
Decay theory, interference theory, retrieval failure
Language acquisition, structure, comprehension, production
Heuristics, algorithms, insight, obstacles to problem solving
Expected utility, prospect theory, biases and heuristics
Experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, descriptive, qualitative
Between-groups, within-groups, factorial designs
Independent, dependent, extraneous, control
Probability sampling, non-probability sampling, sample size determination
Null and alternative hypotheses, Type I and Type II errors, power
Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode), measures of variability (range, SD, variance)
t-tests, ANOVA, chi-square, correlation, regression
Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon signed-rank
Reliability, validity, standardization, norms, item analysis
Attribution theories, schemas, heuristics
Formation, change, measurement, cognitive dissonance
Conformity, compliance, obedience
Group dynamics, leadership, decision-making in groups
Attraction, love, prosocial behavior, aggression
Origins, reduction strategies
Self-concept, self-esteem, self-efficacy, social identity
Stages, environmental influences
Physical, cognitive (Piaget), social-emotional (Erikson, attachment) development
Physical changes, identity formation, peer relationships
Erikson's psychosocial stages, career development, relationships
Cognitive changes, social-emotional development, successful aging
Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, Kohlberg, Bronfenbrenner
Definition, goals, process, stages
Person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, eclectic
Active listening, empathy, unconditional positive regard, genuineness
Theories (Holland, Super), career assessment
Stages, techniques, group dynamics
Structure and function of brain, spinal cord, peripheral nervous system
Lobes of the brain, limbic system, basal ganglia, cerebellum
Neuron structure and function, action potential, synaptic transmission
Functions of dopamine, serotonin, GABA, acetylcholine, norepinephrine
Brain-behavior relationships, assessment of cognitive functions
EEG, fMRI, PET, autonomic nervous system measures
Mental Health Care Act 2017, Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016
National Mental Health Program, District Mental Health Program
Deinstitutionalization, community-based rehabilitation
UNCRPD, empowerment, advocacy
Medical, social, psychological models of disability
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| General Psychology | Baron (Introduction to Psychology) / Morgan & King |
| Abnormal Psychology | Barlow & Durand / Carson & Butcher |
| Clinical Psychology | Cormier & Cormier / Nietzel et al. |
| Research Methods | Garrett & H statistics / Kerlinger |
| Psychological Testing | Anastasi & Urbina / Kapur & Sahoo |
| Cognitive Psychology | Eysenck & Keane / Solso |
| Social Psychology | Baron & Byrne / Myers |
| Developmental Psychology | Papalia & Olds / Santrock |
Prepared by: Enlighten_psych – Shweta Jain
@enlighten_psych© 2026 Enlighten_psych. All rights reserved.
For educational purposes only. Best of luck with your M.Phil entrance exams!