Department Of Psychology

The Department of Psychology was established in 1966 and has been committed to promoting excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement for over five decades. The department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Psychology, with the postgraduate program commencing in the academic year 2009–10. Under the National Education Policy (NEP), the department caters to approximately 200–300 undergraduate students and offers 24 seats in the postgraduate programme. The department has also introduced the B.A. (Honours) in Psychology, providing students with opportunities for advanced learning, research, and skill development.

As part of its extension activities, the Department of Psychology promotes mental health and psychological well-being through counselling, guidance, awareness programmes, workshops, and community outreach initiatives. The department is committed to providing psychological support and guidance to students and the community whenever required.

The department is dedicated to the holistic development of students by integrating academic excellence with practical training, research, counselling, and community engagement. Since its establishment, it has continuously worked towards enhancing human potential through scientific inquiry and social responsibility.

Infrastructure:
  • The department has an independent space of approximately 1,200 sq. ft. and is well equipped with advanced psychological instruments and standardized psychometric tests. It has five dedicated counselling and assessment cubicles, ensuring confidentiality and providing an appropriate environment for counselling, psychological assessment, research, and experimental work. The infrastructure supports effective teaching, learning, and research in the field of psychology.
PhotoNameQualificationExperienceCV
Dr. Rakesh Ashok More, Head of DepartmentM.A., Ph.D., SET, P.G.  Dip. in Counselling.19 yearsView
Ms. Darekar Sharvari DigambarM.A., NET, SET7 yearView
Ms. Siddhi KhareM.A., NET, SET, Ph.D. (Pursuing)1 yearView
Ms. Kranti PatilM.A., NET, GATE, Ph.D. (Pursuing)2 Years 6 MonthsView
Ms. Ketki ChillalM.A., NET, SET1 Year and 6 monthsView
Ms. Nupoor KarandeM.Sc., NET, PGDFSRL1 YearView
Smt. Shweta Jabare, Lab AttendantHSC20 years
Staff Details
Departmental Activities
The Department of Psychology actively conducted various academic and student-oriented activities during the academic year 2025–26 under the guidance of the Head of the Department Dr. Rakesh A. More. The department focused on students’ academic development, personality enhancement, career awareness, and psychological well-being through continuous guidance and interactive academic programmes.
The department successfully organized the inauguration programme of the Patanjali Association along with a Career Guidance Guest Lecture on 21st August 2025 at the AV Hall. The programme was inaugurated in the presence of Principal Prof. Dr. Vilas Ugale, Dr. Rakesh A. More, Head of the department, and guest speaker Ms. Ankita Pawar. During the session, valuable guidance was provided to students regarding career opportunities, personality development, mental well-being, and self-awareness. The programme received an enthusiastic response from students and proved highly informative and motivating.
The Department also encouraged research orientation, value-based education, and student participation in academic activities throughout the year. Various counselling and guidance sessions were conducted to support students in managing academic stress and personal challenges, thereby creating a positive and supportive learning environment under the Academic Care 2025–26 initiative.
  • The Department has its association named Patanjali Mandal. Under its banner Department conducts various co-curricular and extracurricular activities throughout the year. Department organizes various guest lectures, seminars, workshops for students and staff members.
  • Department actively work towards creating social awareness in students by making its outreach to NGOs like Muktangan Rehabilitation Centre, Schizophrenic Awareness Association, Prasanna Autism Centre, Kaivalyadham & Manashakti Kendra Lonavala, Savali Institute of Multiple Disability Children, Kamayani School for mentally Handicapped, KEM hospital, etc.
  • Staff and students of department are enthusiastic in innovation and research and actively participate and present papers in Workshops, Seminars, Symposiums, and Conferences held at state, national and international levels.
  • The Department extends it psychological services to other departments of Abasaheb Garware College, by identifying slow learners and providing remedial coaching and counselling to them.
  • Department organizes field visits and internships in various hospitals, counselling centres, rehabilitation centres and organizations working in the field of Psychology. This helps students to get practical and applied approach in knowledge.
  • Department organizes A guest lecture on “Opportunities of Foreign Education” for students of TYBA, MA I and MA II was organized by Psychology department in collaboration with IDP. Dr. Clemens Keiker briefed students about importance of research in the field of Psychology.
Careers: Students passing out from Psychology Department have a wide scope in terms of advanced studies and job opportunities. They are successfully contributing to overall development of society by applying their knowledge gained at Department.Psychology Department Report of SobatiCounselling & Personality Development Committi Report 
The Department of Psychology offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes under the National Education Policy (NEP), providing students with a strong academic foundation, practical training, research exposure, and opportunities for holistic professional development.

Undergraduate Programmes

B.A. in Psychology (NEP) The undergraduate program introduces students to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes through a comprehensive curriculum that integrates psychological theory, research methodology, psychological assessment, and practical learning across diverse areas of psychology.

B.A. (Honours) in Psychology The B.A. (Honours) programe provides advanced and research-oriented training for students who wish to pursue higher studies or careers in psychology. The programe emphasizes critical thinking, experiential learning, research skills, and the application of psychological principles in diverse settings.

Postgraduate Programe

M.A. in Psychology (Clinical Psychology Specialization) – NEP The department offers a two-year postgraduate program with a specialization in Clinical Psychology under the National Education Policy (NEP). The program provides advanced training in psychopathology, psychological assessment, psychotherapy, counselling, research methodology, and clinical practice through classroom teaching, practical work, internships, case studies, and research. It prepares students for careers in mental health services, research, academia, and related professional fields.
  1. Dr. Rakesh Ashok More
    • Reviewer for the RSIS International Journal, having reviewed approximately 300 international research papers.
    • Published 9 patents, including 3 UK Design Patents and 6 Indian Patents.
    • Published 6 international research papers in peer-reviewed journals.

    Books Published
    • Human Values and Ethics (First Edition, 2025), published by RK Publications. ISBN: 978-93-49701-79-3.
    • Research Methodology: Concepts, Techniques and Applications (First Edition, 2025), published by AGPH Books. ISBN: 978-81-990675-7-8.

    Awards & Recognition
    • Received the Outstanding Faculty Research Award at the 11th International Millennium Impact Award – 2025.
    • Honored with the prestigious National Teachers Award – 2026, presented by SwiftNLift Media Group for excellence in teaching and innovation.
    • Conferred with the State Level आदर्श शिक्षक पुरस्कार – 2025 by Swapnapurti Education Sanstha.
    • Honored with the Maharashtra Icon Award – 2025, presented by Anurvi Foundation and Yuva Maharashtra Foundation.
    • Conferred with the State Level Ideal Teacher Award – 2025 by Be The Change Foundation.
    • Awarded the State Level Maharashtra Ideal Teacher Ratna Award – 2025 by Shiv Pratishthan.
    • Honored with the Rashtriya Seva Samman (Certificate of Excellence) – 2025, presented by The Fair Vision Foundation.

Inauguration of book on the eve of "World Mental Health Day"

Guest Lecture on “Opportunities of Foreign Education”

Psychology department had organised a for students of TYBA, MA I and MA II was organized by Psychology department in collaboration with IDP. .

Field Visit Manashakti Kendra, Lonavala

Psychology department had organised a field visit to Manashakti Lonavala on 7/11/22.

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY CELEBRATION (10th-15th October 2022)

On account of World Mental Health Day, Psychology department had organised a weeklong celebration from 10th-15th October 2022.
Recommended MOOCs for Psychology StudentsThe Department of Psychology encourages students to enhance their academic knowledge and professional skills by enrolling in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) offered by premier institutions through the Government of India's SWAYAM–NPTEL platform. These courses provide an opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty members of IITs and other leading institutions while earning certificates upon successful completion.
Recommended Courses Explore More CoursesStudents can explore additional Psychology and interdisciplinary MOOCs through the following official portals: The department strongly encourages students to participate in these MOOCs to develop subject knowledge, research aptitude, digital learning skills, and professional competencies in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP). Students may also earn certificates upon successful completion of the courses.

Recommended Video Resources
Introduction to Psychology with Paul Bloom – Yale Open Courses
Watch on YouTube : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6A08EB4EEFF3E91F&si=8cpmDhrtqL2CSoix
The Human Brain – MIT OpenCourseWare
Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUl4u3cNGP60IKRN_pFptIBxeiMc0MCJP&si=EWWJrLpW_ZFmjmoE
Human Behavioral Biology – Stanford University Psychology
Watch on YouTube : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL848F2368C90DDC3D&si=3mZgZ6oHvtL5C4-Y
Psychology of Emotions – NPTEL – Psychology Courses (IITs)
Watch on YouTube : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwdnzlV3ogoWuWRCktCOBSvKWVn3pKVRG&si=2VIKkXUwWu_IelQf
Crash Course Psychology
Watch on YouTube : https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8dPuuaLjXtOPRKzVLY0jJY-uHOH9KVU6&si=Xq25ZKr8Y4x-e_mm

Suggested Readings
Feist, Jess, Feist, Gregory F., Roberts, Tomi-Ann. (2018). Theories of Personality, 9th ed (9). : McGraw-Hill International Editions.
Stuss, D. T., & Benson, D. F. (2022). Clinical neuropsychology (4th ed.). American Psychological Association.
Dreier, O. (2008). Psychotherapy in everyday life. Cambridge University Press. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2008-00331-000
Dryden, W. (2011). Counselling in a nutshell (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Ciccarelli, S. K., & Meyer, G. E. (2006). Psychology. Pearson Education.
 
Board of Studies BoS Psychology
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