Advances in Psychiatry Training and Faculty Development in India

Abstract

Background: This review examines the historical developments, current state of training, existing challenges, and opportunities for undergraduate, postgraduate, and super specialty psychiatry education in India.

Methods: For this narrative review, we examined information from the published literature, along with key documents from the Indian Psychiatric Society, the National Medical Commission, and other relevant sources.

Conclusions: In India, psychiatry training has seen significant advancements since independence, particularly in the past decade, driven by the recommendations of the Indian Psychiatric Society and the introduction of competency-based medical education by the National Medical Commission. This transformation has redefined undergraduate and postgraduate training across all medical disciplines, including psychiatry. The shift has moved away from traditional, time-bound frameworks toward a focus on acquiring specific competencies essential for effective clinical practice. This approach ensures that trainees gain theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills and professional attitudes crucial for patient care. However, a major challenge highlighted in this review is the transition of senior residents to faculty roles without adequate training in teaching, research, academia, and leadership. Despite this, they are expected to excel in these areas upon assuming faculty positions. To address this gap, we emphasize the urgent need for a comprehensive faculty development program for early career faculty. Our proposed initiative aims to bridge these gaps and support the development of future leaders and educators in psychiatry. The recommendations outlined in this review seek to create a robust educational environment that will cultivate the next generation of psychiatrists in India.

Keywords: Competency based medical education; India; faculty development program; post graduate training; psychiatry training; teaching & learning; undergraduate training.

Figure 1.. Overview of Medical Colleges, Students, and Postgraduate Training in India.

Figure 2.. Overview of Curriculum at Various Levels of Psychiatry Training in India. CBME: Competency-Based Medical Education; INI: Institute of National Importance; AIIMS: All India Institute of Medical Sciences; PGIMER: Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research; NIMHANS: National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences; DM: Doctorate in Medicine.

Figure 3.. Overview of Expectations of Postgraduate Training.