The Department of Psychology, established in November 1989, is a pioneering academic unit and the first Psychology department in Gujarat to implement the revised syllabus recommended by the UGC Curriculum Development Committee (CDC). The Department was founded under the leadership of Dr. D. J. Bhatt and is presently headed by Dr. Tarlika L. Zalawadia. A distinctive academic feature of the Department is its specialization in Clinical Psychology, supported by an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research, which has led to significant contributions in psychological testing, evaluation, and extension activities.
The Department is infra-structurally sound and equipped with modern teaching–learning facilities, including seminar halls, audio-visual teaching aids, a well-equipped psychology laboratory, a computer laboratory, Wi-Fi enabled classrooms, and a dedicated departmental library with more than 600 titles. These facilities support effective teaching, advanced research, and academic enrichment.
The Department offers a range of academic and research programs, including a full-time M.A. in Psychology (four semesters), a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Counseling (two semesters), a Diploma Course in Counseling introduced in 2023, and a Ph.D. program in Psychology. The curriculum is periodically revised in accordance with UGC guidelines, and the Department is currently implementing the latest approved syllabus.
The Department is supported by three highly qualified full-time faculty members and two visiting faculty members, who are actively involved in teaching, research, and extension activities. The Department has an impressive research record, with more than 500 research papers published, over 60 books authored, 80 Ph.D. degrees awarded, 25 national fellowships received, Nine UGC minor research projects, and one UGC major research project successfully completed. Faculty members have also been honored with several national and state-level awards by reputed academic and professional bodies.
The major research thrust areas of the Department include Psychological Testing and Evaluation, Clinical, Social and Experimental Psychology, Research Methodology, Cognitive Psychology, Psychology of Emotion, Neuropsychology, Psychopathology, Rehabilitation Psychology, Health Psychology, Applied Psychology, Organizational Behavior, Personality Psychology, Stress Management, Behavior Modification, and Counseling. Through continuous academic innovation and community engagement, the Department strives to address contemporary psychological issues and promote mental health awareness.
The Department has achieved exceptional recognition by earning three World Records. These include a record for conducting the highest number of psychological surveys and publishing the maximum number of research articles on COVID-19, recognition for organizing the first-ever National Psychology Fair, and a record for leading the largest mental health awareness campaign. These achievements reflect the Department’s sustained commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and service to society.