How to Become a Psychologist in India?

Those of you who want to know the human mind and how it impacts behavior can study Psychology. It is not difficult to become a Psychologist in India and those of you who want to know the deeper aspects of human behavior must go through this article where I have described in detail the steps to become a psychologist.

Psychology is a very good career choice in India and the average salary of a Clinical Psychologist in India per month is INR 30,000.

Who is a Psychologist?

A Psychologist is a professional who studies the cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social aspects of a human being. Psychologists identify the mental health issues of an individual and conduct treatments through counseling, therapy, and rehabilitation. A Psychologist plays an important role in helping individuals get rid of their mental health problems through behavior and lifestyle change programs.

How to Become a Psychologist in India?

Step I (Graduation)

Students who are wondering how to become a Psychologist in India must complete the 3-year Bachelor's Degree program in Psychology (B.A/B.Sc) from a recognized University. The main focus is on the theoretical concepts along with numerical applications and communication skills.

Eligibility for Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

• Qualify the 10+2 exam from a recognized Board with Psychology as the main subject.
• Appear for National/State/University level Entrance exams.
• Counseling and admission.

Top Colleges Offering B.A/B.Sc in Psychology in India are:

• Delhi University
• Aligarh Muslim University
• Banaras Hindu University
• Christ University
• Jamia Millia Islamia
• Punjab University

Step II (Post Graduation)

Candidates who want to become a professional psychologists in India must complete their post Graduation (M.A/M.Sc) in Psychology. Candidates can also choose their area of specialization based on their skills and interests.

The specializations offered include- Clinical Psychology, Organizational Psychology, Health Psychology, Criminal Psychology, Media Psychology, etc.

Eligibility for Master's Degree in Psychology

• Qualify B.A/B.Sc in Psychology from a recognized Institute.
• Appear for the Entrance exam.

Top Universities offering M.A/M.Sc in Psychology in India are:

• Tata Institute of Social Sciences
• Delhi University
• Jamia Millia Islamia
• Aligarh Muslim University
• Banaras Hindu University
• Ambedkar University
• Gautam Budh University

Step III (Professional Experience)

Candidates can gain professional experience after completing their Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in Psychology. Working as volunteers at mental health hospitals or assisting Psychology professors as interns, creating social awareness, or attending workshops on different areas of Psychology will help the candidates to gain experience.

Step IV (Doctorate Programs)

Candidates who want to join the top Psychology Institutes can complete the Doctorate program in Psychology. Full-time candidates can complete their Doctorate programs in 3 to 4 years. A Doctorate in Psychology includes learning about the different topics of Psychology like Neuroscience, behavioral science, and cognitive aspects.

Top Universities offering Ph.D. in Psychology in India

• AIIMS, Delhi
• Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
• Reva University, Bangalore
• Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
• Punjab University, Chandigarh

Step V (Internships)

This is one of the important steps to becoming a Psychologist in India as a 2 -year internship program will help students to gain practical hands-on experience. Most organizations make internship experience a mandatory criterion for hiring.

Step VI (Practicing Psychologist/Research Psychologist)

Candidates who get an RCI (Rehabilitation Council of India) Certificate or License can work as practicing Psychologists in schools, colleges, NGOs, and clinics.

Those who complete a Doctorate in Psychology can become Research Psychologists and act as academic advisors to students. Research Psychologists can also act as counselors in schools or Universities.

Skills Required to Become a Psychologist in India

• Critical thinking skills
• Analytical skills
• Communication skills
• Observational skills
• Listening skills
• Empathy and Patience
• Ethics

Top Colleges Offering Psychology in India with Fee Details 2025

Name of the Institute	Fee Structure
Jamia Millia Islamia	INR 19 K to INR 24 K
Manipal College of Health Profession	INR 2.1 Lakh to INR 7.36 Lakh
Ashoka University	INR 25.25 Lakhs
University of Hyderabad	INR 52,000 to INR 81,000
Symbiosis School of Liberal Arts	INR 16.3 Lakhs
University of Mysore	INR 37,000 to INR 1.9 Lakhs
Lovely Professional University	INR 83,000 to INR 3.6 Lakhs
Christ University	INR 2 Lakhs to INR 11 Lakhs
Presidency College, Chennai	INR 1 Lakh to INR 2 Lakh
Jesus and Mary College	INR 10,000 to INR 20,000

Career Prospects of a Psychologist in India

There are various job profiles and impressive career prospects for Psychologists in India. Students who are wondering how to become a Psychologist in India must choose their area of specialization based on their skills and interests.

• Clinical Psychologist: The main responsibility of a Clinical Psychologist is to offer treatment to both children and adults for their emotional and behavioral well-being. The salary of a Clinical Psychologist in India per month is very lucrative and there are opportunities for growth.
• Educational Psychologist: Education Psychologists mainly work in schools and colleges and help students who face difficulties in learning.
• Health Psychologist:  Health psychologists help individuals get rid of their anxiety, stress, and behavioral issues. These Psychologists assist in the prevention of disease and maintaining health in clients.
• Sports Psychologists: These psychologists are specialized to take care of sportspersons and prevent them from suffering from stress or anxiety. Sports Psychologists mainly work with athletes and school students.

Salary of a Psychologist in India

Students have now got answers to all the questions like how to become a Psychologist in India must also know about the salary prospects of Psychologists in India. The starting salary of a Clinical Psychologist in India is INR 3.4 Lakhs per annum. The salary of the Psychologist varies with the knowledge and experience of the candidate.

Job profile of a Psychologist	Salary
Clinical Psychologist	INR 3.4 Lakhs per annum
Forensic Psychologist	INR 4 Lakh per annum
Neuropsychologist	INR 5 Lakhs per annum
Cognitive Psychologist	INR 8 Lakhs per annum
Counseling psychologist	INR 3.6 Lakhs