How to become a Psychologist in India

How to become a Psychologist in India | Eligibility, Admission Process, Colleges, Skills, Career Opportunities, Jobs, Scope

by

If the terms such as hallucinations, delusions, unconscious mind excite you? If yes, then we are pretty sure you are interested in Psychology. But do you how to become a psychologist in India? What educational qualifications need to be earned to become a psychologist. The answer to these questions lies in this article.

This article will help you understand a career in psychology, the benefits of being a psychologist, salary, and job opportunities in India. Read on to find out more.

About Psychologists in India

Psychology studies human behavior, intriguing truths about life, and other things. Human behavior science originated in Germany and expanded to the United States after World War II, finally settling in India approximately half a century later. Our Indian psychologists have taken the lead in establishing psychology as a distinct science since then.

Psychologists examine the human mind scientifically in order to solve many difficult problems and deal with our everyday pressures. It’s the ideal subject for anyone with a curious mind and a desire to help others.

Eligibility to become a Psychologist in India

In order to become a psychologist in India, one will have to meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • BA or BS in Psychology: A candidate must have earned a BA or B.Sc degree in the psychology discipline
  • MA or M.Sc. in Psychology: Followed by undergraduate degree, a candidate must have complete psychology in Master.
  • Ph.D. or MPhil in Psychology which is completely optional.

Skills Required to Become a Psychologist in India

Apart from the above educational qualifications, the candidates will also have to meet certain skills which will benefit them to become a Psychologist

  • Patience
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Listening
  • Observation
  • Communication Skills
  • Helping Nature
  • Interest to decode problems

How to Become a Psychologist in India?

The steps to becoming a psychologist in India are explained below:

Step 1: Pursuing a Bachelors Degree

A student must clear his or her Class 12 exams. After that, they should enroll for a Bachelors’s degree. A candidate can enroll for any of the bachelor’s degree in psychology such as General Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Developmental Psychology, other Statistics of Psychology

Step 2: Post Graduation in Psychology

Once you are done with graduation, you can enroll for a master’s in psychology. Choose the specialization which you have chosen bachelor’s. Choose the psychology course in the best college or universities, since college or universities play a key role while applying for jobs.

Step 3: Enroll for Doctor Degree

The majority of psychology fields require students to have a doctorate. Only a competitive GRE score (1200 or better), a GPA of around 3.3 or higher, and volunteer or paid experience or internship in the field, which adds greater value, are considered by psychology graduate institutions.

This is optional. If you don’t want to enroll for Ph.D., then you can skip this step and move to step number 4.

Step 4: Undergoing Internship

A two-year internship is required of the candidate. Many students will benefit from this because they will be receiving on-the-job training.

A candidate can also learn whether or not the specialty is right for them. During this time, the candidate will benefit from the satisfaction of helping others.

Internship programs in clinical and counseling psychology may require approval from some reputable organizations since careers in mental health institutes may require an approved internship.

Step 5: Become Practioner or Researcher

Before a psychology course may be approved by the institution, it must meet certain conditions. In some colleges, students must also pass a national level exam and present a case study to a panel of psychologists.

Based on the profession the candidate has chosen, the candidate will have to perform the duty. There are two kinds of profession and they are:

Practitioner: These individuals continue to practice psychology in order to help persons suffering from depression, rage, anxiety, and addiction.

Researcher: Research psychologists are those who investigate, collect data, analyze it, and provide the findings or reports using scientific procedures.

Once you get your degree certificate you can start applying for jobs.

Types of Psychology Courses to Study in India

The types of psychology courses that one can choose from to become a psychologist in India are given below:

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Counseling Psychology
  • Educational Psychology
  • Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Neuropsychology
  • Geriatric Psychology

What is the Difference Between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?

Psychologists and Psychiatrists are frequently mistaken by candidates and the general public. The terms may sound similar, but their meanings are entirely different. So it is really important to understand the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist which is explained below:

Psychologists
Psychologists have a distinct approach to patient care, relying heavily on psychotherapy and treating patients’ emotional and mental distress through behavioral treatments or counseling.

Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical physicians who have earned an MBBS degree. They have the authority to prescribe drugs for the purpose of treating a person, and their employment includes mostly engaging with patients and teaching them how to manage their prescriptions as a course of therapy.

Do Refer:

Job Opportunities for Psychologists in India

As previously discussed, psychology is one of India’s fastest-growing subjects. Once the student has completed their psychology degree as well as their internship, they should consider the best applicant for the job.

Psychologists can be found in a variety of settings, including the following:

  • Government Organisations
  • Nursing Homes
  • Hospitals and Clinics
  • Rehabilitation Centres
  • Management in Consulting Companies
  • Schools, universities, and any other educational organizations
  • Marketing firms and other businesses
  • Social service groups

How to become a Psychologist in India

Salary and Pay Scale of Psychologists in India

The pay of a psychologist is determined by a variety of criteria, including qualification, degree certificate, area of expertise, and experience. Professional psychologists with a master’s degree, such as M.Phil. And a Ph.D. earns the right amount of money as part of their annual pay.

A psychologist with an M.Phill and a Ph.D. makes a very good salary. A psychologist’s average annual salary in India is between Rs. 2.5 and 3.5 lacs. You can earn more if you have established yourself in this area or specialize in one of its divisions.

FAQs on Psychologists in India

1. What is the salary of a Psychologist in India?

The candidate’s starting pay will range from INR 1.79 LPA to INR 6.23 LPA. One may earn more money when they establish themselves in the region and specialize in any specialties.

2. What are the best colleges to study for Psychologists in India?

The best colleges to study Psychology in India are:

  • Lady Shriram College, [LSR] New Delhi,
  • St Xavier’s College, Mumbai
  • Presidency College, Chennai
  • Christ University, Bangalore
  • Kamala Nehru College, Delhi University

3. How to Become a Psychologist in India after 12th?

To become a psychologist in India after Class 12 one will have to pursue a BA or B.Sc in Psychology and apply accordingly.

4. Is MBBS required to become a psychologist?

No, MBBS is not required to become a psychologist in India.

5. How much does a clinical psychologist earn in India?

In India, the highest monthly compensation for a Clinical Psychologist is Rs 44,300 and the lowest monthly compensation for a Clinical Psychologist is Rs 13,547.

Leave a Comment