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Are you curious about the human mind, emotions, and behavior? Do you want a career that allows you to help people while exploring the intricacies of human psychology? If yes, then a career in psychology might be the perfect choice for you. In this blog, we’ll guide you on how to become a psychologist in India and abroad through a simple 4-step approach.
From understanding what is psychology to choosing the right psychology courses and career paths, this guide will cover everything you need to start your journey in the field of psychology.
This guide draws on real career experiences of psychology graduates in India, success stories of students who pursued psychology after 12th, and insights from practicing professionals. Written by a career counselor with 7+ years of guiding students, it offers a reliable, step-by-step pathway for aspiring psychologists in India.
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It explores how humans think, feel, and act in different situations. Psychology studies include examining emotions, cognition, social behavior, personality, mental health, and human development.
Psychologists use their knowledge to diagnose mental health issues, provide therapy, improve productivity in workplaces, and contribute to research in social and cognitive sciences. If you have a natural curiosity about human behavior and a desire to make a difference, psychology could be a rewarding career.
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between a psychologist and a psychiatrist:
| Aspect | Psychologist | Psychiatrist |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Doctorate in Psychology (PhD or PsyD) | Medical degree (MD) plus psychiatric residency |
| Training | Focus on psychological theories, therapies, and research | Medical training with focus on biology and pharmacology |
| Licensing | Licensed by psychology boards | Licensed by medical boards |
| Approach | Talk therapy, behavioral interventions | Medication management, some psychotherapy |
| Prescribe Medication | Generally cannot prescribe medication | Can prescribe medication |
| Primary Work Settings | Private practices, schools, clinics | Hospitals, private practices, clinics |
| Focus | Emotional and mental health issues, counseling | Diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses |
| Average Salary | ₹4.5 – ₹14.6 Lakhs (per annum) | ₹10.0 – ₹20.7 Lakhs (per annum) |
A bachelor’s degree in psychology is the foundational education needed to begin a career as a counselor in psyIf you specifically want to know how to be a psychologist in India, follow these practical tips:
By following these steps, you can build a strong foundation and establish a successful career in psychology.
Suppose you’re wondering how to become a psychologist in India. In that case, this step-by-step guide will help you understand the educational pathway and the skills required to pursue a career in psychology.
To start your journey, choosing relevant subjects in high school is important. While there are no mandatory subjects at this stage, studying Psychology, Biology, or Social Studies can be beneficial. These subjects provide a foundation in understanding human behavior and biological processes.
After completing 12th grade, the first educational step in becoming a psychologist is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. This is typically a three-year course that provides fundamental knowledge about psychology.
Some popular undergraduate psychology programs in India include:
During this degree, you’ll study cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, and research methods.
To become a licensed psychologist, a Master’s degree is essential. This step allows you to specialize in a particular area of psychology.
Common postgraduate programs include:
This two-year degree program helps you gain in-depth knowledge in your chosen field. Some programs may also include internships or practical experience, which are crucial for hands-on learning.
If you aim to work as a clinical psychologist or want to teach or conduct research, a Doctoral degree is highly recommended.
This level of education is optional but can significantly boost your career prospects and open doors to advanced positions on becoming a psychologist in India.
Pursuing a career in psychology through distance education is a flexible and accessible option, especially for those without a prior degree in psychology or professionals looking to enhance their qualifications. You can enroll in a distance M.A. in Psychology program offered by recognized institutions like Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) or Nalanda Open University.
To be eligible, you need a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university. After completing the program, it’s important to gain hands-on experience by working in settings such as schools, clinics, or hospitals. This practical exposure will help you build essential skills and confidently begin your career as a psychologist.
Here are some of the most sought-after psychology specialisations along with their key responsibilities and career prospects:
Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat individuals experiencing mental health issues and emotional difficulties. They often work in hospitals, private clinics, or mental health centers, providing counselling sessions, developing treatment plans, and supporting patients in managing psychological disorders. This is one of the most widely pursued specialisations in psychology, and many aspiring professionals frequently search for guidance on how to become a clinical psychologist, given its growing demand and impactful career path.
Social psychologists focus on how individuals are influenced by social interactions, perceptions, and group dynamics. Professionals in this field work in diverse settings, including market research firms, public relations agencies, advertising companies, and corporate environments. Career options include roles such as public relations strategist, consultant, political advisor, or market analyst.
Organisational psychologists apply psychological principles to workplace challenges with the aim of improving employee productivity and job satisfaction. They are typically employed in large corporations and focus on areas like employee selection, performance evaluation, workplace ergonomics, organisational development, and training programs.
Educational psychologists study how individuals learn and develop effective teaching methods and educational interventions. Their work involves collaborating with teachers, parents, and educational institutions to enhance learning outcomes through customized programs, psychometric assessments, and curriculum development. It’s important to note that educational psychologists differ from school counselors, whose work is more focused on individual student guidance.
Forensic psychologists apply psychological expertise within legal and criminal justice settings. They assist in criminal investigations, evaluate the mental state of offenders, support police departments with behavioral insights, and help design rehabilitation programs. Their work spans across police departments, correctional facilities, forensic labs, hospitals, universities, and research institutions.
Becoming a psychologist isn’t just about earning degrees; specific skills are also essential. Here are some Apart from formal education, being a psychologist requires certain essential skills:
These soft skills, combined with formal psychology studies, make a competent and effective psychologist.
In India, certain psychology professions, such as clinical psychology, may require certification from a recognized body. Here’s what you need to know about certification and licensing in India.
Certification from the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) is required to practice as a clinical psychologist. RCI is the regulatory body for clinical psychology, ensuring qualified individuals provide mental health services.
Make sure to complete the required training hours and apply for certification as per RCI guidelines if you want to become a licensed clinical psychologist.
The vast field of Psychology opens a wide range of specializations. Students can choose either the Arts or Science stream and can further pursue an undergraduate degree, preferably a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. If you want to know how to become a psychologist, let us help you understand what courses to take.
Some of the psychology branches in which students can do their specializations are:
Students can opt for a graduate degree after the 12th. To be eligible for a bachelor’s degree, students need to have passed 12th with a minimum of 55%. Some of the bachelor’s degrees in psychology are:
Students who have completed their graduation can opt for post-graduation in psychology. To be eligible for this, students must have graduated with a minimum of 55%. If students want to learn how to become a psychologist after graduation here are some of the master’s degrees in psychology that they can pursue.
If students are wondering how to become a psychologist with a diploma in psychology and whether they can practice it in India. Students who wish to study psychology but are unwilling to practice can also take certificate and diploma courses in psychology. Diploma and Certificate courses are short-term with a maximum duration of 1 year.
Unlike graduation and post-graduation, there are no strict eligibility criteria for diploma and certificate courses. You can do diploma and certificate psychology courses after 12th, graduation or post-graduation.
The field of psychology in India offers a wide range of job opportunities. Here are some common settings where psychologists work:
As mental health awareness grows in India, job opportunities for psychologists are expanding in various sectors.
Every career has advantages and disadvantages. Some of the primary advantages and disadvantages on how to become a psychologist are listed below for your consideration.
| Pros of Becoming a Psychologist | Cons of Becoming a Psychologist |
|---|---|
| 1. Helping Others: Psychologists have the opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives by helping them overcome challenges and improve their mental health. | 1. Emotional Toll: Working with individuals who are struggling with mental health issues can be emotionally draining and taxing. |
| 2. Intellectual Stimulation: Psychology is a complex and fascinating field that requires constant learning and critical thinking. | 2. Long Hours and Irregular Schedules: Psychologists often work long hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate their clients’ needs. |
| 3. Diverse Career Paths: Psychologists can work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, clinics, or private practice. | 3. High Stress Levels: Dealing with complex human behavior and difficult situations can lead to high levels of stress. |
| 4. Job Security: The demand for mental health services is increasing, leading to job security for psychologists. | 4. Bureaucracy and Paperwork: Psychologists often have to deal with bureaucratic tasks, such as insurance claims and paperwork. |
| 5. Personal Growth: Working with diverse populations can lead to personal growth and self-awareness. | 5. Limited Earning Potential: While the earning potential for psychologists can be high, it often depends on factors such as experience, location, and specialization. |
If you’re wondering how to become a psychologist, it’s important to weigh these pros and cons. Understanding how to become a psychologist involves not only pursuing the necessary education but also preparing for the emotional and logistical challenges of the profession.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether this career path is right for you.
The average salary of a psychologist in India varies based on factors like experience, specialization, and location. Here is an overview:
| Type of Psychologist | Average Annual Salary (₹ Lakhs) (Sourced from AmbitionBox, Payscale, Salaryexpert) |
|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist | ₹4,50,000 – ₹9,50,000 |
| Forensic Psychologists | ₹5,30,000 – ₹5,65,000 |
| Child Psychologists | ₹3,00,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
| Sports Psychologists | ₹10,00,000 – ₹14,60,000 |
| Educational Psychologists | ₹5,00,000 – ₹7,44,000 |
| Media Psychologists | ₹3,20,000 – ₹93,00,000 |
| Industrial Psychologists | ₹17,00,000 – ₹20,70,000 |
Salaries can be higher in private clinics, corporate roles, or academic settings, especially with advanced degrees and certifications.
Understanding the salary range is essential when considering how to become a psychologist. It’s also important to factor in other aspects such as job satisfaction, work environment, and personal interest in the field. The journey of how to become a psychologist involves extensive education and training, but it can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice.
If you are passionate about understanding human behavior and making a difference in people’s lives, now is the perfect time to start your journey. From understanding what is psychology to exploring psychology courses, completing advanced studies, and choosing your psychology career options, this 4-step guide simplifies the process.
Learning how to become a psychologist in India or abroad requires dedication, patience, and practical experience, but the rewards both personally and professionally are immense.
Take the first step today by exploring BSc in psychology programs and plan your career in this fascinating field. Remember, psychology is not just a careerit’s a journey to understanding the human mind and helping others thrive
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Complete an accredited undergraduate degree in psychology (3 years).
Gain relevant work experience or volunteer in a psychology-related field (6 months to 1 year).
Pursue a master’s degree in psychology or a related field (1 year).
Gain further relevant experience through placements or internships (6 months to 1 year).
Complete a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy) or equivalent (3 years).
To become a psychologist in India, you need:
BA/BSc in Psychology (3 years)
MA/MSc in Psychology (2 years)
MPhil in Clinical Psychology (2 years, for RCI license)
PhD in Psychology (Optional, for research/academia)
A master’s is enough for counseling, but clinical psychologists need an MPhil + RCI License.
The 7 types of psychology are:
Clinical Psychology – Mental health diagnosis & treatment
Counseling Psychology – Emotional & personal well-being
Cognitive Psychology – Thinking, memory & learning
Developmental Psychology – Human growth & life stages
Forensic Psychology – Psychology in law & crime
Industrial-Organizational Psychology – Workplace behavior & productivity
Social Psychology – Human interactions & influence
No, you do not need an MBBS to become a psychologist.
The best psychology course depends on your goal:
BA/BSc in Psychology – Foundation course
MA/MSc in Psychology – Specialization
MPhil in Clinical Psychology – For RCI-certified clinical practice
PhD in Psychology – For research & academia
Diplomas/Certificates – Short-term skill-based courses
To become a psychologist after 12th grade in the UK, follow these steps:
**Complete A Levels**: Choose relevant subjects such as Psychology, Biology, and Sociology.
**Undergraduate Degree**: Enrol in a recognised Psychology degree programme (BSc or BA). Ensure it is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
**Gain Experience**: Look for volunteering or work experience in mental health settings.
**Postgraduate Study**: Pursue a Master’s degree in a specialised area of psychology (e.g., Clinical, Counselling, Educational).
**Doctorate in Psychology**: Complete a Doctorate in Psychology (DClinPsy or equivalent) to become a chartered psychologist.
**Register with BPS**: Apply for registration as a psychologist with the British Psychological Society.
**Continuous Professional Development**: Engage in ongoing training and professional development throughout your career.
After 10th grade, choose the arts or science stream in 11th and 12th, focusing on psychology if available. Following your 12th, pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology to begin your path to becoming a psychologist.
To become a psychologist typically requires around 6 to 8 years of education, including an undergraduate degree (3 years), a master’s degree (1 to 2 years), and a doctoral degree (3 to 4 years). Additionally, practical experience and supervised training are often required.
To become a psychologist in the UK, you typically need the following qualifications:
A recognised undergraduate degree in psychology, accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
A BPS-accredited postgraduate qualification in psychology (e.g., Master’s or Doctorate).
Completion of a supervised practice or training programme (e.g., Clinical Psychology Doctorate).
Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Additional qualifications may be required for specific areas of psychology.
Authored by, Gagandeep Khokhar
Career Guidance Expert
Gagandeep is a content writer and strategist focused on creating high-performing, SEO-driven content that bridges the gap between learners and institutions. He crafts compelling narratives across blogs, landing pages, and email campaigns to drive engagement and build trust.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
