How to Become Psychologist
How to Become Psychologist: The mind is the most fascinating component of a human person, since it influences daily behaviour, emotions, actions, and thoughts. Individuals' mental diseases and communication challenges have increased in today's highly competitive and fast-paced environment. Psychologists help people with mental health problems by determining the source of the problem and suggesting treatment options. They employ tools and procedures that help their patients cope with stress and steer them toward a brighter future.
We will go through how to become a Psychologist in India in depth because psychology is one of the most popular professions in India, with a significant number of hopefuls applying for the course each year.
How to Become a Psychologist?
In India, you can pursue a Bachelor's degree, a Postgraduate degree, a Doctorate degree, or a Diploma in Psychology. Aside from that, persons interested in becoming a Psychologist can enrol in short-term Part-time, Certificate, and Online courses.
In India, you must pass the Class 10+2 exams from a recognised Board to become a Psychologist. After that, you can enrol in a Bachelor's degree programme in psychology at a reputable university and pursue a postgraduate study in psychology in your chosen field. A Doctorate in Psychology from a recognised university can be pursued by those who are interested in intensive study or desire to become a professor of psychology.
How to Become a Psychologist in India: Stepwise
Steps to Become a Psychologist After 12th:
In India, you can study any stream of Arts, Science, or Commerce in Class 12 to become a Psychologist. However, taking Psychology as an optional subject in Class 12 is suggested because it will help you better comprehend the fundamentals of the topic. In addition, some colleges in India provide precedence to students who studied Psychology in Class 12.
Steps to Become a Psychologist After Graduation:
The next stage is to obtain a Bachelor's or Graduate Degree in Psychology from a reputable university. B.A (Hons) Psychology, B.Sc Psychology, and B.A Psychology are some of the Psychology courses available in Graduation. The programme lasts three years and will provide you with a broad understanding of the various branches of psychology, such as General Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Industrial Psychology, Sports Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Experimental Psychology. All of these courses provide a greater emphasis on the theoretical components of psychology. Statistical Psychology, on the other hand, includes the numerical aspects of the disciplines. Many institutions also provide internships to help students better learn and reinforce the fundamentals of the subject.
Admission Criteria to Undergraduate Courses in Psychology:
- Complete the 10+2 from a recognized Board.
- Appear for State-level Entrance exams like IUET, CUEE, JMI, BHU UET
- Counseling sessions.
Steps to Become a Psychologist After Post Graduation:
After earning your bachelor's degree in psychology, you can pursue a two-year master's degree in psychology with a concentration in your field of interest. The admission requirements for post-graduate courses differ from one college to the next.
Some colleges offer merit-based admission, while others require candidates to take entrance examinations in order to be admitted to Post Graduate Psychology programmes. M.A Psychology, M.Sc Psychology, M.A Applied Psychology, M.A Clinical Psychology, and M.A Counseling Psychology are some of the different Master's Degree Programs in Psychology. In any of the following fields, you can choose your area of specialisation:
- Clinical Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Child Psychology
- Health Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Forensic Psychology
- Industrial Psychology
- Consumer Psychology
- Sports Psychology
- Animal Psychology
- Counseling Psychology
A Master's Degree in Psychology provides opportunities for industry visits, dissertations, research, and project submission, in addition to a variety of specialties. Candidates with a master's degree in psychology can work as professional psychologists in a variety of settings, including hospitals, companies, schools, and colleges. Those who desire to work as a Psychologist in India must obtain an M.Phil degree and a licence from the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI).
Admission Criteria for Masters Degree Courses in Psychology:
- Complete BA/B.Sc in Psychology from a recognized Institute.
- Appear for State-level Entrance exams like AUCET or CUCET.
Steps to Become a Psychologist After Ph.D.:
The majority of psychology students want to get a doctorate in the field. For students who desire to become academics or work in the field of research, a Ph.D. is required. Candidates with a doctorate in psychology might likewise expect to have high job prospects.
A doctorate in psychology takes 3 to 4 years to complete and covers topics such as cognition, behavioural issues, and neuroscience.
Internships:
After finishing a Master's Degree in Psychology, students who want to become psychologists in India must complete at least two years of internship programmes. After finishing their internship programme, some students are hired as Psychologists by the organisation. Some employers of Clinical and Counseling Psychologists demand Internship Certificates from candidates who have completed internships with reputable organisations. Students benefit greatly from internship programmes because they obtain on-the-job training, which improves their employability.
Students I hope the Steps to Becoming a Psychologist in India are obvious to you. You can work as a Professional Psychologist or a Research Psychologist after earning a psychology degree from a reputable institution.
Professional Psychologist:
Candidates can pick from a variety of Psychology job possibilities depending on their area of specialisation. Those of you who desire to practise psychology and aid people can train to become ClinicalPsychologists and help them overcome their mental health problems.
Those of you who desire to work as faculty members in colleges and universities as psychologists can do so after earning an M.Phil. or Ph.D. in psychology from a recognised institution.
Experimental and Research Psychologists are two options for candidates who want to work in the field of research and scientific psychology. The Researcher's role is to gather and analyse data. They can use the results of these investigations to create reports that explain various elements of individual behaviour.
Practicing Psychologist & Research Psychologist:
You can work as a Practicing Psychologist or a Research Psychologist after earning a degree in psychology from a reputable institution. Students who are still considering how to become a Psychologist in India should know that by following the procedures below, they can become a Practicing Psychologist/Research Psychologist.
Practicing Psychologist:
- A Master's Degree (MA/M.Sc) or a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Psychology from a reputable institution is required.
- Obtain your practice's licence. You can work as a Practicing Psychologist in clinics, schools/colleges, NGOs, or organisations after receiving your licence from an RCI-recognized institute.
- A Practitioner's responsibilities include improving the lives of those who are dealing with mental health disorders such as stress, sadness, or anxiety.
Research Psychologist:
- A doctorate programme in psychology from a recognised institute is required to become a Research Psychologist.
- Research psychologists can operate in a variety of settings, including cognitive, developmental, clinical, and experimental. It is important to receive a valid licence from RCI after obtaining a Ph.D. in Psychology.
- Research psychologists can serve as academic advisors to undergraduate students or guide postgraduate students in the use of clinical psychology procedures.
- In addition, research psychologists can conduct advanced counselling in schools or universities in order to better study human behaviour and provide answers.
Other Degrees in Psychology:
PsyD in Psychology: Students interested in delivering clinical counselling and professional therapy to clients should pursue a Doctor of Psychology degree. This is a four- to six-year advanced degree that typically takes four to six years to finish.
EdS in Psychology: The Education Specialist in School Psychology is a three-year programme designed for individuals who desire to give counselling services to students and their parents in schools. Psychometric examinations and evaluations are among the methods and approaches used by education specialists.
Let us look at the Best Colleges for Psychology in India now that you know how to become a Psychologist.
Top Colleges in India for Psychology (Undergraduate Course)
- Lady Shri Ram College, New Delhi
- Punjab University, Chandigarh
- Zakir Hussain College, New Delhi
- Kamla Nehru College, New Delhi
- Sophia College for Women, Mumbai
- Gargi College, New Delhi
- Daulat Ram College, New Delhi
- Ashoka University, Sonipat
- Ambedkar University, New Delhi
- Fergusson College, Pune
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Mithibai College of Arts, Mumbai
- DAV College, Punjab
- Christ University, Bengaluru
Top Colleges in India for Psychology (Postgraduate):
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai and Chennai
- Mithibai College of Arts, Mumbai
- Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
- Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Agra
- Gujarat University, Ahmedabad
- Maharani Laxmi Bai PG College, Indore
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- Ambedkar University, Delhi
- Gautam Budh University, Greater Noida
- Bethune College, Kolkata
- Amity University, Noida
- Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, Sreperumpadur
- Madras Women Christian College
- Indian Institute of Psychology and Research, Bangalore
Skills Required to Become a Psychologist in India:
Communication Skills: Individuals who desire to work as a Psychologist in India must meet this requirement first and foremost. Psychologists should be permitted to openly speak with their patients in order to gain a better understanding of their mental health difficulties' history and causes.
Critical Thinking: Understanding the psychological circumstances of the patients and the underlying issues necessitates the use of critical thinking skills. A Psychologist's critical thinking skills enable him or her to be aware of their environment and interact with subjects accordingly.
Patience: This is a talent that should come naturally to a Psychologist because it aids in dealing with subjects more effectively. Individuals who are suffering from mental illness. A patient approach will enable the Psychologist to treat their clients more effectively, resulting in a faster recovery.
Analytical Mind: A Psychologist with a strong analytical mind can rapidly detect the source of the sickness and provide immediate treatment.
Ethics: This is an important aspect of a Psychologist's job since it aids in the development of a trusting and respectful connection between the Practitioner and the client/patient. People with mental illnesses discuss any confidential information with their psychologists, who must ensure that the material is kept in strict confidence to protect the patient's dignity and well-being.
Psychology: Online Diploma Courses
Online Programs:
Students who are unable to enrol in a full-time Psychology programme can take advantage of online courses given by leading learning platforms in conjunction with premier universities across the world at a reasonable cost. These classes might last anywhere from a few weeks to a few hours. For granting a legitimate Certificate, several of these courses require a price.
Top Online Courses in Psychology:
| Course Name | Learning Platform | University Collaboration | Fees |
| Introduction to Psychology | Coursera | Yale University | Free |
| Introduction to Clinical Psychology | eDX | University of Queensland | Free |
| Introduction to Developmental Psychology | eDX | University of Queensland | Free |
| Forensic Psychology | Udemy | - | INR 572 |
| Child psychology (Advanced Level) | Udemy | - | INR 592 |
Diploma Programs:
Courses leading to a Diploma in Psychology are available as undergraduate and postgraduate options. After passing their Class 10 or Class 12 Board exams, students can enrol in college studies. The Diploma in Psychology is offered by a number of prestigious colleges.
After graduation, those of you who choose to pursue a Postgraduate study in Psychology can do so. The Diploma courses focus on putting psychological practises into practise.
The Undergraduate Diploma in Psychology lasts one year, whereas the Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology lasts two to three years.
Top Diploma in Psychology Courses:
| Name of the Course | Providing Institute | Course Fees |
| Diploma in Psychological Medicine | Goa | INR 65,000 |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology | Amity University, Noida | INR 1,70,000 |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Counseling | Jamia Millia University, New Delhi | INR 15,500 |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Counseling Psychology | Amity University, Noida | INR 22,000 |
| Post Graduate Diploma in Criminal Psychology | Amity University, Gwalior | INR 32,000 |
Areas of Specializations of Psychology:
Students who earn their bachelor's degree in psychology in India might pursue specialties during their postgraduate studies. Students can choose their concentration in the postgraduate programme based on their area of interest. The undergraduate course covers the general aspects of the various fields of psychology.
Clinical Psychology: This involves the treatment of people with mental health problems such as grieving, addiction, anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric disorders. A Clinical Psychologist may work in a hospital, clinic, or in private practise. A Clinical Psychologist must obtain a licence to practise with RCI after completing a Master's or Ph.D. in Psychology.
Developmental Psychology: Developmental psychology is concerned with the growth of individuals or groups of people across time. These psychologists can work as professors, lecturers, consultants, or advisers to help children and adults better understand their behaviour and recommend ways to improve their daily routines.
Forensic Psychology: Criminal investigation is an area of psychology that assists lawmakers in delivering justice. To aid in the criminal investigative process, forensic psychologists evaluate crime scenes using scientific methodologies. In addition, forensic psychologists assist in jail counselling and prisoner rehabilitation.
Cognitive Psychology: The study of the mind through neuroscientific methods is part of this speciality. Cognitive psychologists research and solve problems with a person's memory, language, and problem-solving abilities. To perform proper calculations and deductions, students interested in Cognitive Psychology should study Mathematics in their Class 12 Boards.
Counseling Psychology: Counseling psychologists operate in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, health centres, and universities. Psychologists' primary responsibility is to provide counselling services to adolescents and adults in order to assist them in coping with mental health issues. Organizations' Human Resource Departments also employ counselling psychologists.
Educational Psychology: The study of children's learning issues falls under this category of psychology. Educational psychologists assist students with developmental disabilities in schools, colleges, and universities. This branch of psychology entails assisting teachers in comprehending various elements of student behaviour and recommending techniques to better the learning process.
Social Psychology: Individuals' behaviour patterns, such as anger, despair, frustration, attitude, and hostility, are studied in this discipline of psychology. Social psychologists collaborate with businesses, social service agencies, and non-governmental groups to better understand people's emotions and change their behaviour.
Geriatric Psychology: Geriatric psychology is concerned with the mental health of people in their later years of life. Geriatric psychologists research the impact of ageing on people's mental and physical health. These Psychologists' primary focus is on treating individuals with age-related disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Environmental Psychology: Individuals' relationships with their environment and how these interactions affect human behaviour are the subjects of this discipline of psychology. Environmental psychologists work with both public and commercial sector companies. These experts are also involved in various facets of climate change and interior design firms.
Neuropsychology: Neuropsychologists study the human brain to better understand how people behave. Both experimental and clinical psychology are included in this field. These psychologists investigate the cognitive and behavioural components of the brain in order to aid in the treatment of mental illnesses. Neuropsychologists work in a variety of settings, including research institutes, rehabilitation institutions, hospitals, and clinics.
Difference Between Psychologists & Psychiatrists:
Students considering a career as a psychologist frequently mix up the terms "psychologist" and "psychiatrist." Psychologists and Psychiatrists, as we all know, diagnose and treat people's mental health. Though the phrases sound identical, the modes of education, professional service, and qualifications differ significantly.
Psychologist vs Psychiatrist:
| Psycholgist | Psychiatrist |
| Psychologists have to acquire graduation in Psychology followed by a Post Graduation with a specialization | Psychiatrists require a degree in Medicine including an MBBS degree followed by MD in Psychiatry |
| Psychologists can only offer therapeutic and counseling treatment and cannot prescribe medicines. The different types of therapies used are Cognitive, behavioral, psychometric tests, and assessments. | Psychiatrists diagnose the mental issues of the individuals and suggest medicines accordingly. The medicines prescribed by Psychiatrists include antidepressants, hypnotics, nervous system stimulants, and sedatives. |
| Psychologists deal with the behavioral and developmental issues of individuals. These issues include learning difficulties, cognitive disorders, and anxiety. | Psychiatrists deal with more complex mental issues that require medical intervention. These issues include schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, autism, and bipolar disorder. |
| Psychologists address the behavioral aspects of the human mind. The different branches of Psychology include Clinical psychology, Neuropsychology, Developmental psychology, Counseling psychology, and more. | Psychiatrists mainly work in healthcare centers including hospitals or private clinics. The different branches of Psychiatry include Addiction psychiatry, brain disorders, dementia, extreme cases of depression. |
| Psychologists have to get a Master’s Degree or a Ph.D. from a recognized University. They have to then get a License from RCI to become a professional Psychologist. | Psychiatrists have to complete an MBBS degree from a Medical College. They can then complete MD in their preferred field and must work as a resident doctor to become a professional psychiatrist. |
Career Prospects & Scope of Psychology in India:
Because a big number of children and adults in India suffer from mental health and behavioural disorders, psychology has become a critical field. Clinical psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, counselling psychology, and neuropsychology are all employment opportunities for psychology graduates. Psychology's job opportunities and scope in India expand to other sectors such as healthcare, artificial intelligence, and life sciences.
Job Roles of Psychologists in India:
- School/College Counselor
- Industrial Psychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Counseling Psychologist
- Sports Psychologist
- Educational Psychologist
- Child Psychologist
Career & Scope of Psychologists in India:
Individuals with strong earning prospects can pursue a profession in one of the many disciplines of psychology. Take a look at the Psychology course's job prospects:
Clinical Psychologist: Clinical psychologists work with both children and adults, providing behavioural, emotional, and developmental therapy. Clinical psychologists provide therapy and counselling to people who are suffering from mental illnesses.
Health Psychologist: Health psychologists assist their clients in staying healthy and avoiding sickness. Individuals can get help with stress, anxiety, addiction, and living a healthy lifestyle.
Educational Psychologist: Educational psychologists are primarily employed in schools and universities. Their main goal is to help individuals enhance their learning processes by recognising the issues that create learning difficulties.
School Counselors: Middle and high schools both have a significant demand for counsellors. These counsellors are aware of the various mental and emotional issues that students face and may offer solutions to these issues.
Community Counselors: Counseling is provided by expert community counsellors in human service agencies and community centres. These counsellors administer psychological tests to clients in order to better understand their mental illnesses and recommend treatment options.
Sports Psychologist: Athletes and sportspeople suffer from anxiety and stress and require counselling and treatment, hence this is a highly specialised subject. They work with the national and international sports teams, as well as providing counselling to school kids.
Academicians: Students who have earned a master's or doctoral degree in psychology can work as teachers or professors. Psychologists can work in both public and private research institutions.
Social Service: These psychologists work for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or social service groups. Individuals, families, couples, and groups of people can all benefit from the services of a social psychologist. They can also work as social workers, helping people with their psychological problems.
Salary Prospects of Psychologists in India:
Students who want to learn how to become a Psychologist in India should also be aware of the compensation opportunities available to them. Psychologists are well compensated, and their pay is determined by their level of education and experience. Graduates with a B.A. or B.Sc. in Psychology can expect a monthly salary of INR 10,000. Candidates with a postgraduate degree in psychology can expect to earn between INR 15000 and INR 18000 per year. A remuneration of INR 25-30000 per annum will be paid to those who have completed an M.Phil. or Ph.D. in Psychology.
Now that you know the career and scope of Psychology in India, check out the salary prospects of Psychologists in India:
Salary of a Clinical Psychologist in India Per Month/Year
| Job Roles | Salary Prospects |
| Clinical Psychologist | INR 3.5 Lakh per annum |
| Neuropsychologist | INR 5 Lakh per annum |
| Forensic Psychologist | INR 4 Lakh per annum |
| Geriatric Psychologist | INR 29,000 per month |
| Industrial Psychologist | INR 4,79,000 per annum |
| Counseling Psychologist | INR 3,62,000 per annum |
| Cognitive Psychologist | INR 8 Lakhs per annum |
| Environmental Psychologist | INR 4 Lakhs per annum |
Summing up:
I hope those of you who were interested in learning how to become a Psychologist now know the solution. A Bachelor's degree in Psychology from a reputable institution is required. To work as a Psychologist, you must complete a post-graduate programme in Psychology and get an M.Phil. in Psychology.
In psychology, there are numerous specialities from which to pick during your Master's degree. Those of you interested in pursuing a career in research might apply for a Ph.D. degree in Psychology. Psychologists have a huge career and scope in India, and skilled people can expect to earn a lot of money.
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