Can a person understand and read another person’s mind? Is it possible to hypnotize someone? Are you fascinated by the intricate workings of the human mind? Do you find yourself drawn to helping others understand and overcome their emotional challenges? Interested in knowing how to become a psychologist in India after 12th? Well, this is no secret.
Psychologists play a vital role in understanding and improving mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. They work in various settings, from private practices and schools to hospitals and corporations, helping individuals cope with stress, manage emotions, and overcome life’s hurdles. But how do you build your career on this path, and what qualifications do you need to excel in this field?
In a world where mental health awareness is on the rise, the demand for qualified psychologists has never been greater. As per Forbes, this profession is highly sought after, with a projected 8% job growth by 2030. But the path to becoming a psychologist is not a simple one; it’s a journey that combines rigorous education, deep empathy, and unwavering dedication.
Okay, let’s save our crucial time and begin the journey to becoming a psychologist in India after the 12th. But do you know…
Topics covered
Who is a psychologist?
A psychologist is a trained and licensed professional who specializes in the study of human behavior, emotions, and mental processes. These experts possess a deep understanding of the complexities of the human mind and use their knowledge to help individuals navigate and manage a wide range of psychological and emotional challenges.
Psychologists employ various research methods and therapeutic techniques to assess and address issues such as anxiety, depression, addiction, stress, trauma, and more. They work across diverse settings, including private practices, schools, hospitals, corporations, and government agencies, offering their expertise to individuals, couples, families, and groups.
People often get confused between psychologists and psychiatrists! But you don’t need to get confused, read Psychologist Vs Psychiatrist – What’s the difference
Different types of psychologists
Psychology encompasses various specialized fields that focus on understanding and improving human behavior, cognition, and emotional well-being. Here are some of the common types of psychologists in India:
| Type of Psychologist | Description |
| Clinical Psychologists | Work directly with clients, providing individual or couples therapy for adults or children, specializing in treating various mental disorders. |
| Counseling Psychologists | Help individuals manage general stress, and emotional challenges, and improve overall well-being through assessment, diagnosis, and therapy. |
| Cognitive Neuropsychologists | Focus on cognitive functions like memory and problem-solving, studying how the brain processes information and the involvement of different brain regions. |
| Educational Psychologists | Study learning processes and methods to enhance education, focusing on teaching strategies, instructional design, and improving learning outcomes. |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | Analyze workplace behavior, assess employee performance, and design interventions to improve productivity, policies, and work environment. |
| Military Psychologists | Support military personnel and families by addressing stress-related issues, maintaining mental health, and contributing psychological insights to military operations and training. |
Wondering, Is psychology is good career?
How to become a psychologist in India?
Becoming a psychologist offers a range of pathways to suit your educational and career goals. Here, are some of the steps to help you understand how to become a psychologist in India after 12th with any stream. Yes, you read it right in this section you will be able to find answers to your questions like:
- How to become a psychologist after 12th Commerce?
- How to become a psychologist after 12th Arts?
- How to become a psychologist after 12th science?
You need to understand that to pursue a career in psychology or become a psychologist, you need to complete 12th in any stream.
Pathway 1: Undergraduate Degree in Psychology
Begin your journey with a solid foundation by pursuing an undergraduate degree in Psychology like BA Psychology, BA (Hons) Psychology, or BSc Psychology. You can pursue these courses after completing Class 10 and Class 11-12 with any subject as per the scheme of studies. This path provides essential knowledge in psychology, allowing you to work in various entry-level roles or explore niche areas of interest.
Pathway 2: Master’s Degree in Psychology
Are you looking for answers to questions like –
- How to Become a Clinical Psychologist in India?
- Wondering, how to Become a Forensic Psychologist in India?
- How to Become a Criminal Psychologist in India?
- Or How to Become an Organizational Psychologist in India?
So, if that you need a deeper understanding of psychology, follow Pathway 2. After your undergraduate studies, opt for a master’s degree in Psychology (Honours or specialization is advantageous). This pathway enhances your expertise and opens doors to more advanced career opportunities.
Pathway 3: M.Phil. in Psychology
To specialize further, choose Pathway 3. After your master’s degree, pursue an M.Phil. in Psychology. This path is ideal if you aspire to become a recognized expert in a particular subfield or wish to engage in research and academia.
Pathway 4: PhD in Psychology
For the pinnacle of psychological expertise, embark on Pathway 4. Following your undergraduate and master’s degrees, pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology. This pathway enables you to contribute significantly to research, teach at the university level, and delve into advanced clinical or counseling psychology.
These career pathways offer flexibility, allowing you to tailor your education to match your aspirations as a psychologist, whether in clinical practice, research, or academia. Choose the path that aligns with your goals for a fulfilling Careers in Psychology in India.
Types of psychology courses in India after 12th
Psychology courses offer a pathway into understanding the complexities of human behavior and mental processes. These courses are structured to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for a career in psychology. Here’s a comparison of various psychology courses based on their duration, eligibility criteria, top colleges, average course fees, and expected salary ranges.
| Parameters | Bachelor in Psychology | Master in Psychology | Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology |
| Duration | 3 years | 2 years | 3-5 years |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with English (50% or above) | Graduation (55% or above) | Postgraduate in Psychology (55% or above) |
| Admission Criteria | Entrance Exam/Merit List | Entrance Exam/Merit List | Entrance Exam/Merit List |
| Top Colleges | Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Christ University, Jamia Milia Islamia, LSR College, AMU College, etc. | Banaras Hindu University, Delhi University, Christ University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Milia Islamia, LSR College, AMU College, etc. | Amity University, IIT Gandhi Nagar, Women’s Christian College, Chandigarh University, IGNOU, etc. |
| Average Course Fees | Rs. 15,000 – Rs.1,50,000 per year | Rs.10,000 – RS.95,000 per year | Rs.20,000 – RS.1,00,000 per year |
| Average Salary Range | Rs.2.20 LPA – 3.50 LPA | Rs.4.68 LPA – 7 LPA | Rs.7.10 LPA – 10.60 LPA |
Want to know more colleges? Read, Best Psychology Colleges in India
Career scope after becoming psychologist
Becoming a psychologist opens doors to a diverse and rewarding career path in India. With the increasing awareness of mental health, the demand for psychologists is on the rise across various sectors, making it a promising career choice. Let’s have a look into the career scope after obtaining a psychology degree.
Wide Range of Opportunities
After completing their education, psychologists can work in hospitals, NGOs, educational institutions, and sports organizations, or establish their private practice. They can specialize in areas such as clinical psychology, child psychology, forensic psychology, sports psychology, educational psychology, media psychology, or industrial psychology.
Salary of a psychologist
Starting salaries for psychologists range from Rs.12,000 to Rs.20,000, while experienced professionals can earn between Rs.30,000 to Rs.70,000. Specialized roles offer higher earning potential:
- Clinical psychologists can earn up to Rs.9.0 Lakhs annually.
- Forensic psychologists average around Rs.5.3 Lakhs annually.
- Child psychologists earn an average of Rs.3.0 Lakhs annually.
- Sports psychologists have an average salary of Rs.14.6 Lakhs.
- Educational psychologists earn around Rs.5.0 Lakhs annually.
- Media psychologists make an average of Rs.5.5 Lakhs annually.
- Industrial psychologists have one of the highest average salaries at Rs.20.7 Lakhs.
A career in psychology in India is not only financially rewarding but also offers opportunities for personal and professional growth. With the evolving landscape of mental health awareness, psychologists play a crucial role in fostering well-being across various domains of society.
Final Words!
You all must have seen movies, read books, and heard stories of how someone can be hypnotized. Sometimes you may have wondered about it too. If you’re interested in that kind of science, then we have helped you quite a bit. Career confusion? Leave that to experts. Understand what it takes and whether you have it in you. You can avail iDreamCareer’s special services for that.
We are here to assist you in making an informed decision about your future in this thriving field. Take advantage of iDreamCareer’s College & Course Selection Program today and embark on the path toward a successful future!
Also, read:
- Future of Health Psychologist Career
- Career in Clinical Psychology
- Career as a Social Scientist
- Career in Sports Psychology
FAQs
To become a counseling psychologist in India, complete a master’s degree in counseling psychology or clinical psychology. Gain practical experience through internships or supervised practice. Obtain state licensure and registration with professional organizations like the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) or the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists (IACP).
To become a child psychologist in India, you typically need a master’s degree in psychology with a specialization in child psychology. This is followed by practical experience through internships or clinical work. State licensure may also be required for practicing independently.
To become a sports psychologist, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Following this, you can choose to continue your studies by enrolling in an M.A. or MSc program. Alternatively, you can begin your practice after completing your bachelor’s degree.
An M.Sc. or M.A. in organizational or industrial psychology equips individuals to excel in corporate settings, influencing strategies related to productivity, hiring, safety, performance, and employee well-being. Various colleges offer these programs, providing a strong foundation for professionals to make significant impacts in companies and enhance organizational practices.
Anushree Rastogi is a Senior Content Writer at iDreamCareer, bringing over 5 years of expertise to the field of career counseling. She has done a PGDM in Marketing and Finance and possesses a unique blend of skills that allows her to craft engaging and informative content. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate their career paths and has dedicated her career to providing valuable insights through her content. Her commitment to excellence and keen understanding of the career landscape make her a trusted guide for those seeking professional direction. With a flair for clear and engaging writing, Anushree is on a mission to empower others to make informed and fulfilling career choices.
You might find that being a psychologist is the perfect choice for you, or you may find that an alternative career path is better suited to your needs. For example, you might also consider becoming a psychiatrist, counselor, physical therapist, or some other career centered on helping people. There are also a number of types of psychologists and each field has its own educational and training requirements.