How to Become a Psychologist in India After 12th: Know Eligibility, Career Opportunities, & Much More!

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 embark 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 and making a positive impact on countless lives… But do you know…

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.

What does a psychologist do?

Here are the key roles and responsibilities of a psychologist:

1. Conduct psychological assessments to diagnose and evaluate individuals’ emotional, cognitive, and behavioral issues.
2. Provide therapy and counseling to individuals, couples, families, or groups to address a wide range of mental health concerns.
3. Research to advance the field of psychology, improve treatment methods, and gain insights into human behavior.
4. Develop personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each client, setting goals and strategies for improvement.
5. Educate clients about mental health conditions, coping strategies, and personal growth, and provide training to other professionals and students.
6. Offer immediate support and intervention during crises or emergencies, such as suicide prevention and trauma counseling.
7. Advocate for the mental health needs of clients and communities, working to reduce stigma and improve access to services.
8. Collaborate with other professionals, such as doctors, educators, and social workers, to provide comprehensive care and treatment.
9. Adhere to ethical guidelines and maintain confidentiality while providing services.
10. Stay updated with the latest research and therapeutic techniques through ongoing education and professional development.
11. Administer and interpret psychological tests to assess cognitive abilities, personality, and emotional functioning.
12. Provide supervision and mentorship to trainees and less experienced psychologists.
13. Assist individuals with disabilities in adjusting to life changes and improving their quality of life.
14. Engage in community outreach and education to promote mental health awareness and prevention.
15. Maintain accurate and confidential records of client assessments, treatment plans, and progress reports.

Career pathways to become a psychologist

Becoming a psychologist offers a range of pathways to suit your educational and career goals. Here, we outline four distinct routes, each catering to different ambitions in the field of psychology.

Pathway 1: Undergraduate Degree in Psychology

Begin your journey with a solid foundation by pursuing an undergraduate degree in Psychology 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

For 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 and embark on a fulfilling career in psychology.

How to become a psychologist in India after the 12^th?

To pursue a career in psychology in India after completing your Class 12, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. Candidates should have passed the Class 12 Board exam or hold an equivalent education from a recognized state or national education board. Additionally, a minimum aggregate score of 50% or higher is required to qualify for undergraduate psychology courses.

Entrance Exams

Securing admission into top colleges for undergraduate psychology programs often necessitates clearing entrance exams. Some of the prominent entrance exams for psychology courses include:

• Jammu University Entrance Test (JUET)
• Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test (BHU PET)
• Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET)
• Central University Entrance Test (CUET)
• Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam (JMI)
• Manipal University Online Entrance Test (MU OET)

Course Options

After meeting the eligibility criteria and clearing entrance exams, aspiring psychologists in India can enroll in undergraduate BA or B.Sc programs. To gain a deeper understanding and specialization, students can also consider certificate or diploma programs in psychology.

Subject Focus

Before selecting an undergraduate course, students need to acquaint themselves with psychology’s diverse subjects and syllabus, including topics like Prejudice and Discrimination, Attention and Perception, Behavioral Patterns, and Emotions.

Inclusive Eligibility

Psychology courses in India are open to candidates from all academic backgrounds, including arts, science, and commerce. This inclusive approach ensures that students from diverse streams can pursue a career in psychology.

By following these steps, aspiring individuals can embark on their journey to become psychologists in India after completing their Class 12 education. Now that you know the qualifications to become a psychologist, let’s have a look at…

Skills required to become a psychologist

Becoming a psychologist requires a combination of education, skills, and personal qualities. Here’s a table summarizing the key skills:

Career progression after becoming a psychologist

Career progression after becoming a psychologist can vary depending on your specialization, interests, and goals. Here’s a general overview of potential career paths and progression in the field of psychology:

Clinical Psychologist:

Progression: As a clinical psychologist, you can start by working as a therapist or counselor in various settings such as private practice, hospitals, clinics, or mental health centers. Over time, you can build your client base and reputation, possibly leading to the establishment of your private practice.

Advancement: Advanced roles may include becoming a licensed psychologist supervisor, a director of a mental health program, or a clinical director in a healthcare organization. You may also specialize further in areas like neuropsychology, child psychology, or forensic psychology.

Counseling Psychologist:

Progression: Counseling psychologists often work in educational institutions, career counseling centers, or private practice. Progression typically involves gaining experience, obtaining specialized certifications, or pursuing leadership roles in counseling centers or academic institutions.

Advancement: As you gain experience, you may become a senior counselor, therapy program director, or even a university department head in counseling psychology.

School Psychologist:

Progression: School psychologists typically work in K-12 educational settings. Career advancement may involve taking on more complex cases, obtaining a doctoral degree, or pursuing administrative roles in school districts.

Advancement: Advanced positions may include becoming a lead school psychologist, a director of special education services, or an educational consultant.

Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychologist:

Progression: I-O psychologists work in areas related to workplace behavior, organizational development, and human resources. Career progression often includes moving from entry-level positions to roles with more responsibility and leadership.

Advancement: As you gain experience, you can become a senior consultant, a director of organizational development, or even a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) in a large corporation.

Forensic Psychologist:

Progression: Forensic psychologists work at the intersection of psychology and the legal system. Progression may involve gaining experience, becoming a court-appointed expert, or specializing in a specific aspect of forensic psychology, such as criminal profiling.

Advancement: Advanced roles might include working as a forensic consultant, a forensic psychologist in a government agency, or an expert witness in high-profile cases.

Health Psychologist:

Progression: Health psychologists focus on the psychological aspects of physical health and well-being. Career progression may involve specializing in a specific health-related field, conducting research, or working in healthcare management.

Advancement: Advanced roles may include becoming a healthcare administrator, a researcher in a healthcare institution, or a consultant for health-related organizations.

Academic/Research Psychologist:

Progression: If you choose an academic or research career, you can start as an assistant professor and work your way up to associate and full professorships. Your progression will often depend on your research output, publications, and contributions to the field.

Advancement: Advancement in academia typically includes achieving tenure, leading research teams, and potentially becoming a department head or dean.

It’s essential to note that continuing education, professional development, and networking are crucial for advancing in any psychology career. Additionally, some psychologists choose to pursue a Ph.D. or Psy.D. to open up more opportunities for research, teaching, and leadership roles within their chosen specialization. Ultimately, career progression in psychology depends on your interests, dedication, and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances within the field.

Salary of a psychologist in India

The salary of a psychologist in India varies based on several factors, including specialization, experience, and location. On average, psychologists earn around INR 4.08 LPA (Lakhs Per Annum). However, the monthly income can range from INR 27,197 to 61,900, and it has the potential to increase significantly with years of experience and expertise.

Specialization plays a crucial role in determining a psychologist’s income. Here’s a breakdown of the average annual salaries for different specializations:

1. Career Counselor: Career counselors can expect to earn around Rs. 5.30 LPA on average.
2. Clinical Psychologists: Those specializing in clinical psychology have an average annual salary of approximately Rs. 6.80 LPA.
3. Industrial or Organizational Psychologist: Industrial and organizational psychologists tend to earn a higher average salary of Rs. 7.20 LPA.
4. Neuropsychologists: Neuropsychologists, specializing in the intricate workings of the brain, earn an average of Rs. 7.50 LPA.
5. Lecturer: Psychologists who choose to pursue an academic path as lecturers typically earn around Rs. 5.50 LPA.

It’s worth noting that the highest salaries in this field can reach up to INR 1.10 L per month, emphasizing the potential for substantial growth and earning potential in the psychology profession as one gains experience and expertise.

Final Thoughts!

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:

• Careers in Psychology in India
• Future of Health Psychologist Career
• Career in Clinical Psychology
• Is psychology is good career
• Career as a Social Scientist
• Psychologist Vs Psychiatrist – What’s the difference
• Career in Sports Psychology
• Best Psychology Colleges in India?

How to Become a Psychologist: FAQs

Anushree Rastogi

Anushree has 5 years of experience in the career counseling industry as a Senior Content Writer. She has also worked as a Social Media Marketing Expert for a startup and Content Quality Analyst for the Publishing and E-learning Industry. She has done her Master’s in Commerce and PGDM in Finance & Trade and Marketing & HR, but she is currently following her passion for writing.