Exhaustive Guide to Becoming a Psychologist and its Scope in India

Ever thought how individuals think, or how their behavior changes with different situations? Or, how someone finds it difficult to talk to strangers while for others it is a cake walk? Do words like “hallucinations”, “disorders” or “unconscious mind” excite you? If the answer is yes, then you have landed at the right place. In this article, I will take you through the educational journey of a psychologist, and its scope in India.

Psychology covers human behavior, interesting facts about life, etc. The science of human behavior emerged in Germany, and during the World War, psychology travelled to United States, and emerged in India approximately 70 years ago. Since then, our Indian psychologists have worked really hard to recognize psychology as a separate discipline.

 

Subjects during the school

To be a Psychologist, you can opt for any stream in your 12th grade. Majority of the schools have started including Psychology in their curriculum, and the beauty of the subject lies in the fact that you can study Psychology with any stream as the fifth subject. It is advisable to take Psychology in school to have a basic understanding of the subject; however, it’s not a compulsion.

 

Graduation (B.A./ B.Sc)

Obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology from a UGC-recognized institution. A graduate degree will help build base in psychology. You will study all the subjects of psychology, which will help you identify your interest. Certain subjects which are taught are General Psychology, Clinical psychology, Social Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Organizational Behavior etc. Generally the subjects are more theoretical, but the one on Statistics includes numerical application. It is very important for the students interested in the field of Research to have in-depth knowledge of the subject. During the three years, you will get an exposure to the basic elements of Psychology. Workshops are conducted every year on different topics ranging from Hypnosis to dream analysis. This varies from college to college. Generally, after graduation, the job opportunities are not in plenty. The top colleges that provide bachelors are as follows –

• Delhi University (New Delhi)
• Jamia Milia Islamia (New Delhi)
• Ambedkar University (New Delhi)
• Panjab Univerity (Chandigarh)
• Banaras Hindu University (Varanasi)
• Aligarh Muslim University
• Fergusson College (Pune)
• Christ University (Bangalore)

 

Post Graduation

Once you are done with your graduation, you can pursue post graduation. Admission to the various colleges will be through entrance exams or your marks in graduation. Different universities have different criterion. If you are from a different background, you can still apply. But the admission route will be only through entrance exams. At post-graduation level, you can choose your area of specialization. It is very important to pursue post graduation, if you want to build a career in psychology. Due to high level of competition, just a graduation degree is not enough. It will help you build your skills in your area of interest. At post graduation, students will get an opportunity to write their dissertation in their area of interest. Dissertation is an in-depth study on a particular topic, and the student will conduct the research under the supervision of an expert from their college. Also, the students will complete their internship for approximately 2-3 months. Internship is a very crucial period of a psychologist’s life. It is a phase of your education where you work and learn under the supervision of the expert. It is very important to practically apply all theories and knowledge, which will help you understand the concepts. Various universities also conduct educational trips, which further help you to apply your skills in a realistic manner.

 

COLLEGES FOR POST-GRADUATION IN DELHI                  

Delhi University

• M.A. in Applied Psychology with specialization in Clinical, Social or Organizational Behavior
• M.A. in Psychology

Tata Institute of Social Sciences

• M.A. in psychology with specialization in Counseling, Clinical and HR.

 Jamia Milia Islamia

• Masters in Applied psychology with specialization in (Clinical, Counseling or Organizational Behavior)

Ambedkar Univerity

• M.A. in Applied Psychology with specialization in Clinical Psychology

Panjab University

• Masters in Psychology

Banaras Hindu University

• Masters in Psychology

Aligarh Muslim University

• M.A. in Psychology with Specialization in Clinical and Organizational Psychology.

Gautam Budh University

• M.A. in Applied Psychology 

 

SCOPE OF PSYCHOLOGY IN INDIA

Psychology in India is gaining importance, and its demand is on the rise. After post graduation, you will get an opportunity to work in different areas.

• • Counsellors are required in NGOs, Old age homes, Rehabilitation Centers etc. Counsellor understands the problem of the clients, and help them come out of their miseries. The problems can include some traumatic event in the person’s life, or some personal problem in relationships. In old-age homes, counsellors’ jobs is to ensure that the residents should not feel lonely or worthless. Counsellors working in rehabilitation centers (E.g. Drug addicts) help the patients to reduce the intake of drug. They try to figure out the reasons, and help them come out of the miserable life. They don’t deal with serious cases. The average pay of a fresher is 20–30K per month (approx).

• • Education Sector: Psychologists are required as school counsellors, trainers, career counselors, etc. They help children during their educational years. They also deal with students who have learning difficulties or some behavioral issues. Career counsellors, on the other hand, help students to understand their potential, and help them to choose the right career for them. This industry absorbs the highest number of psychologists. The average pay in the area for the fresher is 20-35K per month (approx).

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• • Clinical psychology: Clinical Psychologists, today, are in great demand. It is a long route, and you should first complete M.Phil, before you start independent practice. They deal with patients who require clinical attention, and they generally don’t deal with the day-to-day problems. They apply various therapies, and work parallel to a psychiatrist. Generally, people get confused between a clinical psychologist and a Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are required to first complete their MBBS, and they study Psychiatry as a subject in their MD. They can prescribe medicines where as a clinical psychologist only apply therapies with the clients. Hence, it is very important for a psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist to work together as a team. They are paid 30–35K per month on an average after completing their M.Phil.

• • Organizational Psychology: Organizational psychologists work for MNCs and organizations, Human Resource development and HR department. Their job is to handle the problems of the employees as well as help the employees to work together effectively as a team. The average pay of a fresher is 30K per month (approx).

• • Research: If you have a passion for research, both qualitative and quantitative research are promising areas. Researchers are paid approx. 25K per month. The amount will increase with time, and you may also pursue PhD, if the area interests you.

Note: It is advised for all psychologists and counselors to get registered with the Rehabilitation Counsel of India to practice legally as a counselor. M.Phil (with RCI) is required to practice as a Clinical Psychologist.

 

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