The field of Psychology has undergone a massive change in the last 10 years. People have taken this field more seriously; the field is growing more practical and becoming applicable in the real world, people are becoming more aware of it, and most importantly, it’s professionally promising. And do you know what that exact time was when mental health became more than just a subject taught in schools and universities? It all started during the pandemic and post-pandemic when mental health disorders increased by 90% globally.
Now, specifically when we talk about India, the problem becomes more challenging. Not only do we have massive treatment gaps (almost 150 million people require early intervention), but we also have a lack of counsellors for underprivileged communities. And to cover this huge existing gap in society, we urgently need Psychologists and trained mental health professionals. In today’s blog, we are going to provide you with a simple guide for “How to Become A Psychologist” in India.
Steps To Become A Psychologist
Most of the students find themselves stuck in this question: “How to become a Psychologist?”. The reason: changing mental health guidelines, an increase in new career shifts, and the use of modern technology. Even after these latest changes, the path to becoming a Psychologist remains uniform for all. Let’s understand step by step how to become a psychologist in 2025:
- Complete Class 12th From Any Stream: The first crucial step for pursuing Psychology or any other field is finishing your stream in your desired stream. Most of the institutes require a minimum of 50-55% percentage to be eligible for undergraduate programs. Although it’s not compulsory, having Psychology as a subject in your school can be a plus point for making a more straightforward career path.
- Finish Graduation In Psychology: Next up, you must finish your graduation through the desired program. The most common path is doing a BA/BSC in Psychology. The duration will be between 3 and 4 years. The graduation will provide you with foundational knowledge in Psychology, theoretical concepts, various research methods, and counselling.
- Earn A Master’s Degree: Once you finish your graduation, it is necessary to do a master’s in Psychology. You can opt for an MA/MSC in Psychology and choose your desired specialization. Common specializations are Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or Child Psychology courses. A master’s degree is your turning point for learning how to apply psychology in the practical world, understanding deeply your chosen subfield within Psychology, and gaining overall professional development.
- Enroll For Training Courses & Internships: When you are doing your bachelor’s and master’s, or once you finish your graduation, you must apply for internships and Psychology courses online. These courses provide practical exposure and training necessary for learning real-world counselling skills. Additionally, they are highly valuable for making your career as a Psychologist. Before doing independent practice as a Psychologist, learners can get some hands-on training on how they get started and what things they will be experiencing.
- Take Licence If Required: Getting a licence is not entirely necessary, but if you have chosen Clinical Psychology, you must register with the Rehabilitation Council of India. This process is vital for practising as a Psychologist ethically, especially in clinical setups, hospitals, and for providing diagnoses. Other specializations, like Counselling or Industrial Psychology, do not require a licence.
Popular Paths In Psychology
Now, since you know how to become a Psychologist step by step, your next task is to understand the best Psychology courses out there in India. The following are some popular career paths in the field of Psychology:
- Clinical Psychologist: One of the most popular paths in Psychology is working as a Clinical Psychologist. In this, you diagnose and treat various mental health disorders with therapies and interventions.
- Counselling Psychologist: Becoming a counsellor is another chosen path in the field of Psychology. Counsellors help people with daily life challenges, stress, grief, and career transitions. They can work in different places like schools, colleges, corporates, and private centres.
- I/O Psychologist: If you have always wanted to apply Psychology in the workplace, becoming an Industrial Psychologist is another popular choice. I/O Psychologists help in employees’ well-being, make early interventions, conduct seminars, check productivity at the workplace, and create a positive working space for all.
- Forensic Psychologist: As a Forensic psychologist, you can work with the crime department and law firms in evaluating criminal behaviour, analyzing suspects, and providing testimony, especially in juvenile cases.
- Neuropsychologist: As a Neuropsychologist, you can understand brain-behaviour relationships and work with patients suffering from brain injuries or neurological problems.
- Sports Psychologist: A Sports Psychologist can work with sports players to boost their performance, keep them calm under pressure, give them professional tips for improvement, and help in the rehabilitation process at times of injuries or health concerns.
How Much You Can Earn As A Psychologist
Now comes a crucial question. How much can you earn when you become a Psychologist? On average, around 8 Lakhs annually. But based on various factors, your salary can differ. Here’s a breakdown:
Your Level of Expertise: Working as a Psychologist, your level of expertise totally depends on years of practical experience. It also revolves around your specialization. If we look into the popular courses of psychology, a Clinical Psychologist might earn more than a Counsellor. But we didn’t say exactly. Expertise varies from one person to another, and the opportunity they are being offered. At the entry level, you might be earning at a beginner stage. With a mid-career, you can expand your expertise. And with more than 5 years of experience, you can expect a lucrative salary as a Psychologist, ranging between 8–10 lakhs per annum.
Your Area For Practice: Another factor is your area of practice. Working in the private or government sector creates a significant difference. Both come with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Your Location: While cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru provide more earning opportunities, smaller towns are still in the process of accepting mental health treatments and making it a priority.
Final Words
I hope you read all the steps essential in learning “How to become a Psychologist”. Many students stop this career in the middle or find themselves stuck when it comes to internships, stepping into the practical world, or choosing the right specialization. In such times, you can take help from a dedicated counsellor or read more about opportunities online. You can contact us for a Diploma in Psychology and learning opportunities.
When talking about the salary part, it solely depends on how many therapies you are well-equipped for and how many clients you can serve in your years of experience. At last, becoming a Psychologist might be challenging to many, but overall, it’s totally worth it.
