Important Facts

Manisa Das Nov 11, 2025 1.8K Reads

According to the American Psychological Association, Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. Psychology includes many sub-fields like human development, sports, health, clinical, social behavior, and cognitive processes.
Psychology is a field that has emerged as one of the front-running disciplines in India in recent years. This marked growth is a result of normalizing and mainstreaming the importance of human psychological processes in all avenues of life and has consequently bred grounds for a number of new jobs and professional domains.
If you are a student pursuing an educational course in the field of psychology or an aspirant looking for a successful career option in this field, then continue reading this blog to start exploring the most well-paid and valued careers in psychology in India.
As per the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Open & Distance Learning (ODL) has been discontinued from the 2025-2026 session. All the psychology degrees earned through the ODL form will be invalid.
The UGC’s decision follows the implementation of the NCAHP Act, 2021, which placed allied health sciences under centralized regulation. Previously unregulated in many states, the field suffered from inconsistent standards and fake institutions. With the NCAHP now overseeing ten allied health professions, including psychology, the UGC’s Distance Education Bureau (DEB) withdrew approval for online and distance programs in these fields. The move was formalized at the 592nd UGC meeting on July 23, 2025.
As per the recent guidelines issued by the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) dated 05 March 2025, programs BA Psychology and MA Psychology cannot be offered in any online or distance mode. Click here to check the official notice.
Psychology is a discipline that pertains to the scientific study of the mind, behavior, and social processes. Psychology as a field has prospered in recent years in India, although its development can be traced back to the 1920s.
Psychology has become quite a popular choice of education and career among students in India. Students from a variety of past educational backgrounds are now seeking to develop successful careers in India in various domains, including child psychology, marketing research, academia and research, psychotherapy, organizational behavior, defense psychology, and so on.

There are diverse job domains available in the field of psychology, and hence, it can be quite a lucrative domain to develop a career in, especially considering the long-term development and imminent boom expected in the field. Here, we have delved into a few of the top benefits of pursuing a career in psychology in India.
A Diverse Number of Career Options
While it is a very common misconception that disciplines in the social sciences and humanities have limited and specific career options, this is far from the truth about the modern career landscape in India. In the field of psychology, there are a number of diverse career options and practices, ranging from research and development, product research, therapy practice, academia, to corporate jobs related to organizational development, HR, and training, and so on. Hence, an aspirant of psychology can benefit a lot from the diversity of career choices they have at their disposal if they venture into this field.
Available Jobs Across Industries
One of the striking aspects of psychology is its demand and importance in virtually all industries in the professional realm. While many disciplinary studies entail jobs in specific industries, education in psychology entails not only a diversity of jobs, but the practice of those jobs cutting across industries. This means that a psychologist, whether a therapist, a counselor, or an organizational psychologist, can gain experience in various industries as these job roles are required across professional sectors. Even government measures and the rising importance being given to mental health services and the psychological well-being of employees have opened up career options and job roles for psychology professionals in various organizations.
Fair Compensation
The field of psychology, although starting off with a moderate potential for compensation, is ripe with opportunities to explore that can provide highly lucrative packages and salaries. With a few years of experience, professionals can advance in their career ladder and secure jobs with appealing pay. The earning potential in psychology in India and abroad is one of the main reasons that students are widely attracted to the field.
Growing Field with a Bright Future
Psychology has flourished as an academic discipline as well as a professional domain over the past few decades in India and promises a bright future ahead as well. The cognizance of the impact of mental health on human performance, well-being, and growth has significantly impacted its mainstreaming into the highly valued professional fields in India. Studying psychology and developing a career in it can be highly rewarding, more so in the future than in the present, as psychology’s growth potential opens up the door for newer and innovative psychologist job roles to open up in the industrial domains.
Opportunity to Expand One’s Social Network
Establishing a career in psychology can be fruitful and most meaningful to individuals who desire social interaction with others. Most careers in psychology require professionals to actively reach out to and interact with others, and thus, can be highly fulfilling and meaningful to individuals with a knack and ambition to develop a social network, both in professional and personal domains. Moreover, this field is very beneficial for networking, especially for those who can comfortably interact with others to grow their circle.
Meaningful Experiences in Helping Others
Our professional space is the environment wherein we spend more than 3/4th of our waking hours. In such a case, working in a domain that is personally meaningful to us is of utmost importance. Many students and aspirants are drawn to a career in psychology since it provides the opportunity to have meaningful experiences of reaching out to those in need and helping them navigate through their crises. In addition to the services offered by psychologists in case of crises, there is also a scope of active build-up upon existing skills and potentials of humans, both of which mean psychologists make meaningful contributions to the lives of others. Thus, a career in psychology can surely be appealing to those individuals who strive to make a difference in society by helping others.
Honing One’s Interpersonal Skills
Another major aspect that a career in psychology helps a person with is honing their interpersonal skills. As already discussed, working in this field requires substantial interaction and reaching out to others, and this can provide an opportunity for a professional to develop their interpersonal skills manifold. Interpersonal skills are one of the most valued competencies in the current professional landscape and can be advantageous in career development in subsequent years.
Developing a Holistic World View
Lastly, one of the many benefits of a career in psychology is the impact it can create in the personal transformation of a professional. One of the biggest of these advantages is the ability to develop a holistic worldview and outlook. A number of careers in psychology require observing, understanding, and addressing critical issues, problems, interpersonal differences, etc., all of which can mold the worldview a professional has towards life in a much more holistic fashion.
Thus, as can be seen, there are a number of advantages of venturing into a career in psychology, some of which are appealing to all, while some, to individuals with specific needs and ambitions. Further on, we have discussed the current top 10 careers in the field of psychology that are highly regarded within the discipline and can be rewarding for a professional in this field to take up.
When considering a career in psychology, there are a number of pertinent domains like counseling, psychotherapy, and other mental health services, teaching and professorship, industrial and organizational services, forensic psychology, etc., that one can consider. Even within this broad field, there are a number of careers and job roles that are highly demanded by professionals and freshers alike.
Here are the top 10 career options in psychology:
|
Career options |
Expected salary |
|
Psychiatrist |
INR 9.67 LPA |
|
Clinical Psychologist |
INR 4.08 LPA - INR 5 LPA |
|
Counselor |
INR 3.62 LPA |
|
Industrial/Organizational Psychologist (I/O Psychologist) |
INR 4.14 LPA |
|
Psychology Professor |
INR 9.94 LPA |
|
Forensic Psychologist |
INR 5.93 LPA. |
|
Military/Defense Psychologist |
INR 6 LPA - INR 6.8 LPA |
|
Educational Psychologist |
INR 4.85 LPA |
|
Neuropsychologist |
INR 4 LPA - INR 4.86 LPA |
|
Child Psychologist |
INR 3.9 LPA |
Here, we have elaborated upon the top 10 most demanded and appealing career options to go for if you have an educational background in psychology.

Psychiatry is a field in psychology that brings together medical knowledge with psychological knowledge. Psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in the medical treatment of psychopathologies through a number of medicinal techniques and treatments. The field of psychiatry requires a minimum qualification of MBBS followed by specialized education in psychiatry, after which psychiatrists can practice in hospitals, healthcare centers, mental healthcare institutions, NGOs, or even start their own clinic of psychiatry.
Key Skills Required: Some of the prime skills needed to practice professionally as a psychiatrist include aptitude for case observation, applied diagnostic knowledge, active listening and communication skills, diagnosis and treatment, prescription of drugs, etc.

Clinical psychologists are primary mental healthcare professionals who work with individuals going through psychopathologies or mental disorders by providing treatment through psychotherapy. As of current guidelines, to become a clinical psychologist in India, an individual needs to have a PG degree in psychology, followed by an M.Phil degree and training from an RCI-licensed institution of India. Clinical psychologists also need to obtain a license from the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) to practice professionally. Clinical psychology is one of the most prominent career fields in psychology, as clinical psychologists can practice in public and private sector organizations, work for social organizations, as well as practice in their own private chambers and clinics.
Further details about the job domain of clinical psychology have been provided below:

Counselors are mental health professionals who work in diverse arenas ranging from school and educational settings, clinics, child therapy centers, social and non-profit organizations, hospitals, to organizational settings. Counselors work with clients to help them navigate problems and issues faced in day-to-day life, as well as provide counseling for specific areas of problems like interpersonal relationships, marriages, social adjustment, speech therapy, etc. The career scope of counseling is vast, making it one of the most popular options for a career in psychology.
Find more key details about the field of counselling given below:
Key Skills Required: Empathetic attitude, communication skills, interpersonal skills, case management, knowledge of counseling techniques, and group management are essential skills needed to thrive in a career of counseling.
Industrial-organizational psychologists can explore jobs in the organizational and industrial sectors, as the name suggests. Hence, this field is suitable for those working professionals seeking a career in the corporate or organizational sector. I/O psychologists can choose to develop a career in various subfields in this domain, such as training and development, research, consultancy firms, leadership development, strategic guidance, etc. Since this field permits jobs in the corporate sector as well, it is a fairly compensated domain that allows for significant career growth opportunities. Professionals who complete a PG degree or diploma course with a specialization in I/O psychology can take this course.
Further details about I/O psychology as a career option have been given below for reference:
Academia and professorship are other popular career options in psychology. After completing further education in psychology, preferably at least till the doctoral level, professionals can seek jobs in the academic and research sector. To apply for professorship jobs in psychology in India, one needs to be UGC-NET qualified in addition to having at least a PG degree in psychology. Professorship and academia are a lucrative job sector in this field–they allow the professional to receive fair compensation as well as research and stay connected to the field itself.
Key details about the job domain of being a psychology professor are listed below:

Forensic psychology as a field is concerned with the application and use of psychological concepts and principles to understand and facilitate criminal investigations, whether at the civil, criminal, or family levels. Forensic psychology is a field with rising prominence in India and offers quite a bright and appealing career scope to students and professionals alike. The field is already decently compensated in current job sectors, but with the integration of technological advances and expected transformation of the field of forensics, forensic psychologists can expect a significant boost to their careers in the near future. Forensic psychologists get to interact with suspects, study cases and convicts, conduct psychological tests and detailed examinations, as well as provide guidance and support to crime departments about the progression of particular cases (as needed).
More details about the job role of a forensic psychologist have been provided below:

Defense or military psychologists are professionals who serve in the armed forces at the level of support in practices like recruitment, training, orientation, job effectiveness analysis, performance analysis, stress management, as well as peacemaking activities in some cases. Defense psychologists can thus perform various roles related to army personnel selection, their selection, psychological testing, strategic support, counseling, and others. This field is decently compensated for freshers and professionals in the initial phases of career development. However, the scope of job escalation in this field is lucrative.
Find further key details about practicing as a defense/military psychologist in India below:
Educational psychology is an up-and-coming field in the disciplines of both educational studies and psychology, and can be a meaningful career option for working professionals seeking to contribute to the field of education. Educational psychologists can work with schools, higher educational institutions, educational policy makers, as well as educational centers for research and development to provide their valuable insights and consultancy in policy-framing, curriculum planning, student and parental counseling, and more. The field is well-compensated for beginners and offers scope for career escalation in India and beyond.
Further key details about the job role of an educational psychologist have been provided below:

Neuropsychologists are professionals who work specifically in areas concerning neurology, psychology, and human cognition to explore and understand the relation between the human brain and behavior. Neuropsychologists need a sound knowledge and understanding of medicine, although the field is primarily related to the practice of psychology and is non-medical in nature. Neuropsychology is a well-paid job domain for professionals as they gain work experience, and can provide job opportunities in both private and public research centers, healthcare institutions, or hospitals.
More details about the job domain of neuropsychology have been provided below:
Child psychologists are mental health professionals, like clinical psychologists or counselors, who work with infants, toddlers, and children to understand their experiences, behaviors, and cognitive processes at the basic level and address and resolve the concerns faced by them at the applied level. Child psychology is a key field of psychology and can be taken up by professionals who have at least completed their education at the postgraduate level in psychology, preferably with a specialization in child psychology, developmental psychology, or counseling/clinical psychology. Child psychology opens up job roles in the social work sector and public sectors, although professional opportunities in private and public educational centers can also be explored.
Find further important details about child psychology as a job domain listed below:
When considering a career in psychology, there are a number of domains that can allow you to explore diverse options. The career opportunities that you can venture into depend to a great extent on the subdomain of psychology that you have focused upon through your higher education. Considering the importance and stakes of handling jobs in psychology that cater to direct human experiences, having a robust education and training before venturing into a career in this field is essential.
Find the major domains of psychology that are not only well-regarded professionally but also provide thorough foundations of education and training to you before you venture into the field for professional practice.

The field of psychology is ripe with a number of subdomains that offer a wide and diverse exposure to students and professionals, in addition to offering an appealing scope of career development. A number of public sector jobs are also opening up for qualified professionals in the field of psychology, with the field getting increasing recognition.
This is the branch of psychology that concerns itself with the study of psychopathologies and mental disorders as well as their treatment through psychotherapeutic interventions. In this branch of psychology, students learn about the various psychopathologies, their classification, their epidemiology, etiology, incidence, etc., so as to be able to observe cases and diagnose them. Further, students learn about the treatment and therapeutic practices to treat these various mental disorders as psychologists. Students specializing in this domain can work as clinical psychologists in organizations, public and private hospitals, private clinics, etc.
Organizational psychology, or organizational-industrial psychology (I/O Psychology) is the subdomain in this discipline that opens up career opportunities in the corporate world for you. Students of organizational psychology learn about the psychological aspects of various functions and social processes in the organizational context, such as employee interactions, management of employees, leadership, personnel management, HRM, organizational development, and management. OB students can explore careers in the corporate sector in various areas like marketing research, leadership development, training and quality assurance, HR roles, consultancy roles, etc.
Social psychology is one of the most vast, appealing, and fascinating sections in the study of psychology that studies the processes of social phenomena at the individual, group, or community levels among humans. It is an arena of psychology with a humongous scope both academically and professionally. Professionals or aspirants seeking a career in social psychology can venture across industries as well as academic settings. Research and development is a pertinent area that social psychologists can consider exploring.
Are you someone who is interested in developing a career that can explore human processes across age groups? Then, developmental psychology is the perfect specialization area in this field for you. Developmental psychologists learn about the human psyche and the development of humans as they progress through various age groups and developmental stages. Further, this discipline provides the opportunity to explore developmental processes across industries and institutions like schools, colleges, organizations, hospitals, old-age homes, etc. Career scope in this field is not only vast but also quite diverse and lucrative.
Counseling psychology is a domain of psychology closely related to clinical psychology, wherein the student learns to use various therapeutic techniques to enable individuals to navigate problems and concerns encountered in their daily lives. Unlike clinical psychology, counseling practice does not involve the diagnosis of psychopathologies, and in most cases, counselors deal with clients facing problems and stressors in their everyday lives rather than critical mental illnesses. As a result, counseling as a professional domain allows practice in a variety of settings beyond clinics, like schools, universities, organizations and MNCs, hospitals, NGO, and so on. The career options offered in this field are quite popular among psychologists.
Educational psychology is the specialization domain in the field that is concerned with the psychological processes involved in education and educational settings. It can be quite an interesting and rewarding field to develop a career in for those interested in educational studies or academia, professorship, or research in the educational sector. Educational psychologists can conduct research in educational settings, contribute to policy formation for the sector, provide consultancy and strategic guidance to educational institutions, or work with social organizations to support the educational needs of the needy. Educational psychology is currently in its budding phases in India and shall completely flourish as a distinct professional field in the upcoming years, making it a lucrative domain to start a career in.
An off-stream and unconventional specialization area, Indian Psychology (IP) is a domain that is concerned with the psychological thought of Indian and Eastern origin. This domain can be of interest to those psychologists and professionals interested in integrating the Indian psychological principles in their practice, whether in their clinical or counseling practice, organizational practices, their educational setting, etc.
Essentially concerned with the study of humans at individual, dyadic, and group levels and facilitating the resolution of their problems and concerns, practicing as a professional psychologist requires certain critical skills that the professionals must master to thrive in the career as well as protect the well-being of the client/personnel they are working with.
While certain key technical skills and hard skills are needed to efficiently develop a career in psychology, the majority of critical skills needed to prosper in this field are related to the effective practice of soft skills.
A few of the most essential skills and competencies needed to thrive in a career in psychology include:
With the skills mentioned above, one can quite successfully navigate their career journey in psychology and achieve a successful career for themselves.
Psychology courses in 12th provide a basic understanding of the subject and topics related to covering topics like memory, intelligence, emotion, and social interaction. Individuals have to study further to enhance their knowledge about psychology, which may open doors to various career paths.
Psychology is a vast, growing field across several industries like criminal justice, medicine, sports, business, education, and many more. After 12th, the students can choose from various psychology courses based on their interest in human behaviour, mental health, or emotional wellness. To become a licensed psychologist, individuals have to pursue advanced studies and certifications.
In the table below, we have summarised the key features of some of the most prominent degrees and courses in psychology that one can consider pursuing for developing a career in psychology.
|
Course |
Duration |
Average Fee |
Course Level and Type |
Entrance Mandatory or Not |
Whether Available Online/ODL or Not |
|
B.A Hons Psychology |
3 Years |
INR 5000-INR 2,00,000 |
UG Degree |
Mandatory |
Yes |
|
B.Sc Hons Psychology |
3 Years |
INR 5000-INR 4,00,000 |
UG Degree |
Mandatory |
Yes |
|
M.A. Psychology |
2 Years |
INR 10,000-INR 3,00,000 |
PG Degree |
Not Mandatory |
Yes |
|
M.Sc Psychology |
2 Years |
INR 2000-INR 4,00,000 |
PG Degree |
Not Mandatory |
– |
|
Ph.D in Psychology |
3 Years (Minimum) |
INR 1,00,000-INR 5,00,000 |
Doctoral Degree |
Mandatory |
No |
|
M.Phil in Psychology |
2 Years |
INR 1,00,000-INR 2,00,000 |
PG Research Degree |
Mandatory |
No |
As can be seen, there are a number of career pathways that one can explore if they are interested in going for jobs related to the domain of psychology. These fields are well-compensated and allow the candidate to escalate their career with experience.
A few of the best careers in psychology include those like becoming a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, defense psychologist, I/O psychologist, etc.
Careers that can be established quite quickly, i.e., after education at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, include I/O psychology, HRM-related jobs, counseling job positions, etc.
As of 2023, the minimum qualifications required to become a clinical psychologist in India are a PG degree course in psychology and an M.Phil in Clinical Psychology from an RCI-recognized institution.
Psychology branches like Clinical psychology, psychiatry, and industrial organization psychology offer the highest earning potential in this field. However, the earning also depends on factors like location or experience.
A career in psychology can be worth it and quite rewarding to a professional interested in social sciences, academia and research, psychotherapy, or counseling. The scope of corporate jobs is also sufficiently vast in psychology. The job roles are initially in a moderate salary range and can escalate manifold with experience.
Available job options in the public sector for qualified psychologists and professionals include those in the defense sector, armed forces, professorship and academia, in government hospitals and healthcare centers, rehabilitation centers, and so on. Clinical psychologists, counselors, trained mental health professionals, defense psychologists, child therapists, psychiatrists, researchers, etc., can seek jobs in the government sector after completing formal education in psychology.
The best colleges and universities for psychology in India include the University of Delhi, Christ University, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Dr. B. R. Ambedkar University Delhi, St. Xavier’s College, Fergusson College, Chandigarh University, Amity University, etc.

By Manisa Das
3 Years of experience/ academic writer/ freelance writer
Academic writing expert and freelancer with 3 years of experience, specializing in law, business, and social sciences. I deliver clear, well-researched, and high-quality content with a strong foundation in social science and business studies.
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