PEOPLE AND TEACHING
Psychologist
Understanding how people think and feel — and helping them when it gets hard.
Facts checked 17/10/2026
- Class 11–12 subjects
- Any stream for most BA/B.Sc Psychology courses (each university decides).
- First degree
- BA/B.Sc Psychology (3 or 4 years). For clinical work: an RCI-recognised professional qualification.
- Entrance exams
- CUET or university tests.
- Licence or registration
- Clinical psychologists must be on the Rehabilitation Council of India's register (CRR). Counsellors and organisational psychologists don't need it.
What the work is like
Counselling, clinical assessment and therapy, school counselling, workplace (HR) psychology, research.
The path, step by step
- After Class 12BA/B.Sc Psychology, or RCI's 4-year Bachelor in Clinical Psychology.
- Master'sMA/M.Sc Psychology for counselling, organisational or research work.
- Clinical routeRCI-recognised Master in Clinical Psychology (needs a 4-year degree, or a 3-year degree plus a bridge course — reported). (reported — check with the official body)
- ThenRegister with RCI to practise as a clinical psychologist.
Good to know
- The M.Phil in Clinical Psychology took its last admissions in 2025–26; RCI renamed the new courses in May 2026.
- Plan the clinical route before you choose a 3-year or 4-year degree.
Read more
About pay: it varies a lot by city, employer and skill, and changes year to year, so we don't print salary numbers. Ask us in a session and we'll show you current, sourced figures for your case.
Sources: RCI circulars and notifications · RCI office memorandum on course names (May 2026) · RCI public notice on M.Phil (May 2026)
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