“Psychology is much bigger than just medicine, or fixing unhealthy things. It’s about education, work, marriage — even sports.” — Martin E. P. Seligman, 2014
There was a time when subjects related to social sciences were frowned upon; anything to do with sociology, psychology, etc. was seen as a waste of time, and as a career that wouldn’t gain any social status or respect. However, the pandemic has brought about a lot of conversations on the importance of psychology. People are now viewing psychology as a meaningful and financially fulfilling career option. With the advent of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary courses, Indian society is now acknowledging the importance of the study of behaviours and the mind in various other fields like technology, fashion design, marketing, etc. What was once associated only with mental health and psychiatric diagnoses has now branched into human resources, educational psychology, and so many other branches, that its presence can be seen in almost every field out there.
Where Are We Now?
In India, psychology as a career has gained significant traction over the past few decades due to increasing awareness of mental health, evidence-based psychometric assessments, and the increasing need to work in groups and maintain social harmony. The demand for trained psychologists has risen in sectors such as healthcare, education, corporate organisations and sports. Institutions such as the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), and Delhi University offer specialised programmes in psychology, contributing to the growth of the field. Government and private organisations have started integrating psychology services into workplaces, schools and hospitals. Online mental health platforms and counselling services have also expanded, providing new career opportunities for psychology graduates.
When we talk about academic standardisation and licensing, the Rehabilitation Council of India which licenses clinical psychologists has its work cut out for it. With licensing procedures emphasising the stage only for clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists and other mental health practitioners (MHPs) have a hard time receiving respect and opportunities for the work they do.
Therefore, a career in psychology can be challenging; and working in this field requires students and working professionals to stand strong against stigma and advocate for the importance of psychology in other fields as a part of their commitment to their career.
In India, psychology as a career has gained significant traction over the past few decades due to increasing awareness of mental health, evidence-based psychometric assessments, and the increasing need to work in groups and maintain social harmony.
Careers in Psychology: Exploring Opportunities and Pathways
Psychology is everywhere; this may seem an exaggeration, but it is the truth. From working in hospitals with patients who have a psychiatric disorder to working as a social worker in an NGO, psychology is a part of life that can be found in every aspect of it. So, detailing all the career opportunities in psychology may provide an output of a non-exhaustible list; however, here are some main careers in the field.
- Clinical Psychology: One of the most well-known branches of psychology is clinical psychology. Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. They work in hospitals, private practices, mental health clinics and rehabilitation centres.
- Counselling Psychology: Counselling psychologists work with concerns related to mental health and holistic well-being. They see clients through an organisation or in their private practice, and they keep enhancing their skills with certifications in various therapeutic approaches.
- Industrial-Organisational Psychology: Industrial-organisational (I/O) psychologists apply psychological principles to the workplace to improve productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall organisational effectiveness. They conduct research on workplace behaviour, develop training programmes, and help companies improve hiring and management practices.
- Educational and School Psychology: School psychologists play a crucial role in helping students succeed academically, socially and emotionally. They assess learning difficulties, provide counselling, and work with teachers and parents to create effective learning environments. Educational psychologists focus on studying learning methods and developing instructional strategies to improve educational outcomes.
- Forensic Psychology: Forensic psychologists apply psychology to the legal and criminal justice system. They work with law enforcement agencies, courts and correctional facilities to assess criminals, provide expert testimony, and develop rehabilitation programmes. Some forensic psychologists also work in research, studying criminal behaviour and ways to prevent crime.
- Psychology and UI/UX: While technology provides the tools, such as AI, data analytics, and interaction design, psychology helps designers understand human behaviour, cognitive load, perception, and emotional responses. By combining these disciplines, UI/UX professionals craft designs that not only look aesthetically pleasing but also feel natural and engaging, ultimately enhancing user satisfaction and accessibility.
- Research and Academic Careers: Psychologists interested in research and teaching often pursue academic careers in universities and research institutions. They conduct studies on human behaviour, cognitive processes and mental health disorders, contributing to the advancement of psychological knowledge.
Courses & Institutes: Admission, Eligibility & Career Paths
Students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology or a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Psychology, depending on their interest in either theoretical or scientific aspects of the field. Admission to top universities is often based on merit, determined by board exam scores, while some institutions conduct entrance exams or interviews. The curriculum generally covers foundational subjects such as cognitive psychology, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, and research methodologies. Practical training, internships and project work are also included to provide hands-on experience.
Several prestigious colleges in India offer undergraduate psychology programmes with strong academic and research foundations. Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR), New Delhi, and St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai are well-known for their B.A. (Hons) in Psychology programmes, emphasising research and theoretical knowledge. Christ University, Bangalore, and Fergusson College, Pune, offer diverse psychology courses with interdisciplinary exposure. For those inclined towards scientific research, Presidency College, Chennai, and the University of Calcutta provide B.Sc. Psychology programmes with a strong focus on experimental and biological psychology. These institutions prepare students for advanced studies or careers in counselling, clinical psychology, organisational psychology, and other specialised fields.
At present, the most prominent domains in psychology are biological psychology, cognitive psychology, social and personality psychology, counselling psychology, and of course, clinical psychology.
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Psychology: Salaries & Job Prospects
Salaries for psychologists in India vary based on factors like experience, specialisation and location. However, a trend of increase in salaries has been observed with the average salary of psychology pass-outs in 2015 being ₹200,000 to increasing substantially to ₹408,246 in 2025.
As of January 2025, there are approximately 5,961 psychologists in India, with 3,372 being clinical psychologists registered with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). The World Health Organization recommends a higher ratio of mental health professionals to the population than currently exists in India, indicating a significant shortfall.
So, to debunk the most common myth about careers in psychology, at least 10 per cent of people in India need counselling at some point in their life, and India has a severe shortage of mental health professionals, with only 0.7 professionals for every 100,000 people, far below the recommended ratio of three psychiatrists per 100,000 population. Therefore, for every parent worried that there’s no future or employment scope, we can assure you there is.
Conclusion
A career in psychology offers diverse opportunities to make a meaningful impact on individuals and society. Whether working in healthcare, business, education or law enforcement, psychology students and professionals play a vital role in understanding and improving human behaviour. With the right education and training, aspiring psychology professionals can find fulfilling careers in various specialisations, contributing to societal advancement. In India, the field is evolving, and with continued efforts in awareness and training, psychology is set to become a prominent career choice in the coming years.
Written by Sarah Chriscyl Fernandes. She is a career counsellor at Riarpro Learning Solutions and can be reached at sarah@riarpro.com.
DISCLAIMER: Views expressed above are that of the author and do not reflect the views of the website. The Peeper Times does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
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