How Much Does It Cost To Study Psychology In India?
Want to study psychology in India and yet worried about how much it can cost you? One of the most crucial aspects to keep in mind while wanting to pursue psychology courses in India is that it is an extensive process and you have a lot to learn. Hence it is often possible that you will not be done with just a graduation course. As you climb up the ladder and want to pursue higher degrees, the associated cost might also go up.
There are few options for free online psychology courses with certificates in India by the government; however, this does not give you the license to practice until you hold some kind of accreditation from the RCI or the Rehabilitation Council of India. Online psychology courses in India are great for gaining knowledge but it is not the right one to start your practice as a clinical or even counselling psychologist.
Courses in India for Psychology Study
Pursuing Graduation in Psychology
If you have a specific aim in mind that you want to pursue clinical psychology courses in India then you have to start from the base - pursuing a graduation degree in psychology. This could be a bachelor's course in arts like BA Hons as well as a bachelor's course in science like B.sc Hons. However, for the graduation degree as well there is an option to choose from a government college or private college. Usually, with government colleges the seats are limited and hence you have to carry excellent marks on your boards or crack the entrance exam with flying colours. The costs usually are:
Government Colleges - Rs. 2000 to Rs. 10,000 ( For the entire course)
Private Colleges - Rs. 2,00000 to Rs. 4.50000 ( For the entire course)
Some of the better-known government colleges that one can try out to pursue the best psychology courses in India are Delhi University, Calcutta University, and Ranchi Institute of Mental Health. There are some good options in private universities as well like Christ University, Amity University, St. Xavier's University, etc. This is the best and most reliable psychology course in India after the 12th.
Pursuing a Master's in Psychology
After you have pursued a course in psychology at the undergraduate level, you will then need to acquire a master's or postgraduate degree. Depending on whether you have a BA or B.sc degree, you will be accorded an MA or M.sc degree. In this case, as well you have options to choose from the private and the government colleges. However, the competition has become much more stringent and hence there are very few options that offer you a reliable master's degree. The cost associated are as follows:
Government Colleges - Rs. 2000 to Rs. 5000 ( don't need this much also if you have a scholarship)
Private Colleges- Rs. 200000 (can vary depending on your specializations)
MPhil or Ph.D. Courses in India
After you have completed your master's degree in the field of psychology you are eligible to apply for both MPhil or PhD degree depending on your choice of career. If you want to be a clinical psychologist then you have to pursue the M.Phil degree as it gives you the recognition under RCI to practice as an independent clinical psychologist. If you are thinking of distance learning psychology courses in India then that can be done till the postgraduate degree. The cost will be similar to that of private universities and you will need to travel depending on your exam location. You will be able to pursue an MPhil only after you have cleared the entrance examination.
Some of the best colleges where you can pursue the MPhil degree are Rajabazar Science College, Institute of Psychiatry, Central Institute of Psychiatry, and NIMHANS in Bangalore Each of these colleges is recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India and at the same time runs by the government. Hence, you will need to pay very little money as fees for examinations. You get paid a stipend on the other hand as you will be in the out-patient department with patients and diagnosing them. The rate of stipend starts from Rs. 8000 and it can go upto Rs. 20,000.
For PhD in psychology in India, you will need to appear for a NET examination and after you have cracked the same, you can apply for your doctoral degree. In most cases, scholars aspire for a government grant that can completely waive the associated cost and help them pursue their cause. However, if that is not the scenario then you have to pursue PhD in clinical psychology or any other field in private colleges only. There are options like Christ University, Amity University, Loyola College, Kristu Jayanti College, and similar others. The fees are between Rs. 50,000 and you might have to pay Rs. 600000 depending on the tenure of your completion.
Diploma Courses in Psychology
If you do not want to pursue an MPhil or PhD in clinical psychology and yet want to practice as an independent psychologist, then you can easily apply for the diploma courses after you have completed your post-graduation degree. Depending on your area of specialization you can choose the most appropriate course. Some of the options are:
Positive Psychology Courses in India
Rs. 15000 to Rs. 25000.
Integrated Psychology Courses in India
Rs.30000 to Rs. 100000
Spiritual Psychology Courses in India
Starts from Rs. 10,000.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy courses
Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25000
Psychoanalysis and Dream Interpretation
Starts from Rs. 50,000
One of the best universities to study psychology in India is Calcutta University. The Department of Psychology was established in 1916 and since then it has been a testimony of quality education. However with the limited opportunities for students when it comes to seats, each aspirant can't study here. Even private universities like Amity University and Christ University are now known to offer the best psychology courses in India, although the associated costs might be quite high when put in comparison with the government colleges.
