How to Become a Clinical Psychologist: Courses, Exams & Salary

Becoming a mental-health professional is one of the most meaningful careers today. If you’re wondering How to Become a Clinical Psychologist, this guide explains everything—right from psychology courses, required exams, and career scope to psychologist salary in India.

What is Clinical Psychology?

Clinical psychology is a specialization of psychology that studies human behaviour, mental disorders, and emotional problems. A clinical psychologist helps diagnose and treat issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, phobias, learning issues, and other psychological disorders.

Unlike counselors, clinical psychologists can perform assessments, psychological tests, and therapies based on clinical training.

Psychology Courses After 12th (BA Psychology / BSc Psychology)

You can begin your psychology career right after class 12 by choosing a psychology degree.

Popular UG Psychology Courses

1. BA Psychology

2. BSc Psychology

3. BA Clinical Psychology (specialized colleges)

4. BSc Clinical Psychology

During graduation, you’ll learn about:

1. human behaviour

2. mental processes

3. cognitive psychology

4. personality studies

5. child psychology

Psychology Scope: Is Psychology a Good Career in India?

With rising mental-health awareness, the psychology scope in India is growing rapidly. Hospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, research institutions, and NGOs hire psychology graduates for multiple roles.

Clinical psychology especially has high demand due to the shortage of licensed clinical psychologists across the country.

MA Psychology vs MSc Psychology: Which is Better?

After graduation, students usually take a MA psychology or MSc psychology course depending on career goals.

MA Psychology

1. theoretical focus

2. humanities background acceptable

3. ideal for therapy and counseling

MSc Psychology

1. scientific and clinical approach

2. ideal for clinical training and research

Both are excellent options but students interested in clinical work should prefer MSc Clinical Psychology if available.

Higher Studies: MPhil Psychology & Clinical Training

To practice as a professional clinical psychologist, students must complete advanced clinical training.

Required higher studies include:

1. MSc Psychology

2. MPhil Clinical Psychology

3. or a PhD in Clinical Psychology

The MPhil psychology is the most popular pathway because it offers:

1. supervised clinical training

2. internships

3. psychiatric exposure

4. hospital rotations

5. case handling experience

After MPhil, students register with the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) to practice legally.

Psychology Exams for Clinical Psychologists

Many institutes conduct psychology entrance exams including:

1. CUET PG

2. TISSNET

3. BHU Psychology Entrance

4. JMI Entrance

5. NIMHANS

6. CIP Ranchi

MPhil programs also require competitive entrance exams and interviews.

Clinical Psychologist Salary in India

The psychologist salary depends on experience, specialization, certifications, and location.

Professionals with MPhil or PhD receive significantly higher salaries than graduates.

Psychology Jobs in India

Some popular psychology jobs include:

1. clinical psychologist

2. counseling psychologist

3. rehabilitation specialist

4. psychotherapist

5. school psychologist

6. mental-health researcher

7. forensic psychologist

8. organizational psychologist

Clinical psychology remains the most respected and regulated branch within psychology careers.

Step-By-Step Path: How to Become a Clinical Psychologist in India

Here’s a simple roadmap:

Step 1 — Complete 12th in any stream

Preferably Psychology/Biology, but not mandatory.

Step 2 — Complete BA Psychology / BSc Psychology

Step 3 — Complete MA Psychology or MSc Psychology

Step 4 — Apply for MPhil Psychology or PhD in Clinical Psychology

Step 5 — Register with RCI

Step 6 — Start practicing in hospitals or clinics

FAQs

Q1. How to become a clinical psychologist?

Ans. Complete BA/BSc Psychology → MA/MSc Psychology → MPhil Clinical Psychology → RCI registration → Clinical practice.

Q2. What courses are needed for clinical psychology?

Ans. BA Psychology, BSc Psychology, MSc/MA Psychology followed by MPhil or PhD in Clinical Psychology.

Q3. Is clinical psychology a good career?

Ans. Yes, clinical psychology has high demand, strong salary growth and meaningful career opportunities in India.

Q4. What is the salary of a clinical psychologist in India?

Ans. Beginners earn ₹3-5 LPA and experienced professionals can earn above ₹15L+ especially in private practice.

Q5. What can I do after a master's in clinical psychology in India?

Ans. You can pursue MPhil Clinical Psychology, research, counseling roles, internships, or prepare for RCI registration.

Q6. Is psychology a good career in India?

Ans. Yes, psychology scope is increasing due to rising mental-health awareness and demand for professional psychologists.