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Artspsychology

Counselling Psychologist

Counselling psychologists work with individuals, groups and communities to address emotional, social and vocational issues using evidence-based therapies. In India this path commonly begins with a BA/BSc in Psychology followed by MA/MSc, M.Phil (for clinical practice) or specialised counselling diplomas.

Salary range
₹3–20 LPA
Job growth
high
Work type
Hybrid
Paths to entry
4 routes

Actions for your grade

  • Choose subjects that build scientific thinking and communication
  • Attend basic psychology workshops or online courses
  • Volunteer with helplines or youth counselling programs

Your complete path from Grade 10 to Counselling Psychologist

Every step you need — from now to your first job.

UG Psychology (BA/BSc)
Arts

Provides foundational knowledge and eligibility for MA/MSc or professional diplomas.

  1. Now
    Arts Stream
  2. Exams
    CUET UG or MHT CET
  3. Degree
    BA / BSc in Psychology (3 years)
  4. Colleges
    University of Delhi · Christ University Bangalore · Banaras Hindu University
  5. Career
    Counselling Psychologist
M.A. / M.Sc Psychology → M.Phil Clinical
Any Stream

Clinical practice typically requires M.Phil from RCI-recognised institutes for registration as a clinical psychologist.

  1. Now
    Any Stream Stream
  2. Exams
    —
  3. Degree
    M.A. / M.Sc in Psychology (2 years) followed by M.Phil in Clinical Psychology (2 years) for clinical registration
  4. Colleges
    Tata Institute of Social Sciences · National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences · Aligarh Muslim University
  5. Career
    Counselling Psychologist
Integrated / Research-focused route
Science

Stronger emphasis on research methods and assessment skills useful for counselling practice and academia.

  1. Now
    Science Stream
  2. Exams
    CUET UG
  3. Degree
    Integrated MSc / Research programmes (4-5 years) or direct MSc with research components
  4. Colleges
    Jawaharlal Nehru University · Tata Institute of Social Sciences
  5. Career
    Counselling Psychologist
Corporate / Workplace Counsellor
Commerce

Combines HR/organisational skills with counselling training for employee assistance roles.

  1. Now
    Commerce Stream
  2. Exams
    CAT
  3. Degree
    MBA (HR) or PG Diploma in Counselling / Organisational Psychology (1-2 years)
  4. Colleges
    IIM Ahmedabad · Tata Institute of Social Sciences · Xavier School of Management
  5. Career
    Counselling Psychologist

Entrance exams

ExamEligibilityDifficultyWindow
MHT CET
Maharashtra State CET Cell
Class 12 PCM (Maharashtra domicile preferred)MediumApr-May
CUET UG
NTA
Class 12 (any stream)MediumMay-Jun
CAT
IIMs
Bachelor's degree 50%+Very HardNov

Where to Study

Institutes known to offer this career pathway in India.

Delhi University
University of Delhi
Central GovtNew Delhi, Delhi
CUET UGEntrance test (DUET/departmental)Merit-based
Christ University
Christ University
Deemed UniversityBengaluru, Karnataka
Christ University Entrance TestCUET
BHU
Banaras Hindu University
Central GovtVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh
CUETJEE MainNEET UG
JMI
Jamia Millia Islamia
Central GovtNew Delhi, Delhi
JEE MainCUETJMI Entrance Exam
TISS
Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Deemed UniversityMumbai, Maharashtra
TISSNETInstitute entranceMerit-based
NIMHANS
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences
AutonomousBengaluru, Karnataka
NEET PGNEET SSInstitute entranceMerit-based
AMU
Aligarh Muslim University
Central GovtAligarh, Uttar Pradesh
AMU Entrance TestNEET UGJEE Main
JNU
Jawaharlal Nehru University
Central GovtNew Delhi, Delhi
CUET PGJNUEE
IIM-A
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
AutonomousAhmedabad, Gujarat
CATGMAT
XLRI
Xavier School of Management
AutonomousJamshedpur, Jharkhand
XATGMAT
Recommendations only — verify eligibility, seat availability, and admission rules from official portals before applying.