Psychological Counsellor/Counselling Psychologist
Helps people of all ages work through problems and make difficult decisions in their lives.
Overview
Psychological Counsellors help people deal with problems and make difficult decisions in various aspects of their lives. It requires a deep understanding of personality, cognition (how we think and make decisions), and communication. They work with clients of all ages. They may focus on behavioral/emotional problems in children and families, education, work and career issues, old age concerns, or improving productivity and personnel performance in organizations.
Where they work
- Hospitals
- Universities
- Organizations
- Counselling Centres
Work environment
The working conditions can depend on whether or not you work in a research-oriented career or a more applied profession. If you work in more applied profession, you will likely spend more one-on-one time with clients. Entrepreneurship: you can start your own clinic.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to help others
- You are comfortable in communicating with others
- You pay attention to details while working
- You like to analyse problems/situations
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in any stream
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (B.Sc (only for science stream students)/B.A.) in Psychology or Applied Psychology.
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree followed by a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology.
Alternative route 3
- 1Complete a Bachelor's degree, followed by a Master's degree and a Ph.D. in Applied Psychology/Psychology.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Psychology or Applied Psychology. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi
- The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra
- Presidency College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Lady Shri Ram College for Women, New Delhi
- Christ University, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Keshav Mahavidyalaya, New Delhi
- Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana
- DAV College, Chandigarh
- St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Fergusson College, Pune, Maharashtra
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Intern
- 2Psychologist Assistant
- 3Psychologist
- 4Private Practice or Head of Psychology Department
Expected income
₹20,000 – ₹40,000 per month
These figures are taken from NCS and are indicative and subject to change.
SourceRelated careers to explore
Clinical Psychologist
Assesses and treats mental, emotional and behavioural disorders through counselling and therapy.
Psychiatrist
Physician specialising in the diagnosis, prevention, study and treatment of mental disorders.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream, Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Dr Jhuma Basak — A psychoanalyst, who studied MA in Jadavpur University and then did her PhD in Psychology from Japan. She is a member of the International Psychoanalytical Association, London. Dr. Basak is a Training Analyst, and member of the Council of the Indian Psychoanalytical Society. She is also the Assistant Secretary of the Indian Psychoanalytical Society.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 411 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://bit.ly/3ZDrgHC
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
Presidency College, Chennai is printed in both the government and private lists on this card; it appears once here, under government.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.