What is Clinical Psychology?: Course Fees 2026, Subjects, Top Colleges, Admissions

Clinical Psychology is not usually a BSc or BA course when you do undergrad. It’s a special part of Psychology that you usually study after bachelor, like in PG.

Doing bachelor in Psychology or similar subjects give you basic knowledge that help you when you study Clinical Psychology later.

You can see below why doing Clinical Psychology course is good:

• Interest in Mind: These course help you learn lots about how people think and behave.
• Jobs to Do: Clinical psychologists can work in many places like hospitals, clinics, schools, or even research labs. More people need help for mental health, so lots of job options.
• Different Special Areas: You can choose what you like more, like kids mind, law stuff, health mind, brain study, and more.
• Happy Feeling: Helping people and see them get better make you feel really good.

Things you need to become a clinical psychologist can be different in different countries and colleges, but mostly people follow some steps.

Here are normal steps:

Bachelor Degree: First you do BSc Psychology, BSc Clinical Psychology, or something similar.

Master Degree: After bachelor, people usually do master in Clinical Psychology or something close.

Doctor Degree: Most clinical psychologists do doctor degree for full qualification.

No, a Clinical Psychologist don’t need MBBS degree. Clinical Psychologists and doctors (MBBS) study different stuff.

Doctors go to medical school, do internship and residency, and can treat all kinds of medical problems, even some mental health problems. Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists usually work together to help people with mental health problems.

Some colleges accept admission on basis of Class 12 scores mostly but there are some colleges which also accept exam scores for the admission.

Candidates can see common exams for Clinical Psychology in India below - 

• CUET

• CUET PG

• NEET PG

Candidates can check pointers below to apply for entrance exams of Clinical Psychology courses in India:

• Check Eligibility

• Choose Exam

• Register Online

• Upload Documents 

• Pay Fees

• Download Admit Card

• Prepare for Exam

• Appear for Exam

• Check Results 

Syllabus for Clinical Psychology course is different in different colleges in India. It depend on things like how course is made, what special area they focus, and college rules. Core subjects like abnormal psychology, counselling, and testing people’s mind are common, but some colleges teach more about brain stuff, cognitive therapy, or psychoanalysis.

Some colleges give lot of practical training, internships, and research, and some focus more on theory. Also, what optional subjects, case studies, or fieldwork you get can be different, so each college syllabus is a bit special.

Students of Clinical Psychology courses study key areas such as abnormal psychology which focuses on mental disorders and their symptoms and also psychological assessment which includes diagnostic tests and evaluation methods. 

They also learn counselling and psychotherapy techniques covering cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis and also humanistic approaches.

Neuropsychology explores brain's impact on behaviour while developmental psychology examines psychological changes across lifespan. 

The best courses in Clinical Psychology are as follows - 

• MSc Clinical Psychology
• Master of Psychology
• MA Counselling Psychology
• MSc Behavioural Science
• MSc Developmental Psychopathology
• MA Developmental Psychology (Research Methods)
• MA Ed Curriculum Instructional and Educational Psychology

People who finish Clinical Psychology mostly work with people who have mental health problems, feel sad, or have mind disorders.

Health psychologists study how mind things affect body health. They see how feelings, actions, and social stuff change our overall health.

One is not better than other. It depend on what you like and want to do. 

There are many popular colleges in India which offer Clinical Psychology courses. Candidates can see table listing 5 best and popular BSc Clinical Psychology colleges in India below - 

Yes, there are many institutes that offer Clinical Psychology through distance or online mode in India. Candidates can see table listing best and popular Clinical Psychology courses which are offered in an online mode in these colleges below - 

Clinical Psychologists can do PhD in Psychology, same like in many other countries. But using “Dr” for clinical psychologists in India is not always same.

Some clinical psychologists in India use “Dr” if they have PhD in Psychology.

rules for title can be different depending on what person wants, college they work, and local rules. It’s important to check a psychologist’s papers and qualifications before seeing them.

Clinical Psychology jobs in India like other countries give different salary can it can be depend on experience, place and also job type.

• Entry-Level: around 2.5 - 4.5 LPA
• Mid-Level: around 4.5 - 7.5 LPA
• Experienced: around 7.5 - 15 LPA

Candidates can see steps for becoming a clinical psychologist below -

• Get PhD in Psychology degree
• Complete internship 
• Have one to two years of professional experience.
• Pass exam 

There are many options for pursuing a clinical psychologist career like starting your own private practice or pursuing one of many jobs.

If you are interested in human behavior, mental health and also enjoy helping others then Clinical Psychology can be a great choice.

Students who are patient, empathetic and also good listeners perform best in this area.

• Students who enjoy psychology, counseling, and research.

• Those who are emotionally strong and compassionate.

• Students work hard during long internships and clinical hours.

• Candidates who have an interest in mental health care and therapy.

Those interested in mental health and therapy can go for clinical or counselling psychology which often needs additional certifications and licensing.

Decision can depend on whether one wants to work directly with people, conduct research or just be in academics.

Clinical Psychology course builds academic knowledge and real world professional skills.

Here are some major skills you will develop -

• Communication and counseling skills

• Critical thinking and psychological analysis

• Research and scientific writing abilities

• Empathy, patience, and emotional resilience

• Ethical decision-making and professional conduct

Before joining Clinical Psychology course try to explore your interest through internships, volunteering or just self-study. Observing real world mental health settings can also help you decide if you are passionate enough.

• Volunteer at a mental health helpline or hospital.

• Attend workshops or seminars on psychology and therapy.

• Talk to people who are already in this field.

• Try reading beginner-level psychology books and see if subject excites you.

Yes a number of universities in India accept students from any stream into undergraduate Clinical Psychology courses, regardless of whether they studied Psychology in Class 12 or not. Yes, prior study of Psychology does give you some background in subject.

Some top colleges may prefer students with a psychology background, however, majority of UG courses are written with intention that they will be teaching students who have no previous experience studying psychology.

Most common stream that candidates engage with to pursue psychology at undergraduate level is Arts (Humanities) stream because most Arts (Humanities) programs have Psychology in curriculum. Also Arts (Humanities) stream offers students privilege of recuperating into theories and ideas associated with mental health. 

Science and Commerce students can also apply to Clinical Psychology courses. It's just a matter of interest in human behavior and willingness to learn about and help human mental wellness.

No you can have your own clinic if you are do not have license to open one by RCI. To get te license you need to first pass MPhil in Clinical Psychology.

But if you have a Master's degree you can work as a counsellor or psychologist but not independently.