A Guide to Pursuing PhD in Psychology in India

Psychology involves scientifically studying mental functions, behaviours, and social processes. A PhD in Psychology is the highest academic degree in Psychology. This article explores key aspects of PhD in psychology in India, PhD Psychology Thesis topics, specializations, fee structure and list of colleges offering PhD in Psychology in India, etc.

PhD in Psychology – Brief Details

Here is an overview of PhD in Psychology:

Parameters	Details
Full Form	Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
Level	Doctoral
Duration	Minimum 3 years
Eligibility	Master’s degree in Psychology and Entrance exam qualification
Admission Process	Based on entrance test + interview
Syllabus	Research Methods, Statistics, Psychological Assessment, Theories of Personality, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology
Job Prospects	Psychologists, Teachers, Researchers, Counselors

PhD Research Topics in Psychology

This list covers some of the major central, state and private universities offering PhD programs in various psychology specializations across India.
Below is the overview of some of the PhD in psychology subjects available in India.

Clinical Psychology: Focuses on assessment, diagnosis and evidence-based treatment of mental health issues and psychiatric illnesses. PhD in Clinical Psychology includes research on therapeutic interventions.

Counselling Psychology: Develops expertise in psychological counselling theories and techniques to guide clients through personal, emotional or mental challenges.

Educational Psychology: Involves research on learning processes, intelligence, cognitive development, motivation, instructional design and education systems.

Forensic Psychology : Applies psychological principles to criminal investigation and legal processes. Forensic Psychology PhD involves understanding criminal behaviour and mindset.

Organizational Psychology: Examines human behaviour in work settings. The topic includes researching strategies for enhancing workplace productivity, performance, and team dynamics.

Social Psychology: Studies psychological influences in social contexts. Social Psychology PhD studies group behavior, attitudes, perceptions and relationships.

Health Psychology: Explores the bi-directional impact of psychological and behavioral factors on physical health and illnesses.

Developmental Psychology: Focuses research on understanding psychological, emotional, and social changes across different life stages.

Cognitive Psychology – Deals with internal mental processes like attention, thinking, memory, perception, problem-solving, and decision making.

Psychotherapy – Develops expertise in psychological therapy models and counselling processes to treat mental health conditions.

The wide range of specializations allows students to align PhD research with their interests within the broad field of psychology. Please Contact us for more specilizations available.

If You Require Assistance for PhD Admission, Thesis Writing and Paper Publications, Please Contact Us

List of Top Colleges for PhD Psychology in India

Here are some of the leading colleges offering PhD in Psychology:

S.No	College	Course Fee
1.	University of Delhi	RS 16,000 per year
2.	Savitribai Phule Pune University	RS 10,000 per year
3.	Jamia Millia Islamia University	RS 14,000 per year
4.	Punjab University, Chandigarh	RS 10,000 per year
5.	Ranchi University, Ranchi	RS 10,000 per year
6.	Madras University, Chennai	RS 5,000 per year
7.	Calcutta University	RS 8,000 per year
8.	Mumbai University	RS 5,000 per year
9.	Gauhati University	RS 10,000 per year
10.	Himachal Pradesh University	RS 15,000 per year
11	University of Madras, Chennai	RS 5,000 per year
12	Anna University, Chennai	RS 10,000 per year
13	Bharathiar University, Coimbatore	RS 25,000 per year
14	Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli	RS 10,000 per year
15	Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai	RS 15,000 per year
16	Periyar University, Salem	RS 10,000 per year
17	Alagappa University, Karaikudi	RS 10,000 per year
18	Mother Teresa Women’s University, Kodaikanal	RS 10,000 per year
19	University of Calcutta, Kolkata	RS 8,000 per year
20	Gujarat University, Ahmedabad	RS 7,000 per year
21	Punjabi University, Patiala	RS 15,000 per year
22	Mumbai University, Mumbai	RS 5,000 per year
23	Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla	RS 20,000 per year
24	Ranchi University, Ranchi	RS 10,000 per year
25	North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong	RS 15,000 per year
26	Mysore University, Mysuru	RS 25,000 per year
27	Andhra University, Visakhapatnam	RS 10,000 per year
28	Gauhati University, Guwahati	RS 10,000 per year
29	Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi	RS 14,000 per year
30	Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi	RS 15,000 per year
31	Bangalore University, Bengaluru	RS 20,000 per year
32	Osmania University, Hyderabad	RS 10,000 per year
33	Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra	RS 10,000 per year
34	Jadavpur University, Kolkata	RS 10,000 per year
35	MS University, Vadodara	RS 15,000 per year

Note: The fee indicated is approximate. Please refer to the college website for exact details.

Also Read: Part Time PhD Programs in India

PhD in Psychology Distance Learning india

The UGC does not recognize PhD in Psychology distance programs. Hence, Indian universities approved by the UGC do not offer distance learning programs for PhD. Several universities abroad offer Distance and online Ph.D. programs in Psychology, but these doctorate degrees are not valid in India.

List of Universities Offering PhD in Psychology in Tamil Nadu

Here is a list of the Top universities offering PhD in Psychology in Tamil Nadu:

S.No	College	Course Fee (Approx)
1	University of Madras, Chennai	RS 5,000 per year
2	Anna University, Chennai	RS 10,000 per year
3	Bharathiar University, Coimbatore	RS 25,000 per year
4	Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli	RS 10,000 per year
5	Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai	RS 15,000 per year
6	Periyar University, Salem	RS 10,000 per year
7	Alagappa University, Karaikudi	RS 10,000 per year
8	Mother Teresa Women’s University, Kodaikanal	RS 10,000 per year

FAQs about PhD in Psychology

Q1. Is PhD in psychology worth it in India?
Ans. Yes, a Ph.D. in Psychology is valuable in India for career growth in academics, research organizations, healthcare, the corporate sector, schools, etc.

Q2. What is the salary of a PhD psychologist in India?
Ans. The starting salary after PhD psychology in India can range between RS 75,000-250,000 per month. Higher salaries are offered with experience and reputation.

Q3. Can I do PhD directly after my BA in psychology?
Ans. No, a master’s degree is mandatory to qualify for a PhD. Direct PhD after BA is not allowed.

Q4. Is PhD in psychology Worth?
Ans. Yes, a PhD in psychology develops advanced research skills and subject expertise, valued in academia, scientific institutions, hospitals, NGOs, corporations, etc.

Final Words:

A  Ph.D. in Psychology grooms highly skilled professionals who understand the human psyche and behavior in various contexts. PhD in Psychology in India opens up teaching, research, and psycho-therapeutic career pathways.

If You Require Assistance for PhD Admission, Thesis Writing and Paper Publications, Please Contact Us