PhD in Psychology is a 3-year full-time doctorate degree in Psychology. In this 3-year program, aspirants learn a total of 9 subjects, 3 in each year. The course mainly focuses on the clinical psychology part and explores the various psychological treatments and methods. The candidates are required to pass their postgraduate degree in psychology with a minimum score of 55% or equivalent marks from a recognised university. Admission to the course is done on the basis of an entrance examination or merit list. Some such exams held in the country are RAT (Research Aptitude Test) and JRF (Junior Research Fellowship).
Course Level | Doctorate |
Duration | 3 years |
Examination Type | Semester System |
Eligibility | Master’s degree with 50% aggregate marks in science. |
Admission Process | Counselling after qualification of entrance examination |
Top Recruiting Areas | Colleges, Universities, Healthcare Centers, Private Clinics, Hospitals, Counselling Offices etc. |
Job Positions | Clinical Psychologist, Educational Psychologist, Industrial Psychologist, Research Psychologist, Lecturer, Professor and others such. |
Most universities require applicants for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology program to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which measures general academic ability, including verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
Entrance Exam |
CSIR NET |
UGC NET |
IIT JAM |
GPAT |
VITMEE |
Postgraduate degree in Psychology, completed from a recognized institute/university |
A minimum aggregate score of 55% (50 % for SC/ST candidates) or equivalent grade at the level of post-graduation |
At least 5 years of teaching/ industry/ professional experience at a senior level |
In some cases, M.Phil. in Psychology is also preferred |
The typical duration of a PhD in Psychology program is 4-6 years of full-time study, depending on the program and the student's progress. However, the time may vary based on the research topic, research design, and the time taken to complete the dissertation.
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The application form for a PhD in Psychology program can usually be found on the university's website. Applicants will need to create an account, complete the online form, and submit all required materials, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores.
The application process for a PhD in Psychology program typically involves the following steps:
Research potential programs and faculty to identify a good fit. |
Take the GRE and/or Psychology Subject Test as required. |
Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. |
Request letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. |
Write a statement of purpose outlining research interests and goals. |
Complete the online application and submit all required materials. |
The application fee for a PhD in Psychology program varies by university and can range from Updated Soon.
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Year III
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Graduates of a PhD in Psychology program can pursue a variety of career paths, including:
Academia: | Many PhD graduates go on to become university professors, conducting research and teaching undergraduate and graduate students. |
Research: | Graduates may work as researchers for universities, government agencies, or private companies. |
Clinical Practice: | Some graduates may choose to become licensed clinical psychologists, providing therapy and counseling services to clients. |
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for psychologists in 2020 was $82,180. However, salaries can vary widely depending on the specific career path and location.
Some career opportunities for graduates of a PhD in Psychology program include:
University professor |
Researcher |
Licensed clinical psychologist |
Neuropsychologist |
Forensic psychologist |
Industrial-organizational psychologist |
Health psychologist |
School psychologist |
Some of the top colleges for a PhD in Psychology program include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.