Psychologists hold a pivotal position in the field of mental health and are responsible for the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of different psychological conditions. They offer a wide range of therapeutic services and are crucial in improving the mental health of individuals and communities. The average annual salary of a government psychologist is INR 3.40 LPA with monthly salary ranging between INR 24,310 to INR 25,734.
The government sector offers a unique platform for Psychologists to make a substantial impact on the nation’s mental health landscape. There are several opportunities for psychologists in the government sector to address the mental well-being of individuals and communities.
There are only 0.75 psychologists per 1,00,000 people in India signifying a growing need for skilled psychologists. The Lancet Psychiatry research in 2017 concluded that 14.3% of Indians are suffering from some kind of mental illness, with only half receiving treatment according to an NIHM report. The sections below discuss the various job opportunities for psychologists across government institutes along with their average salaries for different specialisations.
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Who are Psychologists
Psychologists are professionals who specialise in the study of human behaviour, emotion, cognition and mental processes. They apply this knowledge to a wide range of areas including mental health, social services, education, sports and more. They can work in different roles like therapists, counsellors, educators, researchers and administrators. India requires around 13,500 psychiatrists and 20,250 clinical psychologists, while there are only 3,800 psychiatrists and 900 clinical psychologists currently working in the mental healthcare scene.
The specific roles and responsibilities of psychologists can vary widely based on their specialisation, which may include clinical psychologists who diagnose and treat mental health disorders, health psychologists who study psychological factors that affect the physical health of individuals and other profiles depending upon their work.
Jobs for Psychologists
Psychologists study and understand human behaviour, emotions and thoughts and use scientific methods to analyse how an individual thinks and behaves. They address mental health issues to improve the well-being of patients and make informed decisions.
Tabulated below is the job description of psychologists across government institutes along with their average salaries for each specialisation.
| Psychologist Profile | Job description | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologist | Diagnose and treat mental health disorders and emotional issues. | 3.90 L |
| Counselling Psychologist | Help individuals deal with everyday life issues, stress and personal growth. | 3.30 L |
| Educational Psychologist | Focuses on understanding how people learn and develop in educational settings. | 2.10 L |
| Child Psychologist | Understand and address the emotional, cognitive and behavioural development of children and adolescents. | 3 L |
| Health Psychologist | Study psychological factors that affect the physical health and well-being of individuals. | 6 L |
| Industrial Psychologist | Focus on optimising workplace productivity, employee satisfaction and organisational behaviour. | 8 L |
| Sports Psychologist | Work with athletes to improve their performance and mental well-being. | 6.50 L |
Government Jobs for Psychologists
Government jobs for psychologists offer diverse opportunities in settings like healthcare, public welfare, education, defence and more. Within a government organisation, they play a crucial role in mental health services and counselling. These positions also come with stability and competitive salaries.
Some of the top government jobs for psychologists across various parameters along with their average salaries are discussed below.
Experience Wise
Experienced psychologists are often compensated more in government institutes than those with less or no experience. Tabulated below is the experience-wise salary of psychologists employed across the government sector.
| Experience Years | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| 0 - 5 years | 5.10 L |
| 6 - 10 years | 8 L |
| 11 - 15 years | 10 L |
| 16 - 20 years | 14 L |
Qualification Wise
There are different psychology courses that candidates aspiring to become psychologists can pursue. The course-wise salary is mentioned in the table below.
| Qualification | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| BSc Psychology | 2.5 L - 6 L |
| BSc (Hons) Psychology | 3 L - 12 L |
| BA Psychology | 4.9 L |
| BA (Hons) Psychology | 3 L - 12 L |
| MA Psychology | 3.5 L - 6 L |
| MSc Psychology | 3 L - 20 L |
| MSc Applied Psychology | 4 L - 5 L |
| MSc Counselling Psychology | 3 L - 20 L |
City Wise
There is a major contrast in the salaries of psychologists based on the city they work in. The salaries of psychologists in various cities are mentioned in the table below.
| City | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Chandigarh | 9 L |
| New Delhi | 4.80 L |
| Chennai | 4.70 L |
| Indore | 4.50 L |
| Mumbai | 3.90 L |
| Bangalore | 3.80 L |
| Agartala | 3.30 L |
| Hyderabad | 3 L |
| Jorhat | 2.70 L |
Sector Wise
There are opportunities for psychologists in both the public and private sectors. The sector-wise salary of psychologists is tabulated below.
| Sector | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Government Sector | 3.40 L |
| Private Sector | 3.10 L |
Govt Psychologist Jobs
Various profiles of psychologists are appointed in different institutes for their services. Some of the top government jobs for psychologists along with their average salaries are tabulated below.
| Job | Offering Institute | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Project Officer | IIT Roorkee | 40,000 - 65,000 |
| District Program Coordinator/District Quality Manager | NHM Haryana | 1,50,000 |
| Clinical Psychologist | AIISH | Level 10 |
| Counselor | Sainik School, Jhansi | 20,000 - 35,000 |
| Consultant | NIT Rourkela | 1,50,000 |
| Programme Coordinator | TISS | 20,000 - 40,000 |
| Female Student Counsellor | IIM Lucknow | 50,000 |
Top Recruiters
Psychologists can find job opportunities in various government institutes and hospitals working on mental health and overall well-being. Some of the top government institutes that hire psychologists are tabulated below.
| Name of the Institute | Location |
|---|---|
| CGHS | New Delhi |
| NIMHANS | Bangalore |
| AIIMS | Across the country |
| IHBAS | New Delhi |
| CIP | Ranchi |
| IMHH | Agra |
Govt Jobs for Psychologists: FAQs
Ques. How do you become a government psychologist?
Ans. Candidates are generally required to possess a master’s degree in psychology, clear the government job exam and fulfill specific eligibility criteria to become a government psychologist.
Ques. What is the salary of a government psychologist?
Ans. The average annual salary of a government psychologist is INR 3.4 LPA with monthly salary ranging between INR 24,310 to INR 25,734.
Ques. What is the highest-paying psychology job?
Ans. A psychiatrist is one of the highest-paying psychology jobs.
Ques. What is the most popular career in psychology?
Ans. Clinical psychology is one of the most popular careers in psychology.
Ques. Which country has the highest demand for psychologists?
Ans. Canada, the US, Australia and the UK are the top countries with the most demand for psychologists.
Ques. Does psychology have a scope in India?
Ans. Psychology has a significant scope in India with opportunities in various settings, in both the public and private sectors.
Ques. Name some of the courses that can be pursued to become a psychologist.
Ans. BSc Psychology, BA Psychology, MSc Psychology and MA Psychology are some of the top courses that can be considered by aspirants looking to become a psychologist.
Ques. What are the major duties of a psychologist?
Ans. Assessing and diagnosing mental health conditions, providing therapy and counselling, conducting research and offering guidance are some of the major duties of a psychologist.
Ques. Name some top colleges offering education in psychology.
Ans. St. Xavier’s College, Christ University, Presidency College, Fergusson College and Parul University are some of the top colleges offering courses in psychology.
Ques. What skills are required to become a psychologist?
Ans. Communication, critical thinking, patience, empathy and problem-solving are some of the top skills that every psychologist should have.
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