MA in Counselling Psychology: Admission 2025, Eligibility, Fee, Colleges, Syllabus, Jobs, and Salary

• Updated on  1 Aug, 2025 by Akangsha Das

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology is a 2-year PG degree offered in colleges such as TISS, Loyola College of Social Sciences, etc. The eligibility criteria for MA Counselling Psychology require students to have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from any recognised university. MA Counselling Psychology is designed to understand Clinical and Counselling Psychology, theoretical knowledge, and field practice.

 

Most colleges offer an MA in Counselling Psychology admission through entrance exams such as TISS NET or CUET-PG, while a few colleges may also give merit-based admissions. MA Counselling Psychology course fees start from INR 15,000 and can go up to INR 1,00,000 annually in private colleges such as Manipal Academy of Higher Education. The job profiles after completion of an MA in Counselling Psychology are Student Counsellor, Clinical Therapist, etc. The average annual salaries for MA Counselling Psychology freshers are INR 2 - 8 LPA, depending on skills and expertise.

 

Table of Contents

  1. MA in Counselling Psychology Course Highlights
  2. What is an MA in Counselling Psychology?
  3. Why choose an MA in Counselling Psychology?
  4. MA in Counselling Psychology Eligibility Criteria
  5. MA in Counselling Psychology Admission Process
  6. MA in Counselling Psychology Entrance Examination
  7. MA in Counselling Psychology Colleges in India
  8. MA in Counselling Psychology Syllabus
  9. MA in Counselling Psychology vs MA Psychology
  10. MA in Counselling Psychology Job Profiles
  11. MA in Counselling Psychology Future Scope
  12. MA in Counselling Psychology FAQs

 

MA in Counselling Psychology Course Highlights

Given below are the highlights of an MA Counselling Psychology course:

Feature

Details

Course Name

MA in Counselling Psychology

Course Level

Postgraduate (PG)

Duration

2 Years

Eligibility

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field with at least 50% marks from a recognized university

Admission Process

Entrance-based (TISS NET, CUET-PG) or merit-based (varies by college)

Top Colleges

TISS, Loyola College of Social Sciences, Christ University, University of Madras, etc.

Job Profiles

Student Counsellor, Clinical Therapist, Mental Health Counsellor, School Counsellor, HR Counsellor

Average Salary

2 – 8 LPA (varies based on experience and skills)

 

What is an MA in Counselling Psychology?

MA in Counselling Psychology is a 2-year PG program that imparts theoretical information and practical techniques in clinical and counselling psychology. The program is aimed at understanding human behaviour, psychological disorders, and intervention in mental health. It addresses field training, research methodology, and direct exposure to the practice of counselling in preparing graduates for professional employment in mental health and allied areas.

 

Why choose an MA in Counselling Psychology?

Given below are the benefits of pursuing an MA in Psychology:

  • Increasing interest in mental health has created a strong requirement for professional counsellors in various fields.
  • Professionals can work in schools, hospitals, NGOs, corporate HR, as well as private practice.
  • Fieldwork and internship are also part of the course to ensure practical counselling practice.
  • The program is more affordable compared to other professional programs that provide adequate returns on investment.
  • Graduates of MA Counselling Psychology can also practice abroad with a proper license, hence increasing prospects for a potential higher income.

 

MA in Counselling Psychology Eligibility Criteria

To fulfil the MA Counselling Psychology eligibility:

  • The students must have completed a Bachelor's in Counselling Psychology or related fields from a recognised university.
  • Entrance exams are conducted by most institutes during the MA Counselling Psychology admissions. The institutes and their requirements determine the students' selection criteria.

 

MA in Counselling Psychology Admission Process

The admission process for MA Counselling Psychology is procedural in accordance with the selection criteria of individual colleges. For instance, the admission process for MA Counselling Psychology is as follows for the Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences:

 

Step 1: Go to the institution's official website and locate the application form under the admission section.

 

Step 2: Fill out the application form carefully and submit it by paying the application fee. Add the required documents at the time of submitting the application form.

 

Step 3: Wait for the reply from the university, since the university will verify the details filled in the application form along with the supporting documents.

 

Step 4: If all the documents are fine and the eligibility criteria are fulfilled, the institution will issue a provisional admission offer.

 

Step 5: Once you've got the provisional admission offer, pay the relevant admission fee in order to secure your seat.

 

Step 6: Upon payment of the admission fee, the institute will make a final admission offer, following which you can begin your BA Astrology course when the new session commences.

 

Documents Required

The candidates need to submit some documents for the admission process are as follows:

  • 10th Marksheet
  • 12th Marksheet
  • Graduation Marksheet
  • Government-issued ID proof
  • CUET PG Scorecard
  • Passport-sized photographs
  • Migration Certificate
  • Transfer Certificate

 

MA in Counselling Psychology Entrance Examination

Below is the list of entrance tests for MA Counselling Psychology admissions:

Entrance Exam

Conducting Body

Application Deadline (tentative)

Exam Date

 

(tentative)

CUET-PG 2026

National Testing Agency (NTA)

February 2026

March 2026

BHU PET 2026

Banaras Hindu University(BHU)

February 2026

Mar-Apr 2026

TISS NET 2026

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)

February-Mar 2026

April 2026

DUET 2026

National Testing Agency (NTA)

Mar 2026

May 2026

Christ University Entrance Test 2026

Christ University

Apr 2026

May 2026

 

MA in Counselling Psychology Colleges in India

Given below is a list of MA Counselling Psychology colleges along with their location and course fees:

College Name

Location

Annual Fees (INR)

Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)

Mumbai, Maharashtra

50,000

University of Delhi (DU)

New Delhi

20,000

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

15,000

Christ University

Bangalore, Karnataka

70,000

University of Madras

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

20,000

Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences

Noida, Uttar Pradesh

80,000

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

Manipal, Karnataka

95,000

Loyola College

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

30,000

 

MA in Counselling Psychology Syllabus

The MA Counselling Psychology is a 2-year postgraduate program that provides in-depth knowledge of Counselling and Clinical Psychology, etc. Given below is the MA Counselling Psychology syllabus at TISS, Mumbai:

Semester I

Semester II

Foundations of Psychology

Psychopathology

Research Methodology in Psychology,

Psychological Assessment II

Theories of Personality

Counselling Theories and Techniques

Psychological Assessment I

Statistics in Psychology

Ethics and Professional Standards in Psychology

Fieldwork Practicum II

Fieldwork Practicum I

Elective Course

Semester III

Semester IV

Cognitive Behavioural Interventions

Contemporary Issues in Clinical and Counseling Psychology

Human Development Across the Lifespan

Psychotherapeutic Interventions

Group Therapy and Process

Organizational Behavior and Development

Advanced Research Methods

Dissertation/Research Project

Fieldwork Practicum III

Fieldwork Practicum IV

Elective Course II

-

 

MA in Counselling Psychology vs MA Psychology

Mentioned below is the comparison between MA in Counselling Psychology and MA Psychology :

Feature

MA in Counselling Psychology

MA in Psychology

Primary Focus

Practical application of psychological principles in counseling

Broader theoretical and research-based understanding of psychology

Core Subjects

Counseling theories, psychotherapy, mental health assessment

Cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology

Approach

Applied and client-focused

Theoretical and research-oriented

Ideal For

Those who want to become counselors or therapists

Those interested in academic, research, or specialized psychology

Career Paths

School counselor, mental health counselor, marriage & family therapist

HR professional, researcher, clinical psychologist

Eligibility

Bachelor’s in Psychology or related field

Bachelor’s in Psychology usually preferred

Practical Training

Emphasized, often includes supervised internships or practicum

May include research projects, less emphasis on hands-on counseling

Further Specialization

Clinical psychology, family therapy, school counseling

Neuropsychology, forensic psychology, industrial-organizational psychology

 

MA in Counselling Psychology Job Profiles

Given below is an overview of career opportunities and starting salary ranges for professionals post the completion of an MA in Counselling Psychology:

Job Profile

Job Description

Annual Salary (INR)

Counseling Psychologist

Provides therapeutic support to clients dealing with emotional and mental issues.

INR 3 - INR 8 LPA

Clinical Psychologist

Diagnoses and treats mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders.

INR 4 - INR 8 LPA

School Counselor

Assists students with academic, career, and personal development.

INR 2.5 - INR 6 LPA

Rehabilitation Counselor

Helps individuals cope with physical, emotional, or mental disabilities.

INR 3 - INR 7 LPA

Marriage and Family Therapist

Provides counselling to couples and families to resolve relationship issues.

INR 3 - INR 7.5 LPA

Career Counselor

Guides individuals in making career decisions and developing career plans.

INR 2.5 - INR 6.5 LPA

 

MA in Counselling Psychology Future Scope

Upon the completion of the MA Counselling Psychology, students can follow the following career paths:

  • One can pursue a PhD in Counselling Psychology for further in-depth knowledge in this field.
  • Certification courses such as CRC or CBT can also be done for upskilling.
  • Some colleges offer M.Phil in Counselling Psychology and related fields that can help with specialisation.

 

MA in Counselling Psychology FAQs

Do MA Counselling Psychology students have any scholarships available to them?

Yes, certain government universities have reservation or merit-based scholarships. Some of them, like TISS, Delhi University, and JNU, provide financial assistance to MA Counselling Psychology students too.

Can students who are not studying Psychology apply for an MA in Counselling Psychology?

Yes, some colleges also provide the course to other disciplines if they have studied psychology as a subject at the undergraduate level.

What are some of the effective tools for an MA in Counselling Psychology?

Statistical programs like SPSS, R, TheraNest, SimplePractice, and NVivo are being used by students and professionals employed and seeking an MA in Counselling Psychology to undertake statistical research and studies.

Is age a cap on seeking an MA in Counselling Psychology?

No maximum age is fixed to apply for the MA in Counselling Psychology programs. All the universities accept applicants on the basis of academic performance and an entrance exam.

What career opportunities are available after an MA in Counselling Psychology?

Career opportunities after an MA in Counselling Psychology include roles as Mental Health Counselor, School Counselor, Rehabilitation Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, and Clinical Psychologist. Graduates are also employed in NGOs, community organizations, hospitals, and academic or research settings.

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