Best MA Psychology Colleges in India 2026: Fees, Admission, Rankings & Placements
India has 500+ MA Psychology colleges, including premier institutions like TISS Mumbai, DU, and BHU. The average fees range from ₹500 to ₹5,00,000, with admissions primarily based on entrance exams like CUET PG or merit. Graduates can expect starting salaries between ₹3 LPA and ₹8 LPA, depending on their specialization and college tier.
Best MA Psychology Colleges in India (Quick List):
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TISS Mumbai: Best for Applied Psychology with high ROI and industry prestige.
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University of Delhi (DU): Renowned for academic research and very low government fees.
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Tata Institute of Social Sciences: Leading choice for Clinical and Counseling specializations.
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Christ University, Bangalore: Top private pick for holistic practical training and infrastructure.
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Banaras Hindu University (BHU): Exceptional faculty and legacy in North India.
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Amity University: Best for flexible specializations like Forensic and Organizational Psychology.
Best MA Psychology Colleges in India (2026)
Choosing the best college for an MA in Psychology requires careful evaluation of key factors such as clinical exposure, faculty qualifications, research opportunities, and placement records. The following rankings are curated using a data-driven approach that considers NIRF 2025 scores (Universities/Social Sciences category), verified placement outcomes, and student feedback on laboratory facilities and internship tie-ups. Based on these parameters, the colleges listed below are recognized as the top institutions for pursuing an MA in Psychology in India, offering strong academic foundations and excellent career prospects in clinical, counseling, and applied psychology fields.
| College Name |
Ownership |
Total Fees |
| TISS, Mumbai |
Public/Deemed |
₹68,000 - ₹1,20,000 |
| Lady Shri Ram College (LSR), Delhi |
Government |
₹40,000 - ₹60,000 |
| Christ University, Bengaluru |
Private |
₹2,50,000 - ₹4,80,000 |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) |
Government |
₹5,000 - ₹15,000 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), Delhi |
Government |
₹19,000 - ₹25,000 |
| Mithibai College, Mumbai |
Private |
₹1,40,000 - ₹1,60,000 |
| Fergusson College, Pune |
Private |
₹1,50,000 - ₹1,90,000 |
Top Government MA Psychology Colleges in India
Government colleges offering MA Psychology programs are highly competitive due to their minimal fee structures, strong academic reputation, and extensive research and clinical exposure opportunities. Based on academic excellence, faculty strength, and research output, the top government colleges for MA Psychology in India are listed below.
Top Private MA Psychology Colleges in India
Private universities offering MA Psychology programs are often preferred for their advanced infrastructure, modern laboratories, and specialized courses such as Neuropsychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Clinical Psychology. The top private colleges for MA Psychology are listed below, known for their industry-aligned curriculum, research exposure, and strong academic support.
Fees for MA Psychology Colleges in India
The fee structure for MA Psychology programs in India varies considerably between central universities and premium private institutions. While government and central universities offer highly affordable tuition fees, private universities typically charge higher fees due to advanced infrastructure, specialized courses, and enhanced clinical training facilities.
| College |
Annual Fees |
Total Fees |
Hostel Fees (Approx.) |
| DU (Department of Psych) |
₹480 |
₹960 |
₹5,000 - ₹10,000 |
| TISS Mumbai |
₹34,000 |
₹68,000 |
₹30,000 - ₹50,000 |
| Amity University |
₹1,90,000 |
₹3,80,000 |
₹80,000 |
| BHU Varanasi |
₹2,500 |
₹5,000 |
₹4,000 |
MA Psychology Colleges in India With Low Fees
For students who prioritize high Return on Investment (ROI), these government institutions offering MA Psychology programs in India stand out as the best choices, combining low tuition fees, strong academic reputation, and recognized degrees.
Eligibility for MA Psychology in India
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Education: Completion of a Bachelor’s degree (BA/B.Sc.) from a recognized university.
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Subjects: Most top colleges prefer students with a background in Psychology as a core subject.
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Minimum Marks: At least 50%–55% aggregate marks in graduation.
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Age: No specific age limit for most universities.
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Entrance Exam: Mandatory for Central Universities (CUET PG) and select private ones.
Admission Process for MA Psychology Colleges in India
Admissions are typically categorized into Merit-based (marks in graduation) and Entrance-based (competitive exams).
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Entrance Exam Registration: Apply for exams like CUET PG, TISSNET (now merged with CUET PG/CAT), or university-specific tests.
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Appear for Exam: Clear the cut-off scores required by specific colleges.
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Counseling/Interview: Shortlisted candidates often undergo a Personal Interview (PI) or Group Discussion (GD), especially in private colleges like Christ or Amity.
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Document Verification: Submit academic transcripts, category certificates (if any), and identity proof.
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Seat Allotment: Based on the final merit list (Entrance Score + Interview).
Entrance Exams for MA Psychology in India
Entrance examinations serve as the primary gateway for admission to Master’s programs in Psychology across most universities in India. These exams assess a candidate’s understanding of psychological concepts, research aptitude, and academic readiness for postgraduate study.
| Exam Name |
Conducting Body |
Accepted By |
| CUET PG |
NTA |
DU, BHU, JNU, and 100+ Central/State Universities |
| CUCET |
Chandigarh Univ |
Chandigarh University |
| XET |
St. Xavier's |
St. Xavier's College, Mumbai |
| MET |
MAHE |
Manipal Academy of Higher Education |
MA Psychology Colleges in India Without Entrance Exam
Students who prefer to avoid competitive entrance tests can opt for MA Psychology colleges in India that offer direct admission. Several reputed universities provide merit-based admission based on a candidate’s undergraduate marks, making the process simpler and more accessible. Below is a list of top MA Psychology colleges without entrance exams, along with their admission mode and fee structure.
Placements for MA Psychology Colleges in India
Psychology graduates are witnessing growing demand across diverse sectors, including corporate wellness programs, clinical and mental healthcare settings, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), driven by increased awareness of mental health and employee well-being.
| College |
Average Package |
Highest Package |
Top Recruiters |
| TISS Mumbai |
₹6.5 - ₹9 LPA |
₹18 LPA |
Fortis, Apollo, MindTickle |
| Delhi University |
₹5 - ₹7 LPA |
₹16 LPA |
Max Healthcare, VIMHANS, UN |
| Christ University |
₹4 - ₹5.5 LPA |
₹10 LPA |
Schools, NGOs, Corporate HRs |
| Amity University |
₹3.5 - ₹5 LPA |
₹8 LPA |
YourDost, Medanta |
Top Recruiters for MA Psychology Graduates
| Sector |
Top Recruiters / Organizations |
| Hospitals & Healthcare |
Fortis Mental Health, Max Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals, NIMHANS |
| Corporate & MNCs |
MindTickle, Google (UX Research), Deloitte (HR & Wellness) |
| Mental Health Startups |
YourDost, InnerHour, Amaha |
| Educational Institutions |
Pathways School, GD Goenka Schools, Universities & Colleges |
| Government & NGOs |
National Health Mission (NHM), UNICEF, WHO |
How to Choose the Best MA Psychology College in India
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an MA Psychology College in India
- RCI Recognition:
Crucial for students planning to pursue an M.Phil in Clinical Psychology or obtain a professional clinical license in the future.
- Specializations Offered:
Ensure the college provides your preferred niche, such as Forensic Psychology, Child Psychology, Sports Psychology, or Industrial Psychology.
- Clinical Exposure:
Opt for institutions with hospital tie-ups, counseling centers, or mental health clinics to gain hands-on internship experience.
- Faculty Research Profile:
Important for students aiming for academic careers, research roles, or a PhD in Psychology.
- Return on Investment (ROI):
Evaluate the balance between course fees and average placement packages to ensure long-term career value.
FAQs
Q1: Which are the best colleges for MA Psychology in India?
A: TISS Mumbai, University of Delhi, Christ University, and BHU are consistently ranked among the best.
Q2: What is the average fee for MA Psychology?
A: Government colleges charge between ₹500–₹20,000, while private colleges range from ₹1 Lakh to ₹7 Lakhs.
Q3: Can I do an MA in Psychology without a BA in Psychology?
A: Yes, many universities like IGNOU and certain private colleges allow graduates from any stream, though some top-tier colleges require Psychology as a major.
Q4: Is CUET PG mandatory for MA Psychology?
A: It is mandatory for most Central Universities (like DU and BHU) for the 2026 session.
Q5: What is the starting salary after an MA in Psychology?
A: Freshers typically earn between ₹3 LPA and ₹5 LPA. Specialized roles in corporate/industrial sectors pay higher.
Q6: Are there colleges for MA Psychology with low fees?
A: Yes, University of Delhi (DU) and University of Calcutta offer courses for less than ₹5,000 total.
Q7: Which field of psychology pays the most in India?
A: Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology and Clinical Psychology (after RCI licensing) generally offer the highest salaries.
Q8: Can I practice as a clinical psychologist after an MA?
A: No, in India, you must complete an RCI-recognized M.Phil in Clinical Psychology to practice as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist.