MA in Psychology or Master of Arts in Psychology is a two-year postgraduate academic degree that focuses on the human mind, behavior, and patterns. Students who choose to pursue an MA in Psychology investigate the interaction between society and human conditioning. MA Psychology courses offer a wide range of topics about the human mind, including Cognitive Psychology, Biological Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Sports Psychology, Educational Psychology, Industrial Psychology, Neuropsychology, and Social Psychology.
MA Psychology eligibility requires a bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related discipline from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate score of 50%. A Master’s in Psychology admission is given on both a merit and an entry basis. The admission to M.A Psychology is dependent on entrance exams such as CUET-PG, however, few institutes admit students based on merit.
Some of India's top MA Psychology colleges are Mithibai College of Arts, Delhi University, St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, Amity University, and Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce. The typical MA Psychology degree prices range from INR 20,000 to 60,000.
MA in Psychology graduates can pursue a variety of careers, including Mental Health Researchers, Rehabilitation Forensics, Counselors, Clinical Psychologists, Government Officials, Human Resource Specialists, and Social Workers. Fortis Hospitals, AIIMS, Google, Amazon, and Decathlon are among the top recruiters for MA Psychology graduates.
Table of Contents
- MA Psychology Highlights
- What is MA Psychology?
- Why Study MA Psychology?
- Who Should Study MA Psychology?
- MA Psychology Eligibility Criteria
- MA Psychology Entrance Exams 2025
- MA Psychology Colleges in India
- MA Psychology Admission Process 2025
- MA Psychology Syllabus
- MA Psychology Job Opportunities in India
- MA Psychology vs. MA Clinical Psychology
- MA Psychology FAQs
MA Psychology Highlights
Below are the key highlights of the Master of Arts in Psychology course in India:
What is MA Psychology?
Master of Arts in Psychology is the study of the mind, behavior, and human experience. The MA in Psychology course encompasses all of the mental processes, from brief thoughts and dreams to the sense of consciousness. The Master of Arts in Psychology program investigates the biological effects, such as brain chemistry and genetic predispositions, as well as the social pressures and environmental factors that influence how we think, behave, and feel.
The MA in Psychology degree covers a wide range of topics, including how children develop and learn, how mental illnesses are treated, how we make decisions, how individuals act in groups, and much more. Psychologists investigate not only general patterns of behavior, but also the problems and peculiarities that distinguish each person.
Why Study MA Psychology?
MA in Psychology is a scientific study that has practical applications in people's daily lives. MA Psychology is both an academic and applied field that can help us enhance our own lives and society as a whole. Few reasons to pursue this course are:
- Industry Demand: The world needs more psychiatrists to deal with stress, intense pressure, and increasing loneliness.
- Versatile Job Roles: MA Psychology graduates can pursue roles in mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, research institutions, and corporates. Candidates can find job growth in the MA Psychology department, which is predicted to increase by 25% by 2025.
- Opportunities for Research/Higher Education: MA in Psychology can serve as a foundation for pursuing MPhil or PhD programs in specialized fields of psychology. Following an MA in Psychology, students have access to a wide range of research options.
Who Should Study MA Psychology?
The MA Psychology postgraduate course focuses on the relationship between society and human conditioning. Some of the best suited candidates who should pursue this course are given below:
- Candidates who are interested in the Master of Arts in Psychology course seek to equip students to recognize emotional and behavioral difficulties, as well as how to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
- MA Psychology is suitable for those who want to study human behavior and assist others to live better lives.
- The MA in Psychology course is ideal for those interested in helping others. MA Psychology students who desire to contribute to mental health progress and help others overcome psychological challenges.
- Students interested in research: Those who desire to investigate the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral elements of human psychology through study.
- People interested in clinical or counseling psychology: Those who want to work in mental health and treatment.
- MA Psychology professionals needing specialized knowledge include those pursuing careers in human resource management, organizational development, and education.
MA Psychology Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for an MA in Psychology degree may vary slightly based on the university. However, below is the basic eligibility criteria for the MA in Psychology degree:
- A Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a comparable discipline (BA or BSc in Psychology) from an accredited university. Some universities may accept students from different disciplines who have studied psychology-related subjects.
- Generally, candidates must have received at least 50% in their undergraduate degree. Certain MA Psychology colleges may have varying cutoff percentages or relaxations for reserved categories, depending on the institution.
- Many MA in Psychology institutions require students to pass an entrance exam such as the CUET UG or university-specific exams.
- There is no specific age limit for the MA Psychology course.
MA Psychology Entrance Exams 2025
Most post-graduate level courses in India, including MA Psychology, are admitted through entrance tests or merit-based selection. CUET-PG is an important national-level exam that allows applicants to apply for an MA in Psychology at prestigious colleges/institutions. Below are some of the top entrance exams for 2025:
MA Psychology Colleges in India
India has several notable universities that provide an MA in Psychology and are well-known for their excellent academic programs and research opportunities. Here are the top MA Psychology colleges in India:
Click to read more about MA in Counselling Psychology
MA Psychology Admission Process 2025
Admission to MA Psychology courses varies by college; however, below is a broad outline of the processes that a student must take to get admission to MA Psychology courses. The process of admission for the MA Psychology at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) is as follows:
Step 1: Candidates must go to the TISS admissions website and finish the registration process. This involves providing personal, academic, and contact details.
Step 2: Applicants must also upload the relevant documents, which include a passport-sized photograph, signature, and academic credentials. The application cost must be paid online during this process.
Step 3: Candidates must take the CUET PG, which assesses their general knowledge, English language, and analytical skills.
Step 4: Once the CUET PG exam is completed, the results will be available on the official TISS admissions page. Candidates can view their scores and overall standings.
Step 5: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to take the Pre-Interview Test (PIT) and Personal Interview (PI) based on their CUET PG scores.
Step 6: Following the PIT and PI, candidates will be assigned seats based on their overall performance, which includes the CUET PG score, PIT, and PI results.
Step 7: Once the seats have been assigned, candidates must visit the TISS campus for document verification (or do it online).
Step 8: Following successful document verification, candidates must pay the first installment of the MA Psychology tuition fees and any other fees.
Step 9: Once the payment is processed and documents are verified, TISS will finalize the admission. Candidates will receive confirmation of their admission into the MA Psychology program.
Documents Required:
- Undergraduate mark sheets
- Valid ID proof (Aadhaar card, passport, etc.)
- Entrance exam scorecard (CUET PG)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Any other documents as specified in the admission brochure
Read more about MA Social Work
MA Psychology Syllabus
The MA in Psychology contains fundamental subjects like Cognitive psychology, psychology of life span development, neuropsychology, psychopathology, psychological testing, research methodology, and others. Here’s an example of the MA Psychology syllabus from the University of Delhi:
Also read about MA Applied Psychology
MA Psychology Job Opportunities in India
Here are some of the top job profiles after completing an MA in Psychology:
Students with a science background can check MSc Applied Psychology
MA Psychology vs. MA Clinical Psychology
A detailed comparison table between MA Psychology and MA Clinical Psychology is tabulated below:
MA Psychology FAQs
What is the typical range of CUET PG cut-off marks for the MA Psychology program?
The cut-off marks for pursuing a MA in Psychology via CUET PG are generally moderate, similar to most humanities programs, typically ranging from 180 to 230 out of 300 for the general category. Reserved categories benefit from relaxed cut-offs. The exact cut-offs vary each year depending on the university, category, and level of competition.
How can I apply for the MA Psychology program without taking an entrance exam?
Indeed, several universities offer admission to the MA Psychology program based on the merit of the qualifying bachelor’s degree. Additionally, some institutions provide merit-based admissions or use their own internal assessment criteria rather than a standardized entrance exam, making it accessible to a wide array of applicants.
What role does the CUET PG score play in the admission process for MA Psychology?
At institutions that base admissions on CUET PG scores, the score is a crucial factor in the selection process. A higher score increases the chances of acceptance, especially in well-regarded central universities. However, some universities may consider CUET PG scores along with merit assessments or conduct interviews as well.
Are there any benefits or relaxations for reserved categories regarding the CUET PG cut-off for MA Psychology?
Yes, candidates from OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD categories receive cut-off concessions, which typically range from 10 to 40 marks below the general category, depending on the university's reservation policies and the course's popularity.
Can students from non-Psychology backgrounds apply for the MA Psychology program using CUET PG?
Typically, applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline are eligible to apply. Some universities may conduct separate screenings for candidates with related backgrounds, but CUET PG allows cross-disciplinary candidates to compete on an equal footing based on entrance scores.
