BA Psychology

BA in Psychology is a three-year undergraduate program that covers a variety of topics such as human development, personality, and cognitive functions. It explores social, experimental, clinical, and organizational branches of psychology. The course focuses on the functioning of the human mind and behavior. The BA in Psychology subjects covers topics such as mental health, childhood and development, and scientific fundamentals. After completing a BA in Psychology, graduates can pursue careers in various fields such as Social services, Academics, Research, Mental health development organizations, Counseling, Health education, Social work.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology studies human behavior and the mind. It's considered a liberal arts degree. BA in Psychology is an undergraduate degree programme that focuses on the mind and behaviour. The BA Psychology programme is divided into six semesters, the first four of which are dedicated to theory and practicals and the final semester to internships and projects. Health, Human Development, Personality, and Social Behaviour are among the topics covered in the BA Psychology syllabus. 

BA Psychology admission 2024 varies by college, as some are merit-based and others are based on entrance exams. To be eligible for BA Psychology admission, students must have completed Class 10+2 with at least 50% in aggregate or equivalent marks from a recognised board. There are approximately 31 colleges offering a BA in Psychology course in the Delhi NCR, 20 of which are private, six of which are government, and three of which are public-private partnerships. Amity University, IGNOU, Delhi University, and others are among the top universities/colleges in Delhi NCR that offer a BA in Psychology.

Other BA Psychology colleges include S.K Somaiya Degree College Arts, Science, and Commerce, St. Francis College for Women, and others. BA Psychology fees range between INR 20K and INR 2 LPA. Candidates with a BA in Psychology can be hired by top recruiters such as Apollo Hospitals, Fortis, and Max Insurance to work as mental health technicians, psychiatric aides, and rehabilitation counselors. The annual salary for a BA Psychology graduate ranges between INR 2 and INR 5 LPA. 

Following a BA in Psychology, students can pursue Master's degrees in Psychology, Education, Business Administration, and Social Work. They can continue their education by getting an MA in Psychology, an MBA, an MBA in Healthcare Management, a PGD in Counselling Psychology, an LLB, and so on.

Read on to know more about BA Psychology course.

Also Read: BA Psychology vs Applied Psychology

• BA Psychology admission is based on the CUET entrance exam. The CUET UG 2024 exam dates have been announced. The National Testing Agency will administer the CUET UG Exam 2024 from May 15 to May 31, 2024.
• The National Testing Agency began the CUET UG 2024 registration process on February 27, 2024. Registration is now open online. Candidates who want to take the CUET UG 2024 exam must complete the CUET 2024 registration process.

Some of the important highlights of the BA Psychology course admission are listed below:

Also Read: List of Professional Courses in India 

BA Psychology offers many profitable career opportunities. Candidates pursuing the degree, have an in-depth understanding of human nature. The field of academia and psychology teaching in schools and colleges offers opportunities for aspirants. A career in problem solving, both theoretical and practical, is also an option for candidates. Research indicates that psychologists have very high levels of job satisfaction. It would therefore be wise to choose psychology.

The BA in Psychology programme is also open to applicants who have a strong desire to serve the community and the greater good. Candidates pursuing a BA in psychology have a number of research options to help them organise and interpret data. Candidates who pursue a BA in Psychology can find work in a variety of fields. Some focus on research — that is, delving deeper into the workings of human behaviour and the mind — while others focus on applying research in clinical, corporate, and other settings. A BA psychology degree will help you gain insights into people's motivations, perceptions, and behaviour, which will give you a different perspective on why people react the way they do and will help you understand people a little better.

In the future, candidates can teach psychology because there is always a high demand for psychological services in schools and colleges. Candidates who are interested in solving human-mind-related problems can pursue this as a career. According to research, psychologists are very happy with their jobs. As a result, majoring in Psychology will be a wise career move.

Candidates who want to help people, do community service, or work in social services can pursue a BA in Psychology. Candidates pursuing a BA psychology degree can conduct various types of research and learn how to organise and interpret data, which is a valuable skill for their future careers.

BA in Psychology is a good choice for students with a liberal arts background who want to work in fields like counseling, education, social work, journalism, or law. A psychology bachelor's degree may be a good choice if you're interested in:

• Understanding the mind
• Understanding human behavior
• Understanding what motivates people
• Making a contribution to the field 

You don't have to be an extrovert to be successful in a psychology program. However, you must have a desire or interest to understand, connect with and learn from other people. Being empathetic and able to relate to experiences outside of your own is crucial for a career as a psychologist. With a psychology degree, you're well placed to pursue careers in both arts and scientific fields, depending on your personal interests. 

The detailed list of eligibility criteria is given below:

• Candidates have to pass in each and every subject in their 10+2 level
• Candidates must have completed their 10+2 from any recognized board or its equivalent
• Candidates should have at least scored 50% aggregate marks in 10+2 depending on the requirement of the college
• There is no minimum age limit for applying for the BA Psychology course

Required Skill Set for BA Psychology

Candidates considering a career in psychology will have a wonderful and rewarding life! As a field, it has constantly grown and changed over the years, incorporating contemporary thinking into its fold and contributing significantly to the current vision.

Having said that, there are some skills that you will undoubtedly need to develop while pursuing a BA Psychology course in order to become a psychologist, whether your journey ends as a clinical psychologist or a school counsellor. If you're thinking about a career, the following list will help you determine which skills you'll need the most for a BA Psychology.

• Critical Thinking

Psychology relies heavily on critical thinking skills. Everything you learn in BA Psychology makes you more critical of what's going on in the world around you, as well as your role in it. So, it goes without saying that this is a skill you will develop as you study. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to practise your critical thinking skills on a daily basis, as not everything can be applied uniformly to all people.

• Emotional Stability

The most skilled psychologists possess deep-seated emotional stability and emotional self-control. You might hear incredibly unsettling stories every day. Some people with certain psychological disorders may experience suicidal thoughts, disturbing feelings, and other potentially frightful situations. Having your wits about you is essential to running your practice in a professional manner.

• Listening

When it comes to counselling and developing therapeutic interventions to support clients under your care, listening—especially active listening—is crucial. Any information obtained from a client is useful in determining how to help them with their condition. Therefore, having good listening skills will be very helpful if you intend to pursue a BA in Psychology. 

• Research

After getting a BA Psychology, nothing is done in real practice that hasn't been supported by research and evidence-based practice. This is significant because more research and data are required to properly determine whether or not a given intervention can benefit patients. In the event that your goals are unsupported by research, there may be a risk to the patient as well as to your reputation. In order to advance your practice, you will also need to read scientific journals and conduct independent research.

• Patience

Considering having a BA in Psychology, there are some things that a degree cannot teach you. Patience is the first. As you can imagine, the fact that patients in this field exhibit behaviour that deviates from what is deemed "normal" makes dealing with them particularly challenging. Therefore, it's critical to maintain motivation while also exercising patience with these clients.

Several colleges offer admission to their BA psychology programmes through their own entrance exams. Candidates must obtain the minimum qualifying marks in order to be admitted to the BA psychology course. A high score on any of the BA psychology entrance exams increases one's chances of admission. To judge a candidate, colleges/universities use the scores/rank of entrance exams. A candidate must also pass the entrance exams or interviews of preferred colleges/universities in order to be admitted to a BA psychology degree programme.

Various entrances tests conducted at the national, state or university level for BA psychology course are:

• CUET
• IPU CET

Entrance exams for the BA in Psychology are held by colleges to evaluate and sort the best applicants with the necessary skills and fundamental knowledge of the field. Because this is a competitive exam, candidates must prepare extensively. Candidates must ensure that they are prepared in a timely manner in order to deliver a strong performance. The following is a typical format for BA psychology entrance exams:

• The paper has a total of 120 marks
• The total time is 120 minutes
• The exam is given entirely online
• Each correct answer earns one mark
• Each incorrect attempt is worth -1 mark

How to Choose a Good BA in Psychology College?

Choosing the right college for a BA in Psychology can be difficult. Here are some factors that can help you select a good college.

• Accreditation and Recognition: Prospective students should confirm that the college they are thinking about has accreditation from a respectable agency, like the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) or the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• Faculty: Do your homework on the psychology department's faculty members and seek out seasoned, informed instructors who have a proven track record of success in both teaching and research.
• Syllabus: A college should provide a thorough and balanced programme that addresses psychology's theoretical and applied facets.
• Facilities: To support your learning and research, it's critical to inspect the college's facilities, which should include well-stocked libraries and laboratories.
• Conditions: The college's surroundings are a significant additional factor. Applicants should think about the college's location, how easy it is for them to get to classes, and if it provides the kinds of social and cultural opportunities they want.
• Placement Opportunities: Take into account the placement options provided by the college and look into the kinds of businesses and organisations that have previously employed graduates.

There are two options for admission to BA Psychology 2024:

• Entrance-Based BA Psychology Admissions
• Merit-Based BA Psychology Admissions

The application process for a BA in psychology varies according to the admissions process. Candidates, on the other hand, can apply to their preferred college online or offline. Almost all colleges, however, now process admissions online. Candidates can register on the official website and complete the application form by uploading the necessary documents and providing the requested information. Following the admissions process, the final seat allocation will begin, and all selected applicants will be required to register and pay course fees.

Candidates are ultimately chosen based on their cutoff scores. The university's cut-off score is calculated by adding the entrance exam results. The university's cut-off score is calculated by adding the entrance exam and 10+2 results. Many colleges, however, take a student's Psychology exam scores into account. Candidates who meet the admissions requirements will be assigned to counselling sessions prior to seat allocation.  

Also Read: Best Certificate Courses in India

Both an entrance exam and a merit-based selection process are available for BA Psychology admission. Numerous universities offer direct admission to the BA Psychology programme and admission based on entrance exams. Candidates should have their results from the respective entrance exam boards available when applying for a BA Psychology degree at the universities of choice. The steps one should typically take to get admission are listed below, even though the admissions process differs from college to college.
 

For Entrance Based BA Psychology Admission

Candidates can apply for BA Psychology courses by following the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Check into the application form requirements and deadlines listed by various colleges and universities if you want to an admission to a BA Psychology programme.

Step 2: Register for the entrance exams required for BA Psychology admissions at the colleges and universities you want to attend

Step 3: Once confirmed, save the application process for future use. Also, for admission and other important notifications, keep an eye on the exam or the university's official website

Step 4: After appearing and passing the BA Psychology entrance examination, candidates must fill out an application form for their desired university with personal information such as academic details, entrance examination results, and so on

Step 5: Candidates who successfully meet the university's eligibility requirements are shortlisted for the counselling round (if any) to finalise the admissions process

Step 6: After clearing the counselling session, candidates must pay the university's entrance fee in order to be confirm their admission to the BA Psychology course
 

For Merit Based BA Psychology Admission 

Candidates can apply for BA Psychology courses by following the steps outlined below:

Step 1: Fill out the online BA Psychology application form

Step 2: Pay the registration fee and any additional fees if admission is granted based on merit

Step 3: The shortlisted applicants will receive invitations to the subsequent phases of the hiring process, such as individual interviews or counselling

Step 4: Candidates must submit all the required documents and fee in order to confirm their admission to BA Psychology course

BA Psychology course fees range from INR 20K to 2LPA. Course fees may vary between BA Psychology colleges. A government-funded institute charges less than a private institute due to its infrastructure and facilities. 

Students often struggle to make decisions on what course is more suitable for them and which course can create a brighter future for them. Students planning to pursue a psychology course must know the difference between BA Psychology and BSc Psychology. 

Both the degrees are well-respected, valuable as well as marketable. Whichever program you choose should depend on your interest and preference. A Bachelor of Arts in Psychology can be a great choice if you are interested in going straight to work after graduation or if you are thinking of pursuing a graduate program in something like law or counselling.

If, however, you are thinking about committing to further graduate study in psychology, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology may be the better choice. There are plenty of colleges in India that offer both degrees.

Below is a comparison of BA Psychology and BA Psychology Hons.

Also Read: BSc Courses List for Science Student After 12th 

The BA Psychology course differs from one college to the next. Those interested in studying human behaviour and psychology can enroll in a BA Psychology course at one of India's prominent institutions or colleges. The typical UGC suggested curriculum structure is shown below.

General Elective Courses

Here is the list of BA Psychology general elective courses:

Ability Enhancement Elective Courses (AEEC)

Discipline-Specific Electives (DSE)

Exploring the subjects and course curriculum of a program helps you gain crucial insights into BA Psychology course with the help of which you can determine whether it aligns with your niche or not. Here is the complete list of BA Psychology subjects:

Many of the nation's private academic institutions offer a BA in psychology programme. The admission process is based on past academic performance as well as the outcomes of admission exams. The top private BA psychology programmes in India are listed in the table below.

• AJMVP New Arts Commerce and Science College, Ahmednagar
• Gokhale Education Society's HPT Arts and RYK Science College, Nashik
• St Philomena's College, Mysore
• Satish Pradhan Dnyanasadhana College, Thane
• Feroze Gandhi College, Raebareli
• Smt Chandibai Himathmal Mansukhani College, Ulhasnagar
• VAZE College - V G Vaze College of Arts Science and Commerce
• DAV PG College, Karnal
• Mahatma Gandhi College, Trivandrum
• Sheth PT Mahila College of Arts and Home Science, Surat

One of the most well-known professional degrees in India is the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. The table below contains a list of some of the top government colleges that offer a BA in psychology.

• St Xavier's College, Ahmedabad
• Government Brennen College, Thalassery
• Gargi College, Delhi
• Lady Shriram College for Women, New Delhi
• Satish Chandra Dhawan Government College, Ludhiana
• Gujarat Arts and Science College, Ahmedabad
• SCS Autonomous College, Puri
• Kalika Dham PG College, Sewapuri
• Koshi College, Khagaria
• Parul Institute of Arts, Vadodara

India is home to some very good colleges that are offering BA Psychology. Interested candidates can visit the official website of these colleges and can take admission to any college as per their choice. These colleges include both private and government-aided universities. Every year, the top BA psychology released multiple cut-offs for the diverse psychology undergraduate courses. A candidate must meet the cut-off score set by the board to proceed with counselling rounds for admissions. Check out the BA psychology course in the below-mentioned colleges along with their BA psychology fees.

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

Candidates can also look at Top Colleges in Delhi University (DU) Based on NIRF Ranking 2024 here!

The BA Psychology cutoff is a set of criteria used to assess an applicant's ability or score on the entrance exam. Admission to these colleges is based on scores that exceed the cut-off percentage. Each college's cut-off is determined by the number of applicants, the difficulty level of the exam, and the results of the entrance exam.

BA Psychology jobs are available in a wide range of industries and organisations. BA Psychology graduates can pursue careers in Community Health, Counselling, Child Daycare, Prisons, Personnel Administration, and Research. Both the government and the private sector offer a diverse range of employment opportunities. Careers following a BA in Psychology include Child Psychologist, Developmental Psychologist, Social Psychologist, Community Health Officer, Social Worker, and Daycare Supervisor. In India, the average BA Psychology salary is INR 2- 5 LPA.

The BA Psychology course equips students with all of the necessary skills for success. Following graduation, some BA Psychology jobs include:

• Daycare Director
• Criminal psychologist
• Social psychologist
• psychologist for kids
• Career Advisor
• Clinician in psychology
• Developmental psychologist, health educator, and psychiatric assistant

BA Psychology offers students a wide range of career options, including clinical medicine, counselling, health, and education. The following are the most popular jobs for BA Psychology graduates:

Employment Areas for BA Psychology Graduates

After completing a BA in Psychology, you will be able to work in a variety of fields related to psychology and psychological research. With the recent shift toward a greater emphasis on mental health, the scope for BA Psychology has grown exponentially. There are numerous job opportunities available in both the public and government sectors. Some of the areas of recruitment that offer career options after completing a BA in Psychology in India are listed below:

• Community Health Service Centres
• Day-Care Centres
• Prisons
• Rehab Organisations
• Advertising
• Human Resources
• Correctional Programmes
• Welfare Organisations
• NGO’s
• Social Work
• Personnel Administration

BA Psychology Salary

Certain key job profiles are available for BA psychology graduates. There are numerous job openings in both the public and government sectors. The average salary for BA Psychology jobs in India is INR 2 - 5 LPA, with the salary varying depending on a number of factors. Let us look at those profiles and their estimated salaries:

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

Many career options are available to those who have a bachelor's degree in psychology, which also offers a strong foundation in the field. BA in Psychology can lead to work in the following fields: educational psychology, clinical psychology, counselling psychology, marketing and advertising, and human resources. 

The most popular courses to take after getting a BA in psychology are as follows:

• Master's in Psychology: Students who wish to specialise in industrial-organizational psychology or counselling psychology or to advance their education in the field often choose for a Master's in Psychology degree.
• Master of Education (M Ed): A Master of Education can lead to a career in school counselling or educational psychology, which is a field of study that interests students interested in integrating psychology into education.
• Master in Business Administration (MBA): Students interested in combining business and psychology will find this degree useful as it can lead to careers in marketing, organisational development, or human resources. 
• Master in Social Work (MSW): If students are interested in working with people to promote social and emotional well-being, families, and communities, they should think about pursuing a Master of Social Work degree. 

Candidates with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology will have a wide range of opportunities in every industry. Candidates can prepare for government jobs or apply for private-sector jobs. Candidates can also further their education in psychology to improve their future job prospects. After completing a BA in Psychology, students may pursue an MA in Psychology or other certification/diploma courses in Psychology. Candidates can also study for a doctorate in India or abroad. 

Following a BA in Psychology, a student can also pursue the following postgraduate or certificate/diploma courses:

• PG Diploma in Counselling Psychology
• PG Diploma in Clinical Psychology
• PG Diploma in Mental Health Counselling
• PG Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology
• MA Psychology
• MA in Applied Psychology
• Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
• Doctor of Philosophy in Stress Analysis
• Certificate Course in Child Psychology
• Certificate Course in Applied Psychology
• Certificate Course in School Counseling