PhD Psychiatry - Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Institutes, Scope

A psychiatry PhD is a three-year doctoral program. After completing their M.B.B.S, students usually pursue psychiatry courses or opt for psychiatry diplomas or short courses to build a strong foundation. A PhD in Psychiatry is an academic discipline that assists students in determining the true cause of mental illness, emotional or behavioral disorders in humans, as well as their treatment in order to promote a mentally healthy lifestyle. This course prepares students to work with patients and individuals suffering from mental or emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression, and others. It also equips candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct various studies in the field of psychiatry and introduce new discoveries.

A psychiatrist, as opposed to a psychologist, is more knowledgeable about the medical aspects of the brain’s structure and function. As an academic discipline, psychiatry teaches students how to apply the appropriate tools and techniques to patients with mental and emotional disorders so that they can return to a healthy lifestyle.

The course usually covers a variety of topics, including psychological ethics, counseling theory, various strategies for diagnosing mental illnesses, and much more. Students must work with patients who have a variety of physical, psychological, and mental disorders while completing the course.


PhD Psychiatry: An Overview

Level of CourseDoctorate 
Duration of Course3-5 Years 
Criteria for Eligibility Required Master’s degree or M.Phil in Psychology or any other equivalent field from a recognized university with a minimum of 55 percent in aggregate or passing an entrance exam such as PET, NET, etc., as well as a counselling round.
Procedure of AdmissionBased on Merit and Entrance Exam Score 
Type of ExaminationSemester Based 
Areas  of RecruitmentMental Health Care, Hospitals, Health Care,Counseling offices and more 
Profile of JobScientists, Educational Psychiatrist, Researcher, Social Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychiatrist etc. 
Average Fee for the Course INR 2,000 to 4.80 lacs 
Average Salary Per AnnumINR 2-12 lacs per annum 

Relevant Links
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PhD Psychiatry Eligibility Criteria

If a candidate is interested in pursuing a PhD in psychiatry, they must meet the following requirements:

  • Applicants must have a post-graduate degree in psychology or an M.Phil in the relevant field from a recognized university, with an overall grade point average of 55 percent or higher.
  • Aside from that, candidates must pass the common entrance exam to be considered for this program.
  • Some reputable colleges and universities, on the other hand, hold a counseling round that includes group discussions and personal interviews in order to select the most qualified candidates.
  • Furthermore, candidates must complete a mandatory rotating internship or have a minimum of 5 years of experience as a professional in the field, holding a senior position.

PhD Psychiatry: Curriculum/Syllabus

Course Subjects
Research Methodology 
Development of Human Behavior 
Foundations and Methods of Psychology 
Psychological Processes 
Issues and Perspectives in Modern Contemporary Psychology 
Seminar 
Dissertation 
Project Work 
Thesis 

PhD Psychiatry Admission Procedure

Candidates who wish to apply for admission to the PhD in Psychiatry program must meet the requirements set forth by various colleges and universities. A Master’s degree or M.Phil in Psychology is required, as well as a minimum aggregate grade point average of 55 percent or higher from any recognized university.

Aside from that, aspiring candidates must pass the Entrance Examination for this course, which is held by various colleges or universities. 

After passing the entrance exam, you will be required to participate in Group Discussion and Personal Interview sessions. This session is specifically designed by the university administration to obtain a comprehensive assessment of the applicant’s integrity in the following course.


PhD Psychiatry: Top Institutes

The following are some of the top academic institutions in India that offer a PhD program in Psychiatry, along with their locations and average annual fees:

Institute NamePlaceAverage Fee for the Course
Annamalai University – Faculty of EducationChennai1,93,230
Women’s Christian CollegeChennai30,000
All India Institute of Medical Sciences – AIIMSNew Delhi2,160
Babu Banarasi Das University – BBDUttar Pradesh4,80,000
Guru Nanak Dev UniversityAmritsar75,000
Christ UniversityBangalore2,70,000
Central University of Karnataka – CUKGulbarga57,000
Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical SciencesPatna20,000
Datta Meghe Institute of Medical SciencesWardha1,10,000
Banaras Hindu UniversityVaranasi8,368
KLE UniversityBelgaum78,000

PhD Psychiatry: Important Entrance Exams

Colleges and universities offer PhD programs in psychiatry, but students can only apply if they pass the Entrance Examination, which is held at the university or state level. The following is a list of entrance examinations held for admission to the PhD Psychiatry program:

  • GATE – Graduate Aptitude Test Engineering 
  • The Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP) Entrance Exam 
  • CSIR – Council for Scientific and Industrial Research 
  • DET – Doctorate Entrance Test 
  • NET – National Eligibility Test 
  • University of Delhi Entrance Exam 
  • JRF – Junior Research Fellowship 
  • The All India Institute of Medical Sciences Entrance Exam 
  • The Indian Institute of Technology – Joint Entrance Exam (IIT-JEE) 
  • PET – PhD Entrance Test 

PhD Psychiatry: Top Foreign Institutes

  • Yale University, USA
  • University College London, UK
  • University of Toronto, Canada 
  • Columbia University, USA
  • Harvard University, USA
  • Stanford University, USA
  • University of California – Los Angeles, USA
  • Kings College London, UK

PhD Psychiatry: Important Documents Required

  • No objection certificate from the employer (if employed)
  • Passing/Degree certificate of the last qualifying degree examination
  • Migration Certificate (No objection certificate from the University last attended)
  • Documentary proof for date of birth
  • Character certificate (from the head of the Institute from which the student has obtained his qualifying degree.
  • Mark-list of the last qualifying degree examination
  • Research Proposal *
  • Gap certificate (if applicable)

Students should be aware that if the aforementioned certificates are not attached to their application, their application will not be taken into account for admission.


PhD Psychiatry Application Process

Both online and offline applications are accepted for PhD in Psychiatry programs.

  • Interested candidates should visit the respective colleges’ official websites to apply for the course.
  • Go to the university’s official website and click on the “Application Link.”
  • Candidates must register using their personal email address and password.
  • After completing the registration process, log in to the portal, click on the application form, and fill out all of the required information before uploading the required documents.
  • Make a payment using a credit card, debit card, or net banking account, and then submit the completed application form.
  • For future use, download and print the application form.

PhD Psychiatry and PhD Psychology: Key Differences

The PhD in Psychology is a three-year doctoral program that teaches students about the minds and behaviors of humans and non-human animals. This discipline aids you in comprehending various human activities and mental disorders, as well as providing detailed information on treating mental illness and achieving emotional endurance through proper counselling.

Both psychology and psychiatry provide numerous opportunities in the field of resolving mental health issues. Candidates pursuing a PhD in one of the above-mentioned courses will have the opportunity to work in private/government hospitals, mental health clinics, counselling offices, and other settings.

The key differences between Psychiatry and Psychology PhD programs are summarized in the table below:

Basis of ComparisonPh.D. (Psychiatry) Ph.D. (Psychology) 
Highlight A doctorate in psychiatry provides in-depth knowledge of human mental health issues. The course will teach you about psychological principles, how to develop an individual’s lifestyle through counselling, and much more.The course covers advanced topics in human and nonhuman animal behavior, as well as how to promote healthy human development by addressing mental health issues.
Duration of Curse 3-5 Years 3 Years   
Type of ExaminationSemester System Semester System 
Eligibility CriteriaMaster’s degree or M.Phil in Psychology with a minimum of 55 percent aggregate from any recognized university is required to qualify.A post-graduate degree in psychology with a cumulative grade point average of at least 55 percent is required.
Procedure of AdmissionMerit and Entrance Exam Based Need to qualify the entrance exam followed by counselling round 
Top Institutes  University of Delhi, Babu Banarasi Das University – BBD, All India Institute of Medical Sciences – AIIMS, Women’s Christian College, Mahatma Gandhi University and more  Banaras Hindu University, Bharath Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Allahabad University, Central University of Karnataka, Dr. Annasaheb GD Bendale Mahila Mahavidyalaya etc. 
Job Profiles Scientists, Educational Psychiatrist, Researcher, Social Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychiatrist etc. Educational Psychologist, Industrial Psychologist, Research Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Professor and more 
Top Fields of RecruitmentHealth Care, Mental Health Care, Hospitals, Counseling offices and more Colleges/Universities, Healthcare Centers, Clinics, Hospitals, Counselling Offices etc. 
Average Fees 
(Annually)
INR 2,000 to 4.80 lacs INR 2,000 to 1 lakh 
Average Salary 
Per Annum
INR 2-12 lacs per annum INR 1 to 12 lacs per annum 

PhD Psychiatry: Top Job Profiles

Students who successfully complete the Psychiatry PhD program are expected to be well-prepared to explore their skills and perceptions in their careers. This course will provide students with an excellent opportunity to gain experience in Psychology and apply their knowledge in a variety of settings, including health care, mental health care, clinics, hospitals, research centers, counselling offices, and more.

Scientist, Researcher, Professor, Social Psychiatrist, Educational Psychiatrist, Clinical Psychiatrist, Developmental Psychiatrist, and many other careers are available to those who qualify.

Following is a list of career options available to candidates who have completed their PhD Psychiatry program:

Profile of Job Description of JobAverage Salary 
Per Annum
Scientist In the field of study, the role entails drafting information through analysis, evaluation, investigation, and experiments.INR 2 to 4 lacs 
Researcher A researcher always tries to gather data to analyse, evaluate, and examine in order to initiate novel changes in the field of study.INR 5 to 12 lacs 
Social Psychiatrist A social psychiatrist examines, analyses, and evaluates data to determine the true cause of mental disorders, as well as prescribes and provides treatment options for behavioral disorders.INR 8 to 9 lacs 
Counselling Psychiatrist A counselling psychiatrist evaluates, diagnoses, and recommends treatment options for a variety of mental disorders.INR 2 to 4 lacs 
Professor Try to convey the required knowledge and skills to students who want to become competent psychiatrists in the future using various techniques.INR 2 to 6 lacs 
Educational Psychiatrist An educational psychiatrist typically treats children with mental illnesses and emotional disorders brought on by societal pressures, education, and other factors.INR 2 to 12 lacs 

Students with a Psychiatry degree can expect to have a lot of career options. They can collaborate with private, public, and government centers as well as emergency clinics. Work in nursing homes, emergency clinics, and polyclinics for examination establishments is also an option. Therapists are also permitted to open their own private practices. Here are some of the most common career paths for psychiatry graduates:

  • Substance Abuse Therapy: If you choose to gain experience in substance abuse treatment, you will be in charge of patients who are addicted to substances such as alcohol and medications. You’ll be in charge of monitoring these patients individually or in groups, developing recovery plans with their families, and preventing future substance abuse.
  • Kid and Adolescent Psychiatry: Psychiatrists who work with children and adolescents (under the age of 18) and their families are known as child and adolescent psychiatrists. The child and adolescent specialist conducts an analytic test to determine whether the problem is hereditary, physical, psychological, instructive, formative, or related to family, society, or companion pressure.
  • Adult Psychiatry: This branch of psychiatry is in charge of dealing with adult issues (individuals who are over the age of 18). Findings can include anxiety issues, mindset issues, general psychiatry, fixation medication, and whatever other issues cause mental stress.
  • Psychosomatic Medication: Psychosomatic medication, also known as conference contact psychiatry, is the study and treatment of mental symptoms and problems. They devise treatment plans, including the administration of prescriptions, and conduct demonstration tests.

How is a Psychiatrist different from a Psychologist?

Many people mix up psychologists and psychiatrists because their titles are similar and they both diagnose and treat mental health issues, but there are some significant differences between the two professions.

1. Difference in Training and Education

Psychiatrists and psychologists are educated and highly skilled professionals. Psychologists must have completed at least 6 years of university education and supervised practice. A doctor of philosophy (PhD) or a doctor of psychology (PsyD) degree is required of most psychologists. Psychologists with a doctorate (PhD) can use the title “Dr.” but they do not have medical degrees. Clinical psychologists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who have completed at least 11 years of education and training. A medical degree from a university is required of psychiatrists. They then complete 1 or 2 years of general doctor training before completing at least 5 years of training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Psychiatrists, unlike psychologists, have a doctor of medicine (MD) degree and must learn all of the human body’s systems and functions, as well as how to perform physical exams and specific treatments for each medical issue.

2. The Authority to provide medication

Despite the fact that psychologists and psychiatrists treat mental illnesses, most psychologists are not allowed to prescribe medication.

Medication can also be prescribed by psychologists in the military, the Indian Health Service, or on Guam. Psychiatrists have a lot more flexibility when it comes to prescribing drugs. Psychiatrists have the authority to prescribe medication in any state because of their medical degree.

3. Difference in Treatment Plans

Psychiatrists and psychologists both talk with you about your problems and challenges. However, because of their different educational backgrounds, they are able to focus on, treat, and approach those issues in different ways.

Psychologists tend to concentrate on your patterns of behavior. If you have anxiety, for example, a psychologist will monitor your sleeping habits, the severity and frequency of panic attacks, and the negative thoughts that may be contributing to your high anxiety levels. They’ll talk with you about what they find, teach you how to modify some of those patterns, and help you to develop new habits to relieve and manage anxiety. Psychological treatments and various types of talk therapy are their primary means of assisting you in coping.

Psychiatrists examine your behavior patterns as well, but they are more knowledgeable about biology and neurochemistry. This enables them to provide a broader range of treatments, such as:

  • Medication
  • Brain stimulation therapies
  • General medical care, including physical examinations, in order to evaluate the effects of any prescribed medication
  • Psychological treatment

Before making a diagnosis, psychiatrists conduct a physical examination. Before diagnosing you with depression, a psychiatrist might check for thyroid issues or vitamin deficiencies.

4. Severity of Mental Health Conditions

Psychologists typically treat conditions that do not require medication. Behavioral issues, learning difficulties, anxiety, and mild depression are examples of these conditions.

Psychiatrists, on the other hand, specialize in treating complex conditions that necessitate medical treatment as well as psychological assessments, such as:

  • Bipolar disorder
  • Severe depression
  • Schizophrenia

PhD Psychiatry: Benefits and Scope

A skilled psychiatrist is constantly focused on comprehending, diagnosing, treating, and resolving mental and emotional issues in the human body. They are always trying to figure out why people get sick, both physically and mentally. Their primary goal is to improve people’s lives by promoting mental and emotional health. Most students nowadays prefer to continue their PhD program in this discipline because of the following benefits:

  • Students can pursue careers in education, research, healthcare, counselling, and other fields after completing the course.
  • With an average annual salary package of INR 2-12 lacs, PhD holders can work as Social Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychiatrists, Counselling Psychiatrists, and more.
  • Students who are willing to contribute their skills and expertise in order to make positive changes in their field of study have an opportunity.
  • A candidate with a PhD in Psychiatry is in high demand as a professor in various colleges and universities, where they can guide students with useful knowledge and techniques and motivate them to become skilled psychiatrists in the future.

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