As you all know, mental health has become one of the most important parts of healthcare in India today. With growing awareness about stress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues, the demand for psychiatrists is rising fastly.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who diagnoses, treats, and manages mental health disorders. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe medicines and provide medical treatment for mental illnesses.
Who is a Psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
They deal with patients suffering from depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, addiction, bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric problems.
Psychiatrists use both medical treatments (like medications) and psychological therapies (like counseling or psychotherapy) to help patients recover and live a stable life.
Step-by-Step Guide to Become a Psychiatrist in India
Here’s the complete process explained step by step.
Step 1: Complete Class 12th with Science
The first step is to pass Class 12th (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as your main subjects.
- Minimum Marks: 50% aggregate (for general category; 40% for reserved category).
- You must have Biology as one of the compulsory subjects.
Step 2: Appear for NEET-UG Exam
After Class 12, you need to qualify for the NEET-UG to get admission into an MBBS program.
- NEET-UG is a national-level exam conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency).
- Admission to all government and private medical colleges in India is based on NEET-UG rank.
- The exam includes questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Step 3: Complete MBBS Degree (5.5 Years)
Once you qualify NEET-UG, you can take admission in an MBBS course, which is the first professional degree in medicine.
- Duration: 5.5 years (4.5 years of academic study + 1 year of internship)
- During MBBS, you will learn all basic and clinical medical subjects, including psychiatry as part of the curriculum.
- In the internship year, you will get clinical experience in various departments like medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and psychiatry.
Step 4: Appear for NEET-PG Exam
After completing your MBBS and internship, the next step is to appear for the NEET-PG (Postgraduate) exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
This exam is required for admission into postgraduate medical courses like MD (Doctor of Medicine) in Psychiatry.
Step 5: Pursue MD in Psychiatry (3 Years)
Once you qualify NEET-PG, you can apply for MD in Psychiatry, which is the main postgraduate course to become a psychiatrist.
- Duration: 3 years
- Course Content: General Psychiatry, Neuropsychiatry, Child Psychiatry, Addiction Psychiatry, Community Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy.
- During your MD course, you will gain in-depth knowledge and clinical experience in diagnosing and treating different mental disorders.
Step 6: Obtain Medical Registration
After completing your MD, you must register yourself with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or your respective State Medical Council to get a license to practice as a psychiatrist in India.
Step 7: Optional Super-Specialization (DM or Fellowships)
After MD Psychiatry, you can go for further specialization through DM or fellowship programs.
Super-specialization options include:
- DM in Addiction Psychiatry
- DM in Geriatric Psychiatry
- DM in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- DM in Neuropsychiatry
- Fellowship in Community Psychiatry
- Fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry
These courses usually last 2–3 years and allow psychiatrists to become experts in a specific area of mental health.
Courses to Become a Psychiatrist in India
| Course Name | Duration | Eligibility | Level |
| MBBS | 5.5 years | 10+2 with PCB + NEET-UG | Undergraduate |
| MD in Psychiatry | 3 years | MBBS + NEET-PG | Postgraduate |
| DNB Psychiatry | 3 years | MBBS + NEET-PG | Equivalent to MD |
| Diploma in Psychological Medicine (DPM) | 2 years | MBBS | Postgraduate Diploma |
| DM in Psychiatry | 3 years | MD Psychiatry | Super-specialization |
Top Colleges for Psychiatry in India
Here are some of the top medical colleges in India that offer psychiatry courses:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru
- Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
- Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune
- Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi
- Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), New Delhi
- Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh
- King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow
Psychiatrist Salary in India
The salary of a psychiatrist depends on their experience, qualifications, and place of work.
| Position | Average Monthly Salary |
| MBBS Intern | ₹20,000 – ₹30,000 |
| Resident Doctor (MD Psychiatry) | ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Fresh Psychiatrist | ₹80,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Experienced Psychiatrist | ₹2 lakh – ₹5 lakh |
| Private Practitioner / Clinic Owner | ₹3 lakh – ₹10 lakh+ |
Skills Required to Become a Psychiatrist
To succeed as a psychiatrist, you need certain personal and professional qualities:
- Strong communication and listening skills.
- Empathy and patience.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking.
- Ability to understand emotions and behavior.
- Knowledge of psychology and human brain function.
- Confidentiality and professionalism.
Career Options for Psychiatrists in India
After completing your MD in Psychiatry, you can choose from several career paths:
- Government Hospitals – Work as a psychiatrist in public health hospitals.
- Private Hospitals – Join private or multispecialty hospitals.
- Own Clinic – Open your own psychiatric clinic or mental health center.
- Research and Academics – Work as a lecturer or researcher in medical colleges.
- Rehabilitation Centers – Work with addiction or de-addiction centers.
- Corporate Sector – Provide counseling and wellness programs in companies.
- Telepsychiatry – Offer online consultations and mental health therapy.
Common Job Roles in Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychiatrist
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
- Addiction Psychiatrist
- Geriatric Psychiatrist
- Forensic Psychiatrist
- Neuropsychiatrist
- Military Psychiatrist
- Academic or Research Psychiatrist
Psychiatry Course Fees in India
| Course | Average Fees (per year) |
| MBBS | ₹5 lakh – ₹25 lakh |
| MD Psychiatry | ₹3 lakh – ₹20 lakh |
| DNB Psychiatry | ₹2 lakh – ₹10 lakh |
| Diploma in Psychological Medicine | ₹1 lakh – ₹8 lakh |
| DM Psychiatry | ₹5 lakh – ₹15 lakh |
Fees may vary depending on whether the college is government or private.
Pros and Cons of Becoming a Psychiatrist
Pros:
- High demand and respect in the medical field
- Good income and job security
- Growing awareness of mental health in India
- Flexible work hours and good work-life balance
- Emotional satisfaction by helping people recover mentally
Cons:
- Long education and training period (10–12 years)
- Emotional stress while dealing with patients
- High responsibility and workload in certain cases
Conclusion
Becoming a psychiatrist in India starts with MBBS, then specialize with MD in Psychiatry, and may even pursue further training in sub-specialties. As mental health awareness continues to rise, psychiatrists are becoming more important than ever.
FAQs
Q1. How many years does it take to become a psychiatrist in India?
It takes about 11–12 years including MBBS, internship, and MD in Psychiatry.
Q2. Is NEET required to become a psychiatrist?
Yes. NEET-UG is required for MBBS, and NEET-PG is required for MD Psychiatry.
Q3. Can I become a psychiatrist after BA in Psychology?
No. To become a psychiatrist, you must complete MBBS and MD Psychiatry. A BA or BSc in Psychology can make you a psychologist, not a psychiatrist.
Q4. What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medicines. A psychologist provides counseling and therapy but cannot prescribe medication.
Q5. Is psychiatry a good career in India?
Yes. Psychiatry is one of the fastest-growing medical careers with high demand and good income potential.