CSMU BA {Hons.} Research Psychology: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The 3-year BA Psychology is a standard undergraduate degree, while the 4-year BA (Hons.) Research in Psychology is a more advanced programme under the NEP 2020 framework. The 4-year programme includes a dedicated research component in the final year, where students undertake a dissertation or research project. Graduates of the 4-year Hons. Research programme are better positioned for direct PhD admission and research-oriented careers, while the 3-year programme is suitable for those looking to enter the workforce or pursue a standard MA/MSc Psychology.

Ans. The BA (Hons.) Research Psychology programme itself is not an RCI-approved clinical psychology programme. CSMU does offer a separate RCI-approved B.Sc. Clinical Psychology (Hons.) and MA Clinical Psychology programme for students who wish to practice as clinical psychologists. The BA (Hons.) Research Psychology is an academic/research-oriented programme and does not qualify graduates for RCI registration. Students interested in clinical practice should consider the RCI-approved programmes offered by CSMU.

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers in human resources, counselling support roles, educational psychology, social work, market research, and content creation in the mental health space. For clinical or therapeutic practice, further study (MA/M.Sc. Psychology or MA Clinical Psychology) is required. The research orientation of the 4-year programme also makes graduates eligible for direct PhD admission at many universities, including CSMU itself, which offers a PhD in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

Ans. Yes, the curriculum includes practical training components where students are placed in clinical settings, NGOs, schools, and corporate HR departments for internships. The duration and structure of internships may vary by semester and are coordinated by the Psychology department. Students are advised to confirm the specific internship requirements with the department at the time of admission, as the NEP 2020-aligned curriculum may have updated practical training norms.

Ans. Under the NEP 2020 framework, students typically have the option to exit after 3 years with a BA degree or continue for the 4th year to earn the BA (Hons.) Research degree, provided they meet the academic requirements set by the university. However, the specific rules for switching or upgrading between the two tracks at CSMU should be confirmed with the academic office, as the university's implementation of NEP 2020 exit and entry options may have specific conditions.

Ans. Both the 3-year BA (Hons.) and the 4-year BA (Hons.) Research in Psychology at CSMU have the same annual fee of Rs. 75,000 (for AY 2026-27). The 4-year programme costs an additional Rs. 75,000 for the 4th year, bringing the total to Rs. 2,85,000 versus Rs. 2,10,000 for the 3-year programme. For students planning to pursue research or PhD, the 4-year Hons. Research degree is strongly recommended as it provides a significant academic advantage and is increasingly preferred by universities for direct PhD admission under NEP 2020 guidelines.