UGC-Approved Online and Distance Psychology Programs in India: Top Colleges Listed

Psychology is fast becoming one of the most popular qualifications in India, as more people realize the significance of mental health issues, the importance of studying behavior, and the needs of human development. Importantly, the convenience of online learning has increased prospects for students and for working professionals. However, it is important to choose a credible and recognized program from the numerous options available.
This is where UGC approved online psychology studies come into play! Not only will you learn online from anywhere, but you will also be assured that your degree has some value in the educational academic world and in the job market. Many of the top institutions in India, such as Amity, Suresh Gyan Vihar University (SGVU), IGNOU, Lovely Professional University (LPU), and Jamia Millia Islamia, offer UGC approved online psychology programs that are of a high standard.
In this blog, we will discuss these colleges in detail, their programs, fees, duration, and everything else you need to know to make an informed decision to study psychology.
 

Reasons Why You Should Choose a UGC Recognized Online Psychology Program

With the boom in online education, it's easy to get persuaded or pressured into taking the first course you see; however, not all of the providers are equal when it comes to their value.
That’s where the University Grants Commission (UGC) comes into play. UGC puts strict conditions and regulations in place regarding whether your online programs meet academic expectations. UGC recognition will be the difference between getting a degree that is recognized across the country and one that is not.
For Psychology students, this is particularly important. Regardless of whether you plan to work in counselling, clinical psychology, human resources, or research, your employers or further education providers will only recognize qualifications that are legitimate, verified, and trustworthy. A UGC approved program will guarantee validation of your degree, which means it's valid for jobs, government exams, and further study.
Studying online also provides freedom in that you can study from anywhere, balancing additional commitments, attending lectures where you choose, and usually being able to access recorded lectures and resources. However, a UCG-approved course gives you the freedom of online study and the reassurance that your efforts will pay off long term. Thus, making the right decision now will create opportunities for you in the future!
 

Top Colleges Offering UGC-Approved Online Psychology Programs

 

Amity University Online

 

Amity University Online has a UGC-sponsored Master of Arts (Psychology) for students who are invested in the discipline of psychology with the desire to achieve great depth in their journey now and help people with mental health and social issues. The course enables students to address practical psychological challenges within hospitals, schools, corporate spaces, and local authorities. This program would be suitable for graduates and professionals wishing to address psychology in a stronger and rigorous manner, with practical aspects that the psychology profession offers to the world, and in a global context.

➢Programs offered

• Master of Arts (Psychology) (Online MA)
• Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
• Method: Completely Online (video lecture, interactive live sessions, live projects)

➢Program Highlights

• Global Learning: Global education through a combination of Indian and International faculty
• Robust model of teaching: Delivers on a robust and easy-to-use e-learning platform known as the LMS
• Flexible: Easily available at various times from anywhere through quality video material
• Real World: Experience on live projects, case studies, and practical experiences relevant to industry
• UGC guidance: Yes, the online master’s program in psychology at Amity University is UGC-sponsored.

➢Fee Structure

• Per Semester fee (4 semesters): ₹62,500
• Full program cost: ₹2,50,000
• EMI option: ₹10,417 (24 months), a zero-cost EMI option is available

Online Learning at Suresh Gyan Vihar University (SGVU)

 

Suresh Gyan Vihar University (SGVU) has two courses, where you can learn Psychology at the undergraduate level and the postgraduate level, offered online through a well-designed online system. Through this online platform, students will develop a firm and solid basis in the important principles of psychology, and for those looking to specialize in advanced content, these courses offer advanced knowledge of the subject. Suresh Gyan Vihar University (SGVU) online programs are UGC-DEB approved. They are intended for students who want to undertake the study of psychology in a more flexible, affordable, and expansive online psychology program.
 

➢Courses Offered

• BA Psychology (online)
• MA Psychology (online)

➢Duration

• BA: 3 years
• MA: 2 years
• Delivery Method: Fully Online( live delivery, recorded lectures, assignments, and discussion forums)

➢Key Features

• Flexible Studying: SGVU has an active learning management system (LMS) that supports students to learn in their own time and space, with access to a vast amount of digital and printed study materials.
• Engaging Learning Activities: Students can engage in case studies, virtual labs, and interactive projects, allowing the practical application of theories they have learned.
• Career Development: Mentoring and career development opportunities continue after the student finishes their course. With academic development and counselling, professionals will help students develop their careers through continuous mentoring and placement support during the course.

➢Curriculum

• BA: This program introduces students to areas such as counselling psychology, cognitive psychology, and abnormal psychology, as well as introductory subjects that help provide students with a well-rounded understanding of human behaviour.
• MA: Builds on BA knowledge and provides students with advanced psychological concepts, research methodologies, and helps develop practice in areas like clinical psychology, organizational psychology, and educational psychology.

➢Eligibility

• BA: 10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks( admissions merit-based).
• MA: Graduated from a recognized university in any discipline, preferably with psychology.

IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University)

 
IGNOU is a leading institution in open and distance learning in India, offering a wide range of programs in psychology designed to meet the learning needs of students with different academic and professional backgrounds. It provides structured, accessible, and well-regarded online and distance programs.
 

➢Programs Available

• BA (Hons) Psychology (BAPCH)
• MA Psychology (MAPC)
• MSc Psychology

➢BA (Hons) Psychology (BAPCH)

• Duration: 3 years
• Mode: Open Distance Learning (ODL)
• Highlights:
  • Comprehensive understanding of cognitive, social, and abnormal psychology.
  • Offered in both English & Hindi.
  • Offers skill-based, unit, and equivalent, and interdisciplinary elective units.
• Eligibility: 10+2 or equivalent.

➢MA Psychology (MAPC)

• Duration: 2 years
• Mode: Online and Distance Learning
• Highlights:
  • Intensive coverage of psychological principles, academic rigor, and applied psychological effectiveness in several settings.
  • Educates students for employment in education, healthcare, industry, and other new fields and psychological domains, and promotes diversity in the profession and emerging career areas, such as sports psychology and forensic psychology.
  • Specific focus on practice and skills development, along with theoretical understanding.
• Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in any discipline.

➢MSc Psychology

• Duration: 2 years
• Mode: Online & Distance Learning
• Highlights:
  • Advanced-level discussion of human behavior, research protocols, and applied psychology.
  • Specific training for counselling, research, and mental health care careers.
  • Blended learning with teleconferencing, assignments, live sessions, and project work
  • UGC and AICTE accredited and NAAC "A++" status.
• Eligibility: Graduation in Science disciplines with a minimum of 50% of marks.

Lovely Professional University (LPU) Online

 
Lovely Professional University (LPU) is widely recognized as providing excellence and innovation in education, offering a full-fledged Master of Arts (Psychology) program through its online learning platform. The program is approved by UGC and caters to individuals who are interested in deepening their understanding of psychology while enjoying the convenience of distance learning.
 

➢Program Offered

• MA Psychology (Online)

➢Duration

• Minimum: 2 years
• Maximum: 4 years
• Mode: Open and Distance Learning

➢Program Overview

• Extensive specializations: The program covers all areas of psychology, including counseling, child psychology, health, organizational, and positive psychology, to prepare students for a variety of employment roles in psychology.

 

• Employment opportunities: In addition to graduate opportunities in hospitals and rehabilitation centers, graduates will be qualified to work at academic institutions, research organizations, and government agencies. Graduates are also able to sit for the UGC-NET exam for lectureships.

 

• Skills development: The program develops skills that support critical thinking and creative synthesis, research ability, and the ability to apply theory and knowledge to practical situations so that students can approach a range of psychological issues at individual and societal levels.

 

• Research & Teaching: The program emphasizes research-based skills along with pedagogical skills, which will provide a pathway to careers in academia and specialized practice.

 

• Industry-ready: The program reflects industry standards, psychological trends, and psychological needs, which will empower graduates to make an impact in the field in a variety of settings.

➢Eligibility

• A Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

➢Fee structure

• 9,500 per semester (Program Fee + Exam Fee: INR 38,000 total)
• 18,000 per annum (Program + Exam Fee: INR 36,000 total)    
• Total Program Completion Fee: ₹34,000

The LPU online MA in Psychology program combines a strong theoretical foundation with practical exposure, providing students and working professionals with the building blocks to create a successful career in the mental health and education field.
 

How to Apply for Online Psychology Programs?

Applying to an online psychology program is relatively simple, with some steps that you have to follow carefully; these steps will ensure that the process runs smoothly and that you get admitted without issue. There are some steps that can be generally followed:


 

• Check the Eligibility:

The first step would be to check the eligibility requirements for the program you intend to apply for. Typically, a 10+2 qualification is required, but an undergraduate degree is generally needed in a graduate program, regardless of discipline.
 

• Go to the website:

Usually, you will have to go to the university's official online education site. Be sure to double-check the website to navigate correctly, as there are often other unofficial sites that claim to be the university.
 

• Register online & enter the application:

You will have to register for an account and enter your particular information, including personal information, academic history, and contact details, among other related information specific to the program you are applying to.
 

• Upload your documentation:

The online application will depend on the university, but each will ask you to upload any required documents, either scanned or in PDF. Commonly required documents include mark sheets, ID, passport-sized photo, and other provided documentation and materials.
 

• Pay the application fee:

Many online courses have an application fee, so you will have to follow the online payment gateway to pay the application fee. Print or keep a copy of the payment receipt in case it is needed later.
 

• Confirmation and Follow-Up:

Once submitted, you will receive written confirmation. After the application deadline, you can track your application status by logging in with the email and password you provided upon original set-up of your account to apply.
There will usually always be slight differences with each university, but you can easily follow the steps above without any issue during the application process; just be sure to read the detailed admission instructions that each university provides prior to applying.
 

Fees Overview for Online Psychology Programs 

Online fees for psychology programs in India will differ by university or college and program level, but most institutions have some flexible payment options and programs offered in varying durations to fit most budgets. Here’s a general fee range for you: 


 

Undergraduate Programs (BA Psychology):  

• Fees for an online BA Psychology degree range from ₹15,000 to ₹50,000 per year. For example, some universities allow students to pay in instalments, type semester payments, or provide some flexibility in payment schedules.  

Postgraduate programs (MA or MSc Psychology):   

• Fees for an online MA or MSc in Psychology will likely range from ₹30,000 to ₹80,000 per year, depending on the reputation of the university and the specialisation of the program.  

Payment Options:

• Many institutions offer zero-cost EMI plans or semester payment options.  
• It’s always best to check with the university for the current fee structure.

Conclusion

Starting a psychology program on an online basis is an exciting pathway to a fulfilling career in a fast-paced sector. The flexibility and accessibility of online learning mean that students can now pursue various specializations in psychology, such as counselling, child psychology, and organizational psychology, while at the same time, balancing their academic studies with their present work and personal scenarios.
There are numerous high-ranked universities in India, such as, Amity University, SGVU, IGNOU, and LPU; all have UGC accredited, high-quality online psychology subjects and degrees designed to incorporate the critical knowledge and skills to embark on a career in mental health care, counselling, corporate organizations, and government agencies, amongst others.
Always be diligent enough to find out about program details, eligibility, and fee structures before starting. Research and work properly, and you will be able to positively impact the world of psychology.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is the best university to get an online psychology degree in India?
UGC approved universities like Amity, IGNOU, SGVU, LPU are some of the universities offering good online psychology programs.

2. Are online psychology degrees recognised in India?
Yes, degree programmes approved by UGC are fully recognised and have the same value as a traditional degree.

3. Can I do an MA in Psychology online if I do not have a BA in Psychology?
Yes, universities generally accept applicants with any bachelor’s degree for the MA psychology programme.

4. How long does it take to complete an online psychology programme?
A BA in Psychology usually takes about 3 years, while an MA programme usually takes about 2 years.

5. Do online psychology programmes involve practical training?
Many of these programmes have case studies, projects, and in some cases virtual internships to help students gain practical exposure.