B.A. Psychology vs Applied Psychology - Differences, Career Scope, Fees, Best Choice

People frequently mix up Psychology and Applied Psychology because the terms sound similar. The following article will distinguish between the two courses and their undergraduate programmes.

Table of Contents

What is the Difference Between Psychology and Applied Psychology?
BA Psychology vs Applied Psychology - Detailed Comparison
BA Psychology & BA Applied Psychology - Universities Fee Structure
Admission Process for BA Psychology & BA Applied Psychology
BA Psychology v/s BA Applied Psychology Career Scopes
Which Course is the Best Choice - BA Psychology vs …
List of BA Psychology Colleges in India (Region Wise)
List of BA Applied Psychology Colleges in India (Region Wise)

Difference Between B.A Psychology and Applied Psychology

Basic psychology differs from applied psychology in that it prioritises theory and fundamental understanding over practical problem-solving solutions. Applied psychology focuses on the practical application of these theories in order to better serve the community. Psychology courses have always been popular among students, and top universities compete for them every year. For example, Delhi University and Mumbai University have higher cutoffs for Psychology courses, indicating a high demand. Psychology, Applied Psychology, Clinical Psychology, and other types of courses are available in India. There is a broad range of differences between these courses. The major differences between BA Psychology vs Applied Psychology have been examined in this article. You can also look at the career opportunities for both courses here.

What is the Difference Between Psychology and Applied Psychology?

According to Wikipedia, psychology is the study of conscious and unconscious phenomena, as well as feelings and thoughts. Psychology is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as the study of behaviour and the mind. It is divided into several subfields of study, including cognitive processes, social behaviour, clinical, health, sports, and human development.

Similarly, Wikipedia defines Applied Psychology as "the application of scientific psychology findings and psychological methods to the solution of practical problems of animal and human experience and behaviour." Evolutionary psychology, counselling psychology, clinical psychology, forensic psychology, sports psychology, and other areas of applied psychology are well-known.

Also Read: Who should opt for Psychology studies?

BA Psychology vs Applied Psychology - Detailed Comparison

The two degrees can be distinguished from each other in the following aspects -

Name of the Degree	BA Psychology	BA Applied Psychology
Duration	03 Years	03 Years
Eligibility	Class XIIth qualified students with a minimum of 55% aggregate	Class XIIth qualified students with a minimum of 50% aggregate
List of Entrance Exams	NIMSEE LPU NEST MRNAT SAT India	MRNAT
Admission Process	Both entrance based and merit-based admission process	Both entrance based and merit-based admission process
Average Fee	INR 20,000/- to INR 3,00,000/- per year	INR 40,000/- to INR 2,00,000 per year
Top Job Roles after Graduating	Social Worker, Recruiter, Career Counsellor, Teacher etc	Development Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Educational Counsellor, Forensic Psychologist etc
Top Recruiting Organisations	Edushine Advisory Pvt Ltd Evelyn Learning Systems Pvt Ltd Stratagyn	N/A
Career Growth	Psychology jobs are growing every day due to the emergence of various organizations or NGOs where a psychology degree holder can easily make an upward movement	An Applied Psychology degree can easily land a graduate in an opportunity to work with psychologists in business, treatment centres, clinics, hospitals etc
Highest Salary	INR 7 LPA	INR 10 LPA to INR 20 LPA
Average Salary	INR 4.84 LPA	INR 6.42 LPA
Top Colleges	Parul University SGT University, Gurgaon Ambedkar University NIMS University Calicut University	Gautam Buddha University Ramanujan College The Neotia University Shyama Prasad Mukherjee College GITAM University, Visakhapatnam
List of Government Jobs	National Institute For Empowerment Of Persons With Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) jobs National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) jobs Government Rehabilitation Institute Intellectual Disabilities (GRIID) jobs	Health Psychologist jobs Substance Abuse Counsellor jobs Forensic Counsellor Educational Psychologist

Also Read : Not sure about what to do after BA in Philosophy? Click here to read

BA Psychology & BA Applied Psychology - Universities Fee Structure

With the help of the table provided below, the students can find out those universities or Institutions that offer BA in Psychology and Applied Psychology along with their average fee structure:

Universities Offering BA Psychology Fee Structure

University/Institution Name	Average Fee (In INR)
Lovely Professional University	2,49,000/-
University of Delhi	53,670/-
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)	7,200/-
Parul University	60,000/-
Sikkim University	9,540/-

Also Read: Check out the list of 10 top DU colleges offering Psychology

Universities Offering BA Applied Psychology Fee Structure

University/Institution Name	Average Fee (In INR)
University of Delhi	44,200/-
Amity University	1,95,000/-
Galgotias University, Greater Noida	1,80,000/-
Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth, Kochi	87,000/-
Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Lucknow	1,01,000/-

Also Read: What after BA Sociology - Career, Higher Education scopes

Admission Process for BA Psychology & BA Applied Psychology

Candidates aspiring for admission in any of these courses must note that there are no entrance exams conducted by various universities or colleges for admission. In most cases, the admission is based on merit where Class 12th marks of the candidates will be considered for admission. However, some universities like DU and Mumbai University may release cutoffs for these courses, and the candidates clearing the cutoff will be granted admission.

BA Psychology v/s BA Applied Psychology Career Scopes

In this section we will talk about various career scopes that open up for Psychology graduates and Applied Psychology graduates:

Career Scopes for BA Psychology Students	Career Scopes for BA Applied Psychology Students
Social Psychologist Psychiatric Assistant Counselling Psychologist Clinical Psychologist Forensic Psychologist Child Support Psychologist Career Counsellor Developmental Psychologist Career Employment Psychologist	Social Worker Social Psychologist Rehabilitation Specialist Psychiatric Assistant Health Educator Clinical Psychologist Child Support Specialist

Which Course is the Best Choice - BA Psychology vs Applied Psychology?

From the analysis made above, it is evident that BA Psychology & BA Applied Psychology have good career prospects. Graduates of any of these courses have ample score for higher studies or jobs. Therefore, it is up to you on which course to choose for admission.

List of BA Psychology Colleges in India (Region Wise)

Here is the list of region-wise BA Psychology Colleges in India -

B.A. Psychology Colleges in India	B.A. Psychology Colleges in Andhra Pradesh
BA Psychology Colleges in Telangana	BA Psychology Colleges in Delhi
BA Psychology Colleges in Tamil Nadu	BA Psychology Colleges in Kerala
BA Psychology Colleges in Orissa	BA Psychology Colleges in Uttar Pradesh

List of BA Applied Psychology Colleges in India (Region Wise)

Here is the list of region wise BA Applied Psychology colleges in India -

BA Applied Psychology Colleges in India	BA Applied Psychology Colleges in Andhra Pradesh
BA Applied Psychology Colleges in Telangana	BA Applied Psychology Colleges in Delhi
BA Applied Psychology Colleges in Tamil Nadu	BA Applied Psychology Colleges in Kerala

If you are looking for admission-related assistance, you can fill out the Common Application Form on our website.

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About b.sc in physical edu : Can i admit now in LPU if yes than send me fee details including hostel fee whole three years

-AdminUpdated on December 18, 2025 08:44 PM

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sampreetkaur, Student / Alumni

Yes, Admission are open now, and you can apply anytime, hostel accommodation fees vary depending on room type and amenities, typically ranging from INR 60,000 to INR 1,50,000 per year students can opt for traditional hostel rooms or apartment style living based on their preferences and budget. they will provide the current application window, tuition and hostel fee structure.

I want to get job in your university. I am M.A,Bed,MPhill in Hindi subject with 10year teaching experience in affiliated school. Plz guide me : Plz help me

-AdminUpdated on December 18, 2025 08:40 PM

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sampreetkaur, Student / Alumni

LPU values experienced educators and always seeks passionate professionals who are dedicated to academic excellence. with your strong qualifications - M.A, B.Ed, and M.Phil in Hindi and 10 years of teaching experience in an affiliated school, you are well positioned to apply for a teaching role at LPU.

Can you help me with LPU marksheet download?

-Khushi ChaudhariUpdated on December 18, 2025 08:36 PM

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sampreetkaur, Student / Alumni

The process for LPU marksheet download is typically managed through the university's online UMS portal. you should log in to your UMS account navigate to the examination/ result section and follow the clear instructions to download your official marksheet. you can email the test office or get in touch with the assistance desk to get a hard copy if you're having problems.