Military psychology in India has evolved as a specialized discipline addressing the psychological dimensions of armed forces personnel, including selection, training, leadership, morale, and mental health. Rooted in ancient strategic thought such as Kautilya’s Arthashastra and the Mahabharata, the psychological aspects of warfare have long influenced Indian military culture. The colonial period introduced structured recruitment and psychological assessment practices, while post-independence advancements were institutionalized through the establishment of the Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR). Today, the field extends beyond personnel selection to areas like stress management, trauma care, and performance enhancement. Applications of military psychology in India include stress inoculation training, combat readiness programs, leadership development, and counseling services for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also plays a role in counter-insurgency, psychological operations, and human-technology interactions. Contemporary challenges include stigma around mental health, suicides, fratricides, and the unique demands of diverse operational environments such as Siachen, Ladakh, and counter-insurgency zones. Gender integration and ethical concerns in interrogation and propaganda further complicate the landscape. Comparative insights from global militaries—such as the U.S. emphasis on veteran care, Israel’s resilience training, and Russia’s endurance-based approach—highlight gaps in India’s systems, particularly in rehabilitation and family integration. Future directions call for broadening DIPR’s mandate, institutionalizing counseling, and incorporating Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) like yoga and meditation to develop culturally sensitive models. Strengthening civil-military collaborations and creating gender-specific programs will further enhance soldier well-being and operational effectiveness, thereby reinforcing national security.

Keywords: Military Psychology, India, Stress Management, Resilience, Mental Health, Armed Forces

Cite this Article:

Dr. Rahul Kumar, “Military Psychology in India: Evolution, Applications, and Contemporary Challenges” Shiksha Samvad International Open Access Peer-Reviewed & Refereed Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, ISSN: 2584-0983 (Online), Volume 03, Issue 01, pp.76-84, September 2025. Journal URL: https://shikshasamvad.com/