CBSE Mandates Socio-Emotional and Career Counsellors in Schools Ahead of Board Exams
As lakhs of students prepare for the CBSE Class 10 and 12 board exams, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a significant directive requiring all affiliated secondary and senior secondary schools to appoint dedicated counsellors. The measure aims to enhance student well-being, manage exam stress, and provide career guidance.
Key Amendment in CBSE Bye Laws
In a circular dated January 19, 2026, CBSE amended Clause 2.4.12 of its Affiliation Bye Laws, 2018. Schools must now appoint:
Counselling and Wellness Teacher (Socio-Emotional Counsellor)
Previously, schools were only required to appoint a general counselling and wellness teacher. The amended clause splits the role into two specialised positions, focusing separately on students’ mental health and career planning.
The amendment was approved by the Affiliation Committee in November 2025, ratified by the Governing Body in December, and cleared by the Board’s controlling authority.
Counsellor-to-Student Ratio
CBSE has established a strict counsellor-to-student ratio of 1:500:
One Socio-Emotional Counsellor per 500 students
One Career Counsellor per 500 students in Classes 9–12
Schools with fewer than 300 students in Classes 9–12 may appoint counsellors on a part-time basis.
Eligibility for Socio-Emotional Counsellors
Eligible qualifications include:
Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (Clinical, Counselling, Applied, or Educational)
Master’s in Social Work (Mental Health or Counselling)
Degree in any discipline with a diploma in school, child, or career counselling
Counsellors must also complete 50 hours of CBSE-approved capacity-building programmes covering:
Parent-teacher sensitisation
Career Counsellors: Role and Qualifications
Career counsellors must hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in fields such as Humanities, Science, Social Sciences, Management, Education, or Technology.
Key responsibilities include:
Career assessment and guidance
Advising on higher education options in India and abroad
Collaboration with universities and industry
Counselling students and parents
If a dedicated career counsellor is unavailable, schools may nominate a trained teacher, who must complete the required CBSE qualifications within two academic years.
Importance Ahead of Board Exams
The move comes at a time when student stress peaks due to board exams, entrance tests, and career-related uncertainty. Education experts have long highlighted the shortage of trained mental health professionals in schools, especially during exam season.
CBSE also allows schools to adopt its Counselling Hub-and-Spoke Model, expanding access to mental health and career support services.
Focus on Student Well-Being
By formally mandating counsellors with defined qualifications and training, CBSE signals a shift toward structured mental health and career guidance in schools, moving beyond ad-hoc or last-minute interventions.
Schools are expected to align with the amended clause as part of their affiliation compliance, ensuring professional support is available to students during critical academic years.
