CBSE Implements Mandatory Counsellor Policy
In a landmark decision to bolster students’ mental health and career guidance, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has declared that all affiliated schools must appoint socio-emotional and career counsellors. This requirement comes in light of significant concerns regarding the mental well-being of students and the need for structured career advice.
The directive was announced following amendments made to Clause 2.4.12 of the CBSE Affiliation By-Laws, originally established in 2018. The amendment arose from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in July 2025 by advocate Sujeet Swami and a consortium of psychology experts in Rajasthan.
Background and Significance of the Policy
The PIL emphasized the growing mental health issues faced by students, including rising academic pressures and inadequate career direction. Amid increasing stress levels, the legal petition highlighted the necessity for trained professionals in schools to address these critical areas.
In September 2025, during the court hearing, the Rajasthan High Court requested feedback from various educational authorities, including CBSE and the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE). Following these consultations, the CBSE formally introduced the crucial amendments on January 19, 2026.
Details of the New Regulations
Mandatory Counsellor Appointments
The revised provisions specifically outline the requirement for a Counselling and Wellness Teacher or a socio-emotional counsellor to be appointed at a ratio of one for every 500 students. Likewise, all schools must have at least one Career Counsellor to guide students from Classes 9 to 12.
Previously, CBSE regulations only required a full-time psychological counsellor in larger schools—those with over 300 students in higher classes—while smaller institutions could hire part-time staff. This policy shift aims to ensure a more consistent approach to mental health and career planning across all educational establishments.
Eligibility Criteria for Counselors
To qualify as a Counselling and Wellness Teacher, candidates must hold a graduate or postgraduate degree in Psychology, or a master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on mental health or counselling. They are also mandated to undertake a 50-hour capacity-building program recognized by the CBSE before taking on their roles.
The responsibilities of these counsellors encompass a range of duties, including offering counsel to students and parents, facilitating social-emotional learning, crisis intervention, and identifying mental health concerns while maintaining ethical standards and confidentiality.
Flexibility for Smaller Schools
The CBSE has introduced a Counselling Hub and Spoke School Model to ease the integration of these services in smaller educational institutions. In this model, larger ‘Hub’ schools will provide mentorship and support to nearby ‘Spoke’ schools, ensuring that even institutions with limited resources can comply with the new regulations.
Career Counsellor Guidelines
For career guidance, schools are required to maintain a ratio of one Career Counsellor per 500 students. Career Counsellors must also possess a graduate or postgraduate degree in relevant fields, such as Humanities, Science, Social Sciences, Management, Education, or Technology, to effectively guide students in their professional pathways.
Sujeet Swami, the advocate behind the PIL, noted that the reforms are necessary to tackle the mental health needs of students across all educational stages, from primary through to senior secondary. He emphasized the importance of expert career guidance, particularly for students transitioning after Class 10.
Reactions from the Education Sector
The announcement has garnered support from various educational advocates. Advocate Amit Dadhich from the Rajasthan High Court praised the decision, indicating a long-awaited movement toward establishing a structured mental health support system within educational institutions. He expressed optimism for forthcoming reforms aimed at higher education institutions in Rajasthan.
Many stakeholders believe that these policy changes could have a profound impact on students’ mental health and career trajectories. The integration of trained professionals in schools is viewed as a crucial step towards fostering a supportive educational environment.
Future Directions for CBSE
The CBSE is expected to detail additional guidelines regarding the implementation of these counsellor positions in the upcoming months. Schools must prepare to adapt to this shift, with timelines for the full execution of these requirements set to follow.
Furthermore, there are anticipations for similar mandates to be considered by the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education, reflecting a broader commitment to prioritize the mental health and career readiness of students in the state.
Concluding Thoughts
As educational authorities work toward implementing these new measures, it is vital for schools to recognize the importance of socio-emotional support and career counseling within the academic framework. Proper integration of these services can pave the way for a healthier, more informed student body, well-prepared to face future challenges.
This policy reform marks a critical development in Indian education, aiming to enhance not only academic performance but also the psychological and emotional well-being of students across the nation.