CBSE Introduces Counseling Hub and Spoke Model for Student Mental Health

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a new Counseling Hub and Spoke Model aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of students starting in the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative will provide timely counseling services in schools, addressing the increasing pressures faced by students. The model, inspired by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizes the importance of mental health alongside academic achievement. With a structured approach involving hub and spoke schools, CBSE aims to create a supportive network for students, ensuring they receive the necessary psychological and social support. The initiative also includes a robust reporting system to monitor its effectiveness. Read on to learn more about this transformative step for student welfare.

By Ambika Singh Aug 30, 2025, 13:40 IST

New Initiative for Student Well-Being

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has unveiled a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the mental health and well-being of students, set to commence in the 2025-26 academic year. This initiative introduces the "Counseling Hub and Spoke School Model," which ensures that every student has access to timely counseling services.

In today's competitive environment, students face increasing pressure, stress, and anxiety, often struggling to express their concerns at home or school. This new approach by CBSE is expected to provide substantial relief to students.

Objectives and Framework of the Model

The model is inspired by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing that education should extend beyond academics to include mental health and life skills development. CBSE aims to establish a collaborative network among schools, facilitating timely psychological and social support for students. This initiative is designed to enhance the accessibility of counseling services and strengthen the institutional capacity of schools.

Communication with Educational Institutions

CBSE has disseminated information regarding this initiative to numerous prominent educational institutions and departments nationwide. This includes organizations such as Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), Eklavya Model Residential School, Sainik School, Odisha Adarsh Vidya Sangathan, State Directorate of Education, Army Welfare Education Society (AWES), and Central Tibetan School Administration.

Operational Structure of the Hub and Spoke Model

The model comprises two types of schools: hub schools and spoke schools.

Hub School: These serve as the main centers, staffed with experienced counselors and trained health teachers.

Spoke School: These schools connect to the hub school and implement monthly activities as directed.

Counselors from both hub and spoke schools will collaborate on various activities for students, including workshops on mental health, peer learning sessions, group counseling, and individual counseling as necessary.

Responsibilities of School Leaders and Counselors

The principal's role is crucial in this model, overseeing all activities and providing guidance. Under their leadership, counselors and health teachers will assist students. Counselors will not only listen to students' concerns but also guide them toward solutions, such as managing exam stress, fostering relationships with peers, and boosting self-confidence.

Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism

CBSE has established a robust reporting system for this initiative. Each spoke school is required to submit a monthly report to its corresponding hub school. The hub school will compile these reports and forward them to CBSE by the 5th of each month.

To ensure transparency and ease of use, Google Forms will be utilized for this process. This will enable CBSE to receive monthly updates on the effectiveness of counseling activities and identify areas for improvement.