CBSE Mandates Counseling and Career Guidance in Schools
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced new regulations requiring schools to appoint counselors to support student wellness and career guidance. Each school must now have one counselor for every 500 students, ensuring that both socio-emotional and career counseling needs are met. This initiative aims to enhance the educational environment and provide necessary support for students. The guidelines specify qualifications for counselors and outline the responsibilities associated with these roles. Schools must comply with these new standards to ensure they are providing adequate support for their students' mental health and career planning.
Jan 20, 2026, 16:19 IST
New CBSE Guidelines for School Counselors
Recently, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made it mandatory for all affiliated schools to employ counseling and wellness teachers, as well as career counselors. Schools are required to appoint one counselor for every 500 students. This regulation has been introduced as part of the revised affiliation bylaws of CBSE. This update is significant for schools, students, and parents alike, as it allows them to verify whether their child's school is adhering to these new guidelines.
CBSE Update: Student-Counselor Ratio Set at 1:500
According to CBSE, the appointment of one counselor for every 500 students is now compulsory, establishing a counselor-student ratio of 1:500. Schools must now have both counseling and wellness teachers, who will serve as socio-emotional counselors, along with career counselors, in all CBSE-recognized institutions. This amendment was notified following recommendations from the CBSE Affiliation Committee and approval from the governing body. Under the new rules, every secondary and senior secondary CBSE school must fill two distinct roles.
- First Role - Counseling and Wellness Teacher (Socio-Emotional Counselor)
- Second Role - Career Counselor
Qualifications for CBSE Counseling and Wellness Teacher
To qualify for this position, candidates must hold a degree or postgraduate qualification in psychology (clinical/counseling/applied/educational) or a degree in social work with a focus on mental health/counseling, along with a diploma in school education. They should possess knowledge in areas such as socio-emotional education, identifying mental health issues, parent-teacher sensitivity, and privacy concerns.
Who Can Be a CBSE Career Counselor?
For the role of career counselor, candidates are required to have a bachelor's or master's degree in humanities, science, social science, management, education, or technology. They must be capable of conducting career assessments, have knowledge of higher education options (both in India and globally), possess research skills, and provide career guidance to students and parents.
Individuals appointed to both positions must also complete a minimum of 50 hours of Capacity Building Programs (CBPs). CBSE has clarified that in cases where a career counselor is unavailable, schools may temporarily nominate a trained teacher, provided they meet the required qualifications within two academic sessions.