CBSE Mandates Counsellors in All Affiliated Schools with Strict Qualifications
The Central Board of Secondary Education has taken a significant step toward student welfare. It has officially amended its affiliation bye-laws. Now, all CBSE-affiliated secondary and senior secondary schools must appoint qualified counselling and wellness teachers. They must also hire career counsellors.
New Student-to-Counsellor Ratio Implemented
Under the fresh provisions, every school faces a clear mandate. They need to appoint one Counselling and Wellness Teacher for every 500 students. This marks a shift from earlier flexibility. Previously, schools could engage counsellors on a full-time or part-time basis. This was especially true for institutions with lower enrolment numbers.
Strict Educational Requirements for Counsellors
The board has set precise qualification criteria for these positions. Counsellors must hold specific degrees to be eligible.
- A bachelor's or master's degree in psychology is required. This includes clinical, counselling, or applied/educational psychology.
- A master's degree in social work with specialisation in mental health or counselling also qualifies.
- Candidates with a degree in any subject can apply if they hold a diploma in school counselling or child guidance and counselling.
Core Competencies and Training Mandates
CBSE has clearly outlined the core competencies these professionals must possess. The list includes socio-emotional learning and crisis intervention skills. They must also identify mental health issues effectively. Maintaining confidentiality is crucial. Sensitising parents and teachers forms another key responsibility.
Appointed counsellors face an additional training requirement. They must complete at least 50 hours of capacity-building programmes. The board recommends its own courses for this purpose. Schools may also adopt the CBSE counselling hub-and-spoke model to streamline services.
Career Counsellors Get Separate Mandate
For career guidance, CBSE has issued a parallel directive. Schools must appoint one career counsellor for every 500 students in Classes 9 to 12. These counsellors need different educational backgrounds.
- They must possess a bachelor's or master's degree in humanities, science, or social sciences.
- Degrees in management, education, or technology also make candidates eligible.
Career counsellors must demonstrate competencies in several areas. Career assessment forms a primary skill. They need knowledge of higher education pathways in India and abroad. Research capabilities are important. Student-parent counselling skills are essential. Establishing industry and university linkages completes their required skill set.
Like wellness counsellors, career counsellors must complete a minimum of 50 hours of capacity-building programmes. If a qualified career counsellor is unavailable, schools have a temporary solution. They may nominate a trained teacher for the role. However, this teacher must acquire the prescribed qualifications and competencies within two academic years.
Official Notification and Implementation
The circular carrying these amendments bears the signature of CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta. It has been issued to all heads and managers of CBSE-affiliated schools. This includes Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across the nation.
CBSE explained the rationale behind these changes. The amendments aim to institutionalise mental health care in schools. They also seek to establish structured career counselling systems. This move addresses growing concerns over student well-being. It responds to increasing academic stress among students. The board wants to ensure informed career choices for young learners.
The official notification came through a circular issued on January 19. It notified amendments to Clause 2.4.12 of the Affiliation Bye-Laws, 2018. These changes followed recommendations from the affiliation committee. The governing body and controlling authority granted their approval. The revised norms now apply to all CBSE-affiliated schools throughout the country.
