CBSE mandates separate counsellors for students 

Ahead of the upcoming Class 10 and 12 Boards, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has amended its affiliation bye-laws to make the appointment of socio-emotional and career counsellors compulsory in all affiliated secondary and senior secondary schools. The move aims to strengthen student well-being and provide structured career guidance during a period marked by high academic pressure. 

In a circular issued on January 19, 2026, CBSE announced changes to Clause 2.4.12 of its Affiliation Bye Laws, 2018. Earlier, schools were required to appoint a counselling and wellness teacher. Under the revised norms, this role has been clearly divided into two specialised positions, a counselling and wellness teacher focusing on students’ mental and emotional health, and a dedicated career counsellor addressing academic and career planning needs.

The decision was approved by the CBSE Affiliation Committee in November 2025, ratified by the Governing Body in December, and subsequently cleared by the Board’s controlling authority.

CBSE has also fixed a counsellor-to-student ratio of 1:500. Schools must appoint one socio-emotional counsellor and one career counsellor for every 500 students in Classes IX to XII. Schools with fewer than 300 students in these classes may appoint counsellors on a part-time basis.

Eligible socio-emotional counsellors must hold degrees in psychology, social work, or related fields, along with 50 hours of CBSE-approved training in areas like psychosocial counselling, crisis intervention, confidentiality, and parent-teacher sensitisation. Career counsellors should possess graduate or postgraduate qualifications across disciplines like humanities, science, management, education, or technology. Their responsibilities include career assessment, guidance on higher education options in India and abroad, and counselling students and parents. 

The amendment comes at a time when exam-related stress and career uncertainty tend to peak among students. Schools are expected to align with the revised norms as part of their affiliation compliance.