CBSE Mandates Counsellors in All Affiliated Schools
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a significant policy update requiring all affiliated schools to appoint dedicated counsellors. This move is designed to strengthen student mental health support and provide structured career guidance across the country. The revised regulations came into effect on 19 January 2026, marking a new chapter in the board’s approach to student welfare.
Policy Amendment and Its Origins
To implement this change, CBSE has amended Clause 2.4.12 of its Affiliation Bye-Laws 2018. The revision follows a public interest litigation filed in the Rajasthan High Court in July 2025. The petition was submitted by Kota-based lawyer Sujeet Swami along with several psychology professionals who highlighted pressing concerns about student well-being.
Concerns Raised in the Petition
The petitioners drew attention to the mounting academic pressure faced by students across the country. They pointed out that schools lack adequate mental health infrastructure and systematic career guidance programmes. As a result, many young learners struggle with stress, anxiety, and confusion about their future paths. The petition urged the board to make qualified counsellors mandatory in schools and establish a uniform support system for students’ psychological needs.
Court Proceedings and Final Decision
During the hearing in September 2025, a bench led by the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court sought responses and recommendations from multiple stakeholders. These included CBSE, the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE), the University Grants Commission, and the state government. After reviewing all inputs, CBSE issued an official circular on 19 January 2026, formally implementing the necessary regulatory changes.
Key Changes Introduced in the New Rules
The amended Clause 2.4.12 now includes two additional sub-clauses that outline specific staffing requirements for all CBSE-affiliated institutions.
Mandatory Counselling and Wellness Teachers
Every CBSE school must now appoint one full-time counselling and wellness teacher, also referred to as a socio-emotional counsellor, for every 500 students. This ensures that learners have consistent access to professional emotional support within their school environment.
Compulsory Career Counsellors
Schools are also required to hire career counsellors who will assist students in making informed decisions about subject selection, courses, and future career pathways. This addition addresses the growing need for expert guidance at critical academic junctures.
Previously, full-time psychological counsellors were only required in schools with more than 300 students in classes 9 through 12. Smaller institutions were permitted to engage part-time counsellors. The new framework replaces this earlier arrangement with a more comprehensive and uniform standard.
Qualifications for Counselling and Wellness Teachers
Candidates aspiring to become counselling and wellness teachers must meet specific educational requirements. A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Psychology is essential, or alternatively, a master’s degree in Social Work with specialisation in mental health or counselling. Additionally, candidates must complete a 50-hour training programme recognised by CBSE.
Core Responsibilities
The role of counselling and wellness teachers encompasses a wide range of duties, including:
- Providing counselling sessions for both students and parents
- Developing social and emotional understanding among children
- Identifying early signs of mental health concerns
- Offering immediate assistance during emergencies
- Conducting awareness programmes for teachers and families
- Maintaining confidentiality and following ethical guidelines
Special Arrangement for Smaller Schools
Recognising the challenges faced by smaller institutions, CBSE has introduced the Counselling Hub and Spoke Model. Under this framework, larger schools serve as hubs and extend counselling services to neighbouring smaller schools, which function as spokes. This collaborative approach ensures that students in smaller institutions also benefit from professional counselling without placing an excessive financial burden on their schools.
Career Counsellor Requirements
For career counsellors, schools must appoint one professional for every 500 students in classes 9 through 12. The required qualifications include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Humanities, Science, Social Science, Management, Education, or Technology. This diverse academic background enables counsellors to address the varied career interests and queries of students across different streams.
Reactions from Petitioners and Legal Representatives
Petitioner and lawyer Sujeet Swami expressed satisfaction with the board’s decision. He noted that the petition aimed to address the mental health needs of students from primary through senior secondary levels. Swami specifically emphasised the importance of expert career guidance after class 10, when students face crucial decisions about their academic and professional futures.
He further stated that with CBSE implementing these changes, there is hope that schools affiliated with the Rajasthan Board will also adopt similar reforms in due course.
Advocate Amit Dadhich, practicing at the Rajasthan High Court, welcomed the decision. He mentioned that ongoing efforts are being made in court to establish a robust mental health framework for college and university students as well, and positive outcomes may be visible in the near future.
This policy shift represents a proactive step by CBSE toward creating a more supportive and mentally healthy educational environment. By making counsellors a mandatory part of school infrastructure, the board acknowledges that academic success and emotional well-being go hand in hand, and that students need proper guidance to navigate both their personal challenges and career decisions effectively.
