CBSE: To strengthen students' mental health and provide them with proper career guidance, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken a significant decision. It will now be mandatory for all CBSE-affiliated schools to appoint a Socio-Emotional Counsellor and a Career Counsellor.
The CBSE has amended Clause 2.4.12 of its Affiliation Bye-Laws 2018 for this decision. This change comes after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Rajasthan High Court in July 2025. The petition was filed by Kota-based lawyer Sujit Swami and some psychology experts.
Lack of Proper Support and Guidance Highlighted in the Petition
The petition stated that students are facing increasing academic pressure. It also highlighted a severe lack of proper mental health support and systematic career guidance in schools. As a result, many students are struggling with problems such as stress, anxiety, and confusion about their future. The petition demanded that the appointment of qualified counsellors in schools be made mandatory and that a uniform mental health support system be established for students.
Decision Taken After High Court Hearing
During the hearing of the case in September 2025, a bench headed by the Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court sought responses and suggestions from the CBSE, the Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE), the University Grants Commission, and the state government.
After hearing all parties and considering their suggestions, the CBSE issued a circular on January 19, 2026, implementing the necessary changes to the rules.
What are the changes in the new rules?
The CBSE has added two new sub-clauses to Clause 2.4.12:
Mandatory Counselling and Wellness Teacher
Now, every CBSE school will be required to appoint one regular Counselling and Wellness Teacher (Socio-Emotional Counsellor) for every 500 students.
Mandatory Appointment of Career Counsellor
It will also be mandatory for all schools to have a Career Counsellor who will help students choose the right subjects, courses, and career options. According to the previous rules, a full-time psychological counselor was mandatory only in schools with more than 300 students in grades 9 to 12. Smaller schools were allowed to have part-time counselors. This system has now been changed.
Qualifications for Counseling and Wellness Teachers
To become a Counseling and Wellness Teacher, a bachelor's or master's degree in Psychology or a master's degree in Social Work with specialization in Mental Health or Counseling is mandatory. Completion of a 50-hour training program recognized by the CBSE will also be required.
Their responsibilities will include:
Counseling students and parents
Developing social and emotional understanding in children
Identifying mental health-related problems
Assisting in emergencies
Raising awareness among teachers and parents
Maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards
Special arrangements for smaller schools
To facilitate smaller schools, the CBSE has implemented a Counselling Hub and Spoke Model. Under this model, larger schools (hubs) will provide counseling services to smaller schools (spokes) in their vicinity.
Rules for Career Counselors
One career counselor is mandatory for every 500 students in grades 9 to 12. The required qualifications include a bachelor's or master's degree in Humanities, Science, Social Science, Management, Education, or Technology.
Response from the petitioner and lawyers
Petitioner's lawyer, Sujit Swami, said that the objective of this petition was to address the mental health needs of students from primary to senior secondary levels. He specifically emphasized the need for expert career guidance after class 10.
He stated that these changes have now been implemented by the CBSE, and it is hoped that similar reforms will be made in schools affiliated with the Rajasthan Board (RBSE).
Advocate Amit Dadhich of the Rajasthan High Court welcomed this decision. He said that efforts are underway in court to create a robust mental health system for college and university students as well, and positive results can be expected soon.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
