CBSE Mandates Two Counsellors per School to Boost Student Well-being
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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a significant move to prioritize student well-being by requiring all affiliated schools to appoint two professional counsellors from the next academic session. This decision comes in response to a surge in student suicides linked to academic pressure. According to a circular issued by the CBSE, the governing body has amended the board's affiliation bye-laws to introduce two distinct roles: a 'Counselling & Wellness Teacher (Socio-Emotional Counsellor)' and a 'Career Counsellor'. Each role has clearly defined educational qualifications and competencies. The board has mandated a 1:500 counsellor-to-students ratio, aligning with global standards. This will enable schools to focus on students' social-emotional well-being and provide structured guidance on career-related queries. To ensure effective implementation, the circular outlines the required qualifications for the two counsellor roles. Socio-emotional counsellors should possess a degree in psychology, social work, or a related field, while career guidance counsellors should have expertise in humanities, science, social sciences, management, education, or technology. Experts welcome the CBSE's decision, citing its potential to proactively address mental health concerns and guide students through evolving career pathways in a rapidly changing global context. Many private schools have already implemented similar initiatives, and the CBSE's move is seen as an excellent step towards prioritizing student well-being.
