The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has updated the qualifications for counselling and wellness teachers (socio-emotional counsellor) and career counsellors. The changes to affiliation norms were made by the CBSE in November 2025 at a meeting aimed at supporting the mental health/education and emotional well-being of students.
What does the current clause say?
Under the current CBSE Clause 2.4.12, all Secondary and Senior Secondary Schools must hire a full-time individual responsible for performing the functions of a counsellor or wellness teacher. This person must be either a Graduate/Post Graduate with a degree in Psychology or Post Graduate in Child Development or a Graduate/Post Graduate with a diploma in Career Guidance and Counselling.
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Schools that have fewer than 300 students enrolled in grades 9-12 may engage the services of a part-time counsellor and wellness teacher.
Amended clause
According to the amended clause, it is now required that all CBSE-affiliated secondary and senior secondary schools appoint qualified staff to help with the socio-emotional and career guidance of students. This includes a counseling & wellness teacher (socio-emotional counsellor), with a ratio of one for every 500 students, and career counsellors to assist with academic and career planning for students.
The appointment of these to assist in the holistic development, mental well-being and informed decision-making for students.
Which degrees should they possess?
The Counseling & Wellness Teacher (Socio-Emotional Counsellor) must have a Master's or Bachelor's degree in Psychology (Clinical, Counseling, Applied, or Educational). They can also hold a Master's degree in Social Work (Mental Health/Counseling) or a Bachelor's or Master's degree in any subject along with a Diploma in School Counseling or Child Guidance and Counseling.
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The selected applicant should demonstrate proficiency with regard to delivery of socio-emotional learning (SEL), crisis intervention, evaluation and identification of mental health issues, sensitising parents and teachers and maintaining confidentiality.
The counsellor should also complete 25 hours of preferred Capacity Building Programmes (CBPs) in observing and advising students on the psychosocial aspects of their well-being. Besides, schools may implement the CBSE Counseling Hub & Spoke Model to deliver central counseling services to a cluster of schools.
