School Counselling in India: Challenges, Gaps, and the Way Forward
School counselling as a profession has evolved significantly over the years, shaped by the changing educational and societal systems. Initially focused on academic guidance and career counselling, it has now grown to encompass the mental well-being of students. With increasing awareness of student mental health, counselling in schools is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has mandated that every secondary and senior secondary school appoint a full-time counsellor and wellness teacher. Schools must conduct regular psychological counselling sessions involving students, parents, and teachers to create a comprehensive support system for student well-being. This mandate highlights the need for structured guidance in academic, vocational, and psychosocial areas.
Despite the mandates, school counsellors in India face several challenges in fulfilling their roles effectively. According to Children First India, different stakeholders in a school have varied expectations from counsellors. Teachers expect counsellors to maintain discipline and motivation in classrooms. Administrators prioritise efficiency and expect quick resolutions of cases. Parents often see counsellors as a substitute for their role within the school.
Additionally, while CBSE mandates counselling services, much of the implementation remains focused on preventing ragging rather than holistic mental health care. Research by the American School Counselor Association (2005) suggests that as school administrative tasks increase, counsellors are often burdened with duties unrelated to their primary role. After interviewing various school counsellors in the area of Delhi-NCR, it was found that they feel a dilution of responsibilities and are not able to focus on their primary job roles.
A special report in Education World: The Human Development Magazine sheds light on critical issues plaguing student mental health in India:
Rising Student Suicides – The incidence of student suicides continues to surpass both population growth rates and overall suicide trends. Over the last decade, while the population of 0-24-year-olds reduced from 582 million to 581 million, the number of student suicides increased from 6,654 to 13,044 (NCRB, 2024).
Mounting Pressures on Students – The modern student navigates high academic expectations, social media influence, consumerism, drug use, and family instability, leading to chronic stress, anxiety, and depression.
Parental Reluctance – Many parents refuse to acknowledge their children’s need for counselling, often viewing it as unnecessary or stigmatized.
Lack of Trained Professionals – Unlike Western countries, where school counselling is mandatory, India has very few institutions offering specialized training in this field.
Career Counselling Gaps – While career guidance is gaining recognition, training opportunities for school counsellors remain inadequate.
India’s education system must recognize that school counselling is not merely an adoption of Western practices but a crucial need in the Indian context. Changing family structures with working parents, divorces, and single-parent households reduces emotional support for children. Technological advancements and increasing peer pressure contribute to stress and anxiety. To bridge the gaps in school counselling, the following measures must be taken:
Increasing the number of trained professionals – More institutions should offer specialized training programs in school counselling.
Ensuring implementation of CBSE mandates – Schools must prioritize mental health counselling beyond ragging prevention.
Parental and teacher awareness programs – Encouraging stakeholders to understand the benefits of counselling and break the stigma.
Government support for counselling in government schools – Providing funding and resources to extend counselling services to all students, regardless of economic background.
I personally feel that school counselling in India is a necessity and not a choice. The mental well-being of students is as vital as their academic success. A strong and well-structured school counselling system can help create a healthier, more resilient student population, ensuring they thrive academically and emotionally.
References
Sriram, S. (2016). Counselling in India: Reflections on the Process Reporter, S. (2014, January 22). “Only 3% private schools have counsellors”. Retrieved March 09, 2018, from http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/only-3-private-schools-have-counsellors/article5607842.ece
https://childrenfirstindia.com/role-of-the-school-counsellor/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325403673_Survey_of_counselling_psychologists_in_India
