CBSE Mandates Mental Health, Career Counsellors in All Affiliated Schools

• CBSE has made it mandatory for all affiliated schools to appoint socio-emotional and career counsellors, amending its Affiliation Bye-Laws, 2018.
• The policy reform follows a PIL filed by advocate Sujeet Swami in the Rajasthan High Court, highlighting rising mental health challenges and lack of career guidance among students.
• Schools must appoint one Counselling and Wellness Teacher for every 500 students and a Career Counsellor, with specific eligibility criteria for both roles.
• The Counselling and Wellness Teacher's responsibilities include student/parent counselling, crisis intervention, and identifying mental health concerns.
• A Counselling Hub and Spoke School Model offers flexibility for smaller schools, and a 1:500 student-to-counsellor ratio is mandated for career guidance in Classes 9-12.

Why It Matters: CBSE now requires all affiliated schools to have dedicated mental health and career counsellors for student well-being.