In today's increasingly complex educational setting, students are faced with issues that go beyond academic learning. This is why a school counsellor is valuable, to provide students guidance, emotional support, and career development to ensure they are equipped to flourish in their lives. However, how to become a school counsellor in India? What do you need to be a school counsellor? Do you need a psychology degree?

In this blog, we will discuss how to become a guidance counsellor, what the main counselling qualifications are, counsellor jobs available for students, and the best places to find school counsellors jobs in India. Let's start with a must-know. Also do you know you can now talk with expert counsellors to clarify your career related doubts.

What is an Education Counsellor?

An education counsellor (or academic counsellor) is a trained professional who engages with students to facilitate the improvement of their academic performance, mental health, social adaptation, resilience and career-related learning. They act as a conduit, ensuring a connection between students, parents and teachers for the positive exchange of holistic student development. Institutions like INFIGON FUTURES serve the purpose and help students with their education difficulties.

Education Counsellor Meaning:

What is counselling? A school counsellor or student counsellor helps students navigate their education and career options. They would help students apply a process of addressing their emotional wellbeing during the counselling process to design an action plan that brings together their aspirational goals, and personal development goals. What is the role of a School Counsellor?

A School Counsellor (or Student Counsellor) works in schools and colleges to support students with:

What is the role of a School Counsellor?

A School Counsellor (sometimes called a Student Counsellor) works in schools and colleges to support students with:

• Emotional counselling for students
• Career advice
• Conflict resolution
• Tracking student academic performance
• Assisting special needs children
• Counselling parents

They often work in CBSE schools, international schools, and universities.

Qualifications for Counselling: What do you need?

Minimum Qualification to be a Counsellor in India:

To become a registered Counsellor in India, one usually needs the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree (any stream)
• A postgraduate diploma or Master's in Education / Psychology / Counselling
• Certification courses in guidance and counselling
• Internship or hands-on experience in a school or clinic.

How to become a School Counsellor in India?

Step-wise process for individuals wanting to know how to become a Counsellor in India, (with or without Psychology degrees).

Step 1: Educational Qualification

Start with a Bachelor's degree in any stream (required but preferably in Psychology, Education or a related stream; Social Work).

Step 2: Get Counselling training

Take counselling training like:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling
• MA in Psychology / Counselling Psychology
• Diploma in School/Campus Counselling
• Certification programmes.

These courses exist from a variety of providers at the university and training institute level.

Step 3: Get Certified/Registered

To be a registered counsellor, you will need to apply with the:

• Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)
• National Career Services (NCS) for career counselling
• IGNOU counsellor empanelment (for academic counsellors)

Step 4: Apply for Internships

Practical exposure is important. Look for internships at:

• CBSE schools
• Special schools
• Mental health NGOs
• Online student counselling platforms

Step 5: Apply for Counsellor Positions in Schools

Look for jobs as a school counsellor or students' counsellor on:

• Naukri.com
• Indeed
• CBSE portals
• LinkedIn

Can You Become A Counsellor Without A Psychology Degree?

Yes, you can be a counselor without a degree in psychology if you have completed an accredited organization certified course or credentialing for your post-graduate diploma in counseling. That said however you have a much better chance in applying for a position associated with educator (e.g. Counsellor Education) if you have knowledge of psychology.

IGNOU Academic Counsellors

IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) also has academic counsellors who work with its distance learners. It employs academic counsellors who work on weekends, providing help with academic doubts, emotional support, motivation, study planning and applying IGNOU procedures.

To apply for IGNOU Counsellor Empanelment you must preferably have:

• A postgraduate degree in the subject concerned with the course
• Teaching or counselling experience
• A CV and reference letters that are updated and relevant

CBSE Teacher & Counsellor Requirements

CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) requires schools to have one full-time counsellor. According to CBSE OASIS, staff details the minimum qualification for a counsellor in India for CBSE schools is:

• MA in psychology or child development
• Certificate/diploma in counselling
• Preferred minimum 1 year experience

Where to find Counsellor jobs in India?

Here is the breakdown of education counsellor jobs in popular cities;

Education Counsellor Jobs in Delhi:

• International schools
• Coaching institutes
• Edtech companies (with notable mentions of BYJU’S, Unacademy)

School Counsellor Jobs in Bangalore:

• IB schools
• Mental health organizations
• Startups focusing on child psychology

Education Counsellor in Chennai:

• Private colleges
• CBSE Schools
• NGOs working in child welfare

There are also online remote education counsellor jobs, where you would provide either student counselling courses or career counselling through video conferencing with students.

How to become a Guidance Counselor?

Most people confuse the terms “guidance Counselor” and “school Counselor,” but knowing the qualifications of guidance Counselor is simple. The following is a short summary of guidance Counselor qualifications:

• Master’s in education/psychology
• Specialty in Career Counselling or Academic Counselling
• Certifications in child psychology, or CBT ( Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

School Counsellor Jobs: Where to Find Them

When looking for school counsellor jobs, check:

• Job boards
• The actual school websites (most schools have vacancies listed under the career section)
• Facebook groups or WhatsApp groups that are related to education and counselling

Can I be a Special Educator and Counsellor?

Absolutely. Many CBSE schools are searching for special educator in CBSE schools qualifications combined with a counselling role. Being able to be a special educator with field also makes you even more attractive and even in demand, with inclusive schools. Many counsellors use Artificial Intelligence that gives them insight to growing technology.

Tips for being a successful school counsellor

• Listen and gain empathy
• Professional development in counselling and student development programs
• Professional organisations like the Indian Association for Clinical Psychologists
• Stay updated with the teaching associated counselling standards in the new landscape
• Schools conducting professional development workshops to promote mental health awareness