"Counselling is an integral part of school education, not an add-on": What CBSE's new policy means for students and schools

The CBSE's revised affiliation by-laws make counselling mandatory across affiliated schools, requiring dedicated wellness and career counsellors with a 1:500 ratio for students in Classes 9–12. Introduced amid rising student anxiety and suicides, the policy recognises counselling as a core educational function. While implementation will take two years, education leaders emphasise sustained investment in trained professionals, institutional support and continuous development to ensure schools provide meaningful emotional, academic and career guidance.