- July 24, 2023
- Student Life
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Why Career Counselling Is Crucial in India Today
India has one of the largest youth populations in the world, with over 250 million students enrolled across schools and universities. Yet, most of them lack clarity about career options beyond traditional roles like engineering, medicine, or civil services.
The rapidly changing nature of work, the rise of AI and automation, the global demand for skills over degrees, and the introduction of flexible education systems have made career decision-making more complex.
Career counselling helps students and professionals navigate these complexities by:
Identifying individual strengths, interests, and aptitudes
Mapping career goals with market realities
Offering guidance on higher education, competitive exams, and vocational paths
Supporting professionals in career shifts or reskilling efforts
In a competitive, uncertain environment, the right counselling at the right time can mean the difference between a fulfilling career and years of dissatisfaction.
Government Bodies Supporting Career Counselling in India
The Indian government has recognized the importance of career guidance and is actively promoting it through various agencies and initiatives.
Ministry of Education (formerly MHRD)
The Ministry of Education formulates national education policy and drives major reforms such as the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It sets the tone for how career development and guidance are integrated into the educational system.
University Grants Commission (UGC)
UGC oversees and funds higher education institutions in India. It is also responsible for promoting skill-based, interdisciplinary, and job-oriented programs in colleges and universities. Career counselling support is now being recommended at the college level to improve employability.
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)
AICTE regulates technical and professional education in India. Through initiatives like internships, start-up mentorship, and employability training, AICTE encourages institutions to include career support and counselling as a key service to students.
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
NSDC plays a central role in building India’s skill ecosystem. It connects training providers, industry partners, and government programs to help youth acquire market-relevant skills. NSDC’s digital platforms also offer career awareness and planning tools for free.
These bodies are now working in tandem to integrate career counselling into education and workforce development policies.
NEP 2020 and Its Impact on Career Counselling
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is one of the most significant education reforms in India’s history. It emphasizes holistic learning, flexibility, and skill development — all of which elevate the role of career counselling.
Key NEP 2020 impacts include:
Multiple Exit Options & Credit Transfer: Students can now design their own educational pathways with the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC). Career counsellors play a critical role in helping students make informed choices.
Vocational Training from Grade 6: Students will be introduced to real-world skills early. Counsellors will need to assess students’ aptitudes and help them explore relevant careers.
Multidisciplinary Education: The NEP removes rigid subject groupings, allowing students to study science with arts, or math with music. This makes career planning more open-ended, requiring professional guidance.
Focus on Skill-based Learning: Students and professionals alike need to match their education with industry needs, which makes career guidance an essential bridge.
Career counsellors now have a wider, more complex role—guiding students through a more flexible and diverse academic system.
Digital Platforms Revolutionizing Career Counselling
India’s digital boom has made career counselling more accessible and scalable. With the help of AI, data analytics, and psychometric assessments, several career-tech platforms are reshaping how career decisions are made.
Mindler
Mindler offers scientifically designed assessments, career planning tools, and expert sessions. It is widely used in schools and colleges across India.
iDreamCareer
Backed by UNICEF and partnered with CBSE, iDreamCareer provides structured guidance tools in schools and rural areas, making career counselling more inclusive.
Univariety
Univariety collaborates with schools to provide a full ecosystem of career exploration, alumni mentoring, and counsellor support. It also enables parental involvement in career decisions.
Careers360
This platform provides counselling services along with college selection tools, test prep material, and career profiles, giving students a 360-degree career planning experience.
These platforms have made quality counselling available to both metro cities and remote regions, reducing dependence on in-person services alone.
Government-Supported Digital Career Platforms
Apart from private players, the Government of India has launched several initiatives to support digital career guidance and skilling.
National Career Service (NCS)
The NCS portal offers job listings, vocational guidance, career counselling, and access to training programs. It also connects students and jobseekers with verified career counsellors and skill development centers.
Skill India Digital Portal
Launched under the Skill India Mission, this portal consolidates various skilling programs, online certifications, career navigation tools, and counselling resources in one place.
These platforms are free to access and represent India’s effort to democratize career planning.
The Role of CBSE in Promoting Career Counselling
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken several steps to make career guidance mandatory and institutionalized within schools.
Key CBSE Initiatives:
Career Guidance Cells: CBSE-affiliated schools are encouraged to establish dedicated career cells.
Certified Counsellors: Schools must hire or train qualified professionals to offer one-on-one counselling.
Workshops & Awareness Programs: Regular career fairs, webinars, and counselling sessions are being introduced to expose students to various fields.
This move ensures that career counselling is no longer reserved for privileged schools or metro cities, but reaches students across all backgrounds.
Career Counselling for Working Professionals in India
Career counselling is not just for students. India’s workforce, especially post-COVID, is undergoing massive transformation. Professionals are rethinking their career goals, often seeking more purpose-driven or skill-aligned roles.
Counselling for professionals helps with:
Mid-career transitions
Identifying upskilling and reskilling opportunities
Exploring freelancing, remote work, or entrepreneurship
Improving job satisfaction and work-life balance
As industries evolve, so must individuals—and career counsellors are the ideal guides in that journey.
Challenges in Career Counselling in India
Despite progress, career counselling in India faces several challenges:
Lack of Certified Counsellors: Especially in rural areas and Tier 2/Tier 3 cities
Limited Awareness: Many families still rely on outdated or stereotypical career advice
Societal Pressure: Parental and social expectations often override students’ interests
Overemphasis on Marks: Career decisions are often based on grades rather than aptitude or personality
To overcome these challenges, India needs a national framework for counsellor training and a stronger focus on awareness at the grassroots level.
Future of Career Counselling in India
The future of career counselling in India looks promising, with several trends shaping its evolution:
AI and Predictive Analytics: Career recommendations will be more data-driven and personalized.
Regional Language Access: Platforms will offer services in multiple Indian languages to improve reach.
Integration with Schools and Colleges: Career planning will become part of the mainstream education process.
Stronger Government-Private Collaboration: A combined effort will drive scale and quality.
As the workforce of tomorrow becomes more flexible and skill-based, career counselling will be the strategic partner in lifelong learning and growth.
Conclusion
Career counselling in India is no longer an optional service — it is a foundational pillar in building a skilled, confident, and future-ready generation. With strong policy support, technological innovation, and growing awareness, India is moving toward a more structured and inclusive career guidance ecosystem. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or a working professional, investing in career counselling can help you align your passion with purpose and unlock your true potential.