The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has announced admissions for its one-year Diploma Course in Guidance and Counselling for the academic session 2026. The course is being offered by the Department of Educational Psychology and Foundations of Education (DEPFE) at NCERT’s New Delhi campus. Designed for teachers, teacher educators, school administrators, and professionals from allied fields, the programme aims to build specialised skills in educational guidance, career counselling, and mental health support for students. Applications are now open and interested candidates can apply through the official NCERT website — ncert.nic.in.
I am writing about this because guidance and counselling are becoming increasingly essential in today’s education system, where students face not only academic pressure but also emotional and career-related challenges. This course by NCERT comes at the right time when schools and educators are realising the importance of trained counsellors. Many schools, especially in smaller towns, still lack qualified professionals who can guide students in managing stress, making career choices, and maintaining mental well-being. By spreading awareness about such opportunities, more educators can take up this professional course and contribute to creating a healthier and more supportive school environment.
About the NCERT Diploma in Guidance and Counselling
The one-year diploma course by NCERT is structured to train professionals in both theoretical and practical aspects of counselling. It focuses on developing competencies to identify students’ needs, provide psychological support, and guide them through personal, academic, and career decisions.
The course is open to:
- Teachers and teacher educators from recognised schools and institutions
- School administrators and principals
- Psychologists, social workers, and personnel from NGOs or educational agencies
Candidates should hold at least a Master’s degree in psychology, education, social work, or allied disciplines to be eligible for admission.
Programme Structure and Duration
The Diploma in Guidance and Counselling course will run for one academic year (January to December 2025) and will follow a three-phase blended format:
- Distance Learning Phase: Participants will undergo online learning modules and assignments to build foundational knowledge.
- Intensive Contact Programme (ICP): Selected candidates will attend a face-to-face training session at NCERT or its regional centres, which includes lectures, workshops, and practicum sessions.
- Internship Phase: Candidates will complete supervised fieldwork in schools, guidance centres, or educational institutions to gain practical experience.
This structure ensures that participants get both academic knowledge and real-world counselling exposure.
Application Process and Important Dates
Interested candidates can download the application form and information brochure from NCERT’s official website — ncert.nic.in. The completed form, along with required documents and the application fee, should be submitted before the last date mentioned in the notification.
While the final date for submission will be officially announced soon, applicants are advised to check the NCERT website regularly for updates.
Selection will be based on academic qualifications, relevant work experience, and a personal interview. Priority will be given to educators currently working in government or recognised schools.
Course Objectives and Benefits
The diploma aims to:
- Equip teachers and educators with basic counselling skills
- Promote mental health awareness in schools
- Strengthen school-based guidance services
- Train professionals to deal with behavioural, emotional, and academic issues among students
- Help educators provide informed career and personal guidance to learners
Successful completion of the course will make candidates eligible to work as school counsellors, guidance coordinators, or education advisors in both public and private institutions.
Why This Course Matters
In recent years, there has been a rise in stress, anxiety, and confusion among students due to competitive academics, peer pressure, and uncertain career choices. Schools increasingly need counsellors who understand students’ psychological and emotional needs.
NCERT’s initiative ensures that the education system moves towards a more student-centric and emotionally supportive framework. Trained professionals can play a vital role in early identification of learning or behavioural difficulties, helping students perform better both academically and personally.
Moreover, with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasising holistic education, guidance and counselling have become integral to school functioning. This course empowers educators to translate that vision into practice.
