As per a survey by Edumilestones during 2023 and 2024, 70% of individuals struggle to choose a career and require guidance. However, there are only around 5,000 certified career counsellors in India compared to the millions of graduating students, as stated by the latest study, which indicates the growing demand for trained counsellors.

Career counselling has been a part of the Indian education system for a long time; however, with an increase in demand, it has evolved from a niche service to a crucial part of the education system. Now, it’s not just about guidance but a cumulative process of examination, analysis, and assessment. As there are many career options available for the students, counsellors are now using different techniques, such as aptitude tests, skill tests and one-on-one assessments to help them choose the right path.

While the exact number of institutes offering career counselling is not available in an official study, several educational institutes in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) are now increasingly integrating career counselling into their curriculum. Harsh, a student of Class 12, Delhi Public School, Rohini, told The Voices, “Our school provided us career counselling services in Class 11, which helped us understand our interests.” Another passed-out student, Ritika Anand of Sai Memorial Girls School, Geeta Colony, Delhi, told The Voices that although the service was not available in her school, her school arranged for a team of career counsellors to visit and help the students.

Apart from imparting guidance, career counselling also contributes to the mental health of students. According to a study titled ‘The Impact of Career Guidance on the Mental Well-Being of Young People’, career counselling helps to manage career-related anxiety and stress by recognising the strengths of an individual. It helps to build a social identity through their work. Uruba Khan, Counselling Psychologist, working with study abroad platform Leverage Edu, Noida, also shared her experience with The Voices. She said, “The stress of a career can lead to anxiety among students. It can impact them on a personal level too. Career counselling not only helps them in decision-making but also boosts their confidence.”

Even in the study-abroad platform, career counselling has been playing a major role towards the betterment of students. Madiha Shariq, an overseas education counsellor at Leverage Edu, said, “Many students are not aware of the available global opportunities, and career counselling offers them clarity on educational opportunities, scholarships, and job opportunities abroad.”

Career counselling is a service that offers varied benefits for students, such as clear career goals, a better understanding of one’s strengths and weaknesses, improved confidence, and many more. The role that this service has in the life of an individual can be understood by the real-life story of Adarsh Chauhan from Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, who opted to take career counselling for the proper guidance.

Adarsh, currently working as a sports writer with ABP News, Noida, told The Voices how career counselling helped him reach where he is now. He said, “After my 12th board examinations, I was quite confused about which career option to choose from the multiple available. When one of my relatives suggested to go for career counselling, I gave it a try.” After the session with an expert, Adarsh realised how he can combine his love for sports with his potential passion for writing. Sharing his experience further, he added, “The counsellor suggested I explore a career in media and go for a field like journalism and mass communication. Today, as I’m working in a media organisation, I can truly say that I am doing something that I enjoy every day.” Adarsh’s story is an example of how right guidance can become a ray of sunshine in the darkness of confusion.

Despite the growing demand and benefits of career counselling, it has its own challenges. One of them is the cost of career counselling, which makes the service inaccessible to many students. According to the price range available online, in many cities, a single session of career counselling can cost around Rs 5,000-10,000. Another challenge is the lack of awareness of career options and the importance of career counselling in many parts of the country.

To overcome these challenges, the Government has taken steps to introduce initiatives like NCS (National Career Services) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment. This initiative was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. It focuses on job placements, career guidance, and related services while offering training programs and skills development.

Rupa Kumari, a teacher at Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Radhey Puri, Delhi, told The Voices, “The government has introduced NCS to make counselling an accessible service for students. These initiatives are present in government schools, but these services are not that active for students. Still, our schools try their best to help students understand their interests in terms of their careers.” With career counselling evolving in the Indian education system, its effectiveness needs to be checked for a better future where students can navigate their career paths with confidence.