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CBSE’s New Directive on Student Well-Being: A Step Towards Holistic Education — and How Neev Is Aligning with This Vision

Posted by Neev Foundation ⋅ January 23, 2026

In a progressive and much-needed move, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a directive making emotional counselling and wellness support mandatory in schools. As highlighted in the recent newspaper article, CBSE has recommended the appointment of one counsellor or wellness teacher for every 500 students, signalling a clear shift in how student development is viewed in India.

This directive reinforces a growing truth: academic excellence cannot be separated from emotional well-being.

Why This Directive Was Necessary

Over the past decade, educators have observed a steady rise in:

Academic stress and performance anxiety
Fear of failure and comparison
Emotional imbalance during board and competitive exam years
Difficulty in decision-making and career clarity

Students today face pressures that go far beyond textbooks. CBSE’s directive acknowledges this reality and aims to create structured emotional support systems within schools, rather than treating mental well-being as an afterthought.

Who Is a Counsellor or Wellness Teacher?

According to CBSE’s framework:

Schools must appoint a qualified counsellor or wellness teacher
Professionals may include trained psychologists, counsellors, or certified teachers
Proper academic qualifications and training in counselling or mental health are essential

At the secondary and senior secondary levels, CBSE further encourages schools to appoint:

A counsellor
A wellness teacher
A career guidance professional (where possible)

This ensures a balanced focus on emotional, social, and career development.

Key Responsibilities Outlined by CBSE

The directive clearly defines the role of these professionals:

✔ Emotional & Mental Health Support

Helping students cope with stress, anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional challenges.

✔ Preventive Guidance

Identifying early warning signs of emotional or behavioural issues and intervening before they escalate.

✔ Career Awareness & Guidance

Supporting students in understanding their strengths, interests, and realistic career pathways.

✔ Support for Teachers & Parents

Guiding teachers in handling sensitive students and helping parents understand emotional needs during crucial academic years.

Implementation Flexibility for Schools

CBSE has allowed flexibility based on school size:

Schools with fewer than 300 students (Classes 9–12) may appoint counsellors on a part-time basis
Larger schools are expected to ensure full-time counselling support
Clear role definitions are mandatory to avoid overlap and confusion

This ensures that both large and small schools can implement the directive effectively.

A Shift from Marks-Centric to Student-Centric Education

This initiative marks a fundamental shift in Indian education:

From measuring success only through marks → to nurturing emotionally strong, confident learners

CBSE’s message is clear:

Emotional intelligence matters
Mental health is non-negotiable
Schools must prepare students not just for exams, but for life

How Neev Is Aligning Its Strategy with This Vision

At Neev, this directive does not come as a surprise—it reinforces a philosophy we have believed in and practiced for years.

Our academic strategy is being consciously aligned to ensure that:

Concept clarity is prioritised over pressure
Regular mentoring and doubt-clearing reduce anxiety
Exam preparation is structured, not rushed
Students are guided emotionally, not compared constantly

We are strengthening:

One-on-one mentoring interactions
Stress-management discussions during peak academic phases
Career awareness conversations alongside academic planning
A classroom environment where questions, doubts, and concerns are welcomed

At Neev, we believe that strong emotional foundations lead to consistent academic performance—especially in board exams and competitive exams like JEE and NEET.

A Mentor’s Note

As someone who has spent over 20 years in the education fraternity, working closely with students, parents, and teachers, I have seen how academic pressure can quietly affect young minds. Marks and ranks are important, but clarity, confidence, and emotional balance are what sustain students in the long run.

CBSE’s initiative is a timely reminder that education must remain humane. At Neev, we are committed to aligning our strategies with this vision—ensuring that every student is supported not just academically, but emotionally as well.

Because when students feel understood,
learning becomes meaningful—and success follows naturally.

— Dr. Mohan Sawade , Founder and Director. Reach us @ info@neeviit.com