Delhi government schools have 489 counsellors for about 1,090 campuses

Delhi’s government schools have 489 educational and vocational guidance counsellors for about 1,090 schools, with many counsellors covering more than one campus.

The Directorate of Education also has more than 500 teacher-counsellors. Alongside their regular teaching work, they conduct sessions on safe and unsafe touch, gender sensitisation and personal boundaries. Specialist counsellors provide psycho-emotional, personal, academic and career guidance through individual and group sessions.

The limited staffing can restrict sustained support for students dealing with exam pressure, bullying or cyberbullying, family conflict, grief and trauma. Teachers are often the first adults at school to notice withdrawal, irritability, frequent physical complaints or a loss of interest in studies, but they may not have specialist counselling training.

Delhi officials have estimated that 6,000-7,000 professionals would be needed for a ratio of one counsellor for every 250-300 students. Meeting the CBSE guideline of one counsellor for every 500 students would require 3,500-3,600 counsellors.

The department has engaged guest counsellors against vacancies, while specialist counsellors are recruited through the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board.