CISCE introduces fellowship to strengthen counselling and student resilience in schools

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has rolled out a new fellowship focused on counselling and resilience education for school counsellors.

The initiative is intended to support the council’s upcoming student helpline, which will be introduced during the 2026 ICSE and ISC board examinations. Alongside this, the programme seeks to build sustainable systems within schools to better address students’ emotional and psychological needs.

Schools have been asked to nominate one counsellor each for the programme, with submissions due by early January.

Known as the CISCE-Care Fellowship, the professional development programme is open to counsellors from CISCE-affiliated institutions in India and overseas. More than 100 counsellors are expected to be selected, and the fellowship will run for approximately seven months starting in mid-January.

Participants will play a key role in promoting student well-being by offering guidance on academic stress, exam anxiety, personal concerns, and the social challenges young people face today.

While many schools already employ multiple counsellors, educators say structured mental health support has become essential. Seema Sapru, principal of The Heritage School, noted that students today face growing pressure due to information overload, expanding career choices, and changing family dynamics. With fewer traditional support systems at home, children increasingly turn to schools for emotional guidance, making initiatives like this especially timely.

Selected fellows will receive training from professionals in counselling and mental health. The council will also conduct online interviews as part of the selection process. Those who complete the programme will be formally recognised with certification and awards.