A recent report underscores the importance of career counselling in India, revealing that over 80% of students who receive guidance find it beneficial for their prospects. However, a significant concern is that nearly 40% of students lack access to these essential services, highlighting a disparity affecting students across urban-rural and socio-economic lines.
The findings indicate a pressing need for enhanced career counselling, especially in a complex job market where making informed career choices is crucial. Career counselling helps students navigate their options, recognize their strengths and weaknesses, and make decisions that align with their aspirations and abilities.
To address these challenges, several key recommendations have been proposed. First, there is a need to increase funding for school counselling programs, ensuring that more institutions can provide these vital services. Additionally, integrating career guidance into the educational curriculum could help students receive advice as part of their learning experience. Leveraging technology for remote access to counselling services is another critical step, especially for students in underserved areas. Moreover, training teachers and counsellors in career guidance will equip them to better support students in their career journeys.
In response to this pressing issue, the government has initiated programs like the National Career Service (NCS), which provides online career guidance and resources. However, experts argue that more needs to be done to ensure comprehensive access to career counselling across the country.
The call to action is clear: educational institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders must prioritise career counselling to equip students with the tools they need for success. By addressing the accessibility gap and investing in effective counselling programs, India can better prepare its youth for the challenges of the job market and foster a more skilled and capable workforce for the future.