The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has unveiled two major initiatives aimed at enhancing career readiness and mental health support for students in the 2025–26 academic year. The CBSE Career Guidance Dashboard and the CBSE Counseling Hub & Spoke School Model are designed to provide both practical tools for career planning and structured frameworks for psychosocial well-being.
The launch took place on August 7, 2025, at the CBSE Integrated Office in Dwarka, New Delhi. The event drew an audience of over 500 principals, wellness teachers, and counselors from CBSE-affiliated schools across the country, underlining the importance of these initiatives in shaping the future of student support systems.
Career Guidance Dashboard: A One-Stop Resource
The CBSE Career Guidance Dashboard, accessible at cbsecareerguidance.in, is a digital platform offering students a wide range of resources for informed career exploration. From aptitude assessments and career roadmaps to information on emerging job sectors, the platform is built to help students make confident, well-researched career choices.
By integrating technology and expert insights, the dashboard aims to bridge the gap between students’ aspirations and the skills required in the real world. It also supports teachers and counselors with tools to guide students effectively.
Counseling Hub & Spoke School Model: A Network for Mental Wellness
The CBSE Counseling Hub & Spoke School Model introduces a collaborative network of schools to strengthen mental health support. In this model, a central hub school acts as a resource and training centre for several spoke schools in its region.
According to CBSE, “This connected network is all about working as one — building happier, healthier school environments through shared learning and mutual support.” The hub schools will mentor spoke schools, share best practices, and facilitate professional training for counselors and teachers.
This structured system ensures that mental health support is scalable, consistent, and accessible, even in areas where resources are traditionally limited.
Aligned with NEP 2020
Speaking at the launch, CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh, IAS, emphasised that these initiatives are in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which calls for holistic student development. He highlighted CBSE’s commitment to inclusive, tech-driven, and scalable support systems that address both academic and emotional needs.
CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta, IAS, underlined the urgent need for structured mental health frameworks in schools. He acknowledged the critical role educators play in helping students navigate academic pressure, career decisions, and personal challenges.
From Policy to Practice
The event included a focused session introducing the implementation protocols for the Counseling Hub & Spoke Model. These covered role definitions, operational guidelines, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure effective delivery of mental wellness services.
The programme also featured panel discussions with school leaders and wellness experts, including a session by Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, CBSE Controller of Examinations. He shared updates on reforms introduced since the adoption of NEP 2020 and their impact on assessment patterns and student support.
Educators from different regions exchanged their experiences of integrating career guidance tools and mental health initiatives into school systems. Their insights reinforced the value of creating a unified, nationwide framework for student well-being.
A Vision for Holistic Development
CBSE clarified that these efforts are part of its broader vision to promote student well-being alongside academic excellence. By giving schools access to standardised frameworks and resources, the Board aims to ensure that every student receives timely, effective counseling support.
In its official statement, CBSE reaffirmed its dedication to collaboration with schools, educators, and mental health professionals, stating, “The Board remains committed to ensuring the all-round development of every learner, preparing them not only for exams, but for life.”
With the combined power of the Career Guidance Dashboard and the Counseling Hub & Spoke Model, CBSE is moving towards a more connected, supportive, and future-ready education system. These initiatives promise to make career planning more accessible and mental wellness support more reliable, especially in underserved regions.
For students, it means clearer pathways to career success and stronger emotional resilience. For schools, it marks a shift towards collaborative growth and shared responsibility in shaping confident, capable, and well-balanced individuals.
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