CBSE launches AI-based online exam for school counselors to improve student mental health support and ensure quality counseling across schools
In a significant move to improve student well-being across schools, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched an Online Remote Invigilation Examination for school counselors. This new initiative is designed not just to test knowledge, but to assess how effectively counselors can support students emotionally and socially in real-life situations.
The board has announced that nearly 10,000 counselors from CBSE-affiliated schools will undergo this assessment in phases. The first batch of candidates has already begun appearing for the exam from February 2026, marking the start of a nationwide effort to upgrade counseling standards.
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A Step Beyond Traditional Exams
Unlike conventional tests, this assessment focuses on practical skills, ethical understanding, and decision-making abilities of counselors. The aim is clear — to ensure that professionals guiding students are not only qualified but also capable of handling modern-day challenges like stress, anxiety, and peer pressure.
CBSE officials highlighted that this initiative reflects a shift from rote evaluation to real-world competency testing, which is increasingly becoming essential in today’s education system.
Powered by AI and Digital Technology
The examination is being conducted through an advanced AI-enabled platform called DIGI-EXAM. This system ensures that the process remains secure, transparent, and fair for all participants.
It also allows counselors to take the test remotely, making it accessible across different regions without the need for physical presence.
Key Highlights of the Initiative
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online Remote Invigilation (Proctored) |
| Platform Used | AI-enabled DIGI-EXAM |
| Participants | Around 10,000 School Counselors |
| Start Date | February 2026 (Phase-wise rollout) |
| Focus Areas | Skills, Ethics, Practical Application |
| Objective | Strengthening student mental health support |
Focus on Fairness and Accessibility
CBSE has emphasized that the new system ensures:
- Equal opportunity for counselors to participate from anywhere
- Consistency and credibility in evaluation standards
- Alignment with national digital education goals
By integrating technology with assessment, the board aims to build a future-ready ecosystem that meets both national and global standards.
Instructions for Schools
All CBSE-affiliated schools have been directed to ensure that their Counseling and Wellness Teachers participate in the examination whenever nominated.
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Importantly, nominations will be based on the data available on the OASIS portal, making it essential for schools to keep counselor details accurate and regularly updated.
A Forward-Looking Approach
This initiative reflects CBSE’s growing focus on mental health and emotional well-being in schools. As academic pressure and social challenges continue to evolve, trained counselors play a crucial role in guiding students.
By combining rigorous assessment with modern technology, CBSE is not only raising professional standards but also ensuring that students across the country receive the support they need.
