NCERT Launches Diploma Course in Guidance and Counselling for Educators
Introduction of the Diploma Course
NCERT is preparing to introduce a diploma program focused on Guidance and Counselling, aimed at school teachers and counselling professionals. This course, titled 'Diploma Course in Guidance and Counselling' (DCGC), is set to begin in January 2027. Its primary aim is to equip educators with the skills necessary to tackle the academic, social, and ethical challenges that students encounter.
Purpose of the Diploma Course
The NCERT's diploma initiative is designed to help alleviate the academic and social pressures that students face today. Students often deal with various stressors, including career-related anxieties, peer comparisons in academics and social status, and examination stress. By providing attentive listening and effective guidance, many of these issues can be addressed. This course aims to prepare teachers to handle these challenges effectively.
Curriculum Focus
The curriculum will focus on training teachers to manage students' academic, social, and emotional challenges. It seeks to develop competencies in educators that will enable them to guide students in making informed decisions, understanding their responsibilities, and promoting positive behavior.
Course Structure and Internship
The NCERT's Diploma Course in Guidance and Counselling is structured as a one-year program divided into three segments. It will be delivered in a hybrid format, incorporating an internship. The initial six months will be conducted through distance learning, followed by three months of in-person classes, and concluding with a three-month internship. Teachers have the option to complete their internship in their home districts.
Launch Locations and Capacity
The diploma program will be launched at six NCERT centers located in Delhi, Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru, and Shillong. Each center will accommodate 50 students for this diploma course. Importantly, as NCERT transitions into a university, these centers will evolve into colleges, which will likely increase the number of available seats.
