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🌱 How to Start a Career in Counselling After 12th – A Complete Guide
By JN CareerApt
Are you someone who enjoys listening to others, offering guidance, and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives? If so, counselling might be the perfect career path for you.
With growing awareness around mental health in schools, colleges, and workplaces, counselling has emerged as a respected and rewarding profession in India. Whether you’re currently in Class 12 or have just graduated, this blog will walk you through how to begin your journey into the counselling field—from choosing the right courses to developing essential skills.
💡 Why Choose Counselling as a Career?
Choosing counselling as a career means committing to a life of impact and empathy. As a counsellor, you support individuals in navigating personal struggles, emotional stress, academic or career uncertainty, and mental health challenges.
With rising demand for mental wellness professionals in educational institutions, NGOs, and corporate sectors, the scope of counselling continues to expand rapidly.
🪜 How to Start a Career in Counselling After 12th: Step-by-Step Guide
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Choose the Right Stream | Humanities with Psychology is ideal after Class 12, but students from any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts) can pursue counselling. |
| 2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree | Enroll in a relevant undergraduate program such as B.A. in Psychology, B.Sc. in Psychology, or Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). |
| 3. Gain Practical Experience | Internships, volunteering, or working with NGOs during your graduation builds real-world exposure. |
| 4. Pursue a Master’s Degree | Most professional counselling roles require a PG degree like M.A. in Counselling Psychology or M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology. |
| 5. Obtain Certifications | Specialized certifications in areas like Career Counselling, CBT, or School Counselling can strengthen your profile. |
| 6. Start Practicing | Begin your career in schools, hospitals, NGOs, or private practice depending on your area of interest. |
🎓 Top Courses for a Career in Counselling
| Course Name | Level | Duration | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.A. in Psychology | UG | 3 years | 12th pass from any stream |
| B.Sc. in Psychology | UG | 3 years | 12th pass (Science preferred) |
| Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) | UG | 3 years | 12th pass |
| M.A. in Counselling Psychology | PG | 2 years | UG in Psychology or relevant field |
| M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology | PG | 2 years | UG in Psychology |
| PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling | PG Diploma | 1 year | Graduation in any field |
🧠 Key Skills to Become a Successful Counsellor
Beyond degrees and certifications, counsellors must develop strong soft skills. Here are the most essential ones:
Active Listening & Communication
Emotional Intelligence
Patience and Empathy
Ethical and Non-Judgmental Mindset
Problem-Solving Abilities
Report Writing & Documentation
Time Management
🔍 Career Opportunities in Counselling
Once trained, you can explore a variety of specializations within the field:
| Specialization | Role Description |
|---|---|
| School Counsellor | Help students manage academic stress, behavioral issues, and peer pressure. |
| Career Counsellor | Guide students and professionals toward suitable career paths. |
| Mental Health Counsellor | Address emotional or psychological disorders. |
| Marriage & Family Therapist | Support families or couples through relationship challenges. |
| Rehabilitation Counsellor | Assist individuals recovering from addiction or trauma. |
| Corporate Counsellor | Help employees handle stress, burnout, and work-life balance issues. |
✨ Final Thoughts from JN CareerApt
A career in counselling is both fulfilling and future-focused. If you have a passion for understanding human behavior and a genuine desire to help others, this path can lead to impactful, lifelong work.
Start early. Choose the right course, build strong foundational skills, and seek hands-on experience. Whether your goal is to work in schools, hospitals, corporate environments, or set up your own practice—counselling opens doors to numerous rewarding opportunities.
👉 At JN CareerApt, we guide you every step of the way—helping you build a purposeful career in counselling.
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