The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a new standardised assessment system for school counsellors, known as the Online Remote Invigilation Examination. This proctored digital examination will be used to evaluate Counseling and Wellness Teachers, also called Socio-Emotional Counselors, working in CBSE-affiliated schools across India and abroad. The move is part of CBSE’s broader effort to strengthen student mental health support systems and ensure uniform quality in counselling services.
For many years, counsellors were assessed mainly through training records, internal reviews, and school-level evaluations, without a centralised system. The new digital assessment aims to introduce transparent, standardised, and scalable evaluation across all affiliated institutions.
Phased Rollout – Around 10,000 Counsellors to Be Assessed
According to the official CBSE notice dated March 20, 2026, the examination will be conducted in phases, covering nearly 10,000 counsellors working in CBSE-affiliated schools.
- The first phase started in February 2026
- More phases will follow based on nomination data
- Participation will be mandatory for selected counsellors
This phased approach allows CBSE to implement the new system smoothly without disrupting school activities.
Focus on Practical Skills and Student Support
Unlike traditional written exams, the new assessment will not follow a typical question-paper format.
The evaluation will focus on:
- Practical counselling skills
- Ethical decision-making
- Handling real student situations
- Mental health awareness
- Student well-being practices
CBSE has emphasised that the goal is not theoretical testing but measuring real-life application of counselling skills, especially in areas related to socio-emotional development and student safety.
AI-Enabled Digital Platform for Examination
The test will be conducted using an Artificial Intelligence-enabled platform called:
Digital Examination Assessment and Management System
This system will ensure:
- Secure online exam delivery
- Remote participation from any location
- Standardised evaluation process
- Monitoring through online proctoring
CBSE stated that this digital format makes the assessment more reliable and allows participation without travel.
Key Areas of Assessment
The framework of the new counsellor evaluation focuses on the following areas:
| Assessment Area | Details |
| Secure digital exam delivery | AI-based proctored system |
| Standardised evaluation | Same format for all schools |
| Remote participation | No location restrictions |
| Practical counselling skills | Real-life student scenarios |
| Ethical & mental health practices | Focus on student well-being |
| Alignment with NEP & global standards | Modern counselling framework |
What Changes for CBSE Schools
The major change is that counsellors will now be evaluated through a centralised CBSE system, instead of only school-level reviews.
Schools must:
- Ensure nominated counsellors appear for the exam
- Keep counsellor records updated
- Follow CBSE instructions regarding participation
The board has linked this initiative to its larger goal of improving student support, mental health awareness, and school safety systems.
OASIS Data Will Be Used for Nomination
CBSE has clarified that nominations for the examination will be based on data available in the OASIS (Online Affiliated School Information System) portal.
Schools must regularly update:
- Counsellor details
- Staff information
- Contact and qualification records
Incorrect or outdated data may result in wrong nominations or missed participation.
Why This Change Is Important
CBSE has increased focus on student mental health, emotional well-being, and safe school environments in recent years.
This new assessment system ensures that counsellors:
- Follow professional standards
- Provide effective support to students
- Are evaluated fairly across all schools
It also aligns with National Education Policy (NEP) goals and global best practices.
Quick Summary
| Point | Details |
| New System | Online Remote Invigilation Examination |
| Who Will Be Assessed | Counseling & Wellness Teachers |
| Rollout | Phased, from Feb 2026 |
| Total Counsellors | ~10,000 |
| Platform | AI-based Digital Examination System |
| Selection Basis | OASIS portal data |
| Issued By | CBSE |
| Notice Date | 20 March 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| What is the CBSE Online Remote Invigilation Examination? |
| It is a new online assessment for school counsellors in CBSE-affiliated schools. |
| Who has to take this exam? |
| Counseling and Wellness Teachers (Socio-Emotional Counselors). |
| When did the first phase start? |
| The first phase started in February 2026. |
| How many counsellors will be assessed? |
| Around 10,000 counsellors in different phases. |
| What platform will be used for the exam? |
| Digital Examination Assessment and Management, an AI-enabled system. |
| Will the exam be online? |
| Yes, it will be conducted through remote proctored mode. |
| How are counsellors selected? |
| Based on data available in the OASIS portal. |
| What should schools do now? |
| Update counsellor details on OASIS and ensure participation when nominated. |
The introduction of the CBSE Online Remote Invigilation Examination for school counsellors marks a major step towards improving student mental health support and counselling quality in affiliated schools. With AI-based evaluation, phased rollout, and OASIS-based nominations, the board aims to create a uniform and transparent assessment system. Schools should regularly check the official CBSE website for updates and ensure all counsellor records are correctly maintained. Bookmark this page for the latest CBSE notifications and education updates, for more details CLICK HERE
