Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) introduced a new evaluation system for school counselors. It’s called the Online Remote Invigilation Examination, a proctored assessment that will now be used to evaluate counseling and wellness educators, also known as social-emotional counselors.For years, the role of school counselors has been largely evaluated through training records and internal evaluations. The scale has not been evaluated in a standardized, system-led manner. This is where the new format comes in.
In a phased rollout, 10,000 advisors will be covered.
As per the official notification issued on March 20, 2026, CBSE will conduct this assessment in a phased manner. Around 10,000 counselors are expected to be covered in CBSE-affiliated schools. The first phase of this process has already started from February 2026.
Focus on practical skills and student support.
The exam will not follow a typical question paper pattern. It is designed to evaluate how counselors apply their skills in real-world situations, including ethical understanding and student support methods. The focus is on mental health and wellbeing in schools, an area that has received increased attention in recent years.
AI enabled platform for diagnostics
The test will be conducted on an artificial intelligence-powered platform called Digital Examination Assessment and Management. The board says this will allow for a secure and standardized assessment process. It also brings assessment into a digital system where participation is not limited by location.
Key areas of assessment
The assessment framework focuses on a few defined areas. These include secure delivery of digital exams, consistency in assessment, access through remote participation, and alignment with national educational goals and global practices.
What changes for schools?
What changes here is the method. Counselors will now be evaluated through a centralized system instead of just a school-level process. The board links this to its larger plan to strengthen student support systems.The notice also places responsibility on schools. All affiliated schools have been asked to ensure that their counseling and welfare teachers participate in the examination when they are notified or nominated. Counselors will be selected on the basis of data available on the Online Affiliate School Information System Portal.
OASIS date to determine nominations
It also focuses on record keeping. Schools are advised to regularly update the counselor details on the portal so that nominations are correct.Read available official notices Here
