Pune: The state education department will begin free psychological assessments and counselling sessions for secondary school certificate (SSC, Std X) students from Monday.The programme has been designed to help students make informed academic and career choices after their board examinations. With over 16 lakh students appearing for the SSC examsthis year, officials said many students and parents struggle to decide between junior college streams and skill-based education pathways.To address this, the department, in collaboration with the State Council of Education Research and Training (SCERT), has rolled out a structured guidance programme based on scientific assessment tools.Dipak Mali, secretary of the state board, told TOI, “The process included a series of tests such as aptitude assessment, interest inventory, adjustment analysis and non-verbal reasoning. Based on students’ performance, percentile scores are generated and compiled into a detailed report. The SCERT has taken care of the program.”“The objective has been to provide clarity at a crucial stage of a student’s academic journey. These assessments help identify strengths, interests and potential career paths. The initiative will empower students with a right direction and confidence before they step into the next phase of their education,” Deepali Jogdande, official incharge at SCERT, told TOI.Following the tests, trained counsellors will conduct one-on-one sessions with students and their parents. Using the assessment reports, counsellors will suggest suitable academic streams, subject combinations and areas that may need improvement.“Parents are equally involved in the counselling process so that decisions are taken with a clear understanding of the child’s abilities and aspirations. This ensures that students do not feel pressured or confused while choosing their path,” said Mahesh Lakde, a teacher from a city-based school whose capacity building training was conducted by the SCERT.Officials added that the initiative also helps students identify at least two possible academic trajectories aligned with their capabilities, while making them aware of their limitations.
