In an effective step towards dealing with mental health concerns among students, the Dharwad district education authorities have invited applications for Mental Health Educational Resource Person/Counsellor positions under the Samagra Shikshana Karnataka programme for the academic year 2026-27.
The initiative will help to strengthen mental health support for students studying in secondary schools and pre-university institutions in Dharwad district.
Counsellors will be appointed to seven Block Resource Centres as part of the programme. One candidate will be selected for each block to assist in the implementation of the student mental health programme.
The appointment will be a consultant appointment and the engagement will be for a certain period in the academic year. According to the recruitment notification, applications are being invited for an engagement of six months in the programme period.
Counsellors to Support Students
The programme was planned because of increasing mental health issues in the school and pre-university students.
Students can face a range of academic, emotional and social challenges within their education. Early counselling and appropriate guidance can help students deal with stress, anxiety, academic pressure, relationship-related concerns and other difficulties.
The counsellors who are appointed under the programme will be expected to be able to give guidance and help educational institutions identify students who might require additional mental health assistance.
The initiative also aims to increase school-level awareness of mental health in the school environment.
Educational Qualification
The applicants who wish to apply for the positions must meet the specified educational and professional qualifications for the positions.
Applicants must have completed an MA or MSc degree in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or a related subject.
In addition to the educational qualification, the candidate must have at least one year of experience in the school or community mental health field.
Knowing Kannada and English is important as counsellors may have to interact with students, teachers and parents in different settings.
Candidates are also expected to possess basic computer knowledge.
As such, those applicants who do not meet the qualifications and experience requirements will not be considered for selection.
Seven Blocks to Have Counsellor Positions
The programme will be implemented across seven blocks in Dharwad district.
The appointment of one mental health educational resource person at each Block Resource Centre is intended to provide more accessible support at the local level.
This decentralised approach could help educational authorities respond to student mental health issues more effectively rather than depending on district-level services.
Counsellors can also work with schools and educational personnel to enhance mental health awareness and encourage students to seek help when appropriate.
How to Apply
Eligible and interested candidates are asked to obtain the prescribed application form from the office of the Deputy Director of School Education in Dharwad.
After filling out the application, candidates must submit it along with the required supporting documents to the RMSA section of the concerned office.
The last date for submitting applications is August 17, 2026.
Candidates should not wait until the last day to submit the application and should ensure that all required documents are attached before submitting the application.
Important Details
- Post: Mental Health Educational Resource Person/Counsellor.
- Number of Blocks: 7
- Programme: Samagra Shikshana Karnataka, 2026-27
- Educational Qualification: MA/MSc in Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counselling Psychology, or a related field
- Experience: Minimum one year in school or community mental health
- Languages: Kannada and English
- Other Requirement: Basic computer knowledge.
- Application Deadline: August 17, 2026
- Application Submission: RMSA Section, Office of the Deputy Director of School Education, Dharwad
Contact for More Information
For further information on the recruitment process, eligibility requirements, and application procedure, applicants may contact the officials concerned.
For more information, applicants can call the following numbers:
9880984396
9741177623
Candidates can also contact S.M. Hudedamani, DYPC RMSA, for clarification regarding the recruitment.
Why This Recruitment Matters
The recruitment is taking place at a time when the education system is paying more attention to student well-being.
Academic performance is only one part of a student’s overall development. Emotional well-being, social adjustment and the ability to manage academic and personal challenges are equally important.
Having trained counsellors in Block Resource Centres would help schools to identify issues at an early stage and offer appropriate advice.
The initiative could also encourage students to talk about their problems without hesitation and raise teachers’ and parents’ awareness of mental health problems.
For trained psychology professionals looking for short-term work in education and mental health fields, the Dharwad recruitment provides an opportunity to work with students in a government education programme.
Eligible candidates should complete the application process before the August 17, 2026 deadline and submit all required documents through the prescribed channel.
