A senior school counsellor, with an MA in psychology and a PG diploma in guidance and counselling, can draw about Rs 17,000 a month. On average, a PGT-scale counsellor with three years’ experience can earn about Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 a month. In a private hospital, a fresh clinical psychologist with an MPhil degree can make about Rs 30,000 a month. However, much depends on your expertise    

A counsellor’s usual day at a school in the National Capital Region:
8.25am: Give the first lesson of the day on life skills 
9.05am: Go for second class
9.40am: Break
10.30am: Two life skills periods
11.40am: Introductory sessions with a student
12.05pm: Write a daily report 
2pm: Lunch
3pm: Call up parents for appointments, follow-up discussions. A face-to-face session with a parent
4.45pm: Leave for the day

• Excellent communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills
• Open mindedness and objectivity to deal with the child
• Ability to win trust to establish rapport with the client
• Sensitive and non-intrusive

Opt for any subject combination in Class 12 to be eligible for a bachelor’s in psychology. After that, do your graduation and master’s in psychology and/or a PG diploma in guidance and counselling. For better career prospects, you may do MPhil/PhD.