CSJMU PG Diploma Guidance & Counselling: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Ans. The PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling is a 1-year programme that provides foundational skills in guidance, counselling techniques, and mental health support. It is suitable for graduates who want to enter the counselling field quickly or supplement their existing qualifications. The M.A. Clinical Psychology, on the other hand, is a 2-year programme with a more rigorous clinical and academic curriculum, including an entrance examination. The M.A. is better suited for those who want to pursue clinical practice or research in psychology. The PG Diploma can serve as a stepping stone before pursuing the M.A.

Ans. Graduates of the PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling can work as school counsellors, career counsellors, community mental health workers, NGO counsellors, HR counsellors in corporate settings, rehabilitation counsellors, and support staff in hospitals and mental health clinics. The diploma also qualifies candidates to apply for counsellor positions in government schools and educational institutions. For higher-level clinical roles, further study (M.A. Clinical Psychology or M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology) is recommended.

Ans. The PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling at CSJMU is a university-level diploma and is recognized by CSJMU, a NAAC A++ accredited, UGC Category-I university. However, for clinical practice as a Rehabilitation Psychologist or Clinical Psychologist, recognition from the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) requires specific qualifications (M.Phil. in Clinical Psychology from an RCI-recognized institution). Candidates who wish to practice as registered clinical psychologists should be aware of this distinction and plan their academic path accordingly.

Ans. The eligibility requires graduation in Humanities, Social Sciences, or Management with a minimum of 40% marks. A B.Com. graduate (Commerce/Management stream) is eligible to apply. However, a B.Sc. graduate (Science stream) may not be directly eligible unless their degree falls under the specified streams. Candidates with B.Sc. degrees are advised to verify their eligibility with the Department of Clinical Psychology or the CSJMU admission office before applying.

Ans. The merit list for the PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling is prepared based on the marks obtained in the qualifying graduation degree. There is no separate entrance examination for this programme. Candidates with higher aggregate marks in their graduation degree are given preference. In case of a tie, the university's standard tie-breaking rules apply. The merit list is published on the CSJMU admission portal after the application window closes.

Ans. The PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling at CSJMU is offered as a full-time, on-campus programme. Working professionals who cannot attend regular classes may find it difficult to pursue this programme. However, candidates who can manage their work schedule to attend regular classes are welcome to apply. There is no part-time or distance mode available for this programme at CSJMU campus. Candidates seeking a distance or part-time option should explore other universities offering this diploma in distance mode.