Counselling Courses in Pune: Fees, Eligibility & Scope

September 03, 2026 | Dr. Uttara Deolankar

Quick Answer

What are the counselling courses available in Pune?
Pune offers counselling courses from short certificates to 1-year PG diplomas in both online and on-campus formats. SCDL (Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning), Pune, offers a 3-month Certificate in Guidance and Counselling (CGC), a 1-year PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling (PGDGC), and a 1-year PG Diploma in School Counselling (PGDSC). Most programs require a bachelor's degree in any discipline, and fees typically range from about ₹30,000 to ₹57,000 at SCDL, though costs vary widely across institutions.

The Demand for Counsellors in Pune Is Rising

Pune's need for qualified counsellors is growing faster than ever and the reasons are clear:

Schools are hiring. With CBSE now mandating trained Wellness and Career Counselors in schools, Pune's large network of schools is actively recruiting qualified professionals to support students' mental and emotional wellbeing.
Corporates are investing in wellbeing. Pune's booming IT and corporate sector is adding employee assistance and wellbeing roles, creating steady demand for counselling-trained professionals.
Students need guidance. With thousands of students across Pune's colleges and coaching institutes, career and academic counselling is becoming an essential service not an optional extra.
Mental health awareness is rising. Families and individuals are more open to seeking professional support than ever before, expanding opportunities for counsellors in clinics, NGOs, and private practice.

The result: a growing, real job market for counselling graduates which makes Pune not just a great place to study counselling, but a strong place to build your career in it.

Explore 1-Year PG Diploma in Guidance & Counselling (Weekend-Only Batches at SCDL Pune)

What to Look for in a Counselling Course in Pune

Whether you're comparing local institutes or Pune-based distance learning options, the same filters apply:

Flexibility - can you study while working or managing other commitments?
Practical grounding - does the course involve case studies and real skill-building, not just theory?
Institutional credibility - is it backed by an organisation with an established track record?
Clear next steps - does it lead somewhere, whether that's a job, further study, or specialisation?

Counselling Courses at SCDL, Pune

SCDL is headquartered in Pune and has spent over 25 years building distance-learning programmes designed around exactly this kind of flexibility backed by Symbiosis's 55+ year legacy in education. That combination has built a learner base of 8 lakh+ alumni across 36 countries, a large share of whom studied while working full-time.

For counselling specifically, SCDL offers four entry points:

1. Post Graduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling (PGDGC) (New Weekend Batch Announcement)

SCDL now offers exclusive Weekend-Only Classroom Batches for the 1-Year PGDGC at our Pune campus. Learn hands-on counselling techniques through interactive case studies without taking a career break.
👉 Apply for the Weekend Classroom Batch at SCDL Pune

2. Certificate in Guidance and Counselling (CGC)

Duration: 3 months | Fees: ₹30,000
Best for: Graduates and professionals wanting a fast, practical entry into counselling
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in any discipline

The certificate programme's collaboration with The Outreach Collective brings in ground-level counselling practice alongside SCDL's academic structure useful if you want your learning to stay closely tied to real client-facing work happening in and around Pune's counselling and mental health space.

3. Post Graduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling (PGDGC)

Duration: 1 year | Fees: ₹34,000 + ₹23,000 (General)
Best for: Those seeking an in-depth, career-ready qualification
Eligibility: Graduate in any discipline from a recognised university

4. Post Graduate Diploma in School Counselling (PGDSC)

Duration: 1 year | Fees: ₹34,000 + ₹23,000 (General)
Best for: Aspiring school counsellors
Eligibility: Graduate in any discipline
Note: Fees are indicative and vary by category (General, Defence, SAARC, International). Confirm current fees, eligibility, and intake dates on the official SCDL website.

Admission Open - Secure Your Seat in SCDL's Counselling Programs Today.

Career Scope After a Counselling Course

School counsellor - supporting students' emotional, social, and academic growth
Career counsellor - guiding students and professionals on education and job paths
Corporate wellbeing coordinator - employee mental health and wellness programs
NGO counselling roles - community and social support
Private practice - building your own counselling services over time

Conclusion

Pune offers a strong range of counselling courses, with SCDL providing trusted options from a 3-month certificate to 1-year PG diplomas in guidance and school counselling. Whether you're starting out or specialising, there's a path that fits your goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which counselling course is best?

It depends on your goal. Choose a short certificate (like SCDL's 3-month CGC) for a quick, practical start, or a PG diploma (PGDGC or PGDSC) for a deeper, career-focused qualification. Pick based on your time, budget, and whether you want to specialise in school counselling.

What are the 7 types of counseling?

Classifications vary, but a commonly cited set of seven types is: individual counselling, group counselling, family counselling, couples/marriage counselling, career counselling, educational counselling, and grief counselling. Some textbooks instead group counselling by approach directive, non-directive, and eclectic where the counsellor either directs, facilitates, or blends both styles.

Can I do counselling without a degree?

Short certificate courses are sometimes open to candidates without a degree, but most recognised PG diploma programs including SCDL's require a bachelor's degree in any discipline. For a career as a professional counsellor, a graduate qualification is generally expected.

How much do counselling courses cost?

Costs vary widely. Many certificate and diploma courses in India range from about ₹7,000 to ₹35,000, while premium PG diplomas can cost ₹1.5 lakh or more. At SCDL Pune, the Certificate in Guidance and Counselling is ₹30,000, and the PG diplomas are ₹34,000 + ₹23,000 (General).

Are there good counselling courses available in Pune?

Yes. Pune is a major education hub with several reputed institutions offering counselling courses. SCDL (Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning), Pune is a trusted choice, offering a 3-month Certificate in Guidance and Counselling and 1-year PG diplomas in Guidance and School Counselling in both online and on-campus formats.

Which college is best for counseling?

The best choice depends on your goal. For a recognised, career-focused qualification in guidance and school counselling, SCDL Pune is a strong option with flexible online and campus programs. Compare factors like course level, specialisation, fees, mode of study, and faculty before deciding.

How can I become a counsellor?

Typically, complete a bachelor's degree (in any discipline), then pursue a recognised counselling course such as SCDL's Certificate in Guidance and Counselling or PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling. Build practical skills through training and supervised practice, then apply for roles in schools, NGOs, or corporates, or start a private practice.

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Dr. Uttara Deolankar

Ph.D. in Education | UGC NET in Education | M Ed | MA in Sociology

25 Years Research Areas : Computer-assisted learning and teaching, Mobile technologies used in training, Virtual Learning Environments, Massive Open Online Courses, Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning, Web tools

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