PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling – Course Overview

The Post Graduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling (PGDGC) is a professional course that develops skills in student guidance, career counselling, communication, counselling methods, psychological assessment, and personal development. The exact duration, eligibility, subjects, and fees can vary by university.

1. Course Name

Post Graduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling (PGDGC)

2. Course Duration

• Usually 1 year
• Commonly divided into 2 semesters
• Some institutions may offer a longer/different structure. 

3. Eligibility

Generally:

• Graduation/Bachelor's degree from a recognized university.
• Many universities accept graduation in any stream.
• Some institutions may require a minimum percentage, commonly around 50%. 
• Always check the specific university's eligibility rules before admission.

4. Approximate Fee

Fees vary considerably by university and mode.

Examples for current/recent offerings:

• CSJMU, Kanpur: around ₹29,200 per year according to the 2026 course listing. 
• MIT-ADT University, Pune: ₹30,000 for Indian residents for 2026–27. 
• DAV University, Jalandhar: around ₹45,800 total. 
• SCDL: ₹57,000 programme fee, excluding certain additional examination/project charges. 
• Jamia Millia Islamia: ₹55,000 per year listed for the PG Diploma. 

Typical indicative range: ₹10,000–₹60,000+, depending on the institution, mode and additional charges. This is not a fixed national fee.

5. Admission Process

The process generally includes:

1. Check eligibility.
2. Complete the university application form.
3. Upload/submit academic documents.
4. Pay the application/admission fee.
5. Merit list, entrance test or interview, depending on the university.
6. Complete document verification and enrolment.

For example, some universities use merit-based admission, while others may have their own entrance test or selection process.

6. Mode of Study

Depending on the university, the course may be available through:

• Regular / On-campus
• Distance / Open Learning
• Online or blended learning in some institutions

For example, SCDL offers the programme in a flexible learning format, while CSJMU lists a full-time programme.

7. Main Subjects / Syllabus

Subjects can vary, but commonly include:

• Foundations of Guidance and Counselling
• Counselling Psychology
• Principles of Guidance
• Principles and Processes of Counselling
• Human Development
• Personality and Adjustment
• Career Development and Career Guidance
• Psychological Assessment and Appraisal
• Counselling Approaches and Techniques
• Group Guidance
• School Guidance Programme
• Research Methods
• Practical/Internship or Case Study
• Project/Viva

The exact syllabus differs between universities.

8. Career Scope

After completing the course, students can explore opportunities in:

• Schools and educational institutions
• Career guidance centres
• Colleges and universities
• NGOs and community organisations
• Student support services
• Training and development
• Some corporate/HR support roles
• Counselling and guidance centres

The course is particularly relevant for people interested in education, student support, career guidance and counselling-related work.

9. Job Opportunities

Possible work areas include:

• School counselling
• Career guidance
• Student counselling
• Educational guidance
• Youth development
• NGO/community support
• Employee/student support programmes
• Counselling assistance and related support roles

10. Common Job Roles

Depending on the employer's requirements and the candidate's qualifications:

• School Counsellor
• Career Counsellor
• Guidance Counsellor
• Student Counsellor
• Educational Counsellor
• Career Guidance Executive
• Counselling Assistant
• Student Support Executive
• NGO Counselling/Support Worker
• Academic Guidance Coordinator

Important: A PG Diploma by itself should not be presented as equivalent to a professional qualification required for regulated clinical-psychology practice. For example, SCDL specifically states that its programme does not qualify graduates for professions regulated under the NCAHP Act.

11. Expected Salary Range

Salary depends on:

• Qualification and previous experience
• Employer and location
• School/organisation type
• Job responsibilities
• Additional psychology/counselling qualifications

As a general indicative starting range, counselling and student-support roles may fall around ₹15,000–₹35,000 per month, with experienced professionals potentially earning more. Salary should be treated as an approximate employment-market range, not a guaranteed salary.

12. Higher Study Options

After PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling, students may consider:

• M.A. Psychology
• M.A. Counselling Psychology, where available
• M.A./M.Sc. Psychology
• M.A. Guidance and Counselling
• M.Ed. for education-focused careers, subject to eligibility
• Relevant research programmes
• Professional qualifications required for specific regulated psychology careers

The exact eligibility for higher programmes depends on the university.

13. Universities Offering This Course

Examples of institutions that list a PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling or a closely named programme include:

• Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur 
• Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 
• Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak 
• Panjab University, Chandigarh 
• University of Burdwan, West Bengal 
• North Maharashtra University (Kavayitri Bahinabai Chaudhari North Maharashtra University) 
• DAV University, Jalandhar 
• Shri Guru Ram Rai University, Dehradun 
• MIT-ADT University, Pune 
• Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL), Pune 

Availability and admission status can change each academic year.

14. University-wise Eligibility and Approximate Fees

*Fees can include/exclude examination, registration, project, hostel or other charges. Verify the current university prospectus before quoting the final fee to students.

15. Entrance Exam / Other Requirements

There is no single national entrance exam applicable to every PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling programme.

Depending on the university, admission may be:

• Merit-based
• Through a university entrance test
• Through an interview/personal interaction
• Based on academic qualification and document verification

For example, HRIT University lists an HRIT HNAT Test, while other universities list merit-based admission.

Student-Friendly Summary

PG Diploma in Guidance and Counselling is generally a 1-year postgraduate diploma for graduates who want to develop skills in student guidance, career counselling, counselling methods, personal development and educational support. It can be useful for careers in schools, career-guidance centres, NGOs and student-support services, while regulated psychology professions may require additional qualifications and registration.