EdCIL Recruitment 2026: 424 District Career & Mental Health Counsellor Posts – Apply Online

EdCIL (India) Limited has launched a major recruitment drive (Advt. No. 04/2026) to hire 424 District Career and Mental Health Counsellors across Andhra Pradesh on a contractual basis under the Samagra Shiksha initiative, offering a monthly pay of ₹30,000 plus up to ₹4,000 conveyance allowance, with an upper age limit of 45 years and an application deadline of January 18, 2026.

The posts are open to candidates with relevant postgraduate degrees in psychology, counselling, psychiatric social work, nursing, or MSW (and B.A./B.Sc. Honours in Psychology with two years’ experience), including final-year students awaiting results, with no experience required for postgraduates. The role involves career guidance, mental health counselling, workshops, and community outreach in schools and underserved areas.

Selection will be based on application screening and interviews, applications must be submitted online in English with PDF documents only, and while the initial contract runs till March 31, 2026, it may be extended based on performance and project needs, making this a strong opportunity for both fresh graduates and experienced professionals passionate about student development and mental health.

A Complete Guide to EdCIL’s Latest Recruitment Drive

EdCIL (India) Limited, a Mini Ratna Category-I CPSE (Central Public Sector Enterprise) under the Government of India, has opened an exciting opportunity for aspiring counselling professionals.

The organization is hiring 424 District Career and Mental Health Counsellors across various districts and mandals of Andhra Pradesh on a contractual basis. If you’re passionate about shaping young minds and promoting mental health awareness, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Understanding the Opportunity

The recruitment drive, announced on January 6, 2026 (Advertisement No. 04/2026), is part of the Samagra Shiksha initiative by the Department of School Education, Andhra Pradesh. This massive hiring push reflects the growing recognition of the critical role that career guidance and mental health support play in student development.

Position Details:

• Job Title: District Career and Mental Health Counsellor
• Number of Positions: 424 across various districts and mandals
• Employment Type: Contractual (3+ months duration with renewal potential)
• Monthly Compensation: ₹30,000 plus Conveyance Allowance up to ₹4,000 (reimbursement basis)
• Upper Age Limit: 45 years
• Application Deadline: January 18, 2026

Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria Explained

EdCIL has clearly defined the qualifications required for this position, ensuring that only competent professionals can guide and support students effectively.

Essential Qualifications (Any One of the Following):

1. Master’s Degrees in Psychology Specializations:
   • M.Sc./M.A. in Psychology
   • M.Sc./M.A. in Applied Psychology
   • M.Sc./M.A. in Counselling Psychology
   • M.Sc./M.A. in Clinical Psychology
   • M.Sc./M.A. in Child Psychology
   • M.Sc./M.A. in Adolescent Psychology
2. Related Mental Health Qualifications:
   • M.Sc./M.Phil. in Psychiatric Social Work
   • M.Sc. in Psychiatric Nursing
   • Master of Social Work (MSW) with specialization in Medical & Psychiatric Social Work or Counselling
3. Bachelor’s Degree Option:
   • B.A./B.Sc. (Honours) in Psychology

Additional Requirements:

• Demonstrated proficiency in English (both written and verbal communication)
• Strong computer skills (MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint)
• Excellent presentation abilities

Desirable Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of Telugu language
• Diploma in Career Guidance & Counselling

Important Note for Fresh Graduates: Even if you haven’t completed your degree yet, you can still apply. Candidates who have appeared for their final examination and are awaiting results are eligible to apply.

Experience Requirements: Know What’s Expected

The experience criteria vary based on your educational background, making this accessible for both freshers and experienced professionals:

• For Postgraduate Candidates: No experience required (NIL)
• For B.A./B.Sc. Psychology Holders: Minimum 2 years of experience in counselling

This structure is particularly encouraging for recent graduates with master’s degrees in relevant fields, as they can apply without prior work experience.

What Will Your Role Actually Involve?

Understanding the day-to-day responsibilities is crucial before applying. As a District Career and Mental Health Counsellor, your role will be multifaceted and impactful:

Career Guidance Responsibilities:

• Conduct one-on-one counseling sessions to discuss students’ career aspirations and academic interests
• Help students identify their personal strengths relevant to career choices
• Engage with parents and teachers to promote career counseling awareness
• Encourage family involvement in the career planning process
• Collaborate with educational administrators and community organizations for comprehensive student development

Mental Health Support Functions:

• Provide individual counseling for students dealing with anxiety, depression, and stress
• Address various mental health challenges affecting academic performance
• Conduct workshops and seminars on mental health awareness, coping strategies, and emotional regulation
• Create programs for both students and staff to promote mental wellness

Community Outreach:

• Coordinate with school principals and parents to identify underserved areas (slums, bastis, rural communities)
• Conduct field visits to understand local environmental and social conditions
• Develop context-sensitive intervention strategies

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Timeline:

• Application Portal Opens: January 6, 2026
• Application Deadline: January 18, 2026
• Application Method: Online only (no offline applications accepted)

Application Link: https://forms.gle/Q1SuRrRKoL4xZ55DA

Documents You’ll Need (in PDF format):

• Educational certificates
• Resume/CV with accurate information
• Experience certificates (if applicable)
• Age proof
• Any other supporting documents as per requirements

Critical Requirements:

1. Applications must be submitted entirely in English
2. All documents must be uploaded in PDF format only
3. Incomplete or incorrectly formatted applications will be rejected
4. No application fees required

The Selection Process Explained

The recruitment process is transparent and merit-based:

1. Initial Screening: Based on information provided in your online application form
2. Shortlisting: Strictly based on academic and professional qualifications
3. Interview: Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria will be called for a formal interview
4. Waiting List: Selected candidates who are shortlisted will receive interview calls via email

All communication regarding interviews and selection will be sent to the email address you provide in your application, so ensure it remains active.

Important Terms and Conditions

Contract Duration:

• Initial period: Until March 31, 2026
• Potential renewal: Additional 10 months (June 2026 to March 2027)
• Future extensions: Contingent on Samagra Shiksha’s requirements and your individual performance

Key Points to Remember:

• This position does not guarantee permanent employment or regular absorption into the organization
• Only qualifications from government-recognized institutions are accepted
• Your age and experience will be calculated as of December 31, 2025
• Any false information will result in automatic disqualification, even after selection

Pro Tips for a Successful Application

Based on the guidelines provided, here’s how to maximize your chances:

Before Applying:

1. Verify that your qualifications meet the essential criteria exactly as stated
2. Ensure your graduation date or results are available by the cut-off date (December 31, 2025)
3. Check that you can work across various districts in Andhra Pradesh

While Preparing Your Application:

1. Double-check all information (age, qualifications, experience) against the cut-off date
2. Use a professional email address and keep it active throughout the recruitment process
3. Prepare clear, concise documents highlighting relevant experience
4. Ensure all PDFs are properly formatted and readable
5. Use a professional, error-free resume

Document Organization:

1. Create a folder with all required documents named appropriately
2. Verify that each PDF is properly scanned/created
3. Review each document one final time before uploading

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for:

• Recent graduates with master’s degrees in psychology or related fields
• Professionals with 2+ years of counselling experience
• Those passionate about mental health advocacy
• Individuals interested in education and youth development
• Career-oriented professionals seeking stable contractual employment
• Those based in or willing to relocate to Andhra Pradesh

Contact Information and Further Assistance

For Any Queries:

• Email: tsgrecruitment9@gmail.com
• Official Website: https://www.edcilindia.co.in/TCareers
• Advertisement Number: 04/2026 (Note this for reference)

Final Takeaway

This recruitment drive represents a significant opportunity for mental health and career guidance professionals to make a meaningful impact on students’ lives across Andhra Pradesh. With competitive compensation, flexible eligibility criteria that accommodate fresh graduates, and the chance to work in diverse communities, this position offers both professional growth and social contribution.

The key to success lies in careful application preparation, accurate documentation, and timely submission before the January 18, 2026 deadline. Make sure every detail you provide is accurate and matches the eligibility criteria precisely.

Don’t miss this opportunity—apply now and become part of a transformative initiative in Indian education!

FAQs

What is the EdCIL Recruitment 2026 about?
EdCIL (India) Limited is recruiting 424 District Career and Mental Health Counsellors on a contractual basis in Andhra Pradesh under the Samagra Shiksha initiative.

How many vacancies are available in this recruitment drive?
A total of 424 vacancies are available across various districts and mandals of Andhra Pradesh.

What is the name of the post offered by EdCIL?
The post is District Career and Mental Health Counsellor.

Which organization is conducting this recruitment?
The recruitment is conducted by EdCIL (India) Limited, a Mini Ratna Category-I CPSE under the Government of India.

Under which scheme is this recruitment being carried out?
This recruitment is part of the Samagra Shiksha initiative of the Department of School Education, Andhra Pradesh.

What is the mode of employment for this post?
The position is purely contractual in nature.

What is the duration of the contract?
The initial contract is valid until 31 March 2026, with a possibility of extension up to March 2027 based on performance and project requirements.

What is the monthly salary for the counsellor post?
Selected candidates will receive ₹30,000 per month.

Is there any additional allowance provided?
Yes, conveyance allowance up to ₹4,000 per month is provided on a reimbursement basis.

What is the upper age limit for applying?
The maximum age limit is 45 years as on 31 December 2025.

What are the essential educational qualifications required?
Candidates must hold a relevant postgraduate degree in Psychology or allied mental health disciplines, or a B.A./B.Sc. (Hons.) in Psychology with required experience.

Which postgraduate degrees are accepted?
M.A./M.Sc. in Psychology, Applied Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Child Psychology, Adolescent Psychology, Psychiatric Social Work, Psychiatric Nursing, or MSW with relevant specialization are accepted.

Can candidates with a bachelor’s degree apply?
Yes, candidates with B.A./B.Sc. (Honours) in Psychology can apply if they have at least two years of counselling experience.

Is work experience mandatory for postgraduate candidates?
No, postgraduate candidates do not require any prior experience.

Are fresh graduates eligible to apply?
Yes, fresh postgraduate candidates are eligible.

Can final-year students apply for this recruitment?
Yes, candidates who have appeared for their final examination and are awaiting results can apply.

Is Telugu language knowledge mandatory?
No, Telugu is desirable but not mandatory.

Is English language proficiency required?
Yes, candidates must have good written and verbal communication skills in English.

Are computer skills required for this post?
Yes, candidates should be proficient in MS Word, MS Excel, and PowerPoint.

What is the application mode for EdCIL Recruitment 2026?
Applications can be submitted only through online mode.

Is offline application accepted?
No, offline applications are not accepted.

What is the application start date?
The online application process started on 6 January 2026.

What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit the application is 18 January 2026.

Is there any application fee?
No, there is no application fee for this recruitment.

In which language should the application be filled?
The application must be filled in English only.

What documents are required during application submission?
Educational certificates, resume, age proof, and experience certificates (if applicable) must be uploaded in PDF format.

What happens if documents are not uploaded in PDF format?
Applications with incorrect document format will be rejected.

How will candidates be selected for this post?
Selection will be based on application screening followed by an interview.

Will there be a written examination?
No written examination is mentioned for this recruitment.

How will shortlisted candidates be informed?
Shortlisted candidates will be informed via email.

Is it important to keep the email ID active?
Yes, all communication regarding selection and interviews will be sent through email.

Does this job guarantee permanent employment in EdCIL?
No, this is a contractual position and does not guarantee permanent absorption.

Where will the selected candidates be posted?
Selected candidates will be posted across various districts and mandals in Andhra Pradesh.

What are the main responsibilities of this role?
Responsibilities include career counselling, mental health support, student workshops, parental engagement, and community outreach.

Will counsellors work directly with students?
Yes, counsellors will conduct individual and group counselling sessions with students.

Is relocation required for this job?
Candidates should be willing to work in different locations within Andhra Pradesh as assigned.

From which institutions should qualifications be obtained?
Qualifications must be from government-recognized institutions only.

What happens if incorrect information is provided in the application?
Providing false or incorrect information can lead to disqualification at any stage.

Is there a waiting list for selected candidates?
Yes, a waiting list may be prepared based on merit.

Who should ideally apply for this recruitment?
This recruitment is ideal for psychology graduates, counselling professionals, mental health advocates, and individuals interested in student development.

Where can candidates find the official notification?
The official notification is available on the EdCIL website under careers.

What is the official website of EdCIL?
The official website is www.edcilindia.co.in.

Is there a contact email for recruitment-related queries?
Yes, candidates can email their queries to tsgrecruitment9@gmail.com.

What is the advertisement number for this recruitment?
The advertisement number is 04/2026.

Why is this recruitment considered a good opportunity?
It offers competitive pay, flexible eligibility, no application fee, and a chance to contribute to student mental health and career development.

Can this role help in professional growth?
Yes, it provides valuable field experience in counselling, education, and community mental health.

What should candidates do to ensure successful application?
Candidates should carefully verify eligibility, upload correct documents, and submit the application before the deadline.