In India, 68% of students report having access to counseling services, while 25% do not, and 7% lack formal or structured counseling support.
Over 80 per cent school students are utilising AI tools like ChatGPT for career guidance while at least 40 per cent of them have never interacted with a career counsellor, according to a report.

A new study by the IC3 Institute, in collaboration with FLAME University, has revealed critical insights into the state of career counseling for students worldwide. The 2024 Annual Student Quest Survey (SQR), unveiled this week, highlights both the opportunities and challenges students face in navigating their career paths. Despite the growing use of AI tools for guidance, nearly 40 per cent of students globally still lack access to essential career counseling services.

The survey, which collected responses from over 2,200 students and 35,656 school counselors across 56 countries, uncovers key trends shaping the future of career guidance. Among the most notable findings is that more than 85 per cent of students are now utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT to aid in their career decision-making, reflecting a significant shift in how technology is supporting the career counseling process.

In India, where 62 per cent of counselors have integrated AI tools into their practices, the study found that 74 per cent of counselors believe these tools are enhancing and automating their work. This is further evidenced by 73 per cent reporting a reduction in workload, particularly in administrative tasks. Yet despite these advancements, a significant portion of students - 25 per cent - still do not have access to career counseling services, with an additional 7 per cent lacking structured or formal support.

The report identifies ages 12-14 as a crucial period for students to begin discussing career options, a trend seen both globally and in India, where 68 per cent of students report having some form of counseling support. However, the fact that 40 per cent of students globally have never interacted with a counselor reveals an urgent need for more comprehensive, school-wide counseling programs.

Counselors in India face unique hurdles, with the report showing that managing parental expectations (26%), lack of planning by students (24%), and high student-to-counselor ratios (18%) are among the top challenges. Additionally, 67% of Indian counselors juggle multiple responsibilities, such as teaching and administrative work, which limits their ability to offer focused counseling services.

Parents, meanwhile, play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s career paths. In India, 73 per cent of students begin career discussions with their parents between the ages of 10-14, with conversations often centering around employability and financial planning. These early discussions, combined with professional counseling, are essential in helping students make informed decisions about their future.

The report underscores the need for enhanced career guidance services, streamlined counseling roles, and the integration of technology to bridge existing gaps. As the use of AI tools continues to grow, there is potential to improve access to tailored, student-centered counseling that can support young people as they plan their futures.

This comprehensive study offers actionable recommendations to educational institutions and policymakers, aiming to address the challenges faced by students and counselors alike. By prioritizing personalized feedback, efficient application processes, and greater support for career counselors, the future of career guidance can be made more accessible and effective for all students.