International University Nagaland in Chümoukedima introduces a one-year diploma in school counselling to address student well-being.
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DIMAPUR — The Department of Counselling Psychology at International University Nagaland in Chümoukedima has introduced a one-year Diploma in School Counselling.
Addressing a press conference at the university campus on Monday, Director Prof. Zavise Rume stated that rising stress, anxiety, academic pressure, relationship issues, and career confusion have made counselling a vital part of modern education.
He identified personal-social relationships, academic development, and career guidance as key areas requiring intervention. Citing the National Education Policy 2020, he noted that counselling is now an integral component of education, with provisions for mentoring, career guidance, and emotional support.
He added that effective implementation in Nagaland could create a demand for 5,000 to 10,000 trained school counsellors. To address this need, the university has introduced the diploma course, which is open to graduates from any discipline. Admissions are underway, with classes set to begin in July.
The course includes four months of classroom training, followed by four months of internship in a counselling centre under the supervision of professional counsellors. For the remaining four months, the students will be required to undertake school-based counselling practice.
Rume added that the course aims to equip students with basic knowledge, skills, and ethical grounding to handle mild psychological issues, with scope for further specialisation.
He also stated that the curriculum integrates psychological, faith-based, and indigenous approaches, including Christian and spiritual counselling, with inputs from theological experts to align with local beliefs.
Providing an overview of the institution, Registrar Dr. Roopam Bachhil stated that the university was established in 2006 and transitioned to a full-time regular mode in 2024, after operating as a dual-mode institution offering both regular and distance education.
The university offers courses in Health Science and Allied Medical Sciences, including Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences, Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Sciences, and Radiology and Imaging Technology. Programmes in Engineering and Technology, such as Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, and Fire and Safety Engineering, are also available.
Courses in computer applications (BCA, MCA), management (BBA, MBA), Fashion Design, and Library and Information Science are offered, along with a PhD. The university stated that these courses are designed to enable students to secure employment or start a professional practice immediately after completion.
Also speaking at the press conference, Dr. Varsha Tamang, HOD-in-charge of the Department of Physiotherapy, said the university is equipped with modern laboratories, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, and biochemistry labs, along with specialised facilities such as an exercise therapy laboratory, an electrotherapy laboratory, and rehabilitation units.
She informed that dedicated OPD facilities for physiotherapy and naturopathy are being developed to provide hands-on clinical training for students while offering treatment services to the public. Facilities for hydrotherapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture are also in place.