The Uttar Pradesh government is taking a significant step towards supporting school students in their career journeys by introducing in-person counselling. The initiative, in partnership with ed-tech firm iDreamCareer (iDC), a renowned career counselling and guidance bureau, aims to benefit 14,700 students in classes 10th and 12th across five districts—Varanasi, Kanpur, Meerut, Lucknow, and Ghaziabad, according to media reports.?

The project, supported by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, serves as an extension to the existing Pankh Portal, which leverages technology to provide career awareness to students in government and government-aided schools. In this expanded effort, 31 counsellors across the designated districts will conduct in-person counselling sessions, spreading educational awareness, assisting students in identifying suitable colleges with scholarships, and informing them about various career options available in the industry.

Vishnu Kant Pandey, the Additional State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha (Secondary Education), stated, "The project is designed to ensure maximum college admissions with scholarships by offering students in-person counselling sessions, career insights, exam patterns, and a helpline number for last-mile assistance until they secure admission in a college or vocational program."

Ayush Bansal, Founder & CEO of iDreamCareer, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, saying, "The project aims to facilitate the upward socio-economic mobility of the students who otherwise dropout post class 10th and 12th. It will guide students from understanding the world of careers to identifying the right career and course, assisting in college applications, securing the right scholarship, and ultimately enabling them to pursue jobs that ensure job satisfaction."

According to UDISE data, nearly 18% of students drop out between class 10 and 11, escalating to around 30% from class 12 to higher education (undergraduate). The All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) reveals that the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in UP has seen minimal growth over the past five years, despite a simultaneous increase in the eligible population.

One of the major reasons for these dropouts is the lack of awareness about admission procedures, career options, and education funding.