In a country as vast and vibrant as India, choosing the right career path can feel overwhelming for students and young professionals alike. The Power 25: Promising Career Counsellors of India shines a spotlight on the exceptional mentors who are guiding these journeys with insight, empathy, and expertise. These counsellors do not just advise; they inspire, empower, and help individuals unlock their true potential, shaping not only careers but also lives. Their impact is transforming India’s talent landscape, one student at a time.
Dr. Amrita Dass (Founder-Director, ICS Career GPS): Dr. Amrita Dass is a pioneer of career counselling in India with a global impact, guiding over 4.5 lakh students across 1000+ institutions. A gold medalist from Lucknow University and a doctoral graduate from SOAS, London, she has shaped national education policy and advised top institutions, including SIDBI and SBI. With international recognition and multiple awards to her name, Dr. Dass stands as a trailblazer in education and career guidance. Her vision continues to empower students and redefine the future of career counselling in India.
Dr. Jagadish Kundu (Founder, RiteWay Career Solutions): Dr. Jagadish Kundu brings over three decades of IT and consulting leadership into the world of career guidance. An ICF PCC-certified coach and UCLA-trained counsellor, he empowers students, parents, and mid-career professionals with clarity and confidence. His approach blends psychology, strategy, and empathy to guide life-changing decisions. With a mission-driven focus, Dr. Kundu is shaping the future of career counselling in India.
Nandkishore Rathi (CEO & Chief Career Navigator, SetMyCareer): Dr. Nandkishore Rathi has dedicated three decades to guiding students, professionals, and leaders toward fulfilling careers. With a unique ability to uncover individual passions, he has empowered thousands to craft meaningful career journeys. His expertise blends academic insight with corporate wisdom, making him a trusted name in career counselling. A true navigator, he continues to inspire breakthroughs for India’s future workforce.
Natasha Chopra (Director, TC GLOBAL): Natasha Chopra brings global expertise in education and career guidance. A graduate of Essex and Lancaster, she has worked across the UK, USA, and the Netherlands in banking and consultancy before steering TC Global’s international relations. With partnerships spanning 700+ universities worldwide, she champions global education opportunities. Passionate about upskilling and mentoring youth, she continues to empower students in achieving their career aspirations.
Satya Narayanan R (Founder, CL Educate): Satya Narayanan R is a visionary educationist shaping policies and opportunities in India and beyond. From drafting Delhi’s New Education Policy to mentoring global startups, his impact spans classrooms, boardrooms, and governments. A poet in Urdu and a Sanskrit enthusiast, he bridges tradition with innovation. His journey defines the power of knowledge, culture, and mentorship in shaping careers.
Manish Naidu (Founder, Brainwonders): Manish Naidu has redefined career guidance in India with the country’s largest US-patented assessment company. Through the innovative DMIT test, he helps students unlock their multiple intelligences and true potential. With over 90+ franchise centres in India and abroad, Brainwonders has emerged as a trusted name in education. A Platinum Partner with Times Education, Naidu continues to shape the future of career counselling nationwide.
Ruchir Arora (Co-founder & CEO, Collegedekho): Ruchir Arora is a trailblazing edtech entrepreneur reshaping India’s higher education ecosystem. With over 13 years of expertise in internet startups, technology, and media, he has built impactful platforms like HTCampus and CollegeDekho. A visionary with strong P&L and business development acumen, Ruchir seamlessly bridges education and technology. His work continues to empower students with informed career and college choices across India.
Aparna Prasad (Co-Founder, Knowledgeum Academy): Aparna Prasad is an edupreneur shaping experiential and project-based learning for future-ready students. With over two decades of expertise in HR, strategy, and communications, she blends innovation with empathy in education. She also drives HR and communications at the JAIN Group, steering 65+ institutions nationwide. A visionary leader, Aparna champions holistic learning that nurtures skills, creativity, and resilience.
Kishor Palve (Founder and CEO, Bright Future): Kishor Palve has been transforming the lives of underprivileged youth through career guidance, life skills, and livelihood opportunities. With over 14 years in the social sector, he has scaled impactful programs across Maharashtra, Delhi, Telangana, and Karnataka. His vision combines community empowerment with sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship. A true force in career counselling, he continues to amplify opportunities for India’s most underserved communities.
Gaurav Goel (Founder & CEO, Toprankers): Gaurav Goel is reshaping career choices for India’s youth by steering them beyond the traditional paths of medicine and engineering. Under his leadership, Toprankers has become the country’s largest test prep platform for law, management, design, architecture, and humanities. With a vision to democratize access to diverse careers, he is empowering students to discover and pursue their true passions.
Prateek Bhargava (CEO, Mindler): Prateek Bhargava is redefining career guidance in India with a scientific, tech-driven approach to decision-making. A double MBA from ISB Hyderabad and MDI Gurgaon, he brings over 14 years of expertise in consulting, strategy, and education advisory. Under his leadership, Mindler empowers students, parents, and educators with bias-free career mapping solutions. Recognised globally, Prateek has been honoured by India’s Ministry of Science & Technology and awarded the Global Edupreneur Award in the UAE.
Rahul Tyagi (Managing Director, Admissionshala): Rahul Tyagi brings 16 years of expertise in B2B sales and strategic growth. Under his leadership, Admissionshala empowers clients with tailored career solutions, fostering meaningful partnerships. Known for driving innovation and sustainable growth, Rahul combines vision with actionable strategies. His work continues to shape the landscape of career counselling in India.
Vipin Prasanth (Founder, Edumilestones): Vipin Prasanth is transforming career guidance in India through a tech-driven platform that empowers counsellors with training, assessments, and marketing support. With a network spanning 86+ locations and successful projects from ICSE boards to international collaborations, Edumilestones ensures counsellors thrive. Their services range from certified training programs to customised career assessments for students and professionals. Vipin’s vision: counsellor success equals student success.
Ayush Bansal (Founder & CEO, IDreamCareer): Ayush Bansal left a promising investment banking career to solve India’s career guidance crisis. Over 15 years, he has grown iDreamCareer into the country’s largest career navigation social enterprise, empowering over a million students annually. Recognised among Business World’s Education 40 under 40, he recently showcased his vision on Shark Tank India Season 3. A trailblazer turning student challenges into transformative opportunities.
Nimish Gopal (Founder & Director, Career Naksha): Nimish Gopal is transforming career guidance across India with a focus on both urban and rural students. His platform offers personalised counselling, AI-powered guidance through V-COACH, and skill development programs, impacting over 15,000 students. Career Naksha also empowers 5,000+ counsellors through training, certification, and community-building. From career fairs to global university placements, Nimish is shaping the next generation of talent with scale and social impact.
Raju Kendre (Founder & CEO, Eklavya India Foundation): Raju Kendre champions higher education access for first-generation students from marginalised communities. A Chevening Scholar and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, he blends grassroots experience with global academic insight. Since 2017, his foundation has guided 2,000+ students to top universities, fostering leaders who drive community change. Raju’s work exemplifies transformative mentorship and equity in education.
Ashish Bhati (Founder & CEO, Allegiance Educare): Ashish Bhati has been shaping careers across India since 2014. With his expertise in psychometric testing and career assessments, he has guided over 50,000 students and collaborated with 300+ mentors nationwide. Beyond counselling, he writes educational blogs and delivers impactful career seminars. An MBA from Hong Kong and a BE from Mumbai University, Ashish is a certified career counsellor, driving informed career choices for students and professionals alike.
Bhumika Phutela (Founder, Meraki Counselling): Bhumika Phutela. With an MSc in Counselling Psychology and hands-on experience mentoring 5,000+ students and professionals, Bhumika blends career guidance with mental health expertise. In 2019, she founded Meraki Counselling, an innovative online platform catering to Gen Z and Millennials, offering career counselling, emotional well-being support, and professional development services. Passionate about startups, social entrepreneurship, and creative learning, she continues to inspire young minds with her holistic approach.
Nikhar Arora (Co-Founder & CEO, Mentoria): Nikhar Arora, Co-Founder & CEO of Mentoria, is on a mission to transform careers across India and beyond. By connecting millions with expert mentors, he bridges the gap between ambition and clarity. His work empowers individuals to discover and thrive in careers they love. Nikhar is redefining mentorship, one career journey at a time.
Celebrating their dedication and vision, these twenty-five counsellors stand as guiding lights for students and young professionals across India. With the right mentorship, they help individuals navigate career choices with clarity and confidence. Beyond shaping careers, they inspire, empower, and nurture potential, leaving a lasting impact on lives and contributing to the growth of India’s future talent landscape.
-by Bhumika Rawat
Disclaimer
The selection process involves rigorous evaluation but is based on subjective criteria, which may lead to variations. Parameters include industry influence, reputation, experience, contributions, education, accolades, and followership. While comprehensive assessments may not capture every aspect of a candidate’s profile. Selection does not imply endorsement or guarantee future performance. Feedback is welcome for improvement.
