How important is career counseling in schools and colleges?

I look at this one the same way I look at other educational questions... it really depends on the individual for me. I never had one in high school, but I was always really driven and knew exactly what I had wanted in life and what I wanted out of school... there are others, though, who are not as confident as that. You would probably benefit from those type of counseling sessions or advice. I think that if a student feels the need to do it, and can gain foresight and direction from it, then it can be very beneficial... it would be up to the individual to seek out that help and following it.

It is very very important. It helps students to chose their careers. At least to know about the new career. Sometimes in new area many students don't apply as they don't have any idea about that.

i never took any counselling personally, but yes nowadays its good to have counselling beforehand, as there are number of fields, and the competition too has increased.

Yes it is very much important. Students need guidance. They have so many options. They need assurance which can come if you make them confident enough to choose. Secondly, some things are hidden inside your personality which you don't notice but counselor can.