New mental health guidelines as India battles student suicides

Indian universities have been urged to prioritise student mental health and well-being, with new measures requiring them to strengthen support systems across campuses.

New guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission have set out expectations for higher education institutions to embed physical fitness, psychological support and emotional well-being into their core activities, rather than treating them as peripheral services.

Institutions are expected to establish dedicated mechanisms such as counselling services, wellness centres and trained support staff to address psychological concerns.

The guidelines emphasise early intervention, with universities urged to train staff to identify students in need of support and respond appropriately.

The move comes amid growing concern about student stress and mental health pressures in India’s highly competitive higher education system, where academic intensity, employability concerns and social expectations can combine to create significant strain.

India has seen a steady rise in student suicides in recent years, with more than 13,000 deaths recorded in 2023 alone, according to National Crime Records Bureau data, equivalent to roughly 36 cases a day.

Student suicides now account for about 8 per cent of all suicides in the country and have risen by around 65 per cent over the past decade, outpacing the overall increase in suicide deaths.

Cases have also been reported at some of the country’s most prestigious institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology, prompting scrutiny of campus support systems.

The UGC guidelines placed strong emphasis on physical activity, directing universities to improve access to sports facilities and encourage regular participation. Institutions are expected to organise sports events and integrate fitness into daily routines.

The guidelines state that promoting physical activity and well-being can “enhance students’ academic performance, reduce stress and improve overall quality of life”, linking health outcomes directly to educational success.

Universities are also being encouraged to develop awareness campaigns around mental health and well-being, aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging students to seek help when needed.

Faculty are expected to play a role in supporting student wellbeing, including engaging more closely with students.

The guidance also highlights the need to support staff well-being, recognising that faculty and administrative staff face growing pressures that can affect their ability to support students effectively.

The measures also stress the need to ensure confidentiality in counselling processes, recognising that students must be able to seek support without fear of stigma or disclosure.

They propose integrating mental health into the curriculum, including the introduction of credit-bearing courses focused on well-being and emotional resilience.

The recommendations also call for collaboration with external experts, including healthcare providers and counsellors, to strengthen institutional capacity in supporting student welfare.

While the guidelines stop short of introducing binding enforcement mechanisms, they signal a clear expectation that universities will take greater responsibility for student wellbeing as part of their educational mission.

The UGC said the guidelines aim to “mainstream mental health and well-being into the everyday functioning” of universities.

tash.mosheim@timeshighereducation.com