Students Mental Health Amid Rising Suicide in India

The guidelines apply to all educational institutions across India, including:

• Public and private schools
• Colleges and universities
• Training centres and coaching institutes
• Residential academies and hostels

1. Uniform Mental Health Policy: Implement and annually review a public mental health policy based on national guidelines.
2. Qualified Counselors: Appoint qualified mental health professionals (100+ students) or establish referral linkages (fewer students).
3. Optimal Ratios & Mentors: Ensure good student-counselor ratios and assign mentors for consistent support, especially during transitions/exams.
4. No Harmful Practices: Avoid academic-based batching, public shaming, or disproportionate targets.
5. Clear Referral Protocols: Establish and display protocols for immediate mental health referrals and helpline numbers.
6. Mandatory Staff Training: Bi-annual training for all staff on psychological first-aid, warning signs, self-harm response, and referrals.
7. Sensitive Engagement: Train staff to engage sensitively and inclusively with all vulnerable and marginalized student groups.
8. Robust Grievance Mechanisms: Implement confidential systems for reporting and addressing sexual assault, harassment, ragging, and bullying, with immediate action, psychosocial support, and zero tolerance for retaliation. Institutional culpability for negligence leading to self-harm/suicide.
9. Parental Sensitization: Regular programs for parents on student mental health, avoiding undue pressure, and recognizing distress.
10. Mental Health Literacy: Integrate mental health education, emotional regulation, and life skills into student programs.
11. Data & Reporting: Maintain anonymized records and submit annual reports on mental health interventions to regulatory authorities.
12. Extracurriculars & Exam Review: Prioritize extracurriculars and periodically review exams to reduce academic burden.
13. Structured Career Counselling: Provide regular, inclusive, and qualified career counseling to reduce pressure and promote diverse pathways.
14. Safe Residential Environments: Proactively ensure residential campuses are free from harassment, bullying, drugs, etc.
15. Suicide Deterrents & Coaching Hub Focus: Install suicide deterrents in residential facilities (e.g., tamper-proof fans) and implement heightened mental health protections and accountability in coaching hubs.