CBSE and AIIMS Launch Virtual Mental Health Series for Schools

Dateline: New Delhi | September 30, 2025

CBSE and AIIMS Launch for Schools

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), in collaboration with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), has launched a Virtual Mental Health Series for CBSE-affiliated schools across India. The program, scheduled from October 4 to 10, 2025, aims to enhance mental health awareness, provide support mechanisms, and equip school stakeholders with tools to address psychological challenges in students.

The initiative comes ahead of World Mental Health Week, emphasizing prevention, early intervention, and resilience-building strategies for students, teachers, counselors, and parents alike.

Background of the Initiative

Mental health has become a pressing concern in the Indian education system, with rising stress levels, academic pressure, and social challenges impacting students across age groups. Studies indicate that 10-20% of school-going children experience mental health issues, often going undiagnosed due to lack of awareness and stigma.

Recognizing this, CBSE has taken steps to institutionalize mental health support through training sessions, webinars, and resource materials designed for all stakeholders in the school ecosystem. AIIMS experts will provide professional guidance and evidence-based strategies throughout the series.

Structure of the Virtual Mental Health Series

The seven-day series includes:

Webinars for Principals and Teachers: Addressing stress management, classroom counseling techniques, and early identification of mental health concerns.
Counselor Training Modules: Enhancing skills in student engagement, psychological assessment, and intervention strategies.
Parent Awareness Workshops: Guiding parents on recognizing signs of anxiety, depression, and behavioral changes in children.
Student-Centric Sessions: Interactive activities, mindfulness exercises, and discussions on coping with academic and social pressures.
Resource Sharing: Toolkits, online materials, and helpline information for continuous mental health support.

CBSE has ensured accessible online participation, enabling schools from remote regions to benefit from the program without infrastructural barriers.

Government and Expert Perspectives

CBSE Chairperson, Anurag Tripathi, emphasized the importance of proactive mental health initiatives:

“Our students’ well-being is as important as their academic progress. This series empowers schools, parents, and students to address mental health challenges in a structured and supportive manner.”

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, senior psychiatrist at AIIMS, highlighted the program’s relevance:

“Early awareness and intervention are critical. By equipping educators and parents with the right knowledge, we can prevent long-term psychological issues and foster a healthy school environment.”

Experts note that integrating mental health education into schools aligns with NEP 2025’s focus on holistic education and student-centered learning.

Expected Outcomes

The Virtual Mental Health Series is expected to:

Improve awareness about psychological challenges among students, teachers, and parents.
Strengthen coping skills and resilience in students facing academic or social stress.
Enable early intervention for students showing signs of mental health issues.
Create a culture of openness, reducing stigma associated with mental health discussions.
Enhance support systems within schools, ensuring sustainability of mental health initiatives.

Student and Teacher Reactions

Teachers and school counselors across India have expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. Ms. Meena Rathi, a counselor at a Delhi school, said:

“This program is timely. It equips educators with practical tools to identify and support students struggling with stress and anxiety.”

Students, too, look forward to sessions addressing stress management and mindfulness practices. A class 10 student, Aarav Sharma, said:

“It’s helpful to learn ways to manage pressure and balance academics with mental well-being.”

Conclusion

The CBSE Virtual Mental Health Series represents a progressive step in integrating mental health awareness into the Indian school system. By engaging principals, teachers, counselors, parents, and students, the program fosters a holistic approach to education where psychological well-being is prioritized alongside academic achievement.

Experts believe such initiatives will not only improve student outcomes but also transform the school culture, creating environments where mental health is openly discussed, supported, and effectively managed. As schools across India participate, the program promises to set a benchmark for nationwide mental health education in the years to come.

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