The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a new circular to all affiliated schools to promote Mental Health and Wellness and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) among students. This directive follows the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s judgment dated 25 July 2025, emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen emotional resilience and psychological well-being in schools.
According to the CBSE circular, all teaching and non-teaching staff must undergo mandatory mental health training at least twice a year. These training sessions will be conducted by certified mental health professionals and will cover psychological first aid, identification of warning signs, response to self-harm, and referral mechanisms. Schools must ensure that all staff interact with students in a sensitive, inclusive, and non-discriminatory manner.
CBSE has also instructed schools to organize regular sensitization programs for parents and guardians. Parents must be educated about avoiding excessive academic pressure, recognizing psychological distress in children, and responding empathetically. Mental health literacy, emotional regulation, life skills education, and awareness of institutional support services should be integrated into school orientation and curriculum activities.
Schools are required to maintain anonymous records and prepare an annual mental health report, including the number of wellness interventions, referrals, training sessions, and mental health-related activities conducted during the year.
To promote holistic student development, schools must prioritize extra-curricular activities such as sports, arts, and personality development programs. CBSE also advised schools to periodically review examination patterns to help students build an identity beyond academic ranks and scores.
Additionally, CBSE has mandated structured career counselling sessions for students and parents, conducted by qualified counsellors. These sessions aim to reduce unrealistic academic pressure, promote awareness of diverse career pathways, and help students make informed decisions based on interests and abilities.
CBSE has also announced Capacity Building Programmes (CBPs) for teachers and staff to promote mental health and integrate Social Emotional Learning strategies into classroom teaching. Principals and school heads are urged to nominate teachers actively engaged with students for these training programs to ensure effective implementation in schools.
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