New Delhi:
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a circular directing all affiliated schools to implement mandatory measures focused on mental health, wellness, and social-emotional learning (SEL). The directive follows a Supreme Court judgment dated July 25, 2025, and applies to all CBSE-affiliated institutions across the country.
According to the circular, schools are required to take a structured approach to supporting students’ psychological well-being in response to increasing academic pressures and emotional challenges faced by children and adolescents.
As part of the new guidelines, all teaching and non-teaching staff must undergo mandatory training at least twice a year. The training, to be conducted by certified mental health professionals, will include psychological first aid, identification of early warning signs, response to self-harm, and referral procedures. CBSE has emphasised that staff must engage with students in a sensitive, inclusive, and non-discriminatory manner.
Schools have also been instructed to maintain proper documentation related to mental health initiatives. This includes maintaining anonymous records and preparing an annual report detailing wellness interventions, student referrals, training sessions, and related activities.
The circular further mandates regular sensitisation programmes for parents and guardians. These sessions aim to discourage undue academic pressure, help families recognise signs of psychological distress, and encourage empathetic and supportive responses at home. Mental health literacy, emotional regulation, and life skills education are to be integrated into orientation programmes and curricular activities.
In addition, CBSE has advised schools to periodically review examination patterns to reduce excessive focus on marks and rankings. Greater emphasis has been placed on extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, and personality development to promote holistic student growth.
Career guidance has also been made mandatory under the new framework. Schools are required to provide structured career counselling sessions for students and parents, conducted by qualified counsellors, to promote awareness of diverse academic and professional pathways.
CBSE has urged schools to nominate teachers and staff for capacity-building programmes offered through its training platforms to strengthen school-level implementation of these measures.
The Board has directed schools to ensure compliance with the revised format of Appendix IX and upload complete and accurate information on their official websites within the stipulated timelines.
