CBSE and AIIMS Launch Virtual Mental Health Series Ahead of World Mental Health Week

New Delhi, October 2, 2025 — In a landmark initiative to address rising concerns over mental well-being among school students and educators, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the launch of a Virtual Mental Health Series in partnership with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The program, which will begin on October 4 and run until October 10, coincides with World Mental Health Week 2025, aiming to bring mental health into mainstream discussions across India’s school ecosystem.

Why This Initiative Matters

Over the past few years, educational institutions in India have witnessed a growing need to focus not only on academic excellence but also on the mental and emotional well-being of students and teachers. With rising reports of academic stress, exam-related anxiety, cyberbullying, and post-pandemic adjustment challenges, CBSE has recognized the urgency of creating structured platforms where mental health can be addressed proactively.

The CBSE-AIIMS collaboration is intended to sensitize teachers, parents, and students about mental health issues and equip them with practical tools to manage stress, enhance resilience, and support those in distress. The week-long program will include expert-led virtual workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions delivered by top psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health practitioners from AIIMS.

Focus Areas of the Program

According to CBSE, the Virtual Mental Health Series will cover multiple dimensions of psychological wellness, ensuring that participants walk away not just with knowledge but with actionable strategies. Key areas of focus include:

Understanding Stress and Anxiety – Practical sessions on recognizing early signs of stress among students and ways to manage exam pressure.

Building Emotional Resilience – Workshops on mindfulness, meditation, and coping mechanisms tailored for adolescents.

Role of Teachers and Parents – Equipping educators and parents with tools to identify warning signals and provide early support.

Cyber Safety and Digital Wellness – Addressing challenges of screen addiction, social media anxiety, and online bullying.

Overcoming Stigma – Encouraging open discussions to normalize conversations around depression, counseling, and therapy.

Each day of the program will spotlight a specific theme, allowing participants to engage deeply with the subject and apply learnings to real-life contexts.

Participation and Reach

One of the major highlights of this initiative is its pan-India accessibility. Since the sessions are virtual, schools across the country — including those in remote and rural areas — can participate without logistical challenges. CBSE has urged all affiliated schools to register their students, teachers, counselors, and parents for the sessions.

The Board expects lakhs of participants from across India to attend the sessions, making it one of the largest school-level mental health awareness initiatives ever attempted in the country.

Expert Voices

Dr. Rajesh Malhotra, Director of AIIMS, emphasized the importance of early mental health intervention. “Adolescence is a critical stage of life where mental health needs cannot be ignored. Through this collaboration, we hope to bring scientific, practical, and empathetic solutions directly to those who need them most — students and teachers,” he said.

CBSE Chairperson Nidhi Chhibber echoed this sentiment, stating: “Education cannot be limited to academics. True learning is possible only when the mind is healthy and stress-free. Our partnership with AIIMS is a step towards embedding mental health into the fabric of school education.”

The Larger Context

India has one of the largest adolescent populations in the world, with nearly 253 million children under 18 years. Studies indicate that one in seven children between ages 10 and 19 experience mental health issues, yet very few receive timely support due to lack of awareness, stigma, or access to professional care.

Over the last decade, several unfortunate cases of student suicides linked to academic stress have made headlines, sparking debates on the urgent need for systemic change in education policies and support systems. Programs like the CBSE-AIIMS Mental Health Series are seen as vital steps in addressing these deep-rooted issues.

The Virtual Mental Health Series is not a one-time intervention. CBSE has announced that similar programs will be conducted periodically throughout the year, ensuring that conversations on mental health remain continuous and relevant. The Board also hinted at developing resource toolkits, teacher handbooks, and parent guides based on insights gained from this series.

AIIMS, on its part, is exploring the possibility of setting up helpline services and digital counseling platforms for schools, allowing children in distress to reach experts directly.

 

As schools continue to balance the pressures of modern education with the holistic development of students, initiatives like the CBSE-AIIMS Virtual Mental Health Series represent a paradigm shift in how mental health is perceived and prioritized in India’s education system. By addressing the needs of students, teachers, and parents in an integrated manner, the program hopes to build a future where mental well-being is considered just as important as academic achievement.

If successful, this initiative could serve as a model for other boards and countries, making mental health a cornerstone of education worldwide.