National task force on student mental health conducts surveys, field visits and consultations across the country
The National Task Force (NTF), constituted by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India on 24 March 2025, is undertaking a comprehensive national effort to address the rising incidence of student suicides and to strengthen mental health and well-being systems across higher educational institutions (HEIs) in the country.
The NTF launched five nationwide online surveys in August 2025, covering:
- Students
- Faculty members
- Parents
- Mental health service providers
- General public
In addition, all Higher Educational Institutions were encouraged to submit institutional-level data through a separate survey. The surveys concluded in December 2025.
The response has been extensive and nationally representative:
- Students: 12.88 lakh+
- Faculty: 1.6 lakh+
- Parents: 2.26 lakh+
- Mental Health Professionals: 6,800+
- General Public feedback: 2,25,460
- Institutions: 16,750 HEIs
Responses were received from all States and Union Territories, ensuring wide national participation.
To deepen engagement beyond survey inputs, the NTF has conducted field visits to 29 HEIs across 9 States, gaining insights into diverse institutional and regional contexts.
During November–December 2025, the Task Force held meetings with State Nodal Officers to understand local challenges and best practices.
The NTF has also engaged with regulatory bodies including:
- National Medical Commission (NMC)
- AICTE
- Indian Nursing Council (INC)
- Dental Council of India (DCI)
These consultations aimed at strengthening coordination and institutional participation.
Adopting an interdisciplinary and equity-oriented approach, the NTF has held 14 stakeholder consultations involving marginalised social groups, medical students and residents, mental health experts, and administrative and police authorities from various States.
These consultations have examined student distress in relation to academic pressures, discrimination, social exclusion, and institutional shortcomings.
The NTF is currently:
- Analysing nationwide survey findings
- Synthesising insights from field visits and consultations
- Engaging with earlier committees that examined similar concerns
Further visits and consultations are ongoing. With the objective of creating safe, equitable, inclusive, and supportive learning environments, the Supreme Court has requested the NTF to undertake additional tasks, including development of model Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for:
- Periodic well-being audits in HEIs
- Mental health services on campuses
- Faculty sensitisation and training programmes
The Hon’ble Supreme Court has further extended the tenure of the National Task Force till 30 June 2026, to provide sufficient time for completion of these expanded responsibilities.
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