Promotion of ‘Mental Health and Wellness’ and ‘Social Emotional Learning’ in Schools

Promotion of ‘Mental Health and Wellness’ and ‘Social Emotional Learning’ in Schools

Promotion of ‘Mental Health and Wellness’ and ‘Social Emotional Learning’ in Schools

cbse-letter-head

No: CBSE/Training Unit/2026

Date: 20.02.2026
Circular No. TRG-03 /2026

All the Principals/Heads of Schools
Affiliated to CBSE

Subject: Promoting ‘Mental Health and Wellness’ and ‘Social Emotional Learning’ in Schools

In today’s dynamic and demanding educational landscape, the emotional resilience and mental health of our students require collective attention and proactive support. The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in its Judgment dated 25.07.2025 in Criminal Appeal No 3177/2025, has laid down certain guidelines, compliance of which is expected from all of us. Accordingly,

  1. All teaching and non-teaching staff shall undergo mandatory training at least twice a year, conducted by certified mental health professional, on psychological first aid, identification of warning signs, response to self-harm and referral mechanism. All teaching, non-teaching and administrative staff is adequately trained to engage with students in a sensitive, inclusive and non-discriminatory manner.
  2. Schools shall regularly organise sensitisation program for parents and guardians on students’ mental health. It shall sensitise parents and guardians to avoid placing undue academic pressure, to recognise signs of psychological distress, and to respond, empathetically and supportively. Further mental health literacy, emotional regulation, life skills education, and awareness of institutional support services shall be integrated into student orientation programmes and curricular activities.
  3. The school shall maintain anonymous records and prepare an annual report, indicating the number of wellness interventions, student referrals, training sessions, and mental health related activities.
  4. The school shall prioritise extra-curricular activities, including sports, arts, and personality development initiatives. The examination pattern shall be periodically reviewed to cultivate a broader sense of identity among students beyond test scores and ranks.
  5. The school shall provide regular structured career counselling services for students and their parents or guardians. This session shall be conducted by qualified counsellor and shall aim to reduce unrealistic academic pressure, promote awareness of diverse academic and professional pathways, and assist students in making informed and interest-based career decisions. Such counselling shall be inclusive, sensitive to social, economic and psychological context and does not reinforce narrow definitions of merit or success.

All affiliated schools are required to ensure the mandatory capacity building to nurture not only the intellectual growth of children but also their emotional resilience and psychological well-being. Schools are urged to nominate teachers and staff for the following CBPs offered for promoting mental health and wellness:

CBP

Offered through https://cbseit.in/cbse/2022/ET/frmListing
The objective of these programme is to empower teachers and staff with necessary skills to:

Promoting Mental Health and Wellness among Students
(CBP : 1 Day : 6 Hrs.) Domain-III
  • Create a supportive and empathetic environment in schools where students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
  • Recognize their critical role in safeguarding student mental health and equip them with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact.
  • Raise awareness of legal and professional support services available for promoting mental health and well-being among students.
  • Establish school-based mental health services with clear contributions from all stakeholders to promote positive mental health in schools.
  • Demonstrate how to integrate Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies into daily subject- specific teaching.
  • Create actionable plans for implementing SEL practices to support social and emotional well-being and academic success of the students.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

(CBP : 1 Day :  Hrs.) Domain-III

Schools are requested to select teachers and staff who are actively engaged with students so that the training outcomes can be integrated into school practices. All the Principals/School Heads are requested to support this initiative and ensure nomination of teachers and staff so as to build a school ecosystem that prioritises mental health and empowers every student to flourish.

(Manoj K. Srivastava)
Director (Training)

promotion-of-mental-health-and-wellness-and-social-emotional-learning-in-schools

Click to view/download PDF

Follow us on Telegram ChannelTwitter and Facebook for all the latest updates

COMMENTS