Promotion of ‘Mental Health and Wellness’ and ‘Social Emotional Learning’ in Schools
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,
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 |
| Promoting Mental Health and Wellness among Students (CBP : 1 Day : 6 Hrs.) Domain-III |
|
| 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)




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