Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan chaired a high-level meeting on June 6, 2026 to review the draft National Mental Health Policy for School Education, signalling that the Ministry of Education is set to formally roll out a comprehensive mental health framework at the school level for the first time in India. The review focused heavily on a holistic and preventive approach to student mental health, moving beyond crisis management to embed wellbeing support within the everyday school environment.
Officials confirmed that the Ministry had discussed this policy in May 2026, and the June 6 meeting moved it to a formal review stage with Pradhan’s direct involvement, indicating it is close to implementation.
What the Draft Mental Health Policy for Schools Proposes
- Preventive and holistic approach rather than only crisis response
- Integration of social-emotional learning (SEL) into the school curriculum
- Mandating trained counsellors or mental health resource persons at school level
- Teacher training on identifying early signs of anxiety, depression, and burnout among students
- Dedicated wellbeing periods in the school timetable
- Creation of peer support systems and student wellbeing committees
- Special focus on Class 10 and Class 12 students facing examination pressure
Why This Policy Is Needed Now
The policy comes in the context of:
- A noted increase in academic stress and examination anxiety among Class 10 and Class 12 students following the CBSE result controversies in 2026
- A young student’s death in Kota linked to JEE preparation pressure, reported on June 5, 2026
- Growing research evidence that India’s school students face significant mental health challenges during board and entrance examination periods
- Alignment with NEP 2020’s emphasis on holistic development of learners beyond academic performance alone
Pradhan stated that student wellbeing is not peripheral — it is central to quality education. The final policy is expected to be released by the Ministry of Education within the coming months.
