Why Student Well-Being Must Become a Core Pillar of Indian Higher Education

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], December 30: Over the last few years, universities across India have sensed a shift in student behaviour; anxiety is rising, motivation is dropping, and young adults are silently carrying emotional burdens no classroom can see. The idea that “students are stressed because it's a part of life” no longer fits today’s reality. Across India, conversations around higher education are increasingly turning toward a topic that was once rarely discussed openly student well-being. What was earlier seen as an individual concern is now recognized as a critical pillar of educational success, with mounting evidence pointing toward a widespread mental-health and burnout crisis on college campuses (India Today, 2025)

A major multi-city study conducted in 2025 found that young adults in higher education are reporting high levels of anxiety, depressive symptoms and emotional distress. The causes are familiar to most students and educators: intense academic pressure, uncertainty about the future and the competitive nature of classroom environments (Chakraborty et al., 2025). 

Student’s stress has become a National concern

India’s young learners are facing a level of distress that the country cannot ignore. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (2023), 13,892 students died by suicide in a single year, the highest figure reported in the past decade. That means a young life is lost roughly every 40 minutes.

This is not a reflection of individual weakness—it is evidence of a system unable to support the emotional needs of students. Many students avoid seeking help, mainly due to stigma or lack of accessible support.

WHY WELLBEING IS IMPORTANT?

The traditional belief that academic performance improves through more discipline, more exams, or more pressure has been challenged by research worldwide. Emotional stability and learning efficiency are deeply connected. When students feel overwhelmed: their learning capacity reduces, Creativity is restricted, Dropout risk increases, Participation in class decreases and relationships with peers and teachers become strained

Students today live in a world that moves faster than their capacity to cope with it. Their challenges include:

·         Digital overload and social media pressure, constantly triggering comparison and insecurity

·          Post-pandemic emotional fatigue, with social skills and coping abilities weakened

·         Career anxiety, driven by AI, automation, and unpredictable job demands.

·         Reduced family support, as modern households often have fewer emotional buffers

·         Despite appearing confident or high functioning, many students are silently battling isolation, panic, and hopelessness.

The Way Forward

As India moves toward a more human-centric education system aligned with NEP 2020, universities must ensure that academic rigor is balanced with emotional safety, dignity, and a sense of belonging. This involves rethinking curricula, redesigning assessments, offering comprehensive counseling, and adopting ethical approaches to technology (UGC, 2023; Department of Higher Education, 2025).

Institutions like Navrachna University show that this change is both possible and essential. When universities prioritize student well-being, they shape graduates who are not only academically prepared but also emotionally strong, socially conscious, and ready to make a meaningful contribution to society (Chakraborty et al., 2025; Raj et al., 2022).

The University Is Providing Counseling Services

Nirantar Counseling Center at Navrachana University provides a safe, warm, and confidential space where students can openly discuss stress, anxiety, relationships, academic pressure, or any personal challenges. Our trained psychologists offer one-on-one counseling, emotional support, and crisis intervention whenever students feel overwhelmed. We also host interactive workshops on stress management, digital wellbeing, self-esteem, and emotional skills to help Navrachana University students balance life with confidence. Additionally, Nirantar offers group sessions to build resilience, improve communication, and enhance interpersonal skills.

- Prof. Priyanka Behrani
Acting Dean at School of Liberal Studies and Education