UGC Proposes Counsellor Ratios and Mental Health Centres in Colleges

In a major step to strengthenstudent mental health supportacross higher education, theUniversity Grants Commission (UGC)has proposed fixedstudent-to-counsellor ratiosand the establishment ofdedicated Mental Health & Well-being Centres (MHWBCs)in all colleges and universities.

The recommendations form part of the draftUGC Guidelines on Uniform Policy on Mental Health & Well-Being for Higher Educational Institutions, prepared by a panel followingSupreme Court directions in July 2025.

Counsellor Ratios and Awareness Programmes

• Large institutions:1 counsellor per 500 students

• Small institutions:1 counsellor per 100 studentsThe draft also emphasisesregular awareness programmeson stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being to facilitate early identification of mental health concerns and reduce stigma around seeking help.

Dedicated Mental Health Centres

Every HEI is expected to set up awell-equipped MHWBCwith:

• Private consultation rooms for discreet counselling

• Comfortable waiting areas

• Proper documentation of sessions, anonymised or coded for privacy

• Clinical records destroyed one year after a student graduates, per institutional norms

• Contact details and services displayed prominently on campus and institutional websites

UGC Monitoring and Crisis Preparedness

The UGC will oversee policy implementation via adigital platform named MANASSETU. Institutions must submit annual reports to track outcomes such as improved student well-being, reduced dropouts, and prevention of loss of life.

The commission will supportcapacity-building initiativesin collaboration with bodies like theNational Research Foundation (NRF), ICMR, ICSSR, and WHO, promoting evidence-based interventions.

The draft also urges institutions to implementcrisis management and suicide prevention mechanisms, with faculty, staff, and peers trained to spot warning signs such as sudden behavioural changes, withdrawal, or irregular attendance to provide timely support for students in distress.