CISCE to bring together 16 lakh students to help shape mental-health guidelines

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) is organizing a three-tier national initiative focused on student mental health and well-being, aiming to engage approximately 16 lakh students from Classes VI to XII, 32,000 teachers, and over 3,300 affiliated schools. The CISCE Student Mental Health and Well-Being Conclave 2026 is set to commence with school-level discussions in October, leading up to the national conclave in Hyderabad from November 20 to 22. This initiative aligns with World Mental Health Day on October 10.

The first phase of the conclave, comprising School-Level Mental Health and Well-Being Dialogues, will occur from October 4 to 31 across CISCE-affiliated schools. Students in Classes VI to XII will participate in weekly classroom discussions centered around four key areas: student stress and academic pressure, emotional well-being, digital life, positive relationships, drugs, substance abuse, and healthy choices, as well as resilience and help-seeking behavior.

These discussions aim to gather students' perspectives and experiences on mental health, fostering an environment for schools to enhance mechanisms for student input, peer support, and access to appropriate help.

Following the school-level discussions, the second stage will feature Regional Student Mental Health and Well-Being Conclaves. These virtual events will be held in 18 regions from November 4 to 14, with selected student representatives and teacher mentors participating in the discussions. Issues and experiences pertinent to school-level contexts will be addressed at the regional level, culminating in the selection of representatives and mentors for the national conclave.

The final stage of the initiative will take place at the CISCE Centre of Excellence in Hyderabad from November 20 to 22. This event will bring together 72 students representing the 18 regions, 18 teacher mentors, mental health and policy experts, CISCE representatives, and partner organizations. A central outcome of the national conclave will be the CISCE Student Mental Health Charter, which will outline principles, rights, responsibilities, and recommendations for fostering supportive and emotionally safe school environments.

Additionally, the initiative will endeavor to develop a Student Well-being Index, compile examples of successful school practices, and prepare a White Paper on emerging mental health concerns among adolescents. CISCE has expressed the possibility of making the Student Mental Health Conclave a biennial event, scheduled around World Mental Health Day.

This 2026 program seeks to elevate student concerns from classroom dialogues to regional and national platforms, transforming them into actionable recommendations for school-level practices and enhancing overall student well-being.