The second National Well-Being Conclave concluded at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay on 23 November 2025, bringing together students, faculty, and administrators from across India. Organised under the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, the event saw participation from around 80 higher education institutions, 115 faculty members, and 139 students.
The conclave focused on promoting mental health, resilience, and overall student well-being in higher education, building on the groundwork laid by the inaugural conclave held at IIT Hyderabad in 2024.
I wanted to cover this topic because student well-being is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of effective education. Academic achievement alone is not enough; mental health, emotional resilience and a supportive environment play a key role in helping students thrive. In India, where competitive pressures and academic stress are high, initiatives like the National Well-Being Conclave demonstrate a proactive effort to embed holistic support systems into higher education institutions. Understanding these efforts can help students, parents and educators appreciate the importance of mental wellness in academic life and encourage similar practices in other colleges and universities.
Key Highlights of the National Well-Being Conclave
The second National Well-Being Conclave brought together participants from a diverse range of higher education institutions to discuss strategies, challenges and innovations in promoting student wellness. Some key highlights include:
- Wide Participation: 80 institutions took part, reflecting a nationwide commitment to improving student mental health.
- Faculty and Student Engagement: 115 faculty members and 139 students shared experiences, best practices and ideas to foster well-being.
- Focus Areas: Sessions included topics on mental health awareness, resilience building, stress management, counselling support and integrating well-being into academic culture.
- Policy Discussions: Experts explored ways to embed well-being initiatives into higher education policy frameworks, ensuring long-term support and sustainability.
Why Student Well-Being Matters in Higher Education
The demands of higher education can create stress, anxiety and pressure for students. Research consistently shows that institutions with strong mental health support and holistic wellness programs see better academic performance, lower dropout rates and improved overall student satisfaction.
Embedding well-being initiatives involves:
- Regular mental health workshops and awareness campaigns
- Access to trained counsellors and psychologists
- Peer support programs and student-led wellness initiatives
- Encouraging physical activity, mindfulness and recreational activities
By addressing both academic and emotional needs, institutions can create environments where students thrive intellectually and personally.
Building on Previous Efforts
The 2025 conclave built on the work of the inaugural edition at IIT Hyderabad in 2024. The focus this year was on expanding participation, sharing measurable strategies and identifying scalable models that can be adapted across diverse institutions. Experts emphasised collaboration between faculty, administration and students as essential to creating a culture of well-being.
The Way Forward
The National Well-Being Conclave has set a clear agenda for higher education institutions in India: make student mental health and resilience an integral part of the education system. Participating institutions have pledged to implement action plans, conduct regular assessments and foster an open, supportive environment for all students.
