CBSE, AIIMS launch virtual mental health series for schools

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a Virtual Mental Health Series for principals, teachers, counsellors, students, and parents across CBSE-affiliated schools. The initiative, organised in collaboration with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, is being held from October 4 to 10, 2025, to coincide with World Mental Health Week.

The programme seeks to create greater awareness around mental health, reduce stigma, and provide practical strategies that can be applied in school communities. The series will culminate on October 10, World Mental Health Day, reinforcing the global call for prioritising psychological well-being.

According to CBSE, the sessions are aimed at strengthening resilience and building supportive ecosystems in schools. Educators, parents, and counsellors will be guided on how to help students manage stress, deal with challenges, and adopt positive practices. Students, too, will gain valuable insights into maintaining their emotional balance and seeking help when needed.

Daily Expert Sessions
The week-long programme features live virtual sessions every day from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Each session, lasting 45 minutes to an hour, is being led by experts from the Department of Psychiatry and Counselling Services at AIIMS. The discussions focus on evidence-based approaches to mental health, making the content highly relevant to the day-to-day realities of schools.

Participation is free of charge and open to all CBSE-affiliated schools. However, attendance is capped at 1,000 participants per session, on a first-come, first-served basis. Sessions are being hosted on Webex through a dedicated link shared by the board.

CBSE has emphasised that this initiative reflects its broader commitment to ensuring the mental well-being of school communities. The board has consistently encouraged schools to adopt inclusive and supportive practices that nurture not just academic growth but also emotional resilience.

By collaborating with AIIMS, one of India’s premier medical institutions, CBSE aims to offer authentic guidance that can positively impact both students and educators.

For additional details and access to the sessions, participants have been advised to visit the official CBSE website.