IIT-B Introduces Compulsory Wellness Programme to Boost Student Wellbeing
Mumbai, November 21, 2025 – The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) has launched a mandatory wellness programme aimed at enhancing the holistic wellbeing of its first-year students. This initiative, known as the Pass-no-Pass (PNP) wellness workshops, commenced in August 2025 and is integrated into the academic curriculum.
Overview of the Wellness Workshops
The PNP wellness workshops are designed to address various aspects of student wellbeing, covering topics such as:
- Mental health
- Life skills
- Healthy habits
- Substance use
- Sleep hygiene
- Nutrition
- Interpersonal relationships
According to IIT Bombay Director, Prof. Shireesh B Kedare, these workshops are crucial in light of the increasing academic competition that often leads to heightened stress levels among students. The workshops are structured so that students are required to attend four sessions each semester to pass the course, with one workshop occurring approximately every three weeks.
Focus Areas of the Programme
The wellness programme is divided into two semesters, each with distinct focuses:
- First Semester: Basic wellbeing
- Second Semester: Personal growth, resilience, purpose, social contribution, and essential life skills for long-term success
Support System for Students
To further support student wellbeing, IIT Bombay has established a mentorship system. Each faculty advisor is assigned to a group of 20 students, providing guidance throughout their academic journey. Additionally, the institute has designated 895 student mentors, typically from the third and fourth years, to informally assist first-year students with both academic and personal challenges.
Prof. Kedare emphasized the importance of this mentorship, stating that it allows senior students to connect with their juniors, offering support similar to that of an older sibling.
Addressing Student Stress
A recent survey conducted by IIT Bombay revealed that a significant number of students experience persistent academic pressures and adaptation challenges. The findings indicated that:
- Approximately 30-40% of students report experiencing stress due to academic demands.
- Other contributing factors include leaving home at an early age, adjustment issues, and personal relationship problems.
To combat these issues, the institute is exploring ways to revise its curriculum, shifting from traditional teaching methods to a more learning-focused approach. This initiative aims to enhance student capacity realization rather than solely focusing on assessments.
Collaboration with International Institutions
In its efforts to improve student wellbeing, IIT Bombay has partnered with several universities across the globe, including institutions in the United States, Japan, Australia, Singapore, and Bristol. This collaboration involves an international alumni group that meets monthly with faculty members to review teaching methods and assessment practices, potentially leading to changes in the syllabus.
National Wellbeing Conclave 2025
In conjunction with these initiatives, IIT Bombay, in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education, is hosting the National Wellbeing Conclave 2025 on November 22-23. This two-day event will gather representatives from 82 higher education institutions, including 20 IITs, 6 IIITs, and 8 IIMs. The conclave aims to foster discussions around integrating student and faculty wellbeing into campus life.
Prof. Kedare highlighted the significance of the conclave, stating, “This Conclave matters because it shifts conversation into action. Rather than simply raising awareness, the focus is on building frameworks, forging partnerships, enabling early intervention, and equipping both students and faculty with practical systems and capabilities.”
Conclusion
The introduction of the compulsory wellness programme at IIT Bombay marks a significant step towards prioritizing student wellbeing in higher education. By addressing mental health, life skills, and providing mentorship, the institute aims to create a supportive environment that fosters both academic success and personal growth.
Note: This article is based on information provided by the Press Trust of India and has not been edited by The Week.
