Struggling with stress? 10 student counselling platforms backed by the government

India Today

21-05-2025

Every year, it feels like the bar gets raised just a little higher -- except now, it's sky-high. Board exam toppers flaunt percentages well above 95%, college cut-offs brush the 99% mark, and a "good score" no longer feels good enough.The pressure isn't just intense -- it's suffocating. Behind those smiling topper photos and celebratory reels is a large, silent crowd of students grappling with anxiety, burnout, and in heartbreaking cases, thoughts of self-harm.advertisementWe're now living in an academic culture where every other student scores above 90%, yet many feel like they're falling behind. The race to crack competitive exams, bag a college seat, or simply meet the sky-high expectations from schools, families, and themselves is taking a dangerous toll.May is Mental Health Awareness Month -- a timely moment to talk about the growing mental health crisis among students in India. According to the World Health Organization, 8% of children and 15% of adolescents globally face mental disorders, and suicide is now the third leading cause of death in those aged 15 to 29.Closer home, news reports of student suicides have become distressingly common, especially around exam season.Recognising the urgency, the Indian government has stepped in with several initiatives -- some old, some recent -- to provide young minds with the support they need.
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From helplines to in-school counsellors and digital therapy services, here's a guide to the government-backed organisations and platforms offering crucial mental health help for students:1. TELE MANASAn initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Tele MANAS offers 24/7 mental health support through helpline numbers 14416 and 1-800-891-4416.Services include telephone-based counselling, psychotherapy, psychiatric consultations, and referrals.The platform has seen a major increase in usage, with nearly 17,000 calls received in Gujarat over two years, showing the growing demand for mental health services.2. DISTRICT MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMME (DMHP)Under the National Mental Health Programme, DMHP operates in 704 districts across India.It aims to integrate mental health services into general healthcare, offering counselling in schools and colleges, workplace stress management, life skills training, and suicide prevention services.3. MANODARPANLaunched by the Ministry of Education, MANODARPAN aims to provide psychosocial support to students, teachers, and families.It offers a national toll-free helpline (8448440632) for tele-counselling services. The initiative also includes a dedicated website with resources like advisory guidelines, practical tips, and FAQs.
4. KIRAN HELPLINELaunched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2020, KIRAN is India's first national 24/7 mental health helpline (1800-599-0019).It offers early screening, first-aid, psychological support, and referrals to mental health professionals, catering to individuals across all age groups, including students.5. CBSE COUNSELLINGThe Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) provides pre- and post-exam counselling through a toll-free helpline (1800-11-8004) for a fixed period of time.This service offers psychological counselling and career guidance to students and parents. In 2025, CBSE extended its post-result counselling services for 15 days to address student stress.6. RASHTRIYA KISHOR SWASTHYA KARYAKRAM (RKSK)Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, RKSK focuses on the health and development needs of adolescents aged 10-19 years.It addresses mental health issues through community-based interventions and counselling services.7. NCERT COUNSELLING SERVICESThe National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) offers counselling services through approximately 270 counsellors across India.Their programme, 'SAHYOG: Guidance for Mental Wellbeing of Children', includes live interactive sessions broadcasted on eVidya DTH-TV channels for Classes 1 to 12.Additionally, recorded yoga sessions are available to help students manage stress and anxiety. National Health Mission.
advertisement8. KERALA'S JEEVANI MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMMEInitiated by the Government of Kerala in 2019, Jeevani provides dedicated mental health services in 66 colleges across the state.The programme employs trained counsellors to offer support to approximately 60,000 college students, addressing issues like anxiety and depression. Wikipedia9. ODISHA'S SAMS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTThe Odisha Government has integrated mental health support into the Student Academic Management System (SAMS) portal.Students can access 24/7 tele-counselling services through helpline numbers 14416 and 1800-891-4416, especially during the admission season.10. ANDHRA PRADESH'S SCHOOL COUNSELLORS INITIATIVEIn March 2025, Andhra Pradesh became the first Indian state to appoint dedicated career and mental health counsellors in government schools.Under the School Education Department and Samagra Shiksha, 255 counsellors were deployed across the state in collaboration with EdCIL (Educational Consultants India Limited).These initiatives show that student mental health awareness is growing in India and steps are being taken to address the issues. By providing accessible resources and support, the government aims to create a more supportive environment for students facing mental health challenges.For more information on these programmes, you can visit their official websites.Must Watch