New UGC Mental Health & Well-Being Guidelines for Higher Educational Institutions in 2026

New UGC Mental Health & Well-Being Guidelines for Higher Educational Institutions in 2026

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow, has issued an important circular on January 21, 2026, related to student mental health and well-being.This circular forwards a communication from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and invites comments and suggestions from stakeholders on a draft national policy.

This article explains the notification in simple language, why it matters, and how you can participate.

Overview of the AKTU Circular

AKTU has shared a UGC letter dated January 13, 2026, which introduces the draft“UGC Guidelines on Uniform Policy on Mental Health & Well-Being for Higher Educational Institutions.”

The purpose of this circular is:

1. To inform colleges and students about the draft guidelines
2. To collect feedback before the policy is finalized

This means the policy is not final yet, and your suggestions can still influence it.

Who Can Submit Comments or Suggestions?

UGC has invited feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, including:

1. Students
2. Faculty members
3. College and university administrators
4. Members of civil society

Anyone connected to higher education can share their views.

Even a student can send suggestions based on campus experience or challenges faced.

Important Dates and Submission Details

Key Dates

1. UGC Letter Issued: January 13, 2026
2. AKTU Circular Issued: January 21, 2026
3. Last Date to Submit Suggestions: January 29, 2026

How to Submit Suggestions

Suggestions must be sent only by email to:

1. Recipient: Dr. Sunita Siwach
2. Designation: Joint Secretary, UGC
3. Email ID: ssiwach.ugc@nic.in

Late submissions may not be considered, so sending feedback before the deadline is important.

Purpose of the UGC Mental Health & Well-Being Guidelines

The draft guidelines aim to create a uniform and practical mental health framework for Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) across India.

The main goal is to:

1. Integrate mental health into daily academic life
2. Move from reactive help to preventive care
3. Ensure emotional support becomes part of campus culture

In simple words, mental health should be treated as essential as classrooms and libraries.

Policy Background and National Alignment

Based on National Policies and Legal Directions

The draft policy is aligned with:

1. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
2. Directions of the Supreme Court of India(Case: Sukdeb Saha vs State of Andhra Pradesh, 2025)

Frameworks and Initiatives Referenced

The guidelines are built on:

1. UMMEED Principles

1. Understand
2. Motivate
3. Manage
4. Empathize
5. Empower
6. Develop

2. Manodarpan Initiative

3. National Suicide Prevention Strategy

These frameworks focus on empathy, early support, and empowerment.

Key Objectives of the Draft Guidelines

The draft policy focuses on:

1. Early identification of mental distress
2. Proactive and preventive mental health care
3. Encouraging empathy among students and staff
4. Providing timely professional support
5. Creating a safe and supportive learning environment

The idea is to help before problems become crises.

Proposed Institutional Structure in Colleges and Universities

Monitoring and Support System

HEIs are expected to establish:

1. Mental Health & Well-Being Monitoring Committee (MHWBMC)
2. Mental Health & Well-Being Centre (MHWBC)

These bodies will oversee planning, support, and monitoring activities.

Crisis Management Framework

The policy also focuses on crisis situations, including:

1. Suicide prevention infrastructure
2. Risk assessment mechanisms
3. Post-crisis support and student reintegration

This ensures students are supported even after difficult incidents.

Professional Standards

The guidelines specify:

1. Required qualifications for mental health professionals
2. Need for trained and certified experts on campus

This ensures students receive professional and ethical care.

Digital Initiatives: MANAS-SETU Portal

The policy mentions a digital platform called MANAS-SETU, which will provide:

1. Training materials
2. Guidance resources
3. Mental health-related support content

Suggested Mental Health Activities on Campus

The draft guidelines suggest several activities, such as:

1. Mental health programs for students and faculty
2. Mindfulness and relaxation sessions
3. Observance of mental health awareness days
4. Peer support systems with trained student mentors

These activities aim to normalize conversations around mental health.

Why This Circular Is Important for AKTU-Affiliated Colleges

This circular:

1. Shows a strong focus on student well-being
2. Encourages participation before final policy approval
3. May shape future campus mental health systems
4. Reflects a national shift toward preventive mental health care

Colleges that prepare early will adapt more smoothly later.

Official Notification PDF

You can read the official AKTU circular here:Read Full aktu Notification

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is this policy final?No. It is a draft, and feedback is still being collected.

Can students send suggestions directly?Yes, students are encouraged to share their views.

What is the last date to submit feedback?January 29, 2026.

How should feedback be submitted?Only through email to the UGC official mentioned above.

Will these guidelines become mandatory later?They may become mandatory once finalized by UGC.

Conclusion

The UGC Mental Health & Well-Being Guidelines aim to create safer, healthier campuses across India.AKTU’s circular gives students and institutions a chance to voice their opinions before final implementation.

If you have ideas, experiences, or suggestions, make sure to send them before January 29, 2026.

Mental health is not optional — it is foundational to education.