The well-being of students in India takes a sharp dive as they move through senior school years, according to the latest Student Well-Being Pulse Report from the IC3 Institute. The report, which focuses on mental health and suicide prevention, shows that the percentage of students reporting high overall well-being plunges from 62% in Grade 8 to just 43% by Grade 12.
Data from 8,515 students nationwide points to a troubling drop in happiness, confidence, and motivation. Happiness levels fall from 65% in Grade 8 to 48% in Grade 12, confidence slips from 64% to 47%, and motivation decreases from 64% to 49%. The findings were shared at the 10th Annual IC3 Conference and Expo in Mumbai on August 20, 2025.
As students advance, negative emotions spike. Anxiety, low energy, frustration, loneliness, and sadness are most pronounced in Grades 11 and 12. The report notes that students mainly seek help from friends and family, with 49% and 44% respectively. Only 13% turn to teachers, and a mere 6% approach school counselors. Just 2% seek therapists, despite 52% believing therapy would help.
Gender differences are stark in students' emotional experiences. Female students report higher levels of negative emotions than males. For example, 33% of girls feel anxious, compared to 23% of boys, a trend consistent across all surveyed negative emotions.
The report shows a steady rise in negative emotions from Grade 8 to Grade 12. “Almost every emotion shows a clear upward trend from Grade 8 to Grade 12 in the 'Often/Always' category, ” it states. Students in final years face severe distress, linked to academics, board exams, college planning, and burnout.
Despite the alarming decline in well-being, many students report thriving socially and emotionally. About 62% feel happy at school, 78% have close friends, and 74% feel safe and included. Meanwhile, 64% take care of their physical and mental health, and 70% are hopeful about the future.
However, the report flags a worrying trend in sleep quality. As grades increase, sleep deteriorates. In Grades 11 and 12, 19% sleep less than five hours a night, with nearly half getting only 5 to 6 hours. Just 22% to 23% achieve the recommended 7 to 8 hours. “These are the years where cognitive performance and emotional resilience are most needed, and yet students appear to be the most sleep-deprived, ” the report underscores.
Conducted with the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), the 2025 Student Well-Being Pulse Report highlights challenges faced by Indian students. The survey was distributed 12.
Mental health resources are available for students struggling with anxiety and distress. Helplines like the Sneha suicide prevention helpline and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation mental health helpline offer support.
